Strategies for Success Conference PEAKs Again

by Chris Zelasko, President

The annual PEAK Benefits Strategies for Success Conference saw another packed house, this year held at the club house at Black Diamond Golf Course in Pontypool, Ontario, on May 9, 2024. It was an honour to welcome and host HR associates and professionals welcoming a day of fun and learning alongside leading edge thinkers.

There were motorcycles being set up, glorious spreads of food for the taking, videographers and photographers buzzing about and a beehive of activity behind the scenes that left many onlooking sports guests thinking that maybe they’d rather not be golfing.

I thoroughly enjoyed the call back welcomed a chorus of “Good morning!” when keynote speaker, Todd Attridge took to the stage.  Todd recognized the crowd’s knowing laughter when he asked if anyone could relate to the theme of his talk: Overwhelm.  They laughed, groaned, and began listening very hard.  To view Todd’s full presentation click HERE

With all the buzz around AI we were pleased to welcome Josh Blair, President, ImproAI, to present on AI’s use in the HR space.  Many questions and a robust discussion followed, and you can see the presentation HERE. 

Our final speaker of the morning was Kimberly Callaghan, President of PPF Group’s newest venture, Growth & People Solutions (GPS), to share insights on Productivity and Efficiencies.  You can see Kimberly’s full presentation HERE. 

With the morning repertoire of speakers complete, guests enjoyed lunch, some time to admire and pose with a set of spectacular Harley Davidson motorcycles parked around the club house, and were able to enjoy the beautiful weather we were hoping for. 

Once the calories kicked in, everyone split into teams lead by a Peak Advisor, ready to play a round of PEAK-Opoly, travelling, a la speed-dating, through eight stations throughout and outside of the club house, each station stop a mere seven minutes long. From filling donation bags for the New Canadians Centre, to learning about Group Retirement Saving Plans, enjoying a cool drink from the hydration station to a stretch break under the spring sun, everyone’s PEAK-Opoly card quickly filled, qualifying everyone who attended for prizes to be drawn for at the end of the day.  Many thanks to my colleagues who lead our Peak-Opoly sessions.

Our fourth guest speaker was Kalen Ingram from the Cunningham Swan law firm who provided a deep dive into the complex layers of mental health and family status accommodation.  Kalen provided some excellent case scenarios for guests to work through in best practices and you can see her full presentation HERE. 

Truly heartening was hearing the insightful questions in Q&A sessions and conversations amid colleagues proving that they were excited by the concrete takeaways they were bringing back to their workplaces.   It was an honour to host another successful conference and we’re already excited about the big one next year, PEAK’s 10th Annual Strategies for Success. You won’t want to miss it!

Chris Zelasko

President

Peak Benefit Solutions

Chris Zelasko, CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist), CHS (Certified Health Specialist) brings close to 20 years experience with him in the benefits and insurance industry to the Peak Benefit team. He provides an individualized focus to each client he meets with and ensures all plans are designed to provide competitive options that achieve the company’s goals. His approach is to ensure his clients develop and understand their benefit plan objectives and provides them with sound advice in determining options that best meet their needs. Chris’s advice is based on thorough knowledge of the insurance and benefits industry where he is a recognized leader for his solid guidance and superior customer service.

Chris lives in the Clarington with his wife and 2 boys. He is a member of the Bowmanville Rotary Club, Clarington Board of Trade, the Durham Chapter of Advocis and the Darlington Soccer Club.

Peak Benefit Solutions Inc. was established in 2008 and have helped more than 400 clients from entrepreneurs, manufacturing, professional services and public organizations with their comprehensive benefits planning. Every step of the way, we are with you.