Upcoming Events
DARE TO COMPETE CONFERENCE 2023

Overview
Supercharge your professional development and accelerate your learning in 2023. As the largest annual event of its kind on the prairies, the Dare to Compete Conference is a can’t-miss opportunity for the manufacturing community to come together, learn from experts, thought leaders and practitioners of operational excellence.
KEYNOTES - VIEW AVAILABLE PRESENTATIONS
HIDDEN POTENTIAL: OPENING DOORS TO THE INDIGENOUS WORKFORCE
VIEW THE INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT ROADMAP
Labour shortages are on every manufacturers’ mind. But opening doors to indigenous talent is more than posting help wanted. How can manufacturers recruit or identify and develop Indigenous talent? Join CME and Jamie Wilson as we unveil practical solutions and actions and CME’s manufacturing plan to engage an Indigenous workforce, which builds on current successes.
What’s more, Jamie will explore the concept of ‘We Are All Treaty People’ and bridge into a discussion about what contemporary hiring, recruitment and engagement best practice look like from a business perspective. This session will also give manufacturers important insights that could help both hire First Nations individuals and work with First Nations Communities to ensure strong working relationships and social awareness.
JAMIE WILSON
Former Deputy Minister & Treaty Commissioner for Manitoba
HERE & NOW: ACCELERATING ADVANCED MANUFACTURING ADOPTION
As competition heats up (yet again) – and manufacturers juggle inflation, supply chain, labour and skills shortages and more – technology is rapidly becoming a key part of the solution for manufacturers of every shape and size. From cobots to sensors to automation to IoT and everything industry 4.0 in between, more manufacturers than ever are turning to advance manufacturing technologies to help them compete. But the path forward isn’t linear and there are potential pitfalls along the way. CME national board member and General Manager, Automation Products for ATS Automation, Simon Drexler’s keynote will address everything a prairie manufacturer needs to know on their technology adoption journey.
From SME success stories, to cautionary tales that will help you navigate potential pitfalls, to best practices that can be adopted by manufacturers across the board, Simon will share insights and hard-won knowledge from decades of experience. He’ll provide solutions to barriers that many manufacturers are facing today, from competition for talent, to operator upskilling, to choosing the right integrator for short-term success and long-term profitability.
SIMON DREXLER
P.Eng, MBA – General Manager, APG
CANADA’S COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
Advanced technologies can provide manufacturers with capabilities that will allow them to improve productivity, cut costs, increase the agility of their business, and develop new services for their customers. Canada’s competitive advantage in advanced manufacturing will not be built on technology alone, but also on the ability of companies to identify strategic business opportunities and access the skills required for successful implementation.
JAY MYERS
Chief Executive Officer of Next Generation Manufacturing Canada
INTRODUCTION: MANUFACTURING THE FUTURE
Manufacturing is the engine for growth that will drive Canada’s next 150 years. But while the sector emerged relatively unscathed from the pandemic, there are clouds on the horizon. From protectionism to labour shortages to supply chain to declining investments and increasing regulatory burdens, how can manufacturers weather the storm? Join us for a snapshot into Canada’s economic outlook and business competitiveness.
MATHEW WILSON
Senior Vice President, CME
WORKSHOPS - VIEW AVAILABLE PRESENTATIONS
*Schedule and sessions subject to change.
MAKING ESG WORK FOR MANUFACTURERS
Environmental, Social, and Governance are the non-financial factors businesses measure when measuring risk or growth opportunities. So – where to start? What do employers need to know, and how can you separate the buzz from the business need? And how do we begin when the starting line is different for everyone, especially for SMEs. This session will:
- Describe the fundamental elements of an ESG strategy
- Discuss the financial business case internally and for other stakeholders
- Provide an assessment roadmap and KPIs to help you get started
NEAL CURRY
Executive Director, Made Safe
Neal has more than 40 years manufacturing experience. He has provided leadership in executive positions in small, medium and large companies in both union and non-union environments.
