MANITOBA’S CONFERENCE FOR LEADERS | APRIL 8, 2025
PRESENTED BY QNET
CONFERENCE PARTICIPANT WEBPAGE
Welcome to QNET Leadership Conference 2025!
Location: Victoria Inn Convention Centre (1808 Wellington Avenue)
Conference Agenda (one page pdf)
Map of the Venue (one page pdf)
7:45 to 8:15 – Registration & Continental Breakfast Buffet
8:15 to 4:00 – Conference keynotes, Luncheon, Sessions
4:00 to 5:00 – Informal Networking / Reception (cash bar)
Share your day on social media with @QNETManitoba and #QNETMB2025
CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES:
Note: QNET Guest Services / Help Desk is just inside the ballroom
NEW! The Exec Hotseat Podcast in the Plenary Room
This new podcast will be on-site talking with delegates, speakers and industry leaders – sparking powerful, unfiltered conversations about leadership, resilience and success. Be sure to stop by to say hi and enter the gift basket draw!
NEW! Mindful Movement with Melissa (10:55-11:05)
Become aware of, and fully experience, the sensations of physical action. Yoga, Tai Chi and even walking are everyday examples of how we can use our bodies as a gateway to mindfulness. Take a break from this busy day with some guided gentle movement to recharge your energy!
NEW! Young Leaders
If you are a Young Leader (35 and under), please join other Young Leaders for lunch at the YL RESERVED tables near the front of this room.
Conference Sponsors
Visit the Sponsor Mini-Booths, check out the Sponsor Information tables, and learn about the incredible organizations that support this conference. Strike up a conversation with the Sponsor participants who have a GREEN SPONSOR ribbon on their name badge.
RBC Headshot Lounge – (hours: 7:30-1:00)
Stop by and get a new headshot for free, courtesy of sponsor RBC! Located in the Foyer, you can walk up or book a time slot.
Perk Coffee Trailer (hours: 7:30-11:15)
A full menu of specialty coffee is available just past the breakfast buffet (next to the Plenary Room). Your coffee ticket is in your name badge.
Leadership Bookstore (hours: 9:30-4:30)
Featuring books by current and past conference keynote speakers, and local leadership authors, the bookstore is located next to the Main Plenary Stage.
Palliser Lounge
Relax in comfortable furniture provided by Winnipeg’s Palliser Factory Outlet. A great place to connect with others, the lounge is conveniently located at the back of the Plenary Room.
Name Badge Ribbons
Customize your name badge with a ribbon. You can find them on a cocktail table in the Palliser Lounge.
Note: Attendance at this event serves as a release that you consent to being photographed and/or
audio/videotaped, and to the use of the images and/or videos for marketing or other purposes. You
also release the event organizers from any liability related to the use of these images and/or videos.
AGENDA & SPEAKER HANDOUTS:
| 7:45 am | Registration and Continental Breakfast Buffet |
| 8:15 am | Welcome & Opening Keynote Plenary Ballroom – Eric Termuende, Co-Founder of NoW of Work, Bestselling Author (no handout / slide deck) |
| 9:30 am | Networking Break |
| 10:00 am | Leadershift Panel Plenary Ballroom – Michelle Cameron, CEO Dreamcatcher Promotions & Indigenous Nations Apparel Company – Katie Hall Hursh, Vice President, The Megill-Stephenson Company Limited – Marty Maykut, President, Price Industries Canada & Anvil Management – Shreeraj Patel, Co-Founder, Seva Capital Canada – Moderator: Eleanor Coopsammy, Director, Media Relations and Issues Management, University of Manitoba (no handout / slide deck) |
| 10:45 am | Networking Break |
| 11:15 am | Breakout / Concurrent Sessions (select one): |
| Stories of Resilience and Reconciliation: Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future RED ROOM -Kevin Chief, Chief Partnerships Manitoba Incorporated (no handout / slide deck) | |
| The Great Debate: Shaping a Future of Curiosity and Dialogue YELLOW ROOM – Kevin Freedman, Governance Guru – Jackie Wild, Tito Boy Restaurant / Delight Digital – Moderator: Sylvia Marusyk, MindBody Works (no handout / slide deck) | |
| Workplace Wellness – Sharing in Collective Wisdom BLUE ROOM – Yemilo Audu, Tukoda Productions – Laurie Ringaert, Change Weavers Consulting (no handout / slide deck) | |
| 12:00 Noon | Networking Lunch Buffet |
