Synergy 2012

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Post-Event Report

November 1 & 2, 2012
Hilton Garden Inn (Toronto Airport W.) • 1870 Matheson Blvd • Mississauga, ON • L4W 0B3

The 7th Annual Synergy Conference held on November 1 & 2 at the Hilton Garden Inn near Toronto, which focused on Canada-India educational initiatives, was yet another stunning success. With over 100 delegates in attendance, including representatives from dozens of colleges and universities across Canada and some from India, this annual event has become a must-attend fixture for institutions and academics working the ‘Canada India education corridor’. For a full event recap, testimonials, and excerpts from the CIEC social media livestream, click here.

Event participants:

  • Exchanged ideas via a focused networking event to further the interests of those already involved in or contemplating involvement in this dynamic education corridor
  • Explored opportunities in this burgeoning sector and worked to build awareness and a collaborative approach in sharing each other’s experiences and pitfalls to avoid. They highlighted their programs to peers, received effective marketing tips, networking with stakeholders active in both markets, and benefited from existing synergies
  • Received VISA information & links (CIC)

Agenda

November 1

9:30–10:30 AM REGISTRATION & NETWORKING (COFFEE/COOKIES)
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM Welcome address by Husain F. Neemuchwala, CEO & Executive Director (CIEC)
10:10 AM – 10:25 AM Opening remarks by Hon. Pierre S. Pettigrew, PC, Chair, CIEC
10:25 AM – 10:35 AM Synergy 2012 overview by Husain F. Neemuchwala, CEO & Executive Director, CIEC
10:35 AM – 11:15 AM Inaugural Address: “Reflections on The Status and Directions Towards Maturing of Canada-India Educational Partnership” by Prof. Balbir Sahni, Professor Emeritus-Economics, Concordia University
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM NETWORKING BREAK I
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM SESSION II: ‘Round table dialogue’ with input from Canadian stakeholders, academic institutions & partners discussing academic relations between Canada & India. Co-chairs Dr. Ryan Touhey, Director, U of Waterloo’s Chanchlani India Policy Centre & Margaret Walton-Roberts, Director-International Migration Research Centre at Wilfrid Laurier University
12:45 PM – 1:45 PM WORKING ‘INDIAN BUFFET’ LUNCH. Remarks by Hon. Preeti Saran, Consul General of India-Toronto
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM SESSION III: Update on iCARE (Indian Canadian Academic Advisors Representing Excellence)-CIEC’s agent ‘membership’ category. Announcing CIEC’s webinar series & proposed dates for India ‘Mission 2013’ & ‘Partnership Dinner|Gala 2013’.
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM SESSION IV: Reflections on Canada’s ‘Internationalization’ panel report, an update on the education consortium and CBIE’s go-forward activities by Janine Knight-Grofe, Research Manager, Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE)
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM SESSION V: Updates on Canada India Higher Education cooperation & promotion of Canada as a study destination by Miriam Rabkin, Policy Advisor, International Education & Youth Division, Foreign Affairs & Int’l Trade (DFAIT)
3:30 PM – 3:50 PM SPEED DATING: 1-minute self-introductions of Institutions & organizations & what they would like to achieve (recruiting, joint programming, partnerships…). Responses from the audience or those who simply would like to connect.
3:50 PM – 4:20 PM DESSERT & NETWORKING BREAK
4:20 PM – 5:00 PM SESSION VI: Update from Dr. Lalu Mansinha University of Western Ontario on the Ontario-Maharashtra-Goa (OMG) program & cross-directional push for higher levels of collaboration in Research & Higher Education.
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM COCKTAILS and RECEPTION (1 drink included + cash bar)

November 2

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM NETWORKING: (COFFEE/COOKIES)
10:00 AM – 10:05 AM Welcome back remarks by Kam Rathee, Vice-Chair, CIEC
10:05 AM – 10:50 AM Word from the street. Carleton University President Prof. Roseann O’Reilly Runte discusses Carleton’s groundbreaking work on their India engagement plans, what worked, and what was learned.
10:50 AM – 11:30 AM SESSION VII: “Research insights to enhanced student recruitment from India & ISPS survey results” by Bruce Thompson & Rod Skinkle- – Academica Group
11:30 AM – 12:10 PM SESSION VIII: Update on the ‘Student Partners Program’ (SPP) in India by Rudy Sabas, International Partnerships-Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC)
12:10 PM – 1:00 PM SESSION IX: Update on India’s ‘Internationalization’ strategy, Bill 57 & the way forward by Nikhil Bhatia, Sr Director, Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC-India)
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM NETWORKING ‘INDIAN BUFFET’ LUNCH
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM SESSION X: How strategic partnerships between Canada & India are shaping up and Ottawa’s role by Goldy Hyder, Sr. Vice President, Hill & Knowlton Strategies-Canada
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM VOTE of THANKS by Hon. Pierre S. Pettigrew, PC, Chair, CIEC
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM CLOSING REMARKS by Hon. Deepak Obhrai M.P., P.C., Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Co-operation

CIEC has negotiated a special rate for delegates staying at the Hilton Garden Inn hotel, which will also provide complimentary airport transfers. To take advantage of the discounted hotel rate, reserve your room by clicking here. For delegates arriving from India, CIEC is pleased to provide a 1-night FREE stay at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Please refer to the following information and useful links regarding entering Canada & obtaining a VISA – Courtesy of Citizenship and Immigration Canada:

Participants will need a valid passport or an appropriate travel document to enter Canada.

Citizens of the United States

US citizens should visit the Department of Homeland Security website for a list of acceptable documents to re-enter the US.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp

Information on visiting Canada:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp

Do you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada (see for a list of countries):

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

Visiting Canada – Important information for visa-exempt travelers (including US Citizens):

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visa-exempt.asp

Where to send your application for a (TRV):

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/apply-where.asp

Video Tutorial on completing the Temporary Resident Visa Application Form (IMM 5257)

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/multimedia/video/imm5257/imm5257.asp

Visa Offices outside of Canada:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/missions.asp

Visa application processing times:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/temp/visitors.asp

* To avoid disappointment, applicants should submit their applications as soon as possible.

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