McLean & Company: IGNITE

April 15, 2026
The Quay, Toronto, Canada

IGNITE is a one-day, immersive experience for HR leaders and workplace innovators. Explore emerging trends in the future of work and workforce strategy, gain practical insights, and build meaningful connections to elevate your people, your impact, and your organization.

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Human Centric. Future-Ready.

Prepare for a people-first, future-ready approach to HR at 2026's must-attend conference, McLean IGNITE.

Join us in April in Toronto, Canada as we bring together thought leaders, analysts, and HR professionals like you to explore the trends, culture shifts, and strategies shaping a human-centric future. Dive into impactful keynotes, interactive sessions, roundtable discussions, networking, and more.

Don't miss your chance to gain actionable insights and strategies to drive meaningful change and prepare your organization for the future.

Pricing

Registration

$495 CAD

Why Attend McLean IGNITE?

Join the Future of Work

  1. Learn from McLean & Company analysts about emerging thinking in the HR and leadership space.
  2. Hear from industry leaders about how they've successfully tackled HR and leadership challenges.
  3. Network with fellow HR leaders from across a wide range of industries.
  4. Receive practical tips and tools with real-world examples, actionable advice, and guidance.

Agenda

Day 1
8:00 AM

Registration and Breakfast

Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Opening Remarks
9:10 AM

Feature Keynote

Leading in the Eye of the Storm: HR’s Critical Role in Navigating Relentless Change

Disruption isn’t coming - it’s here, and it’s endless. In this transformative session, we’ll explore how HR leaders can step up as strategic anchors in a world defined by upheaval. From navigating the ripple effects of AI to fostering resilience in the face of economic and cultural shifts, this conversation will equip you with actionable strategies to lead with confidence, clarity, and impact.

 

In this session we’ll explore:

  • Shaping culture in the face of uncertainty.
  • Strengthening belonging to support engagement.
  • Building readiness for ongoing change.
  • Turning disruption into a platform for opportunity.
  • Change is inevitable, but thriving in it is a choice. The time to act is now!
10:10 AM

Networking Break

Networking Break
10:25 AM

Roundtable

From Metrics to Mastery: Realizing your People Analytics Goals

People analytics has emerged as a crucial way for organizations to make evidence-based people decisions, measure the impact of HR strategies, and enable teams and individuals to thrive amid the current climate of constant change. Despite its potential, adoption of people analytics has been lagging. Many organizPeople analytics has emerged as a crucial way for organizations to make evidence-based people decisions, measure the impact of HR strategies, and enable teams and individuals to thrive amid the current climate of constant change. Despite its potential, adoption of people analytics has been lagging. Many organizations are finding it overwhelming to understand where to get started, whether it's in identifying the right HR metrics or establishing meaningful people analytics goals.  

This interactive roundtable session brings HR professionals together for an open, peer-driven discussion on how to move from reporting metrics to generating meaningful people insights. Participants will share real-world experiences, practical approaches, and lessons learned as they navigate the complexities of people analytics in today’s fast-changing environment.   

In this session, you and your peers will explore: 

  • Steps HR professionals have taken to use HR metrics and people analytics strategically. 
  • Common obstacles and barriers experienced and practical ways to overcome them. 
  • Success stories in leveraging people data and analytics to improve engagement, retention, and workforce performance. 
10:25 AM

Panel Discussion

Leading Through Change: Human-Centric and Future-Ready Panel

The most honest conversations about leading through change rarely happen in the boardroom. In this CHRO panel, senior HR leaders share what it really takes to guide organizations and people through sustained disruption. From hard calls and cultural shifts to the personal practices that help them stay grounded, this candid conversation explores how leaders stay strategic, protect culture, and keep people connected when the pressure feels relentless.

11:25 AM

Transition

Transition
12:00 PM

Networking Lunch

Networking Lunch
1:00 PM

Lightning Round

Beyond Inclusion: Unlocking the Transformative Power of Belonging

In a world where a lack of connection can often be acutely felt, organizations have the power to be an essential source of belonging by cultivating an environment that empowers all individuals to feel seen, valued, respected, and connected. True belonging goes beyond inclusion; it is a dynamic and powerful feeling that unlocks the potential of individuals and teams to succeed in the face of challenges. 

This session will explore:

  • The four components that shape belonging
  • Tactics to overcome common barriers to belonging
  • How to harness well-being resources to fuel belonging
1:00 PM

Roundtable

Leadership Development Done Right

Leadership development remains a top priority for organizations and the conversation around effective leadership development never seems to stop. But what’s driving that urgency, and what actually makes leadership development effective?

This collaborative roundtable brings HR professionals together to unpack what successful leadership development really requires today. Through peer discussion and shared experiences, participants will discuss the “why” behind leadership development, successful implementation strategies, and methods for assessing leadership development effectiveness in a practical way.

In this session, you and your peers will explore:

  • How your leadership development approach compares      to peers and where it may be falling short. 
  • Practical strategies others are using to build effective, scalable leadership development programs. 
  • Common barriers to effective leadership development      and potential solutions.
1:15 PM

Lightning Round

Filtering Through the Noise of HR Buzzwords

From quiet quitting to lazy girl jobs, and The Great Realignment – buzzwords are everywhere, and organizations are no exception. In the ever-evolving landscape of HR, buzzwords often emerge as powerful indicators, or harmful distractions. This session uncovers the impact of HR buzzwords, examining their practical applications, and highlights HR’s role as a strategic partner in helping organizations filter through the noise.  

