National Leadership Conference

Created by the industry for the industry, embark on a one-day journey of knowledge and inspiration at the National Leadership Conference. This flagship event is designed to bring together industry stakeholders and experts for discussions on key opportunities, challenges, emerging technologies, and best practices in consulting engineering. Engage in thought-provoking sessions, connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights that will elevate your business forward.

Date

Wednesday October 22, 2025

Venue

The Fairmont Chateau Laurier
1 Rideau Street
Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7
Drawing Room

Program

October 21

4:00 pm Registration desk open

6:00pm Welcome cocktail reception

October 22

7:15 am - Conteinental Buffet Breakfast

7:45 am - Opening Remarks

8:00 am - Opening Keynote: Navigating Economic and Political Uncertainty with Candace Laing, CEO and President of Canadian Chamber of Commerce

9:00 am - ACEC’s Industry Forecast and Sentiment Survey – One Year Later

10:30 am - Future Ready Firms: Applying Global Trends and Best Practices for Long-Term Success

12:45 pm - Lunch Keynote: A Made in Canada Future – The Economy, Trade, and Strategic Infrastructure with Ryan Manucha, Writer and Research Fellow of CD Howe Institute

1:30 pm - Turning Risk into Profit: Strategic Risk Management for Firms

3:00 pm - Shaping the Future: How Consulting Engineers Can Lead the Way

4:00 pm - Closing Keynote Address: Bridging Generations – Leading in an Inter-Generational Workforce with Eddie LeMoine

6:30 pm - Centennial Dinner Celebration - National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1

View all program details here

Detailed Program - October 22

Opening Keynote: Navigating Economic and Political Uncertainty
8:00 am - 9:00 am

Candace Laing, CEO and President of Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Join our opening keynote speaker Candace Laing, CEO and President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, as they explore the current state of the Canadian economy and how it has been shaped by political developments. From shifting government priorities to evolving trade relations, these factors continue to influence business confidence, investment, and long-term growth. This address will examine the broader economic landscape, highlighting the domestic and international challenges and opportunities ahead, and provide insights to help navigate an increasingly complex environment.

ACEC’s Industry Forecast and Sentiment Survey – One Year Later
9:00 am - 10:00 am


Joe Bates ACEC Institute (Moderator)	John Flewelling President of CBCL	Rodrigue Gilbert President of the Canadian Construction Association	Brett Medeiros Senior Analyst for Business and Professional Services RSM Canada	Scott Rempel Senior Vice President Unit Development Manager - Canada Mott MacDonald

A year after the launch of the ACEC Research Institute’s Sentiment Study, join our panel as they explore how industry perspectives have evolved. Gain an in-depth understanding of the latest findings from the Engineering Business Sentiment Survey, which provides a comprehensive look at the industry's current outlook. Following a presentation of the results, the panel of diverse stakeholders—including leaders from consulting engineering firms and contractors—will examine how sentiment has shifted over the past year, what trends have emerged, and what these insights mean for the future. Don't miss this opportunity to see how industry confidence, challenges, and opportunities have changed—and what it means for your firm.

Future Ready Firms: Applying Global Trends and Best Practices for Long-Term Success
10:30 am - 12:00 pm


Sabrina Martineau Chief of staff to the President & CEO of AtkinsRéalis (Moderator)	Audrey Jacob Business Area Director for Places of Arcadis	Martin Milot COO of BBA	Ryan Roberts Executive VP of Stantec	Jason Sachs Senior Principal at Mercer

In a rapidly evolving industry, firms around the world are adapting to new challenges by rethinking how they attract and retain talent, build capacity, integrate new technology, and foster strong workplace cultures. This session will explore international best practices that are transforming the industry, offering insights into innovative strategies that can help firms of all sizes and in all markets drive success.

Industry leaders will share global perspectives on workforce development, emerging technologies, and evolving work environments, highlighting lessons that can be applied in the Canadian market. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how firms worldwide are addressing skills shortages, leveraging AI for efficiency, and creating workplace cultures that attract and retain top talent. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore forward-thinking approaches and learn of industry best practices that can position your firm, regardless of its size or market reach, for long-term success.

