People

Hive X: Hamilton's Young Professionals Come of Age

By Ryan Moran
Published October 13, 2011

Real change is happening in Hamilton. Whether economic, attitudinal, or aesthetic, this city is growing: blossoming into something that is the result of our collective best efforts.

The same is to be said of the young professionals in Hamilton. Just a scant three years ago, the young professional scene was a very loose, informal collection of parochial groups. Since then, it has grown into a strong, cohesive and organized network working for change in this city. This network's name is the Hamilton Hive.

Whether you have heard of it before or have yet to learn about it, Hamilton is now home to one of the top young professional networks in the country.

In January of this year, the Hamilton Hive completed its Terms of Reference and held its first election for the Executive Committee in a process that involved representation from all areas of the Hamilton community. Be it private sector, public sector or non-profit, it was truly a community effort in creating the Hamilton Hive.

The mandate of the Hamilton Hive is to provide an all-in-one, up-to-date resource for young professionals from across the economic landscape that are looking to start or advance their career and life in Hamilton, and to assist in building young professional networks in Hamilton.

The focus this year is to host the city's first ever young professional conference.

Hive X Conference

On Sunday, October 23, the Hamilton Hive will be hosting that conference, entitled Hive X, at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Hamilton from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The day features a mix of speakers and workshops, including some nationally recognized figures such as social media and technology expert Amber Macarthur, Ontario Minister of Research and Innovation and former Mayor of Winnipeg Glen Murray and MRX/Lulu.com owner Bob Young.

More than anything else, Hive X is designed to be a day of networking, collaboration and a speaker's platform for Hamilton's young professionals.

Whether their interest lies in transportation matters, Hamilton's image, renewing our downtown through adaptive re-use of space or attracting and retaining young professional talent, the conference will facilitate these discussions. It is designed to maximize interactivity (at times through online and text voting in the workshops) and will result in actionable items that young professionals can champion for the betterment of Hamilton.

Hamilton's young professionals have shown in short order that words and platitudes for a better Hamilton are nothing without action. Time and again they have held events, created networking opportunities or shared resources to make change for the better bit by bit.

Now we encourage other young professionals who wish they could do more to take that step: attend this conference that is designed by young professionals for young professionals and be part of the network of an ambitious generation who will help rebuild this ambitious city.

For more information on Hamilton Hive X, visit www.hamiltonhive.ca or follow #HIVEX on Twitter.

Ryan Moran was born and raised in Hamilton's Strathcona neighbourhood. After obtaining an MBA in strategic marketing at the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University, where he also did a Bachelors of Arts in a combined major of Political Science and Theatre & Film, he joined the staff of factor[e] design initiative as their Marketing Communications Specialist.

Professionally, Ryan has been engaged with a number of consulting projects, particularly pertaining to topics of youth community development, marketing and social engagement, through both electronic and interpersonal means. He has previously worked for the McMaster Students Union, and ArcelorMittal Dofasco, and is a former chair of Hamilton Hive.

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By Art Brut (anonymous) | Posted October 13, 2011 at 09:51:42

Same old?

http://www.hamiltonhive.ca/?p=1769

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By Anon (anonymous) | Posted October 13, 2011 at 14:39:29

Always wondered how people are destined to be "professionals" versus "people who work". What's the difference and is it important?

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By Ryan Moran (anonymous) | Posted October 13, 2011 at 15:10:28

In the context of this conference, and of Hive as a group, generally "none" and "no." The phrase Young Professional is used, but the general sentiment on how it should be understood is as broad as possible.

By using the term Young Professional, it's more with the intent of associating the group with a larger movement, one that is focused on recognizing the perspective and acheivements of young and emerging leaders, whether within in a community, or in aspecific industry. Moreover, through doing this, empower and inspire others to seek out their own sense of personal prosperity, and to be engaged in developing and improving their communities.

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By annyong (anonymous) | Posted October 13, 2011 at 16:27:14 in reply to Comment 70529

Srsly. Author cage match!

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By a (anonymous) | Posted October 13, 2011 at 19:11:30

Does anyone else find it ironic that Bob Young is speaking at a conference that aims to "rebuild this ambitious city?"

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By rednic (registered) | Posted October 13, 2011 at 22:31:01 in reply to Comment 70553

he seems pretty good a getting stuff for free ... linux ... the new ivor wynne he might be able to help ...

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By Nona (anonymous) | Posted October 14, 2011 at 09:08:35 in reply to Comment 70545

"Traditional examples of professionals included doctors, lawyers, and clergy but is now more widely used to include estate agents, surveyors , environmental scientists, forensic scientists, education and many more."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional#Definition

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By Fred Street (anonymous) | Posted October 18, 2011 at 16:35:23 in reply to Comment 70529

Same old.

http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/611153--what-s-the-buzz-about-hamilton-hive

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By Ghost Writer (anonymous) | Posted October 21, 2011 at 09:19:53 in reply to Comment 70659

Maybe the piece was co-authored?

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By Noted (anonymous) | Posted January 06, 2013 at 20:13:44

"Hamilton will receive $257,500 to attract and engage young people and to create a series of case studies documenting urban renewal projects.

The provincial grant was announced Friday morning by Hamilton MPPs Ted McMeekin and Sophia Aggelonitis at a James Street North architecture firm housed in a restored space.

Hamilton Hive, a newly established network of young professionals and entrepreneurs, will receive $142,500 over three years to hire an administrator and host an annual conference."

http://www.thespec.com/news/business/article/528131--city-gets-grants-to-accelerate-growth

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