TAP Network Celebrates 30 Years of Impact in Canada's Tech Sector

June 15, 2022

As a catalyst for collaboration and inclusivity in Canada's tech sector, TAP Network has influenced policy makers, mentored peers, generated critical industry compensation data and built a platform of diversity, equity and inclusion resources.

Read the press release here: Vancouver, BC, June 15, 2022 (BUSINESS WIRE)

For 30 years, TAP Network, a catalyst for collaboration and inclusivity in Canada’s tech sector, has influenced policy makers, mentored peers, generated critical industry compensation data and built a platform of diversity, equity and inclusion resources, while creating a community for people and culture leaders among many of Canada’s most exciting software, interactive and digital entertainment, clean tech, AI and life sciences companies. Moving forward, the association is focused on national collaboration and data to drive growth and equity in Canada’s tech sector.

“TAP Network has become a proud voice of People and Culture professionals in Canada’s tech sector and is trusted to accurately represent the challenges, successes and future needs of the industry”, said Stephanie Hollingshead, CEO TAP Network. “Today, TAP Network has over 900 members at 250 tech companies, all contributing to the overall strength of the tech industry across Canada. Knowledge sharing and data continue to drive our association and we are committed to our values of community, impact and leadership.”

30 Years of Community, Impact, and Leadership

With 30 years of dedicated leadership and collaboration from members, TAP Network has provided a collective voice for the tech industry and influenced policy makers.

A catalyst for change - Together, members and volunteers created the industry definition of “High Tech Professional” and “High Tech Company” for the provision of BC’s Employment Standards regulations. Federally, members worked to implement an immigration pilot program for fast-tracking tech workers and have represented provincial tech industries at international recruitment fairs, to attract talent and create a strong national tech talent ecosystem.
Tech sector salary benchmarking - TAP Network’s annual Tech Salary Survey has provided critical industry data for over 25 years. The 2021 Tech Salary Survey includes data for over 25,000 incumbents across 215 positions at 184 tech companies operating in Canada, and in 2022 the survey is expanding to include more national data.
Advancing diversity and inclusion in Canada’s tech sector - In 2019 TAP Network launched the Diversity and Inclusion Tech Project, creating tools, resources and training programs to increase the attraction, retention and advancement of under-represented groups into skilled occupations in the tech sector. The association curated a Resource HUB, with hundreds of best-in-class DE&I tools and resources and created the Diversity in Tech Dashboard Report which provides a detailed annual measurement of diversity within the tech sector.
Creating community - Over the past 30 years, TAP Network has hosted mentoring programs, webinars, training programs, conferences, roundtables and learning series on topics such as DE&I, Compensation, Benefits, Remote Work Culture, Immigration and professional development.

Roots in BC’s Tech Sector

In 1992, a small group of senior HR practitioners working at local tech companies came together to better navigate the complexities of BC’s rapidly growing tech sector. What started as a handful of monthly meetings quickly grew along with the tech sector and the organization was born.

“In the early 1990’s, high tech was an emerging business sector in BC and no sector data was available from traditional sources,” remarked Darcy O’Grady, Principal, O’Grady Consultants Inc. and founding member of TAP Network. “A group of us began sharing compensation information and soon realized our unique position in being able to provide tech-specific context to our world of HR, People and Culture. Our early members recognized the importance of building a community to share progressive people and culture practices, and as the community grew, we focused on equipping and strengthening members to improve the success of their respective organizations.”

10 years after being formed, the association hosted its first Tech Talent Conference and launched a Group Benefits Buying Plan for its members.

Over the past three years, TAP Network has experienced significant growth with companies joining from multiple provinces and with expanding membership, support and reach across Canada.

On June 8, 2022, the association held a sold-out 10^th Tech Talent North conference in Vancouver, BC. A second 2022 conference will be held in Toronto on October 18^th. For 20 years, TAP Network’s conferences have brought the tech community together to connect, share new ideas and learn tactical strategies from Canada’s most innovative People and Culture thought leaders.

Sector Leadership into the Future

Membership today is established and wide-ranging, from Canada’s most prominent tech companies to high-growth start-ups across many sub-sectors. Members themselves range from People and Culture (P&C) executives to mid-level P&C professionals and emerging practitioners who are building their professional careers and looking to learn and grow.

The association is proud of what its community has accomplished over the past 30 years by connecting a diverse network and harnessing the power of the collective. Going forward, TAP Network will continue to keep a finger on the pulse of tech talent in Canada and provide up-to-date industry data, insights and connections that enable learning and knowledge sharing, inspire innovation and drive growth in Canada’s tech sector.