This session will explore:

  • Origins and evolution of common HR buzzwords
  • Evaluating the practical implications of buzzwords in HR
  • Applying strategies to think critically before buying into HR buzzwords
1:30 PM

Lightning Round

The Human–AI Partnership: Redefining Work in the Age of Intelligent Machines

AI is reshaping the world of work, and the question is no longer if we’ll work with it, but how. The partnership between humans and intelligent machines is already redefining roles, decisions, and the way knowledge work gets done. HR leaders are uniquely positioned to guide this transformation and ensure AI is used in ways that are accurate, ethical, and people-centered.

We will explore the evolving human–AI partnership, practical strategies for making AI work effectively in organizations, and the new opportunities and challenges for the workforce in this age of intelligent machines.

This session will explore:

  • How HR can play a central role in shaping a human–AI partnership that works.
  • Practical approaches to ensuring AI delivers accurate and reliable results.
  • The changing nature of knowledge work and what it means for the workforce of the future.
1:45 PM

Lightning Round

Redefining Leadership: HR's Role in Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders

People leadership has never mattered more, and yet has never felt more challenging. Workload pressures continue to increase, creating critical vulnerabilities for organizations and are signaling that the role, as it stands, is no longer sustainable. This calls HR to step up as a trusted partner and truly transform the trajectory of people leadership and influence the future toward human-centered leadership. 

This session will explore:

  • The changing landscape of leadership and its impact on organizations.
  • The mindsets and skills that define effective leadership in a future-ready organization.
  • Human-centered leadership approaches that foster trust, resilience, and engagement.
  • HR’s role in shaping leadership development and driving cultural alignment.
2:00 PM

Transition

Transition
2:10 PM

Roundtable

From Stress to Success: Mental Health and the Modern Workplace

From rapid technological advancements to an ever-changing and complex external environment, stress has become an all-too-common feature for many in our personal and professional lives. As organizations upskill their workforce and prepare for the future, there is an opportunity, and responsibility, to move beyond reactive support and build proactive, sustainable approaches to mental health and resilience at scale.

This interactive roundtable brings HR professionals together in a safe, yet collaborative space, for a peer-driven discussion on what’s working (and what isn’t) when it comes to supporting mental health in today’s workplace. Participants can expect an honest conversation about balancing performance demands with psychological safety, resilience, and long-term sustainability.

In this session, you and your peers will explore:

  • How workplace stress can be harnessed to foster growth and resilience.
  • The role HR plays in embedding mental health and wellbeing into everyday workplace practices, not just programs.
2:10 PM

Mainstage Session

From Idea to Agent – Building an HR Copilot Agent in 45 Minutes

This session will demystify Microsoft Copilot’s “agent” capabilities by walking HR leaders through the creation of an agent designed to support an HR use case. In just 45 minutes, participants will see how quickly they can turn an idea into a working proof-of-concept—without needing deep technical skills.

 

By the end of the session, attendees will:

  • Understand what Copilot agents are and where they can fit into HR service delivery.
  • Watch a build of an HR agent using a sample HR use case.
  • See how an agent can improve employee experience by answering real-world questions in natural language.
  • Take away a clear framework for experimenting with Copilot agents in their own organizations.
2:55 PM

Networking Break

Networking Break
3:15 PM

Mainstage Session

Accelerate Impact: New Data, Learning, and AI Solutions from McLean & Company

In this session, we’ll explore how McLean & Company’s latest innovations can help you make data-driven decisions, build critical skills, and accelerate organizational effectiveness. Learn how enhanced benchmarking, AI-powered support, and expanded learning solutions are evolving to meet your strategic priorities - and how your organization can harness AI for real impact. You’ll walk away with practical takeaways, fresh insights, and inspiration to apply new approaches that drive results.

3:45 PM

Transition

Transition
3:55 PM

Keynote

How and Why CHROs Must Drive their Organization's Culture Objectives

An organization’s culture significantly influences its business outcomes—shaping customer experience, driving shareholder returns, and enhancing employee performance. Despite this, CHROs often struggle to engage their executive teams in meaningful conversations about culture. This presentation explores the common challenges CHROs face in these discussions and offers practical strategies to overcome them.

4:40 PM

Closing Remarks

Closing Remarks
4:45 PM

Networking Reception

Networking Reception

Exhibitors

Venue

The Quay, Toronto, Canada

A modern, state-of-the-art venue on Toronto’s waterfront, perfectly suited for an elevated HR event. The bright and contemporary space features floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, warm wood accents, and flexible layouts designed for sessions, networking, and workshops. Guests can enjoy a welcoming lounge, spacious main hall, multiple breakout rooms, an innovative digital studio, and a lush third-floor terrace with stunning city views. With a chef-driven kitchen, exceptional service, and dedicated on-site coordinators, every detail is crafted to deliver a seamless and inspiring experience.

 100 Queens Quay E, Toronto, ON M5E 1V3

Venue Website