Neal has been continuously contributing to safety networking in Manitoba as past Chair of CME Safety & Health Committee and member of the Ministers Advisory Council for Workplace Safety & Health. He is currently on the Worker’s Compensation Board of Manitoba Prevention Committee and serves as the Chair of the Industry Based Safety Program Council.
SUPPLY CHAIN: FORECASTING THE FUTURE
Is yet another supply chain ‘butterfly effect’ around the corner? Will a pandemic outbreak in one corner of the world impact product availability in another? When every process is in flux, how do you plan with certainty in an uncertain climate? From Buy America to Re-shoring to Dual sourcing, join us for this session to learn more about emerging best practices and real-world insights. Participants will:
- Discover how to focus on the right supply chain elements and make critical adjustments on the fly
- Learn strategies to reduce the risk of securing material and parts in a timely and cost-effective manner
- Identify supply chain barriers and issues that can lead to unexpected delays and price increases and how to prevent them
PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
As the health and safety climate evolves, emerging trends and new legislative regulations means stronger stewardship requirements for industry. Is mental health the new ergonomics? Can costs be controlled? Are companies that lead the way able to retain and recruit more effectively? Join us to hear more about this emerging trend.
NATHAN RASMUSSEN
Safety Trainer, Made Safe
Nathan Rasmussen has worked in the manufacturing industry for 21 years, gaining experience in Foundries, Sheet Metal and Millwork. In his manufacturing career, Nathan has spent 16 years as a Safety Professional, 11 years in disability management and 6 years in safety-specific training roles.
CANADA'S IMMIGRATION ADVANTAGE: PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS
Canada’s economic immigration programs don’t just help meet labour market needs; they help attract and retain global talent, which is a competitive advantage for Canadian employers. Newcomers’ skills and expertise create professional development opportunities for Canadians, and help companies tap into new markets. A diverse workforce which includes newcomers can increase competitiveness and drive innovation.
This information session will provide an overview of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Canada’s economic immigration programs and resources for employers looking to hire and retain foreign workers from within Canada and abroad:
- Find out more about hiring temporary foreign workers and the work permit process.
- Learn about hiring international students and how to retain them after they graduate.
- Connect with resources to help find skilled workers faster.
BRIGITTE DORGE
Outreach Officer, Domestic Network
Immigration
Refugees and Citizenship Canada / Government of Canada
MARK MYROWICH
CEO & Founder,
ECB Verdyol and Myrowich Staffing Agency
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
At Dimatec, we believe that drilling and crushing through hard rock to access earth’s valuable resources is an exciting and important challenge. We serve our drilling and mining partners to accomplish this with the diamond metal matrix products we manufacture. Our commitment to invest in improving the quality and cost efficiency of delivering our product to a competitive global market has led us to the value of automation with robotics.
Please join us as we share some steps of our journey integrating an advanced PLC system, robotic arm, two furnaces with associated presses in a critical manufacturing cell. Through this journey we will also share how we benefitted from the investment in technology and the LEAN insights we gained on maximizing product flow and environmental sustainability gains that reduced our costs of manufacturing and environmental impact of our work.
Moderated by DARYL PERRY
President & CEO, MD. MBA
Daryl is merging his medical and administration training with his fascination of manufacturing with metal powders and diamonds. Investing in the challenge of building teams and growing a second generation family owned manufacturing company is a privilege he does not take for granted. Along with the people of Dimatec, Daryl is guided by values of building trust, striving for excellence and maintaining with care.
On the Panel
AMIN GHANBAR
MSc. P. Eng eligible
Manufacturing Engineer and Programming Supervisor
Amin is passionate about figuring out how machines and technology work and can work better. Never afraid to take a manual home and read it cover to cover in order to learn how to use a program, or solve a problem, Amin cares about helping people work smarter and more efficiently.
ARJUN THAMMAIAH
PhD. P. Eng
Material Scientist and Engineer
Arjun is a deep thinker who takes the time to process all of the metallurgical implications of an opportunity for improvement without compromising material quality or performance. Often reverting to the scientific method or a root cause analysis methodology Arjun is energized by working with others to improve how we make our products and server our customers.
