Grounded in Real Labour Markets
Shaping global conversations on the future of work.
Mark Patterson is the Executive Director of Magnet (Toronto Metropolitan University), where he works with partners across Canada to tackle the toughest workforce challenges—skills transformation, technology adoption, labour market coordination, and inclusive growth.
Known for clear insights and practical strategies, Mark brings a systems lens to the future of work—connecting what employers need, what learners experience, and what policymakers can enable. Whether addressing senior leadership, international forums, or cross-sector audiences, he delivers grounded, action-oriented perspectives that move conversations from ambition to implementation
Topics Mark Speaks On
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AI & the Labour Market
(adoption, readiness, workforce impacts)
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Productivity, Competitiveness, & Innovation
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Lifelong Learning & Skills Ecosystems
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Work-Integrated Learning & Talent Pipelines
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Labour Market Coordination & Systems Change
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Inclusive Workforce Development
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Future Skills: What Works at Scale
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Cross-Sector Collaboration
(government, industry, education, community)
Recent High Profile Speaking Engagements
The following list highlights select speaking engagements Mark has delivered throughout 2024 and 2025.
Jan.29-31, 2024 • Ottawa, ON
CERIC
Cannexus24
Feb. 1-2, 2024 • Rome, Italy
Future Talent Council
Future Talent Summit (Rome): A Better Working World
Jun. 17-19, 2024 • Stockholm, Sweden
Future Talent Summit
Future Talent Summit Stockholm 2024
Oct. 1-2, 2024 • Singapore
Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)
Global Lifelong Learning Summit
Dec. 3-5, 2024 • Saudi Arabia
UNESCO
UNESCO: Sixth International Conference on Learning Cities
Jan. 16, 2025 • Ottawa, ON
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
ISED Skills Directorate staff retreat
Jan. 27-29, 2025 • Ottawa, ON
CERIC
Cannexus25
Mar. 13-15, 2025 • Toronto, ON
Metropolis
27TH Metropolis Canada Conference
May 6, 2025 • St. John’s, NFLD
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
NL Futures Labour Market Coordination Roundtable
May 7-8, 2025 • St. John’s, NFLD
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
AI & Small Business OECD Workshop
Jul. 14, 2025 • Virtual (International Audience)
National Career Development Association
NCDA AI Virtual Summit
Oct. 8, 2025 • Ottawa, ON
Employment Services and Development Canada
G7 Employment Working Group – Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Labour Market
Nov. 12-13, 2025 • Abu Dhabi, UAE
Future Talent Council
Future Talent Forum NYU: Abu Dhabi
Nov. 18-19, 2025 • Toronto, ON
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Ontario Economic Summit 2025
Nov. 19-21, 2025 • Ottawa, ON
Canadian Science Policy
Canadian Science Policy Conference 2025
What Audiences can Expect
Mark Patterson brings clarity, momentum, and grounded optimism to moments of change. His sessions feel conversational and engaging, but they’re built on substance. Mark helps audiences make sense of complex shifts—across policy, technology, workforce, and systems—and understand what those shifts mean for the decisions in front of them.
Request Mark as a Speaker
Interested in booking Mark Patterson for an upcoming event? Complete the form and someone from the Magnet Team will be in touch.
Mark in Action
