Calgary Agenda
Thursday October 22 2026
Venue to be announced shortly
08:00 – 08:55
Registration, Networking, Meeting and Connections
08:55 – 09:05
Welcome and Setting the Scene
Chris Cummings
Founder, Sonas Group, (Wellbeing at Work)
09:05 – 09:30
The Economic Context: Short-Term Outlook and Long-Term Trends
What can Alberta expect in the short term regarding the economic outlook? What are some of the major trends shaping the economy over the long-term?
Rob Roach
Deputy Chief Economist, ATB Financial
09:30 – 10:15
Panel – Driving Performance in a Changing World: From Wellbeing to Workforce Advantage
What leadership behaviours and cultural signals sustain wellbeing and performance in hybrid, AI-enabled workplaces? How can wellbeing be embedded as a seamless, data-informed experience across the entire employee lifecycle? How do organisations shift from wellbeing provision to building workforce capability, adaptability, and growth? How can wellbeing be leveraged as a strategic driver of resilience, retention, and innovation in times of rapid change?
Greg Juliano
Chief Human Resources Officer, City of Calgary
Diana Valler
Chief Human Resources Officer, TravelBrands Inc.
Krista Pell
Chief Human Resources Officer, Trimac Transportation
10:15 – 10:45
Morning Networking Break
10:45 - 11:10
The AI Revolution is Here – Preparing the Workforce for Change
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the major developments of our time. As AI has made itsway into a wide variety of industries, including business, government, healthcare, education,finance, law, entertainment and media, manufacturing, banking and transportation, its impact to the workforce will be tremendous. According to a LinkedIn report released in August 2023, 44% of executives plan to increase their use of AI in the next year and 47% believe it will increase productivity. In the field of HR, the integration of AI has emerged as a transformative force. AI technologies have the potential to revolutionize HR processes, enabling organizations to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and elevate employee experiences. While change can be daunting, AI tools offer several key benefits to HR departments, streamlining their workflows and supporting improved decision-making, resulting in benefits such as increased efficiency, reduced costs and better decision-making.
Speaker to be announced shortly
11:15 – 12:15
Leadership Workshop Discussions
Attendees will take their pick from our expert led sessions which will be announced shortly
12:15 – 13:15
Networking Lunch
13:15 – 13:30
Breathe with Yvonne
Yvonne Melina
Founder, Energiser
13.30 - 14.00
Shifting From “Work Life Balance” to Human Capacity for Workforce Sustainability
How are research and trends shifting from “work life balance” towards a focus on human capacity? What does this shift mean for Canadian employers in terms of long-term workforce outcomes and performance? How can HR leaders and Workplace Wellbeing SMEs shape conditions for sustainable work and healthy, engaged employees? What is the path forward for strengthening work design and culture in ways that address systemic barriers and embed practices for sustained engagement and contribution?
Katie Bobra
HR Workplace Wellbeing Consultant, City of Calgary
Mae Kroeis
HR Workplace Wellbeing Consultant, City of Calgary
14:00 – 14:45
Panel: Designing Wellbeing With Equity in Mind
How do you deliver wellbeing that truly works across hybrid, multi-generational and neurodiverse workforces? Why are some wellbeing strategies failing to land with today’s workforce? Where are the biggest gaps in equitable wellbeing outcomes—and what will it take to close them? How must wellbeing evolve to respond to the uneven impact of AI, automation, and shifting workloads?
Kerilee Snatenchuk
Director of People and Culture, ATB Financial
Shahzia Noorally
Program Manager – Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, ENMAX
Geordie MacPherson
Senior Director, Human Resources, Tsuut’ina Nation
Leah Becker
Vice President, Human Resources, Tundra Oil & Gas
Katie Taylor
Director and Head of Human Resources, Canada, Wipro
14:45 - 15:10
Networking Break
15:10 - 15:35
Increasing Access to Harm Reduction Services for Those working in the Construction Industry
Lorne Sobczyk
Tailgate Toolkit Program Manager, Calgary Construction Association
15:35 – 16:10
Panel: Supporting the Construction, Trades, Transport and Associated Industries
The panel will discuss promoting initiatives that foster well-being, adaptability, inclusivity, family-friendly and strength within the workforce, ensuring that the construction industries remain resilient in the face of evolving demands. What can be done to really that help people feel seen, heard, and valued in industries traditionally rooted in toughness and resilience? Going beyond physical safety – how can industry work together to create workplace cultures that foster all aspects of worker well-being? What are the practical tools available to tackle the stigma associated with mental health, pain avoidance, addiction and depression?
Lorne Sobczyk
Tailgate Toolkit Program Manager, Calgary Construction Association
Darren Lunt
President & CEO, Mental Health Foundation
Alberto Lozano
Principal Project Manager, Rail & Transit, WSP Canada
16:10 – 16:15
Closing Remarks
Chris Cummings
Founder, Sonas Group, Wellbeing at Work
16:15 – 17:30