WORKFORCE EVOLUTION AND HOW TO ADAPT
While traditional benefits like health coverage and pension once wooed workers into staying at a company for decades, a new era of challenges and workers has turned this idea on its head. To stay competitive in the hiring market, companies must adapt to modern employment best practices – including brushing up on what workers want and how to respond.
Hear from our panel of experts representing world-class manufacturing, innovation, trades and education, and moderated by an Executive & Professional Recruitment Consultant, as we explore what is needed to keep our industry at the forefront of employee recruitment and retention.
Moderated by RHAE REDEKOP
SR Recruitment Consultant
Engineering & Technology, Pinnacle
On the Panel
SHYLYTE BLOODWORTH
A/P Program Manager, Electrical, Mechanical and Manufacturing, RRC Polytech
KATHLEEN GARNEY
General Manager, Boeing Winnipeg
PHILLIP VALLELLY
Director of People and Culture, Triple E RV
PROBLEM SOLVING SUPPLY CHAIN (AND MORE!)
As supply chain challenges remain increasingly unpredictable, it’s more important than ever to have an army of problem solvers on the front lines. Join us and learn how to extend Lean problem solving methodologies beyond the shop floor into procurement, purchasing and other departments most impacted by supply challenges.
JIM NEIRINCK
President, JCN Enterprises, & CME Advisor
Jim Neirinck has over 30 years operational experience, with the first 20 years spent in the aerospace industry in engineering, project management and manufacturing operations. Over the last 15 years Jim has held senior executive leadership roles driving operational excellence and lean transformations in the environmental products industry, semi-custom cabinet manufacturing industry, and custom window and door manufacturing industry.
LEADING EXHAUSTED TEAMS
We are living under conditions that require a new set of skills for coping with daily stress and uncertainty. On this shifting landscape there is an opportunity for leaders to shine, teams to build capacity and for individuals to build resilience. Join a conversation that will transform the way you lead your life personally and professionally. It’s a time to build connection, community and strategies for skillful navigation together, because we were never meant to do it alone.
DR. MEAGHEN JOHNSTON
RSW, MSW, Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator
Meaghen Johnston is a Registered Social Worker and Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator. She has a PhD in Social Work and over 25 years experience supporting individuals, organizations and teams. Meaghen works from a humanistic and strength based perspective with a focused effort on building capacity at the individual, group, and community level. Being intentional, skillful and kind are the orienting principles that allow her to build relationships and map a pathway towards connection and wellness.
THE TECHNOLOGY CURVE: PRACTICAL INSIGHTS FOR LEADERS AT ALL LEVELS
In high profile sectors, manufacturers are leading the adoption of technology and investment with carbon neutral facilities, zero-emission vehicles, high-quality protein and life-saving pharmaceuticals. But beyond the headlines, a surprising number of manufacturers just down the street have also dipped their toes into technology to streamline supply chains, address labour shortages and enhance productivity. Join us for a moderated panel on advanced manufacturing that dives beyond the headlines. Panelist will discuss:
• Enterprise culture and strategies to encourage staff at all levels to lean into change and technology
• Promoting effective partnerships between small, large firms and educational institutions
• How advanced manufacturing can be applied to small batch and custom production
Moderated by RON KOSLOWSKY
Divisional Vice President, CME Manitoba
On the Panel
JAY MYERS
Chief Executive Officer of Next Generation Manufacturing Canada
SIMON DREXLER
P.Eng, MBA – General Manager, APG
MATHEW WILSON
Senior Vice President, CME
SCHEDULE
7:15 |
Registration & Coffee | ||
8:00 |
Opening Greetings & Kick Off |
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8:15 |
KEYNOTE: Here & Now: Accelerating Advanced Manufacturing Adoption Simon Drexler, General Manager, Automation Products for ATS Automation |
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9:15 |
Workshops:
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Environmental Sustainability Through Advanced Manufacturing | Problem Solving Supply Chain (and More!) | Canada’s Immigration Advantage: Programs and Resources for Employers | |
10:15 |
Networking Break – Corporate Displays |
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10:45 |
Workshops: |
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Making ESG Work fo Manufacturers | Supply Chain: Forecasting the Future | Leading Exhausted Teams | |
12:30 |
Networking & Lunch |
