This year's Destination Digital event was a milestone, held at the brand-new BMO Place in downtown Toronto and BMO Tower in Chicago. To make the event more inclusive and manageable, we opted for a two-day format instead of the traditional overnight sprint. This change was pivotal in allowing participants to fully engage in the activities without the added stress and fatigue associated with an all-nighter. With many fun activities like yoga and rocket-building, participants were able to relax and work hard during the innovation sprint. We ensured that all participants could contribute their best ideas and energy!
Technology Partners
We were thrilled to collaborate with technology partners from leading companies such as AWS, IBM, Microsoft, Splunk, CrowdStrike, and Salesforce. The involvement of these BMO technology partners brought a lot of expertise and resources, enriching the overall experience for participants. These partners played multiple roles in the event:
- Technical Support: They provided essential technical support, helping participants troubleshoot issues and optimize their solutions. This support was crucial in enabling participants to leverage advanced technologies and tools effectively before and even during Destination Digital 2024.
- Workshops and Mentoring Sessions: Each partner conducted specialized workshops and mentoring sessions, sharing their knowledge and insights on their technology tools and industry trends.
Fostering Innovation Culture at BMO
BMO has long been committed to fostering an innovation culture in support of their purpose to Boldy Grow the Good, in business and in life. Destination Digital 2024 was a demonstration of this commitment, breaking down barriers and driving innovation across all aspects of the business. Here’s how Destination Digital 2024 is cultivating an environment of continuous improvement and innovation:
1. Encouraging Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Diverse Teams: By bringing together employees from various departments and roles, BMO encourages cross-functional collaboration. This diversity of thought and expertise leads to more innovative solutions and helps break down silos within the organization.
- Mentorship Programs: Experienced mentors from different areas of the business provided guidance and support to participants. This mentorship not only enhanced the learning experience but also fostered a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
2. Promoting a Growth Mindset:
- Learning Opportunities: Events like Destination Digital offer employees numerous opportunities to learn and grow. By participating in workshops, working on real-world challenges, and receiving feedback from industry experts, employees develop new skills and gain valuable experience.
- Recognition and Rewards: BMO recognizes and rewards innovative thinking and problem-solving. By celebrating the successes and achievements of participants, the organization reinforces the value of innovation and encourages a growth mindset among all employees.
3. Removing Barriers to Innovation:
- Inclusive Approach: BMO is committed to building a more inclusive society for all by removing barriers for our colleagues, clients and communities. At Destination Digital 2024, this means ensuring that all employees, regardless of their technical background, can contribute to innovation efforts. By providing foundational and intermediate workshops, as well as flexible learning options, BMO makes innovation accessible to everyone.
- Supportive Environment: BMO fosters a supportive environment where employees feel safe to experiment, take risks, and learn from failures. This psychological safety is essential for fostering creativity and driving continuous innovation.
4. Leveraging Technology and Partnerships:
- Collaborative Ecosystem: BMO’s collaborative ecosystem extends beyond its own walls, involving technology partners, mentors, and industry experts. This ecosystem provides a rich source of knowledge, resources, and support, enabling BMO to stay at the forefront of innovation.