Upcoming Events
DARE TO COMPETE CONFERENCE 2024
Keynotes:
Featuring two tech industry titans:
Presentations & Exhibitor Roadshow:
Attendees will have an immersive, interactive experience. First, hear engaging presentations from industry experts, thought leaders, and practitioners of operational excellence. Next, connect with service providers who offer solutions to enhance manufacturing processes. These sessions will showcase real-world examples of technology adoption, best practices, and success stories. From automation to IoT, attendees can explore a wide range of technologies that can drive efficiency and competitiveness.
KEYNOTES
Gerry Price, Ph.D., P.Eng., FCAE
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PRICE
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Gerry holds B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics. In 1977, Gerry joined E.H. Price Limited (now Price Industries Limited) and became President in 1986. He laid the foundation for Price’s expansion into the US market, and over the course of his career has launched many new product lines, factory expansions and new business units in Canada, the US, Australia & New Zealand. Gerry Price is now Chairman and CEO of the Price Group of Companies.
The Price Group comprises 10 companies with over $1.2 billion in sales, a 10%+ compounded growth rate since 1985. Price operates 26 factories, 7 in Canada, 11 in the US and 8 across Australia and New Zealand, totaling 2.8 million sq. ft. Manufactured products range from HVAC mechanical products to transit windows, aluminum extrusions and other industrial products. Each Price business is a market leader in its category as a result of operating in the “Price Way” – a focus on extreme customer service, operating in a principled way, and investing in new technologies to better serve their customers. The company’s workforce numbers approximately 4,500, with approximately 1,400 in Winnipeg, MB.
Gerry will deliver an inspiring keynote sharing his company’s journey in technology investment and advancement and vision for future success in the manufacturing industry.
Marc Saltzman
Tech Expert and Author
Marc Saltzman is a prolific tech expert driven by a singular mission: translating complex geek speak into everyday street speak! With over 9 years of experience as a freelance journalist, his work graces the pages of more than 20 publications, including USA TODAY, Postmedia, Reader’s Digest, Costco Connection, and Zoomer. As a distinguished author with 17 books under his belt, including the eagerly anticipated “Apple Vision Pro For Dummies,” Marc is a sought-after voice in the tech world. Aside from writing, he also extends his expertise to television, radio, and podcasts.
Marc’s knowledge spans a wide spectrum of tech realms, from consumer electronics and retail trends to interactive entertainment, automotive innovations, business tech, and beyond, all while keeping an eye on the future. He will wow us with his insights on cutting-edge technology trends, workplace innovation, and strategies for staying competitive in the manufacturing sector.
Marc will also be our emcee for the day; so be ready for a total tech experience!
"Tech out" these sessions
The Digital Payoff: Navigating the ROI Landscape
Join our panel discussion where we’ll unravel the mysteries of tech investment returns. We have got the industry’s best, ready to talk tech on how to squeeze every drop of ROI from your tech ventures. Discover the digital advantages of assessing technology adoption, and gain a deeper understanding of how forward-thinking tech investments influence and drive revenue.
Expert: Chad Friesen
CEO of Friesens Corporation
Chad Friesen is the CEO of Friesens Corporation, an employee-owned company that helps people share their best story with the world through the power of print. They serve the trade book, yearbook, packaging, and self-publishing markets.
The company has been in business for 117 years based in Altona, MB (pop. 4,600). Operating in a small community has tremendous benefits, but also poses some significant challenges. One of those challenges is an acute shortage of available workers. Friesens overcomes this challenge through the development and deployment of automation from robotics to data workflow automation.
Expert: Leslie Galbraith
VP – Finance at Argus Industries and TerraCab Industries
Leslie has been a member of the Argus/TerraCab team for 26 years. Argus, a gasket and seal manufacturer since 1962, serves the aerospace and industrial markets, while TerraCab produces industrial cabs for mining, agriculture, and turf vehicles.
As a typical SME Financial Officer, Leslie handles multiple roles beyond finance, including IT, and collaborates with the executive team on strategic planning, disaster recovery, and risk management. She has served as Secretary-Treasurer on the Manitoba Aerospace Board for over 20 years and is active in the Manufacturers Finance Executive Council (MFEC).