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1:00 |
KEYNOTE: Manufacturing Canada’s Future Mathew Wilson, SVP, CME / Jayson Myers, Chief Executive Officer, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada |
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Networking Break – Corporate Displays
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2:15 | Workshops:
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The Technology Curve: Practical Insights For Leaders At All Levels |
Psychological Health and Safety | Workforce Evolution and How to Adapt | |
3:15 |
KEYNOTE: Hidden Potential: Opening Doors to the Indigenous Workforce Jamie Wilson, Former Deputy Minister & Treaty Commissioner for Manitoba |
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4:00 |
Networking Reception |
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*Schedule and sessions are subject to change. |
Rules and restrictions at public gatherings are determined by Manitoba Public Health officials and are subject to change and/or removal. See below for updated information regarding our vaccination policy.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations received in writing to jennifer.ioannou@cme-mec.ca by March 7, 2023 will be refunded 100 per cent of the registration fee. Cancellations received after March 7 are eligible for a 50 per cent refund OR 100 per cent credit for future CME events (when participants are not able to attend due to illness or self-isolation). Registrations are fully transferable and substitutions may be made at any time.
READ MORE
Effective March 15, 2022 – Event Facilities and COVID-19
Event Facility – The RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg: Please be advised that in accordance with Manitoba Provincial Health guidelines, face masks and proof of vaccination are not required to enter any event space at the Centre.
Rules and restrictions at public gatherings are determined by Manitoba Public Health officials. As such the Centre reserves the right to change or modify rules and regulations associated with these gatherings.
Updated: March 15, 2022
READ MORE
Information regarding: Travel to and from Manitoba
Information regarding: COVID-19 vaccinated travellers entering Canada – Travel restrictions in Canada – Travel.gc.ca
GREETINGS FROM THE PROVINCE
On behalf of all Manitobans, I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to all those attending the 2023 Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Manitoba Dare to Compete Conference and Gala Awards Dinner.
For 150 years, the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters have been working with thousands of manufacturers to grow their businesses. Their work has helped create a thriving Manitoba economy, with record manufacturing and export growth over he last two years. Manitoba’s manufacturing sector now employs nearly 67,000 Manitobans and contributes 10 per cent to our GDP, supporting the dreams of families throughout our province.
With over 300 delegates attending, Dare to Compete is the largest manufacturing conference in Western Canada and a tremendous opportunity for collaboration and professional development. It is also an opportunity to celebrate success, and I extend my congratulations to Manitoba’s leading manufacturers and exporters as they receive well-deserved awards for their achievements.
Hosting this conference and awards dinner requires careful planning from a group of dedicated staff and volunteers. I join our fellow Manitobans in expressing my sincere appreciation to the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Manitoba for hosting this year’s celebration, and I thank them for everything they do for our province.
SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES
Dare to Compete is the province’s premier showcase for industrial innovation, ingenuity and entrepreneurial excellence. Partners and sponsors play a significant role in the delivery and receive exclusive recognition benefits at this CME premier event, for which hundreds of registrations are processed each year.
INTERESTED IN A SPONSORSHIP OR EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITY?
Please contact:
Chelsea Perrault
Member Relations Coordinator, CME
Chelsea.Perrault@cme-mec.ca
DARE TO COMPETE (CONFERENCE SPONSOR*)
PLATINUM | $5,000
• Premium logo recognition in all advertising and marketing collateral, including website
• Premium logo recognition throughout the conference
• Podium introduction opportunity
• Exhibit booth (10X10)
• Four all access delegate registrations
GOLD | $2,500
• Logo recognition in all advertising and marketing collateral, including website
• Logo recognition throughout the conference
• Exhibit booth (10X10)
• Two all access delegate registrations
SILVER | $1,500
Logo recognition throughout the conference
• One all access delegate registration
EXHIBITOR BOOTH ONLY | $1,000
• Exhibit booth (10X10)
GLOBAL PARTNERS

GOLD SPONSORS