| 12:50 pm | Breakout / Concurrent Sessions (select one): |
| Navigating Diversity: Building Competence for Inclusive Leadership RED ROOM – Robyn Penner Thiessen, Robyn Penner Thiessen Consulting – Amna Burki, StoriesMatter (Slide Deck Here) | |
| What’s Your Superpower? Leverage Your Strengths to Drive Future Impact BLUE ROOM (Embassy DEF) – Richard Thomas, Skip (Slide Deck Here, RBS Exercise Here) | |
| Future-Focused Customer Service Excellence: Building Teams That Thrive YELLOW ROOM – Mark Kelly, Auto Gallery of Winnipeg – Nicholas Rawluk, ONE Insurance – Kristen Klassen, ACHIEVE Centre for Leadership – Pam Grahame, Shop Floor Leadership (no handout / slide deck) | |
| 1:50 pm | Networking Break |
| 2:05 pm | Breakout / Concurrent Sessions (select one): |
| Unlocking the Power and Potential of AI for Leaders and Teams YELLOW ROOM – Liz Cron, Blueprint Inc. – Gillian McCallum, Blueprint Inc. (Side Deck Here) | |
| Leading from Within: Shaping the Workplace Together RED ROOM – Jaime Mann, The Amaryllis Project & EWC Ltd. (Slide Deck here) | |
| Strengthening Team Quality and Effectiveness – Wherever Work Happens BLUE ROOM – Geoffrey Thompson, Bridge Team Development (Slide Deck Here) | |
| 3:10 pm | Networking Break |
| 3:20 pm | Closing Session Plenary Ballroom – Keynote Speaker: Deri Latimer (no handout / slide deck) |
| 4:00 pm | Networking Reception Plenary Ballroom / Palliser Lounge |
Join the conversation and follow @QNETManitoba on LinkedIn and Instagram
#QNETMB2025
Join hundreds of forward thinking leaders – current, emerging and
aspiring – for a day of learning and networking. Gain the tools and
inspiration to refresh your thinking and put new ideas into practice.
Kick off your day with a captivating and enlightening opening keynote by
Eric Termuende – bestselling author and globally recognized thought
leader on leadership, culture and the future of work.
Then create your own customized conference experience with relevant
breakout sessions in four targeted streams
– Leadership, Quality, Wellness and Tools.
Challenge yourself to a leadership reset, refresh your thinking, and
move forward with renewed energy, clarity and confidence.
The Leadership Bookstore and RBC Headshot Lounge are back in 2025!
Join the conversation and follow @QNETManitoba on LinkedIn and Instagram
#QNETMB2025
OPENING KEYNOTE
ERIC TERMUENDE
Co-Founder of NoW of Work, Bestselling Author of Rethink Work.
Globally recognized thought leader on leadership, culture and the future of work.
Eric Termuende is a best-selling author, internationally recognized thought leader, and keynote speaker on leadership, workplace culture, talent management and the future of work.
After years spent studying the world’s greatest places to work, he has deciphered what sets amazing leaders apart from the rest, and what it takes to build incredible teams that are resilient, innovative, and ready for the future.
Eric’s research and insights have inspired category-leading companies like Amazon, Coca-Cola, Nationwide, IBM, Zoom, Nokia, John Deere, and Toyota, to name a few. His perspectives and accomplishments have also been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., and many other prominent publications.
In addition to the hundreds of keynotes he has delivered around the world, Eric is an entrepreneur and leader in his own right, having co-founded NoW of Work – a boutique firm helping to pioneer change and innovation in the workplace. He has been named one of the world’s Top 100 Emerging Innovators by American Express, making him a pivotal figure in the collective journey towards understanding and navigating the future of work.
Eric’s keynotes are engaging, insightful and fun. He offers practical strategies loaded with actionable takeaways that audiences can implement right away. Attendees consistently praise Eric’s refreshing, down-to-earth messaging that gets them excited about the future, while providing tools and know-how to build teams that thrive in the workplace of tomorrow.
Rethink Work
Finding & Keeping the Right Talent
Rethink Work tackles one of the big problems’ employers face today: finding and keeping the best employees, especially at a time when young workers typically quit after only three years on the job.
