The Dream the Impossible Conference, held at TOHU in Montreal and produced by Bob Agency, won Best Conference – Social and Community Impact at the 2024 Canadian Event Awards. It was not just another event on the calendar; it was a transformative experience that redefined youth empowerment and sustainable event planning. Over two dynamic days, the conference brought together 400 young leaders from across Canada, both in person and online, to confront the world’s most pressing challenges with creativity, collaboration, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The event was conceived as a response to the growing desire among young people to actively participate in shaping the future. Guy Cormier, President and CEO of Desjardins Group, recognized this need through his direct engagement with youth nationwide. Desjardins conducted extensive surveys highlighting three critical areas of concern for today’s youth: the environment, education and employment, and the economy and finance. These insights formed the backbone of the Dream the Impossible Conference, which aimed to provide a platform for young voices to be heard, exchange ideas, and develop solutions.
From the moment attendees stepped into the innovative TOHU space, they were immersed in an environment designed to stimulate the imagination. The venue, known for its commitment to sustainability, perfectly reflected the conference’s ethos. With vibrant visuals, modular spaces, and a carefully curated aesthetic, the setting encouraged exploration and creativity. Bold colours and dynamic shapes were used throughout the venue to create an inspiring and energizing atmosphere, aligning with the conference’s themes and tracks.
The conference offered participants diverse activities and opportunities to engage with the material. Workshops led by renowned experts allowed attendees to delve deep into specific issues, while interactive sessions encouraged them to think outside the box and explore innovative solutions. Including influential leaders, artists, and other inspiring figures added depth and perspective to the discussions, helping bridge the gap between theory and practical action.
One of the most striking aspects of Dream the Impossible was its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. The event was designed to be a welcoming space for all, with free admission and financial support provided to those who needed assistance with travel and accommodation. This ensured that a diverse range of voices and perspectives were represented, enriching the conversations and outcomes of the conference. The bilingual nature of the event further emphasized its inclusive approach, allowing both French and English-speaking participants to engage fully.
Technology played a pivotal role in Dream the Impossible’s success, particularly in ensuring that remote participants could experience the event as fully as those on-site. The conference’s virtual platform was designed to provide seamless access to workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities, enabling participants from across Canada to contribute meaningfully to the discussions. This hybrid approach expanded the event’s reach and demonstrated how technology can be harnessed to create inclusive and impactful experiences.
The outcomes of the Dream the Impossible Conference were as impressive as the event itself. Over the two days, participants developed 54 innovative solutions to the challenges they explored, which were then presented to partners with the power to implement them. Desjardins Group has documented these solutions in an official summary, making them accessible to the public and ensuring that the ideas generated at the conference have the potential to create real-world impact.
Additionally, the Dream the Impossible contest, a key event component, awarded financial support of up to $10,000 to some of the most promising youth-led projects. This support is designed to help these young innovators bring their ideas to life, providing them with the necessary resources to make a tangible difference.
In every aspect, from its design and execution to its outcomes, Dream the Impossible was a catalyst for change. By empowering young people to dream big and think boldly about the future, the conference addressed today’s challenges and inspired a new generation of leaders to take action and shape a better tomorrow. The success of this inaugural event sets a high standard for future gatherings, demonstrating the power of creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity in driving meaningful change.
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