by CHRIS ZELASKO
Attending the PEAK Strategies for Success Conference in May 2022 was an excellent reminder for me on what leading with excellence looks like and the importance of in person connection.
The 2022 Peak Conference brought together leading experts and professionals in the Canadian benefits industry to share insights and discuss the latest trends. As a top benefits provider in Canada, Peak Benefit Solutions was proud to be part of this important event.
One of the most significant takeaways from the conference was the growing importance of mental health coverage in benefits plans. With the pandemic highlighting the need for mental health support, employers are looking for ways to incorporate this into their plans.
When the pandemic hit in 2020 and we couldn’t host our clients for our annual event, we set our sights on the following year. When that rolled around and we chose to hold the conference virtually, for everyone’s safety, it was a breath of fresh air and I realized we could remain engaged with our clients, even if at a digital distance. After so much isolation, seeing all the smiling faces recharged everyone.
But like so many simple things in life, only when we were finally able to meet in person this year did I realize the importance of these physical connections. Nothing could replace the infectious energy and revitalization of gathering at a stunning venue; laughing together, sharing stories and getting to know each other all over again.
The PEAK Strategies for Success Conference first launched in 2015, specifically targeted to help small- and medium-sized business owners connect with colleagues and clients and learn. Since its inception, the focus was always on professional development and global trends. Ultimately, it’s an exciting opportunity to share meaningful content with our clients that they can take away and apply to their businesses and lives.
Year after year our team has focused on hosting speakers that are relevant to the challenges and needs our clients face, with speaking topics that go beyond benefits or services, focusing instead on professional excellence, workplace culture and maintaining work-life balance. As a full-day conference with high quality speakers, the goal is to provide cutting-edge information and strategies that business leaders can walk away with and immediately apply to their business or practice.
INSIGHTS FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS
Our speakers share business-shaping topics like, “Talk is Cheap, Culture is Priceless”, “Peak Performance Secrets for Business Leaders” and “What Fast Growing Organizations Do That Make Them Unstoppable.”
This year’s conference, held at Farmhill Wedding venue, a stunning pastoral setting outside of Peterborough, immediately generated a perfect balance of relaxation and excitement, escapism and inclusivity.
The theme, Leading with Excellence, was supported by experiences that invited guests to relax and recharge within these beautiful surroundings; through breakout sessions, farm-to-table style catering and a chance to reconnect in person with colleagues.
The first speaker was Ryan Smith, Leadership Coach from Savino Human Resources Partners. As a certified trainer in communication & conflict resolution, Ryan provided valuable insights and take-aways on positive intent and outcomes whenever possible.
We next heard from psychotherapist, Julie Brown who broke down some of the myths on burnout and what true self-care should look and feel like.
And finally, our keynote speaker of the day was Howard Levitt, the renowned employment lawyer from Levitt Sheikh, who took us on a deep dive into current employment trends.
Lastly, we heard Barb Martinez, Canada Life’s Drug Plan Leader, share an overview of the Canadian landscape as it pertains to prescription drugs.
You can view all the presentations from our speakers HERE
Top Take-Aways from 2022 Strategies for Success Conference
For me personally, the conference achieved the perfect balance after the extraordinary circumstances of pandemic anxiety and social isolation. With all of the wonderful interaction with clients and the spectacular venue, my biggest takeaway was the event itself: simply celebrating that we were here, in person, among respected peers and gathering to connect and improve on what we do best. It was just so good to once again have face-to-face interactions with people you enjoy being around. My top learnings from this event:
Dedicated technology free times/zones are important for proper self-care
As the employer, we can set policies to match our own unique values as they pertain to remote working
The Canadian government plans to have a Pharmacare Act by end of 2023 that will include a national formulary of essential medicines and bulk purchasing plan to make prescriptions more affordable for Canadians
Conflict can be productive when we focus on outcomes and common ground
Everyone loves to pet an alpaca
Another trend discussed was the use of technology to streamline benefits administration and improve employee engagement. From mobile apps to telemedicine, technology is playing a significant role in shaping the benefits landscape.
At Peak Benefit Solutions, we understand the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Our team is dedicated to providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients and their employees.
Attending benefits industry events in Canada, like the Peak Conference, allows us to gain valuable insights and ensure that we are always ahead of the curve.
Thank you again to all of our speakers, our caterer Black Honey and the team at Farmhill that went above and beyond.
If there’s a topic or business trend you’d like to see presented at next year’s conference, we’d love to hear from you at info@peakbenefitsolutions.com
We hope to see you at our PEAK Strategies for Success Conference next year.
Save the date to return to Peterborough on April 27, 2023.
 Chris ZelaskoExecutive PresidentPeak 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. |