PanAm Games: Diversity Business Network Hosts “A World of Opportunity” Conference

OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSITY-OWNED BUSINESSES WITH
TORONTO 2015 PAN/PARAPAN AMERICAN GAMES
Diversity Business Network Hosts “A World of Opportunity” Conference

TORONTO, Thursday, August 26, 2010— Diversity-owned businesses will gain valuable information about how they can find opportunities related to the 2015 Games at the Diversity Business Conference | Toronto 2015 – A World of Opportunity, hosted by the Diversity Business Network in partnership with the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games.
“The diverse community in Toronto is large, strong and critical to the success of our Games,” said Ian Troop, CEO, Toronto 2015. “We recognize the talent that exists and we are committed to involving these communities and their businesses and services every step of the way.”
Keynote speaker, Ian Troop, will be joined by John Campbell, CEO of Waterfront Toronto; Antonio de Santiago Executive Vice-President of Infrastructure Ontario; and Howie Wong, General Counsel of Toronto Community Housing. The speakers will outline opportunities and steps that diversity-owned businesses can take to be involved in the Games independently or in partnership with Tier 1 suppliers. Breakout networking sessions will allow attendees to meet each other and conference panelists.
“The Pan American Games and this conference represent a significant step in opening the doors for many diverse companies to play a major role in the economic development of our City.” said Courtney Betty, Chairperson of the Diversity Business Network. “By 2031 visible minorities will be in the majority in the City, with a purchasing power exceeding $150 billion dollars. It is critical that we empower these businesses to create win-win situations for all players in the economy.”

Centerplate, the leading hospitality provider to North America's premier sports stadiums and convention centres and a committed supporter of community and diversity, is the title sponsor. Other sponsors include the Royal Bank of Canada and Meyers Norris Penny (MNP). Meyers Norris Penny LLP (MNP) is one of Canada’s largest accountancy and advisory firms and a leading service provider to diversity-owned businesses.
The conference takes place Thursday, September 16, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto. Registration is open online at www.enablediversity.com/toronto2015 or at 647.439.1693.

About the Diversity Business Network
The Diversity Business Network is the access point for companies, associations, organizations and governments to communicate, collaborate and develop strategies to maximize the opportunities for diversity-owned companies. In addition to identifying new business opportunities for diverse suppliers, the Diversity Business Network helps build the capabilities of diverse companies to expand their business and compete for global contracts, opening up a world of opportunity.
For more information about The Diversity Business Network, visit www.enablediversity.com
About the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games
The Pan American Games is one of the world’s largest international multi-sport events, held every four years for athletes of the 42 member nations of the Pan American Sport Organization (PASO). The Games comprise all Summer Olympic Games sports, as well as traditional Pan American sports. The Toronto 2015 Pan / Parapan American Games will draw 10,000 athletes and officials and feature 48 sports in 17 municipalities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe area. The Toronto 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10-26 and the Parapan American Games August 7-14.
For more information, visit the Toronto 2015 website: www.toronto2015.org
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For more information, please contact:
Stephen Weir (stephen@stephenweir.com) - 416-801-3101
Diversity Business Network