We’re entering an extraordinary era where generative AI will automate unprecedented parts of our organizations — making operations faster, smarter, and more efficient than ever before. Yet in our rush to make everything instant and effortless, we’ve fallen into “the frictionless trap.” While businesses and governments race to eliminate every point of resistance — deploying AI agents, one-click purchases, and seamless automation — they’re inadvertently sacrificing something far more valuable: trust. 

Shawn Kanungo explores a counterintuitive truth: the most successful organizations of the future will strategically choose between two paths. They’ll either commit to being completely frictionless or intentionally embrace friction to create deeper value. Drawing from compelling examples across industries, Kanungo demonstrates why trying to be in the middle leads to what he calls “the black hole of mediocrity.” He challenges leaders to make bold choices about where to optimize for AI and efficiency, and where to deliberately slow things down to build trust, deepen relationships, and create memorable experiences that technology alone cannot replicate. 

The most powerful insight? In an AI-powered world where everything is becoming instant and automated, strategic friction isn’t just a differentiator — it’s a competitive advantage. In this awe-inspiring talk, Kanungo provides an optimistic roadmap for the future of AI and human connection. 

Speaker details

A newly elected prime minister came with big promises of improving productivity and turning Canada’s economic fortunes around. Nine months after the election, has the needle moved and what’s in store for the future of Canada’s business climate? 

Speakers’ details

Canada has a rich history and a strong reputation when it comes to driving advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). But is Canada setting itself up to compete when it comes to the new AI economy and where are its greatest opportunities for leveraging AI to drive productivity? 

Speaker details

The panel will explore what innovations are here and having an impact in Canada and what is on the horizon. They will also discuss what Canada needs to do to maximize its potential when it comes to attracting investment in innovation, commercialization and adoption of new agricultural technologies to help grow the sector.  

Speakers’ details

For 40 years, Mike Downie’s brother Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip told Canada’s story like no one else. Through their songs, they turned small towns into legends, hockey stories into folklore, and everyday moments into something bigger — something that felt like ours. As a filmmaker, Downie has spent his career exploring what makes a great story, and specifically examined how The Hip built a deep, enduring connection with Canadians through both their music and storytelling in his recent documentary, No Dress Rehearsal. 

“Telling Canada’s Story” is a keynote about why stories matter — how they define us, inspire us, and how they’ve built the fabric of our nation. Drawing from his experiences making No Dress Rehearsal, Downie will share insights on what made The Hip’s storytelling so powerful and how we as individuals, businesses, and communities can find our own voices, and why it’s important that we do. Whether it’s a make-or-break moment, an untold history, or a bold new idea, the stories we tell are part of a greater narrative, about ourselves, our communities, and ultimately, our country. 

This keynote is for anyone looking to make an impact — leaders, creators, and organizations wanting to connect with people on a deeper level. With personal stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and a call-to-action, Downie challenges audiences to think bigger about the stories they tell and the legacy they leave behind. The Tragically Hip gave us a soundtrack for Canada, now it’s time for all of us to write the next chapter and tell our own story. 

Speaker details

From trade wars to shifting alliances, the geopolitical landscape is evolving. Global realignments in politics, trade, and security are reshaping the way nations connect and compete. Are we moving away from globalization, or stepping into a new era of re-globalization? In this session, Hon. Jason Kenney unpacks what these changes mean for Canada and how we can navigate uncertainty, seize opportunities, and strengthen our role on the world stage. 

Speaker details

This panel of former chief trade negotiators for the USMCA will look at the current status of the world’s second largest trading block. They will explore how they see the renegotiation of the USMCA going and what the future relationship between Canada, Mexico and the U.S. might look like.  

Speakers’ details

Many organizations continue to witness the impact of burnout, with reduced morale, low productivity and a lack of innovation. Emotional exhaustion, a lack of compassion, and an experience of futility have become common experiences for many teams. Dr. Jody has begun walking hundreds of organizations through reconnection to combat burnout and build mental resilience. She provides specific strategies to shift culture, bringing hilarity and truth while reigniting purpose and productivity with this game-changing talk. 

Speaker details