Registration at the Air Canada Welcome Desk • Sutton Place Hotel Lobby
Opening Reception presented by MNP LLP

The Cable Wharf 1751 Lower Water Street, Halifax

**Conference registration is available at The Cable Wharf from 7p - 8:30p**

Continental Breakfast presented by Emera
Welcome to Breakfast
Karen Hutt
  • Karen Hutt (EVP Strategy and Business Development at Emera Inc.)

    Karen Hutt

    EVP Strategy and Business Development at Emera Inc.
National AGM
Opening Remarks and Plenary
Elder Ann LaBillois•Alice Aiken•Christine Chambers•Catherine A. Décarie•The Honourable Wanda Thomas Bernard
  • Elder Ann LaBillois (Elder in Residence at Dalhousie University)

    Elder Ann LaBillois

    Elder in Residence at Dalhousie University
  • Alice Aiken (Dr / Vice President Research and Innovation; Co-Chair, Canada Connects Conference at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada)

    Alice Aiken

    Dr / Vice President Research and Innovation; Co-Chair, Canada Connects Conference at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
  • Christine Chambers (Professor and Scientific Director; Co-Chair, Canada Connects Conference of Dalhousie University)

    Christine Chambers

    Professor and Scientific Director; Co-Chair, Canada Connects Conference of Dalhousie University
  • Catherine A. Décarie (President at International Women's Forum of Canada)

    Catherine A. Décarie

    President at International Women's Forum of Canada
  • The Honourable Wanda Thomas Bernard (Senator - Nova Scotia)

    The Honourable Wanda Thomas Bernard

    Senator - Nova Scotia
Innovation and Inspiration in Public Sector Leadership
Joël Dickinson•Karen Oldfield•Miia Suokonautio•Candace Thomas•Jennifer Williams

This panel, featuring distinguished women leaders from Atlantic Canada, will explore how forward-thinking leadership can drive transformative changes across the public sector. Bringing together local trailblazers in public service, it will highlight strategies for fostering creativity, inclusivity, and collaboration to inspire teams and drive meaningful impact. Panelists will share insights from their experiences leading institutions and initiatives in the region, showcasing the distinctive strengths and leadership innovations emerging from Atlantic Canada. The discussion will also explore how women leaders in these fields navigate challenges, break barriers, and shape the future of their sectors, inspiring others toward groundbreaking achievement. We will hear how innovative and inspirational leadership by women is helping to provide affordable housing, improved models of health care, access to post-secondary education and sustainable sources of power.

  • Joël Dickinson (President and Vice-Chancellor at Mount Saint Vincent University)

    Joël Dickinson

    President and Vice-Chancellor at Mount Saint Vincent University
  • Karen Oldfield (Interim President & Chief Executive Officer at Nova Scotia Health)

    Karen Oldfield

    Interim President & Chief Executive Officer at Nova Scotia Health
  • Miia Suokonautio (Executive Director of YWCA Halifax)

    Miia Suokonautio

    Executive Director of YWCA Halifax
  • Candace Thomas (VP Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Nova Scotia Health)

    Candace Thomas

    VP Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Nova Scotia Health
  • Jennifer Williams (President & CEO of Newfoundland Labrador Hydro)

    Jennifer Williams

    President & CEO of Newfoundland Labrador Hydro
Coffee Break
Innovation and Inspiration in the Start up Space
Carolann Harding•Laura Lee Langley•Gabrielle Masone•Emily Smits

This panel, featuring distinguished women entrepreneurs from Atlantic Canada, delves into how entrepreneurs can leverage creativity and bold thinking to disrupt industries and drive success. Bringing together local innovators, it focuses on the challenges and opportunities in building innovative startups while fostering a culture of inspiration and growth. Panelists will share their experiences navigating the startup ecosystem, overcoming barriers, and shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region.

  • Carolann Harding (Chief Executive Officer at SmartICE)

    Carolann Harding

    Chief Executive Officer at SmartICE
  • Laura Lee Langley (President at Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)

    Laura Lee Langley

    President at Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
  • Gabrielle Masone (Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Coloursmith)

    Gabrielle Masone

    Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Coloursmith
  • Emily Smits (CEO of Modest Tree)

    Emily Smits

    CEO of Modest Tree
Mentoring Women in IWF
Lunch and Marketplace
Lunch Presentation • Chat with TD Bank
Catherine A. Décarie•Isabelle Menard
  • Catherine A. Décarie (President at International Women's Forum of Canada)

    Catherine A. Décarie

    President at International Women's Forum of Canada
  • Isabelle Menard (Senior Vice-President, Mid-Market Quebec & Atlantic and Commercial National Accounts (CNA) for Quebec at TD Canadian Business Banking)