Targeted at those entering the workforce, in job transition, or anyone looking for that perfect candidate, Rethink Work stands out from other books in this category because the author is one of those young people: Eric Termuende, a rising star on the international speakers’ circuit.
From the moment Eric took the stage, he shared timely, relevant information to help us build incredible teams and thrive in the future of work. He was entertaining, educational, and shared actionable insights that prompted many CEOs in the room to share that it was the best EO presentation they had ever experienced.
– Entrepreneurs Organization
Time after time, Eric delivers a customized message that is engaging, insightful, unique, and full of takeaways for his audiences. We look forward to working with Eric again and would highly recommend his expertise and knowledge to anyone looking for a fresh perspective on the future of work, talent attraction/retention, and workplace culture.
– President, Mediashark
CLOSING KEYNOTE
DERI LATIMER
TEDx Speaker, Author and Organizational Consultant
Deri Latimer is a TEDx Speaker, Author and Organizational Consultant, who offers science-based, practical strategies that empower people to thrive in complex environments. A highly sought-after a speaker, she is a leading voice in the field of organizational well-being.
Deri is a distinguished Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), with a business degree in human resources management and two decades of experience. She has demonstrated a unique ability to transform workplaces into happy, healthy, and productive environments. Specializing in emotional intelligence, psychometric assessment, and neuro-linguistic programming, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to her ability to transform individuals and organizations.
She has also contributed significantly to academic discourse, designing courses and seminars in resilience, positive psychology, and leadership at the University of Winnipeg for over 15 years. Her published resources, including the books Wake Up to Your Habits, What’s Your Story? You Decide, and Not Crazy, Just Human, offer practical tools to achieve positive behavioral change.
Deri was engaging, fun and as real as they get… I have already taken her advice and acted on her tips and tools… Her message is one that everyone should take time to listen to.
She captivates, motivates, and positively engages an audience with her unique combination of wisdom about neuroscience and positive behaviors that can be life changing when put into action… Prepare to laugh, to be curious, to be hungry for more time to listen to Deri.
PLENARY SESSION:
10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Leadershift Panel
Join us as we explore of the shifting role of leaders, within the context of our conference theme Back to the Future. We’ll dive into challenges, opportunities and experiences, along with the values, qualities and skills embraced by these leaders. Come prepared for insightful discussion, inspiring stories and ideas to take back to your workplace.
SESSIONS:
The QNET Conference is packed with future-focused breakout sessions designed to inform, inspire, and challenge you. Join us to explore a diverse range of timely, transformative topics that will sharpen your leadership skills and prepare you for the challenges ahead.
This year we’re adding some new interactive and collaborative sessions for those eager to engage in dynamic, hands-on formats. Whether you’re looking to build your skills or ignite new ideas, Manitoba’s Conference for Leaders 2025 is the place to learn, grow, and lead the way forward.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS (Choose one):
11:15 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Stories of Resilience and Reconciliation: Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future
In this powerful session, Kevin reflects on his journey from humble beginnings growing up as an Indigenous youth in Winnipeg’s North End to working alongside leaders across business, community, and government sectors.
Through sharing personal stories of resilience, possibility, and hope, Kevin engages diverse crowds into inclusive and healthy conversations about reconciliation, highlighting how lessons from the past can guide us toward a more inclusive future. He invites participants to reflect on their own leadership journeys and recognize the impact of their actions—which have the power to spark meaningful change.
Kevin reminds us that we are all leaders, and when we focus on doing good work, we create ripple effects that we may never see. One small act can mean so much and can shape opportunities for future generations.
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 noon
Workplace Wellness – Sharing in Collective Wisdom
Are you navigating a workplace wellness challenge or exploring an exciting new idea for the future? Step into a dynamic session where the collective wisdom of leaders like you takes center stage, with each person bringing their unique experiences, insights, and solutions.
This interactive session is your chance to tap into that wisdom, share your ideas, and find fresh perspectives to move forward, or maybe get unstuck. Designed for leaders passionate about fostering healthier, more supportive workplaces, this is an open space where the topics are driven by you.
Bring your challenge, question, or idea and see how the conversation unfolds. Join others on a topic that sparks your curiosity. The agenda is driven by topics that matter to you and your peers, ensuring discussions are timely, relevant, and powerful.
This isn’t just about the session – it’s about the connections you’ll forge that will extend well beyond this room. Together, we’ll collaborate, brainstorm, and build relationships that inspire lasting change.
