MANITOBA’S CONFERENCE FOR LEADERS | APRIL 13, 2026
PRESENTED BY QNET
Save $100 when you register by January 31, 2026
Conference Venue: Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre
1808 Wellington Avenue | Winnipeg, Manitoba
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 Michelle Ray, a sought-after international leadership expert on real-time leadership – empowering leaders and teams to be ready, responsive and relevant in a radically changing world.
Then create your own customized conference experience with relevant breakout sessions in three targeted streams
– Leadership, Wellness and Tools.
Challenge yourself to a leadership reset, refresh your thinking, and move forward with renewed energy, clarity and confidence.
Sign up to receive QNET updates and be sure to follow @QNETManitoba
on social media for conference announcements!
#QNETMB2026
The Leadership Bookstore and RBC Headshot Lounge are back in 2026!
OPENING KEYNOTE
MICHELLE RAY
Author and Hall of Fame Leadership Keynote Speaker.
Globally respected voice on real time leadership in a rapidly evolving world.
Michelle Ray challenges leaders to step confidently to the edge – where bold decisions, a people-centred approach, and readiness for the future truly matter.
Originally from Australia and now based in Vancouver, Michelle brings a global perspective shaped by experience working across industries, cultures, and continents. Her career includes senior roles in media, advertising, corporate leadership, and the not-for-profit sector, where she built partnerships between business, education, and emerging talent. These experiences navigating growth, disruption, and uncertainty inform her belief that leadership today demands courage, authenticity, and accountability.
Michelle’s work focuses on helping leaders be bold in the face of change, be real in how they lead and connect with others, and be ready to respond in real time to shifting expectations. Her messages resonate with leaders at every level because they are relatable, actionable, and grounded in today’s realities.
A trusted advisor to some of the world’s most recognizable brands, Michelle has worked with organizations of all sizes, government, and associations. Her insights have been featured by media including Forbes, Huffington Post, CBC, and Global News. She holds elite professional designations, including Canadian Speakers Hall of Fame inductee and Certified Speaking Professional — honors earned by only a small percentage of speakers globally.
Known for her engaging style, warmth, and straight-talk approach, Michelle leaves audiences energized, challenged, and ready to lead where it matters most – on the edge.
Leading in Real Time
How to Drive Success in a Radically Changing World
In our world of constant change, successful leadership requires transparency, collaboration, and genuine connection with employees and customers. This book shows you how to shift your thinking and become an effective, real-time Leader – the kind of leader that’s ready to soar in the face of your next challenge.
Michelle lit up our convention with an opening keynote that was dynamic, humourous and timely. Her ability to draw on her past experiences and translate them into leadership lessons for today’s audience lent a sense of authenticity to her presentation. The call for care and compassion in our leadership endeavours struck a chord with an audience looking to manage in a hectic, post-pandemic world.
– Saskatchewan Association of School Business Officials
Attendees came away with tangible ideas to nurture powerful, personal, and positive relationships with employees; increased appreciation for maintaining an open mindset to respond to the unexpected; and meaningful strategies for building a future-ready workplace culture.”
– City of Victoria
SESSIONS:
The 2026 QNET Conference will feature a selection of future-focused and human-centered sessions designed to inform, inspire and challenge you.
Join us as we explore timely and transformative topics to help sharpen your leadership skills, responsiveness and adaptability in a changing environment, including:
BOLD Leadership
The Human Edge: Learning, Leadership and Ai.I. in Practice
Leading in a Changing and Diverse Workplace
Be Ready – An Interactive Leadership Challenge
Leading on the Edge, in an Age of Change and Cognitive Overload
On the Edge of Inclusion
Real Leadership Stories
AI Panel Discussion
Leadershift Panel
This year’s sessions will include 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 2026 is the place to learn, grow and lead the way forward.
Confirmed Speakers:
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Conference venue: Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre Winnipeg (1808 Wellington)
Save $100 when you register by January 31, 2026.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION FEES:
QNET Members: $320.00 + GST | QNET Member List
Non-Members: $390.00 + GST | Join QNET
*Early Bird Terms: no cancellations, substitutions accepted
To purchase tickets now and provide names later, please email Catherine – mail@qnet.ca
REGULAR REGISTRATION FEES:
QNET Members: $420.00 + GST | QNET Member List
Non-Members: $490.00 + GST | Join QNET
*Group discount: $30/person for groups of 5 or more (begins February 1, 2026).
Conference Terms & Conditions
Please review general event Terms & Conditions
Cancellations (by the attendee) must be received in writing no later than Monday, March 16, 2026. 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 400+ leaders and professionals from the private and public sector.
Interested in sponsoring the conference?
Check out the 2026 Conference Sponsorship Package here or contact Trish@QNET.ca
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 #QNETMB2026.
