7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Registration Open

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Workshops

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Workshops

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Opening Reception

7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Registration Open

7:30 – 8:45 a.m. Networking Breakfast

8:45 – 9:00 a.m. Opening Remarks

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Opening Keynote

Embracing the current: Amplifying strategic leadership 

Cyrus Mavalwala, ABC, MC, Founding Partner, Advantis Communications Inc.

Session details

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Networking Refreshment Break

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Concurrent Breakout Sessions

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch

12:30 – 1:10 p.m. Luncheon Address

How to stop worrying and love artificial intelligence

Dan Browne, Media Creator and Communications Specialist, University of Toronto’s Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society

Session details

1:15 – 2:30 p.m. Concurrent Breakout Sessions

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Networking Refreshment Break + Dine Around sign up closes

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. General Session

7:30 – 8:00 a.m. Networking Breakfast

8:00 – 8:45 a.m. Morning Remarks & Keynote

How to Communicate When you are Always in Crisis

Jenn Houtby-Ferguson, CMP, CMM, Professor, Vancouver Island University

Session details

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Concurrent Breakout Sessions

10:15 – 10:45 a.m. Networking Refreshment Break

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Concurrent Breakout Sessions

12:00 – 1:15 p.m.  Networking Lunch & Role of Master Communicator in your Career Journey presented by McMaster University

1:30 – 2:45 p.m. Concurrent Breakout Sessions

2:45 – 3:00 p.m. Networking Refreshment Break

3:00 – 4:15 p.m. Closing Keynote

Radical Truth Telling & Leading Yourself Well

Peter Reek, Founder and CEO, Leaderboard Exchange

In this talk, we will examine the benefits of radical honesty (mostly with ourselves) as a means of leading ourselves well. We’ll explore the concept of self-congruence and the importance of aligning our lives with our values, ultimately improving life satisfaction and well-being. We’ll delve into the concepts of being ‘ridiculously in charge’ and ‘response-able’. And, we’ll discuss prioritizing what truly holds significance for us over instant gratification.

Now What’s Next? Develop Your Personal Action Plan

Dana Higgins, Director, Public Programs and Engagement, Science World & Kristin Linklater, SCMP, Associate Vice-President, Communications and Marketing, Simon Fraser University

After attending a conference we come away with new tools and knowledge, but often we’re overwhelmed by the volume and then we don’t act on the learning. When we set too many goals, we usually achieve none. We try to do it all but end up doing nothing.

During this closing session, you’ll have time to reflect on the important learning from the past few days, connect with your peers, and help use your insights to create a personal action plan. When we are specific and commit aloud it greatly increases our chances of taking action.