Facilitated by two seasoned guides, this session promises to be a catalyst for deeper connections and a renewed commitment to fostering workplace wellbeing. After all, great ideas thrive when shared, and this is your space to make that happen.
The Great Debate: Shaping a Future of Curiosity and Dialogue
In today’s polarized world, constructive dialogue is more essential than ever. The Great Debate offers a fresh take on the power of perspective and the art of listening.
This high-energy, interactive session invites participants to step into the shoes of opposing viewpoints on a topic that may trigger strong opinions and emotions, then move beyond that response to engage with rational thought and empathy. Modeled after the Oxford-style debate, this session goes beyond typical debate formats by focusing on learning to listen for understanding rather than just responding.
With a dynamic moderator and two debaters tackling a current leadership topic, attendees will actively participate, gaining practical skills in navigating difficult conversations, challenging assumptions, and fostering a workplace culture where curiosity and open-mindedness replace conflict and division. Prepare to challenge your perspective, expand your capacity for empathy, and discover the power of civil discourse in leadership.
Debaters: Jackie Wild and Kevin Freedman
Moderator: Sylvia Marusyk
BREAKOUT SESSIONS (Choose one):
12:50 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.
What’s Your Superpower? Leverage Your Strengths to Drive Future Impact
Connect the past with the future in this practical session designed to unlock the power of feedback, uncover your unique qualities, and help you bring your best self to work.
Effective leadership is rooted in the ability to understand and leverage your strengths for greater impact. In this interactive session, you’ll explore an evidence-based method designed to help you identify and harness your personal strengths, and use them to enhance your leadership effectiveness and presence in the workplace.
We’ll introduce a proven method for gaining insight into the qualities that make you shine. Through storytelling, group discussions and practical takeaways, you’ll learn how this exercise can be used to highlight your most impactful strengths.
Exploring personal feedback stories will help you discover themes, patterns and key abilities. There will be time to collaborate and reflect, share insights with peers, and reflect on how to align your strengths with your professional and personal goals.
Join us to embrace your strengths, amplify your impact and inspire others, and leave with a vision of how to unleash your leadership superpowers for growth and success in the future.
Navigating Diversity: Building Competence for Inclusive Leadership
In our increasingly diverse and evolving workplaces, inclusive leadership is more important than ever. Leaders must develop the skills and capacity to navigate the complexity of diverse teams more effectively. Every leader shapes workplace culture– whether by unconsciously reinforcing exclusion or actively cultivating inclusion.
This session will explore practical strategies for creating environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute fully. Through interactive discussions, participants will discover how small, intentional actions can strengthen their ability to bridge differences within their teams and foster a more inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels a true sense of belonging.
Through storytelling, real-life examples, and hands-on strategies, participants will develop a deeper understanding of the powerful concept of micro-inclusions, learn to recognize and interrupt microaggressions, and build the skills and competence to navigate differences more effectively
Participants will leave equipped with practical strategies to lead inclusively, foster belonging, and create a more collaborative and engaged work environment.
Future-Focused Customer Service Excellence: Building Teams That Thrive
In a world where customer service sometimes feels like an afterthought, successful organizations know that exceptional service is more than a transaction – it’s the cornerstone of quality, culture, and profitability.
This session highlights the timeless value of customer service excellence while equipping leaders and teams with forward-looking tools and ideas to redefine their approach for lasting impact.
In a dynamic fireside chat format, moderated to encourage collaboration and Q&A, we’ll dive into the “how” and “why” of outstanding internal and external customer service.
You’ll learn how two leading organizations embody a workplace where customer service becomes a competitive advantage and employees are inspired to reflect organizational values.
Whether you’re leading a team struggling with service, or you’re looking to enhance your current approach, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to help your team and organization succeed.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS (Choose one):
2:05 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.
Unlocking the Power and Potential of AI for Leaders and Teams
AI isn’t just for tech companies —it’s transforming how leaders across every sector work smarter, not harder.
Discover how to break down generative AI in simple terms, explore its powerful potential and practical applications, and find out how to integrate it ethically and effectively. You’ll leave with insights and easy steps to introduce AI to your team or organization.
This session is ideal for leaders and decision-makers eager to tap into AI’s potential, teams aiming to improve efficiency while maintaining ethical standards, and organizations looking to future-proof their operations without a steep learning curve. It’s also perfect for curious minds ready to explore the practical, real-world applications of AI.