Lunch Keynote: A Made in Canada Future – The Economy, Trade, and Strategic Infrastructure with Ryan Manucha, Writer and Research Fellow of CD Howe Institute
12:45 pm - 1:30 pm

Ryan Manucha, Writer and Research Fellow at CD Howe Institute

Part of Canada’s economic resilience and global competitiveness depends on its ability to remove internal barriers, invest in strategic infrastructure, and empower industries to thrive. Yet, interprovincial trade restrictions, fragmented regulations, and inadequate infrastructure continue to hinder growth, innovation, and financial viability.

Turning Risk into Profit: Strategic Risk Management for Firms
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm


Steve Panciuk (Moderator)	Carolyn Francis Geographic Contracts Manager, Canada at Jacobs	Moe Roghabadi Global Director, Risk at Hatch	Joël Taché Chief Risk Officer at AtkinsRéalis	Jeannine Tse Director of Commercial Risk Governance, Associate General Counsel at Stantec

Risk isn’t just a challenge—it’s an opportunity. This session will explore how firms can transform risk management from a cost centre into a profit driver by proactively identifying, mitigating, and even capitalizing on risk. Risk must also be managed beyond the firm’s yearly programs and consider how it infringes on collaborative procurement models. With increasingly rapid advancements in technologies that potentially increase risk while reducing chargeable hours, we need to rethink procurement and remuneration and find ways to monetize risk to survive. The panel will discuss strategies for managing contractual, financial, and operational risks, ensuring they become sources of strength rather than liabilities. They will also provide practical insights into when and how to engage insurers to manage excess risk effectively.

Learn how strategic risk allocation, early engagement with insurers, and proactive planning can enhance project outcomes, leverage collaboration, improve financial performance, and strengthen client relationships. Gain the knowledge you need to turn risk into a competitive advantage for your firm.

Shaping the Future: How Consulting Engineers Can Lead the Way
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm


Corina Moore Executive VP, Transportation & Infrastructure, WSP Canada (Moderator)	Peter Blahnik Partner, Consulting and Deals with PwC	Angus English Senior Project Manager of Aecom	Scott Marshall Senior VP, Major Projects of Aecon	Christopher Scollard Engineering Operations Director of Kiewit

The consulting engineering industry has a unique opportunity to move beyond traditional roles and become true leaders in shaping infrastructure decisions. With the prospect of a National Infrastructure Assessment providing a long-term roadmap for Canada’s infrastructure needs and the concept of a national corridor gaining traction, now is the time for consulting engineers to step up as strategic advisors and be part of shaping public policy and new approaches to delivering projects.

This session will explore how firms can proactively bring innovative ideas to project owners, identify emerging needs, and drive project timelines—positioning themselves as indispensable partners in infrastructure development. A panel of industry leaders and infrastructure stakeholders will discuss how firms can take the lead in planning and executing transformative projects like high-speed rail and a national corridor, ensuring they are at the forefront of shaping Canada’s economic and social future. Attendees will gain insights into strategies for influencing decision-making, building stronger relationships with project owners, and positioning their firms as key drivers of progress.

Closing Keynote Address: Bridging Generations – Leading in an Inter-Generational Workforce with Eddie LeMoine
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Eddie LeMoine

Have you noticed the age difference of the people sitting near you at work? Look around at your next meeting and you will see someone close to retirement sitting next to a freshly out-of-school graduate. These circumstances present a unique challenge for today’s leaders: how to motivate and manage an inter-generational work force.

Aging demographics and the shrinking workforce has been a front and centre topic for a number of years. With people living longer, staying in the workforce longer or re-entering the workforce after retirement, we are now experiencing the latest form of diversity in the workplace—five generations! Should leaders be concerned about these shifting generation gaps? Definitely! To achieve maximum productivity and a good work environment, an effective leader is a leader who understands, manages and communicates across all generations. Today it is commonplace for five generations to be working side by side within an organization. This recent phenomenon is contributing to the newest and probably most significant workplace challenge for today’s leaders. Research shows that bridging the generation gap leads to a more productive and happy work environment. Managing a specific generation (e.g., the Millennials) is no longer enough. It is now critical for a leader to understand, manage and communicate cogently across all generations.