- Opening Reception presented by MNP LLP
The Cable Wharf 1751 Lower Water Street, Halifax
- Continental Breakfast presented by Emera
- Annual General Meeting
- Opening Remarks and Plenary
Alice Aiken•Christine Chambers•Catherine A. Décarie•Ann LaBillois•The Honourable Wanda Thomas Bernard•Marion MacKenzie
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
Catherine A. Décarie
President at International Women's Forum of Canada
Ann LaBillois
Elder in Residence at Dalhousie University
The Honourable Wanda Thomas Bernard
Senator - Nova Scotia
Marion MacKenzie
Chair, IWFC Atlantic Chapter and Practice Lead, Executive Coaching at Royer Thompson
- Innovation and Inspiration in Public Sector Leadership
Joël Dickinson•Karen Oldfield•Miia Suokonautio•Candace ThomasThis 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
Karen Oldfield
Interim President & Chief Executive Officer at Nova Scotia Health
Miia Suokonautio
Executive Director of YWCA Halifax
Candace Thomas
VP Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Nova Scotia Health
- Coffee Break and Marketplace
- Innovation and Inspiration in the Start up Space
Carolann Harding•Laura Lee Langley•Gabrielle MasoneThis 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
Laura Lee Langley
President at Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Gabrielle Masone
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Coloursmith
- Lunch and Marketplace
- Plenary
- Women Making a Difference Across Sectors presented by Telus
Victoria Belbin•Joyce Carter•Martha Casey•Marie Chapman•Karen HuttThis 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)
Joyce Carter
President & Chief Executive Officer at Halifax International Airport Authority
Martha Casey
Chief Operating Officer at Efficiency One
Marie Chapman
Chief Executive Officer at Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
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 McCannThe 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
Kathryn Lockhart
Chief Executive Officer at Propel ICT
Alexandra McCann
Executive Director of ONSIDE
- End of Day Remarks
- Meet for Dine Arounds
- Dine Arounds
- Continental Breakfast
- Meet for Behind the Scenes
- Behind the Scenes Excursions
- Reception
Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle Street, Halifax
- 30th Anniversary Dinner Gala & Dance
Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle Street, Halifax