You’ll find out what generative AI is, and how it can drive efficiency and team productivity in your organization. We’ll explore the business case for AI and how it can help reduce burnout, optimize workflows, and maximize impact. We’ll also dive into the ethical principles for responsible AI use in the workplace, ensuring you have the knowledge to implement AI in a thoughtful and conscientious manner. You’ll leave with simple, actionable steps to start integrating AI into your work immediately.
Leading from Within: Shaping the Workplace Together
The challenges facing today’s workplace are complex, with issues around burnout, well-being, increased anxiety, and staff shortages. Add to that differences in values, a growing polarization of views, the realities of remote and flexible work, and the increasing need for inclusivity—and it’s clear that the future of work requires a shift.
While leadership teams work diligently to improve work culture and foster supportive, psychologically safe spaces, this alone isn’t enough. The future of work starts with each of us.
We all have a responsibility and role to play in cultivating a meaningful and engaging experience at work. Whether we’re managing a team or working alongside others, we are all leaders and are responsible for contributing to a healthy, thriving work environment.
How can we hold ourselves accountable and effectively lead ourselves in a way that improves our own experience, and also positively impacts the people we work with and lead?
Join this session to reignite your enthusiasm around your work. We’ll explore a collaborative mindset that fosters connection, communication and well-being for a more inclusive and respectful workplace. You’ll walk away with new ideas and tangible next steps to improve your own experience at work, positively impact the people you interact with, and help set the future course of your work environment.
Strengthening Team Quality and Effectiveness – Wherever Work Happens
This session dives into the core dynamics that drive team quality and effectiveness—trust, open communication, and a shared sense of purpose—regardless of where work happens. Participants will reflect on how their teams define and measure success, identify challenges, and overcome barriers in today’s diverse and ever-changing work environments.
We’ll explore the critical role of interpersonal risk-taking and continuous learning in shaping high-performing teams, with strategies for fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, effective problem-solving and accountability – elements that have been shown to improve outcomes and help retain top talent.
You’ll leave with practical tools and insights to strengthen team cohesion, enhance communication, and ensure every voice is heard and valued – wherever the work happens.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Conference venue: Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre Winnipeg (1808 Wellington)
REGISTRATION FEES:
QNET Members: $420.00 + GST | QNET Member List
Non-Members: $490.00 + GST | Join QNET
Conference Partners: $420.00 + GST
(Partners: CPHR & ACMP Manitoba)
Young Leaders (35 and under): $325 + GST
To purchase tickets and provide names later, please email mail@QNET.ca
Group Registration Link
Group registration with 5 or more from the same organization save $30 per person.
Young Leaders Registration Link
Young Leader (35 and under): $325 + GST – available until April 1, 2025
Conference Terms & Conditions
Please review general event Terms & Conditions
Cancellations (by the attendee) must be received in writing no later than Monday, March 17, 2025. After that date, the full registration fee will apply. Substitutions are accepted at any time. Invoices will be sent for non-attendance.
Note: There are no Cancellations at the Early Bird Conference registration fee. Substitutions are accepted at any time. Invoices will be sent for non-attendance.
There will be a photographer taking photos throughout the conference. By agreeing to attend, you are giving QNET rights to use captured photos in promotional efforts.
SPONSORS
Showcase your organization and expertise, increase your brand awareness, and demonstrate your commitment to leadership, learning and excellence.
All sponsorships include conference passes. Connect in person and virtually with 350 – 400 leaders and professionals from the private and public sector.
Interested in sponsoring the conference?
Check out the 2025 Conference Sponsorship Package here or contact Trish@QNET.ca
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ABOUT
QNET offers high quality workshops, certificate programs, conferences and special events designed to advance your learning, growth and professional development. Our network of members and clients are focused on leadership and organizational excellence.
Participants in QNET programs come from a wide variety of roles in diverse sectors such as service, health, manufacturing, government, education, non-profit, and consulting.
Funding provided by the Manitoba government.
Established as a non-profit association in 1995, QNET continues to lead an ongoing process of awareness, networking and equation in a changing business environment.
Check out QNET’s Calendar of Upcoming Events to find out how you can join in the learning & networking, sign up to receive email announcements & conference updates, and be sure to follow @QNETManitoba on social media and use the hashtag #QNETMB2025.
