Industry Connect - 2026

Louie Di Palma

Vice President, SME Programs at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC)

Louie Di Palma, Vice President, SME Programs at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has spent most of his professional career working to benefit Ontario communities and Canada as a whole. Louie has led the development of multiple far-reaching programs supporting customer service and accessibility in his time as Vice President of SME Programs at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce since joining the organization in 2008.

Over the past decade Louie has worked tirelessly to create and grow the Discover Ability Network program, managed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and funded at different times by the federal and provincial governments. The Discover Ability Network has had significant and lasting impacts on bridging the employment gaps faced by job seekers.

The Discover Ability Network is a job-matching platform that connect businesses to job seekers with a disability, supported by a website that hosts tools on disability inclusion. Louie has personally trained hundreds of Ontario businesses on the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) and has co-hosted The Outlook with Lisa and Louie, to advocate for an inclusive and accessible Ontario. Episodes appeared on Cogeco and the Cogeco YouTube channel.

During his career with the Government of Ontario, Louie held a number of senior management positions in policy, planning and direct operations with several Ministries including the Ministry of the Solicitor General and Correctional Services, the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation and the Ministry of Health Promotion.

In his personal life, Louie has coached soccer for more than 38 years. He has also been deeply involved in his community as an Executive Member for the charitable event Meagan’s Walk (brain research at Sick Kids Hospital).

Ashish Dewan

CFA, MBA, CFP, Senior Investment Strategist

Ashish Dewan, CFA, CFP, is a Senior Investment Strategist for Vanguard Americas. He provides investment strategy and portfolio construction guidance to wealth managers and institutional clients across Canada and Latin America. He also develops economic and market commentary, working closely with our Global Investment Strategy team. Ashish's previous experience includes working as a Portfolio Construction Specialist for a large global asset manager. He also has experience in manager due diligence and investment writing. Ashish earned his M.B.A. in International Business from the University of Victoria. He is a CFA Charterholder and holds the CFP designation.

Agenda :

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM - Display Table Setup

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Registration & Continental Breakfast, Networking 

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM - Keynote Speaker

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM - Lunch 

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM - Guest Speakers

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM - Networking

Industry Connect:

Building Stronger Business Networking is a dynamic, cross-industry event designed to bring together business owners, professionals, and community leaders for a day of meaningful engagement. This interactive networking experience focuses on strengthening business relationships, fostering collaboration, and helping attendees discover new opportunities for growth.

Join us for a powerful day of conversations, idea-sharing, and community building as we connect industries, strengthen partnerships, and create pathways for long-term success. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, learn from others, or simply build your presence in the business community, this event offers the perfect platform to make valuable connections that matter.

Date: February 25, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Richmond Hill Country Club

Members- $90

Non- members- $110

Member Booth - $250 (Includes Lunch)

Non- Member Booth - $350 (Includes Lunch)