Speakers

Opening Keynote

Dan Riskin 
Biologist | Science Journalist | Author | Television Host

A renowned evolutionary biologist, award-winning television presenter, and bestselling author, Dan Riskin has been making science accessible, engaging, and fun for more than a decade. Whether he’s inspiring viewers as the co-host of Discovery Canada's flagship science program, Daily Planet; terrifying them as the host of Animal Planet's docu-horror show, Monsters Inside Me; or covering the latest news as CTV's Science and Technology Specialist, Riskin's passion and curiosity have made him an unparalleled source of science inspiration for all.

Riskin doesn’t just talk science – he lives it. A world-renowned expert on bat biomechanics, Riskin earned his PhD from Cornell University and conducted research at Brown University before stepping away from a faculty position to focus on science outreach. Today, Riskin appears on television and radio more than a dozen times each week, except when he’s leading wildlife tours in far-flung places like Borneo, the Amazon, or the Galapagos Islands. He’s often featured on CP24 and CTV National News, and has hosted documentaries for National Geographic, The Science Channel, CBC, W5, and more.

Renowned for his infectious humour and charismatic presence, Riskin has been interviewed about science by Anderson Cooper, Gayle King, Lisa LaFlamme, Don Lemon, Jay Leno, Charlie Rose, Peter Sagal, and many others. Craig Ferguson, who had Riskin as a guest on The Late Late Show eight times, once called him "my favourite scientist.” Riskin is also the author of two bestselling books, Mother Nature is Trying to Kill You and the beloved children’s book, Fiona the Fruit Bat. He also publishes a popular science newsletter, The Bat Signal.

By stoking a childlike passion, Riskin gives audiences so much more than scientific “wow” facts. His keynotes, like his television shows, help individuals see their own curiosity in a new light, pursue their interests with more vigour, and tap into a deeper sense of inspiration. He will spark your audience's passions, leaving them invigorated to embark on their own journeys of exploration and discovery.

Closing Keynote

Jessica Janzen
Mindset Coach | Keynote Speaker | Author of Bring the Joy

When teams face burnout, change fatigue, and diminishing engagement, Jessica Janzen delivers the spark they need. She is an in-demand motivational speaker, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and expert in resiliency whose high energy keynotes unlock a clear pathway from adversity to achievement. She empowers audiences to shift from a problem to a possibility mindset, making her an essential voice for navigating today's challenging business landscape. Janzen doesn't just inspire — she equips audiences with actionable strategies to re-wire their thinking, get curious, and bring on the joy.

An entrepreneur and a fierce advocate for mental health, rare disease, and all things joy, Janzen co-founded The Love for Lewiston Foundation in 2017, which has raised over $3 million for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) research and medical care. It was also pivotal in implementing newborn screening for SMA in Alberta. Her foundation continues to support the Alberta Children's Hospital today.

Janzen’s contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards,
including being named one of Calgary's “Top 40 Under 40”. She is the bestselling author of Bring the Joy, which encourages readers to reconnect with themselves and find joy even during the most difficult times. It draws from her personal mental health journey through love, life, and loss.

From growing up on a family farm to now speaking on global stages, Janzen brings both heart and business acumen to every engagement. Her infectious enthusiasm and straight-talking approach create immediate connection as she guides audiences through her blueprint for resilience. Audiences leave with proven strategies to thrive in uncertainty and adversity and create lasting and meaningful change in both their personal and professional lives.

Session Speakers

Sharon Anderson
Sharon Anderson
U of A, Department of Family Medicine
Caregiver-Centered Care Research Program Lead
Caitlin Downie
Caitlin Downie
Social Impact Research & Consulting
Principal Consultant
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Mohamed Elsaghir
C5
Executive Director
Elaine Flores
Elaine Flores
Rural Development Network
Darrel Gregory
Darrel Gregory
Caregivers Alberta
Executive Director
Emilia Grindlay
Emilia Grindlay
Alberta Recreation & Parks Association
Program Officer
Allonna Harker
Allonna Harker
Alberta Family Wellness Initiative/ Palix Foundation
Scientific Director
Soheila Homayed
Soheila Homayed
Rural Development Network
Program Manager, Rural Immigration
Kimberly Kueber
Kimberly Kueber
Consultant
Bonnie Lakusta
Bonnie Lakusta
Three Hive
Kayla MacIntosh
Kayla MacIntosh
Alberta Recreation & Parks Association
Program Officer
Alissa McDonald
Alissa McDonald
Town of Sylvan Lake
Director of Wellness and Community Connections
Wanda McGinnis
Wanda McGinnis
Big Hill Haven
Kianna Mora Game
Kianna Mora Game
Town of Sylvan Lake
Digital Content Coordinator - Wellness & Community Connections Department
Karen Mottershead
Karen Mottershead
C5
Executive Director, Terra Centre for Teen Parents
Noella O'Connor-McGeough
Noella O'Connor-McGeough
CCASA
Sexual Violence Educator and Trainer
Jasneet Parmar
Jasneet Parmar
U of A Family Medicine, Caregivers Alberta
Lucas Plamondon
Lucas Plamondon
U of A Family Medicine, Caregivers Alberta
Guy Prince
Guy Prince
The City of Calgary
Ash Ronnell
Ash Ronnell
The City of Calgary
Issue Strategist
Ashmita Singh
Ashmita Singh
University of Alberta
Linette Soldan
Linette Soldan
Rowan House
Megan Strickfaden
Megan Strickfaden
University of Alberta
Lana Wells
Lana Wells
University of Calgary
Cheryl Whiskeyjack
Cheryl Whiskeyjack
C5
Executive Director/ Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
Bob Wyatt
Bob Wyatt
Muttart Foundation
Executive Director

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