TD Bank Group recently hosted its third annual TD TechCon, an education conference designed for TD colleagues to expand their tech skills and knowledge. The event brought together TD team members, both in-person and remotely, for a dynamic program focused on learning, development, and innovation.
Each year, TD TechCon aims to be bigger, better, and bolder—and this year was no exception. Techalent.ca had the privilege to attend, immersing ourselves in the event. From fireside chats and panel discussions featuring TD leaders and senior executives to hands-on demo booths and networking sessions, the conference showcased TD’s commitment to technology and transformation.
A Culture of Pride and Innovation
TD employees take great pride in their affiliation with the bank, a sentiment that was on full display at TechCon. While TD’s signature green pins are a common sight in a branch, the conference took it a step further—attendees sported everything from sequined green blazers to green shoelaces.
The event kicked off with co-hosts Chuck Kennedy and Daphne McRae energizing the audience both in-person at the Toronto Sheraton Centre and online. Kennedy is TD’s Vice President, Rick Marketplace and Data as a Service (DaaS) Enterprise Protect Integration, and McRae is TD’s Head of US Technology Solutions Project Management Office.
This year’s theme—Innovation, Collaboration, and Acceleration—set the tone for discussions on emerging technologies and TD’s future.
Budd Lam, a Software Engineer with TD, who was attending the conference in person for the third time, noted the event’s energy was palpable and transformative. “As an engineer, I’m grateful for this culture of continuous learning. I walked away inspired by new ideas and excited about what’s to come in the years ahead,” he said.
Attendees had the chance to explore cutting-edge tech from partners like Microsoft, IBM, and Google, as well as TD’s own advancements in AI, cloud computing, and design. The Bank’s ongoing investment in innovation is considered central to its long-term vision.
Focus on Leadership, Inclusion and Impact
“At TD, we’re constantly evolving to meet the needs of our customers and colleagues in an increasingly digital world,” said Vlad Shpilsky, TD’s Head of Platforms and Technology. “Through innovation in cloud computing, AI, and data analytics, we’re building the foundation and tools, like our virtual assistant for contact centre colleagues, that will power the future of banking.”
Beyond technology, TechCon also placed a strong emphasis on culture, leadership, and community impact. A highlight of the event was the inspirational keynote by former athlete Orlando Bowen, whose message—”There is no us and them—only us”—resonated deeply with attendees.
Bowen’s powerful talk reinforced the importance of unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility, which are principles that align with TD’s values of leadership, inclusion, and community engagement. Drawing from his own journey of resilience and commitment to excellence, he delivered a motivational call to action, encouraging TD employees to celebrate one another and create an impact beyond their immediate roles. His words served as a reminder that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s also about fostering a culture of support and empowerment.
TD’s Tech Leadership and Future of Innovation
As a key initiative of TD’s Platforms and Technology (P&T) group, TechCon plays a crucial role in driving technological advancements, security, operational efficiency, and customer experience improvements. Shpilsky emphasized the strategic direction TD is taking and its creative approach in doing so.
One of the most intriguing panels at the event was an opportunity to hear from three members of TD’s Elite Inventor Program. Created to reward and recognize award-winning TD inventors, the program boasts members listed on over 100 patent filings. More than just a recognition initiative, Elite Inventors serve as mentors, sharing innovation knowledge and thought leadership to support new patent inventors at the Bank. This initiative highlights TD’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous innovation within its workforce.
“Our focus is on delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance customer experiences, drive operational efficiency, and ensure TD remains a leader in financial technology. Our colleagues, including these Elite Inventors, have created innovative solutions such as better fraud protection models to safeguard our customers,” Shpilsky said.
A Growing Impact
TD’s investment in colleague development and upskilling continues to pay off, as demonstrated by this year’s TechCon. The event hosted in-person attendees in Toronto with countless more employees participating remotely—a testament to the conference’s growing influence across the organization.
“TechCon is more than just a conference—it’s a reflection of TD’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative technology culture,” Shpilsky noted. “By bringing together diverse perspectives from across the organization, we create space for learning, innovation, and meaningful conversations. When everyone has a seat at the table, we accelerate progress, strengthen our teams, and build technology solutions that truly reflect the needs of our customers and communities.”
Janice Vokey, TD’s Senior Manager, Information Security & Business Management, attended the conference virtually and said it was impressive to see such a strong culture of continuous learning in action. “I’m so happy we have these types of events and it’s moments like these that reinforce what makes our organization truly special,” she said.
With TD TechCon 2025 in the books, it’s clear that TD Bank Group is doubling down on its commitment to technology, talent, and transformation—building the bank of the future.
Read more of Techtalent.ca’s coverage of TD TechCon 2025 here.
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