Expert: Kelly Fournel
CEO – Tech Manitoba
Kelly Fournel is the CEO of Tech Manitoba, the province’s tech industry association that represents its leading innovative and tech-driven organizations. With a tech career spanning nearly two decades, Kelly has consistently demonstrated a passion for driving successful transformations within organizations, enabling them to achieve their strategic goals so that they may realize their desired impact.
In addition to her role at Tech Manitoba, Kelly serves on the Board of Directors for the Winnipeg Airports Authority and the board of the local start-up Anthella. Her leadership and commitment to fostering growth in the tech community are evident in her various contributions.
The SCADA Effect: Manual Human Labor in the Digital World
Step right up and be part of the excitement at the Dare to Compete Conference! This session is all about Digital Performance Measurement of Manual Human Labour. Jump into the world of SCADA, our innovative platform, and uncover how it unleashes the power within your employees to flag part shortages and create network dashboards. Keep your finger on the pulse of real-time performance metrics, fine-tune processes, and rev up efficiency like never before!
Expert: Ian Abbott
Manufacturing Engineering Leader – Technology at MacDon Industries
After completing his degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan in 2017, Ian Abbott embarked on a professional journey at MacDon Industries. Initially, he honed his skills within the Current Products Design Engineering team, engaging with products, customers, and production processes.
Ian’s path recently led him to the Manufacturing Engineering division, where he now leads a team focused on leveraging technology to support and advance MacDon’s manufacturing capabilities.
Empowering Tomorrow: Unleashing Cobots for a Smarter Future
Get ready to dive in and discover how our innovative cobot implementation transformed manual sealant applications. From overcoming technical challenges to celebrating success, It’s not just a presentation, it’s a journey packed with inspiration and insights.
Expert: Chris Frederickson
Production Manager at Loewen
Chris grew up and continues to call Landmark, MB his home. His journey began at Loewen in 1998, where he gained experience across different production departments. Following this, he pursued further education at Red River College.
Over the past 15 years, Chris has been actively engaged in several continuous improvement projects, showcasing his dedication to improving processes. His expertise has led to leadership roles within both the Motorcoach and Window and Door sectors.
Expert: James Gunning
Manager, Engineering at Loewen
Born and raised in Winnipeg, James holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He is also a registered professional engineer with Engineers and Geoscientists Manitoba and a fellow with Engineers Canada.
Over his 35-year career in manufacturing, James began with copper and fiber optic communications cables, then moved on to PVC windows, the steel service industry, gypsum board manufacturing, and Crown Royal Whiskey. He is currently involved in the production of architectural windows and doors at Loewen.
Automating Business Process: Revolutionize Your Organization
We’ll start things off with an exciting exploration of how automation technologies can revolutionize business processes! Then, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of identifying which processes are perfect for automation and sharing successful implementation stories.
Expert: Murray Krawchuk
Automation CoE Lead at MPI
Bringing over 27 years of expertise in Manitoba’s IT industry, Murray has held many diverse positions, primarily with Manitoba Public Insurance. His professional journey spans roles ranging from an IT service desk professional, a developer, a senior database administrator, and an IT process management specialist.
His recent position as lead for the Automation Centre of Excellence and now manager of Automation and Integration Services allows him to explore automation technologies and enhance work processes.
Safeguarding Audits : Learn all about user-friendly apps to stay compliant
Discover how technology can enhance safety at the Dare to Compete- Tech it Out Conference! Learn about user-friendly apps and how to use them for safeguarding audits that will keep your organization compliant. We’ll also explore practical tips, real-world examples, and expert insights to help you elevate safety practices within your organization.
Expert: Marianne Montilla
Occupational Health and Safety Professional at Monarch Industries
Marianne brings over a decade of expertise as an Occupational Health and Safety Professional, specializing in the development and implementation of OHS programs within the manufacturing sector across diverse international settings. She consistently places employee well-being at the forefront, while also effectively managing risks and enhancing production efficiency, showcasing a proven commitment to both employee welfare and productivity.
Currently based in Winnipeg, Marianne is driven by her passion for integrating health, safety, and environmental practices for sustainable business success.
