Prepare to be inspired and challenged as Kevin Vallely takes you on a thrilling and immersive journey through the treacherous Northwest Passage. But this isn’t just any ordinary presentation – it’s an interactive multimedia experience that will put you in the driver’s seat of the adventure. Through his own incredible experiences as an adventurer, Vallely has learned that courage isn’t about lacking fear, it’s about accepting it and taking action anyway. And he’s here to show you how you can do the same. As you navigate through the challenges and decisions that Vallely and his team faced, you’ll come to realize that courage is a skill that can be learned, practiced, and strengthened. It’s about having a deep sense of purpose and resilience, and it’s what allows us to perform at our very best. This isn’t just a keynote presentation – it’s a chance to reflect on your own personal experiences and learn how to maintain a positive mindset, understand why you do what you do, and take calculated risks to reach your full potential. So come join Kevin Vallely on a high seas adventure like no other and discover the courage within yourself to overcome any challenge that comes your way. Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and ready to take on the world!
It is essential that we acknowledge and honour the Indigenous lands on which we live, work, and learn — land that has been home to Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. This recognition is not simply a gesture, but a call to remember the deep history and ongoing connection that Indigenous communities hold with this land.
We must also acknowledge the legacy settler ancestry — a history that continues to create inequities, oppression, and hardship for Indigenous Peoples. Understanding this truth requires humility, reflection, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable realities.
Reconciliation is not a destination, but a shared journey. By listening to, learning from, and working alongside our Indigenous neighbours, we commit to advancing the principles of Truth and Reconciliation. It is a symbiotic relationship built on mutual respect and trust, that we can help create communities where diversity is celebrated, inclusivity is woven into our systems, and every person is valued.
Tired of GCs driving the profitability of your business? Let’s do something about it. Join us to discuss proven solutions to the most crippling problems.
This session will explore the common misconceptions that negatively impact speakers and give you the five major mindset shifts you can make to feel more at ease and confident when you speak. Heather will share tools and strategies to empower and motivate you to use your voice in meetings, while networking or wherever you want to be heard.
Protecting your business is just as important as crafting exceptional woodwork. In this session, we’ll break down the essentials of commercial insurance-covering what you need to safeguard your projects, equipment, and reputation. Learn how to navigate liability coverage, cyber insurance, equipment and tool coverages, and understand the fine print to avoid costly surprises. Whether you’re a shop owner or managing large-scale installations, this session will give you the tools to make smarter insurance decisions and keep your business secure.
Builders’ lien legislation protects contractors for their work on projects. However, if it is not used properly or within the appropriate timelines, the benefits can be lost. This session will provide an overview of the main concepts in standard builders’ lien legislation, and provide tips for preserving and protecting your legal rights.
AWMAC is hosting a casual discussion on traditional gender dynamics, valuing self-worth, recognizing the signs of undermining behavior, establishing firm boundaries, and building strong alliances within the AWMAC community. Let’s empower future generations of female leaders, by sharing experiences, and promoting strategies for resilience and success.
Tracy Wright is the AWMAC Vice President and Territory Manager with Mill Supply from the Atlantic Chapter. Kasia Robinson is the National GIS Program Manager and former owner of a Manufacturer Member shop in Saskatoon.
They bring a combined 54 years of experience in the woodworking industry and 33 years volunteering in various roles within AWMAC.
Leon Ferguson is a multi-time international award-winning leader and a proud Indigenous man who embodies resilience and perseverance born from personal, familial and professional lessons. He is dynamic, invigorating, humorous, rare, and refreshingly authentic.
Leon’s expertise resonates across various sectors, uniting teams and enhancing organizational cultures holistically—personally and professionally. Attendees will leave with practical tools and strategies, a renewed sense of purpose, and a deeper understanding of authentic leadership and high performance.
Leon weaves in his personal and professional narratives, sharing valuable life lessons along the way. For example, his mother was part of the 1960s Scoop, a poignant experience that has shaped his understanding of identity and the struggles Indigenous communities face. Discovering the implications of his heritage later in life has enriched his perspective on leadership and the importance of authenticity. He also navigated a turbulent upbringing characterized by significant personal loss, including the death of his father, which profoundly impacted his outlook on life. Leon is not only President and CEO of STREAM Business Advisory Firm, which is expanding, but also a Public Speaker and active Director on multiple boards; he is also currently supporting his mother and sister as
they bravely navigate their stage four terminal battles with cancer, which further fuels his commitment to inspire others through his own experiences of adversity and healing.
His thought-provoking and, at times, humorous presentations challenge conventional mindsets, empowering individuals and teams to embrace vulnerability, nurture genuine connections, and cultivate environments where everyone can thrive. With over 25 years of diverse professional success, Leon transforms his narratives of struggle into powerful messages of hope and empowerment. Through his compelling storytelling and profound insights, he invites audiences on a transformative journey that redefines resilience, accountability, and the essential principles of Psychological Health and Safety.
Growth mindset: how to create a (psychologically) safe and highly productive workplace through an “effort over results” approach.
In this presentation, Quinn Magnuson, former professional athlete, business owner, and now seasoned business advisor speaks to the transformational effects that come from:
In the face of adversity, one can either back down or stand up and fight. Kaleb never backs down. Kaleb is a natural-born leader who works hard to better every community he’s involved in. Whether it’s the Humboldt community, the diabetes community or the York Lions, Kaleb isn’t afraid to take on a leadership role. He has received nine awards for his community and team commitments. He knows what it takes to be a leader and is ready to teach others how to embrace their leadership qualities within themselves.
