National Leadership Conference

About

The 2024 National Leadership Conference is a meticulously crafted one-day event tailored by industry experts for industry professionals. Through a thoughtfully curated program, speakers, panelists and keynote speakers will delve into pertinent business, regulatory, and economic issues, providing a comprehensive exploration of the opportunities and challenges within our sector. Delegates will gain invaluable insights and practical tools to elevate their firms both now and in the evolving landscape of the future.

When?

Tuesday, October 22 and Wednesday, October 23

Where?

Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa

Who should attend?

  • Senior leaders and decision-makers in engineering firms 
  • Future leaders and middle management
  • Industry stakeholders and partners
  • Public and private sector clients 

What to expect

  • A welcome reception the evening prior
  • A full day of business content
  • Breakfast, breaks and lunch
  • A closing networking reception

Investment

Your investment to take part in this event will be $775.00 plus HST.

Accommodation

We’ve secured a special rate of $389.00 per night plus applicable taxes, valid until September 27, 2024. Book today to secure your stay at the event hotel!

Registration

Be one of the first 50 to register and receive a free copy of Gregg Brown's book, Spark Action: How to lead change that matters! Gregg is our conference closing keynote and would be happy to sign your copy onsite.

Registration is now closed.

Program

Tuesday, October 22

6:30pm-8:00pm - Welcome reception

Kick off the conference in style as we begin with an unforgettable evening of networking and camaraderie at our exclusive Welcome Reception. Rub shoulders with fellow attendees, esteemed industry leaders, and potential collaborators in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Indulge in refreshments and hors d'oeuvres while priming yourself for thought-provoking discussions, invaluable insights, and game-changing connections that will propel your consulting engineering business to new heights. 

 

Wednesday, October 23

8:00am-9:00am - Breakfast Keynote: The Canadian business climate - what you need to know

Start the conference with an insightful breakfast keynote addressing the state of the political and economic landscape. Gain strategic insights into the national business and regulatory environment, setting the stage for the day's discussions on seizing opportunities, driving innovation, and overcoming barriers to elevate business growth in consulting engineering.

Click here to learn about the speaker
 

9:00am-10:00am - Panel 1: ACEC’s Industry Forecast and Sentiment Survey

Gain an exclusive preview of the latest findings from the ACEC Research Institute Economic Forecast and Sentiment Survey, providing a comprehensive overview of our industry's economic health and sentiment. Following a presentation of the results, engage in a panel discussion with diverse stakeholders, including leaders from consulting engineering firms and contractors, to analyze the survey results and identify actionable insights for your firm.

Click here to learn about the speakers
 

10:00am-10:30am - Nutrition break

 

10:30am to 12:00pm - Panel 2: Investing in Success: The Future of Infrastructure Programs and Funding

The federal government, along with its agencies and partners, make significant investments in infrastructure — both through their own projects and by enabling communities across Canada to access essential capital and resources. How can we ensure we’re prioritizing the right assets? How can programs be made more accessible and responsive to local needs while maintaining transparency and accountability? What steps can we take to future-proof these programs, ensuring they remain financially viable and sustainable? And how can we incentivize and reward lifecycle solutions that address long-term infrastructure challenges? Our panel of experts will bring diverse perspectives to the discussion on the challenges and opportunities that come with ensuring these investments count.

Click here to learn about the speakers
 

12:00pm-12:30pm - Lunch

 

12:30pm-1:30pm - Lunch Keynote: Doing Business in 2035 - will we be ready?

Partake in a thought-provoking lunch keynote envisioning the firm of 2035. Explore exciting new scenarios, technological advancements, and market trends shaping the business world over the next decade. Gain valuable insights into how your firm can adapt and innovate to thrive in the rapidly evolving business landscape.

Click here to learn about the speaker
 

1:30pm-2:30pm - Panel 3: Evolving delivery and procurement models

Engage in an interactive session providing valuable insights into the real-world performance of project delivery and procurement models in Canada. Reflect on recent experiences to evaluate the effectiveness of various delivery and procurement models in the Canadian context. Explore how well these models have distributed risk and reward among stakeholders and met the expectations of the public, project owners, and investors. Contribute to shaping the future of the consulting engineering industry.

Click here to learn about the speakers
 

2:30pm-3:00pm - Nutrition break

 

3:00pm-4:00pm - Panel 4: AI and its opportunities, limitations, and risks

Explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in consulting engineering and its implications for future-readiness. Delve into opportunities for leveraging AI to enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and drive innovation, while also addressing the limitations and risks associated with AI adoption. Engage in a dynamic panel discussion with industry thought leaders and experts to gain actionable insights for integrating AI into your firm's operations.

Click here to learn about the speakers
 

4:00pm-5:00pm - Closing Keynote – The Future of Work: A Roadmap to Build Change Ready Organizations

Stay tuned for an inspiring closing keynote delivering compelling and actionable takeaways to help you chart a course for future professional success.

Click here to learn about the speaker
 

5:00pm-5:15pm - Closing remarks

 

5:15pm-6:00pm - Closing networking reception

Wrap up the conference with a networking reception, providing valuable opportunities to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential collaborators. Foster new relationships, exchange ideas, and lay the groundwork for future partnerships that will elevate your business.

 

Program details subject to change.