Farming Smarter, Not Harder : Innovative tools for farm management
Unlock the potential of technology in large-scale farming with Sunnybrook Swine’s cutting-edge methods. This session will jump into PigFlow and PigKnows, tools that not only enhance animal welfare but also boost operational efficiency. Additionally, we’ll showcase the Gestal Electronic Feeding System and Bin Scales, demonstrating how precise feeding and inventory management can lead to a leaner, more profitable manufacturing process.
Expert: Corey Bosko
Production Manager and Compliance Specialist at The Progressive Group of Companies Inc
Corey’s roots lie in the heart of Saskatchewan, where she was raised on a grain and commercial beef farm. Graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in Animal Science in 2002, she decided to journey to Manitoba the following year, showing an keen interest in the pork sector.
Since joining The Progressive Group in 2008, Corey has worn many hats, serving as a technician, supervisor, manager, production manager, compliance specialist, CPE trainer, and validator. She plays a vital role, offering extensive support in production, technical aspects, program implementation, and audit procedures.
*Schedule and sessions subject to change.
Exhibitor Roadshow
Industry presentations, and the Exhibitor Roadshow service providers with whom you can partner, will supercharge your learning and provide actionable solutions and tools to ignite your tech journey.
Topics of focus will be geared around the nine key technologies that make up the foundation of Industry 4.0 while diving into the dollars and cents for Manitoba manufacturers.
Additive Manufacturing
Augmented Reality
Industrial Internet
ERP/MRP Systems
Simulation and Modelling
Big Data, Analytics & Machine Learning
Robotics / Automation
Cloud / Fog Computing
Cybersecurity
SCHEDULE
| 8:00 | Registration / Networking |
| 8:30 | Opening Greetings |
| 8:40 | KEYNOTE: Gerry Price, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Price |
| 9:30 | Safeguarding Audits, Marianne Montilla, Monarch |
| 10:00 | Networking Break & Exhibits |
| 10:30 | The Digital Payoff: Evaluating Technology Adoption Gains – Panel Discussion |
| 11:20 | Revolutionize Labor Efficiency with SCADA, Ian Abbott, Macdon |
| 12:00 | Lunch & Networking |
| 1:00 | Farming Smarter, Not Harder : Innovative Tools for Farm Management, Corey Bosko, Sunnybrook Swine/The Progressive Group |
| 1:30 | From Manual to Automated: Revolutionizing Business Processes, Murray Krawchuk, MPI |
| 2:00 | Networking Break & Exhibits |
| 2:30 | Empowering Tomorrow: Unleashing Cobots for a Smarter Future, Chris Frederickson, James Gunning, Loewen |
| 3:00 | KEYNOTE: Marc Saltzman, Author and Tech Expert |
| 4:00 | Closing Remarks & Prizes & Networking Reception |
| *Schedule and sessions are subject to change. | |
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations received in writing to jennifer.ioannou@cme-mec.ca by May 21, 2024 will be refunded 100 per cent of the registration fee. Cancellations received after May 21 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.
Overview
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.
This year, we’re putting the spotlight on technology:
Step into a world where innovation meets practicality. Join us for an event that brings to life the stories of manufacturers who have changed their industries with technology. Experience the Exhibitor Roadshow, where service providers demonstrate how they’ve helped integrate these technologies seamlessly. It’s a unique blend of inspiration and real-world application, perfect for those eager to learn from the tech leaders and the teams that support them.
Connect, discover, and be inspired by the future of tech in action.
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:
Richard Harzing
Marketing Coordinator, CME
Richard.Harzing@cme-mec.ca
DARE TO COMPETE (CONFERENCE SPONSOR*)
PLATINUM | $5,000
• Premium logo recognition in all advertising and marketing collateral, including website
• Logo recognition on day-of signage
• Premium logo recognition and full-page advertisement in printed conference program
• Access to attendee list (company only) 48 hours in advance
• Podium introduction opportunity
• Exhibit booth (10X10)
• Four all access delegate registration badges
GOLD | $3,500
• Logo recognition in all advertising and marketing collateral, including website
• Logo recognition on day-of signage
• Half-page advertisement in printed conference program.
• Exhibit booth (10X10)
• Two all access delegate registration badges
SILVER | $1,500
• Logo recognition in printed conference program.
• Logo recognition on day-of-signage.
• 1 all access delegate registration badge.
EXHIBITOR BOOTH ONLY | $1,000
• Exhibit booth (10X10)
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