    Isabelle Menard

    Senior Vice-President, Mid-Market Quebec & Atlantic and Commercial National Accounts (CNA) for Quebec at TD Canadian Business Banking
Plenary
RAdm Josée Kurtz•Alice Aiken
  • RAdm Josée Kurtz (Rear-Admiral at Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic)

    RAdm Josée Kurtz

    Rear-Admiral at Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic
  • Alice Aiken (Dr / Vice President Research and Innovation; Co-Chair, Canada Connects Conference at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada)

    Alice Aiken

    Dr / Vice President Research and Innovation; Co-Chair, Canada Connects Conference at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
Women Making a Difference Across Sectors presented by Telus
Victoria Belbin•Joyce Carter•Martha Casey•Marie Chapman•Karen Hutt

This panel discussion, featuring influential women leaders from Atlantic Canada, celebrates the impactful contributions of women driving change in various industries. It highlights their unique perspectives, challenges, and strategies for creating lasting social, economic, and cultural transformation. Panelists will share insights from their experiences, showcasing how women leaders in diverse sectors are shaping the future and making a significant impact on their communities and beyond. We will hear from inspirational women in the defense, energy, clean tech, and airport industries about leading and making a difference in non-female dominated sectors.

  • Victoria Belbin (Chief Executive Officer at Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA))

    Victoria Belbin

    Chief Executive Officer at Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA)
  • Joyce Carter (President & Chief Executive Officer at Halifax International Airport Authority)

    Joyce Carter

    President & Chief Executive Officer at Halifax International Airport Authority
  • Martha Casey (Chief Operating Officer at Efficiency One)

    Martha Casey

    Chief Operating Officer at Efficiency One
  • Marie Chapman (Chief Executive Officer at Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21)

    Marie Chapman

    Chief Executive Officer at Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
  • Karen Hutt (EVP Strategy and Business Development at Emera Inc.)

    Karen Hutt

    EVP Strategy and Business Development at Emera Inc.
Coffee Break and Marketplace
Why Do Female Innovators Thrive in Atlantic Canada?
Cathy Bennett•Kathryn Lockhart•Alexandra McCann•Isabelle Menard

The panel discussion, featuring successful women innovators from Atlantic Canada, will explore the unique factors and supportive environments that enable women to lead and excel in innovation and entrepreneurship across the region. It will highlight the roles of community, mentorship, financing, and regional opportunities that foster success for female entrepreneurs and leaders in Atlantic Canada. Panelists will share their personal journeys, offering valuable insights into how women in this region are breaking new ground and driving the start-up economy.

  • Cathy Bennett (Founding and Managing Partner at Sandpiper Ventures)

    Cathy Bennett

    Founding and Managing Partner at Sandpiper Ventures
  • Kathryn Lockhart (Chief Executive Officer at Propel ICT)

    Kathryn Lockhart

    Chief Executive Officer at Propel ICT
  • Alexandra McCann (Executive Director of ONSIDE)

    Alexandra McCann

    Executive Director of ONSIDE
  • Isabelle Menard (Senior Vice-President, Mid-Market Quebec & Atlantic and Commercial National Accounts (CNA) for Quebec at TD Canadian Business Banking)

    Isabelle Menard

    Senior Vice-President, Mid-Market Quebec & Atlantic and Commercial National Accounts (CNA) for Quebec at TD Canadian Business Banking
Reflections from the Junior Poet Laureate
Asiah Sparks•Marion MacKenzie
  • Asiah Sparks (Writer, Storyteller, Facilitator, Spoken Word Artist, and Advocate)

    Asiah Sparks

    Writer, Storyteller, Facilitator, Spoken Word Artist, and Advocate
  • Marion MacKenzie (Chair, IWFC Atlantic Chapter and Practice Lead, Executive Coaching at Royer Thompson)

    Marion MacKenzie

    Chair, IWFC Atlantic Chapter and Practice Lead, Executive Coaching at Royer Thompson
End of Day Remarks
Alice Aiken•Christine Chambers
  • Alice Aiken (Dr / Vice President Research and Innovation; Co-Chair, Canada Connects Conference at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada)

    Alice Aiken

    Dr / Vice President Research and Innovation; Co-Chair, Canada Connects Conference at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
  • Christine Chambers (Professor and Scientific Director; Co-Chair, Canada Connects Conference of Dalhousie University)

    Christine Chambers

    Professor and Scientific Director; Co-Chair, Canada Connects Conference of Dalhousie University
Meet for Dine Arounds
Dine Arounds
Continental Breakfast
Meet for Behind the Scenes
Behind the Scenes Excursions

Join your IWF colleagues for an exclusive, day-long Behind the Scenes tour of Halifax’s most significant historical and cultural sites, including Pier 21 and Africville, with immersive experiences, rich discussions, and a shared lunch to deepen connections and appreciation of the region’s heritage.

Reception

Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle Street, Halifax

30th Anniversary Dinner Gala & Dance

Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle Street, Halifax