One of Canada’s most trusted broadcasters will headline Algonquin College’s 2025 Fall Business & Leadership Conference on Thursday, October 23, at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus. Ron MacLean, host of Hockey Night in Canada on Sportsnet, will deliver a keynote entitled “Leading with Heart and Integrity – A Conversation with Ron MacLean.” Algonquin College Acting Manager of Community and Student Affairs Jodi Bucholtz says that MacLean will pay homage to the late Jamie Bramburger which is sure to be a highlight of the day:
Drawing on more than three decades behind the microphone, MacLean will reflect on ethical choices, pivotal moments, and personal growth that have shaped his career both on and off the air. His keynote will conclude with an open Q&A, offering attendees a rare opportunity to engage directly with one of Canada’s most beloved broadcasters.
The conference will also feature author and workplace strategist Jeff Butler, who will explore how digital innovation and emerging technologies are reshaping both organizations and people. His keynote address, “The Heart of Connection: Unleashing the Power of Human Relationships in a Digital World,” will help leaders and professionals anticipate technological change and prepare for its impacts in the workplace.
In addition to the keynote presentations, conference attendees can choose from a variety of engaging workshops, including:
· The Heart of Connection – Putting the Keynote into Action with Jeff Butler.
· Creating Work Environments for Humans to be Humans with Donald Pardy, Human Performance Officer at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories.
· How to Effectively Integrate AI into Your Workplace with Matthew Neadow, Acting Chair of the Business, Technology and Outdoor Training Department at Algonquin College.
· Behind the Lens: Building a Business with Vision with Crystal Martin and Matt LeMay, co-founders of Indigenous Geographic.
· When Work and Life Collide: Off-Duty Misconduct and Inflammatory Social Media Behaviour with Quinn Brown and George Vuicic of Hicks Morley.
“This conference continues to bring world-class speakers and practical workshops to our region,” says Bucholtz. “Our vision has always been to provide big-city professional development opportunities at an affordable cost right here in Renfrew County, and we are thrilled to welcome Ron MacLean, Jeff Butler, and so many outstanding workshop leaders this year.”
The Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is the Title Sponsor, as well as Hicks Morley – Labour and Employment Law Firm, Algonquin College Community Employment Services – Pembroke & Eganville, and Labour Market Group of Renfrew & Lanark, Workshop Sponsors. Jodi explains how to sign up:
Early bird registration is available until September 30, 2025. After that date, the cost will be $300 plus tax and fees. many companies will opt to send multiple employees to the event, so here’s a way to save a few bucks if that’s the case:
More information on the conference can be found on the college website at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke/business-conference/
(Richard Evans)
