October 21, 2025

 

October 22, 2025

 

 

Click here to register for the conference!

 

We are pleased to have partnered with the Sheraton Cavalier, 612 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon, to host the SARC Fall Conference.

 

Overnight Guests

Please note that when you book accommodations, you will be provided with complimentary parking in the Sheraton parking lot which is located directly behind the hotel. There is also an underground parkade at the Sheraton. Once you arrive and check in, please provide the front desk with your plate number.

Please Note: The parkade directly beside the Sheraton is owned by Avord Towers and locks at 6:00 p.m. nightly. Please avoid this parkade. See the photo below for directions. 

 

Local guests

Local guests not booking accommodations are responsible for parking in either the Sheraton lot, or one of the many other lots downtown, pictured below.

Click here to discover parking lots in downtown Saskatoon.

 

Click here to register for the conference!

2025 Fall Conference Presenters

Ryan Straschnitzki

Ryan’s story is one of resilience, determination, and triumph over adversity. His impact and advocacy extends far beyond his speaking as he as he actively engages with businesses, educational institutions, and community groups to create new awareness and conversations surrounding inclusive spaces, leaving a lasting impression and driving positive change through his unwavering commitment to values and principles.

Ryan Straschnitzki’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance, positivity, and the ability to transform tragedy into a mission for the greater good. A native of Calgary, Alberta, Ryan’s journey into hockey began at the age of four, leading him to pursue his dreams at the Junior A level with the Humboldt Broncos.

His life took a dramatic turn on April 6th, 2018, when a horrific accident involving his team’s bus changed not only his career but his entire outlook on life. Surviving the accident but left with life-altering injuries, Ryan’s unwavering spirit led him to an inspiring path of recovery. Faced with challenges that would break many, his mental fortitude and positive attitude enabled him to overcome physical limitations. His declaration to play sled hockey and aim for gold with Team Canada in para-ice hockey is a testament to his indefatigable will.

Ryan’s experiences have fueled his passion to make a difference in the lives of others. Through his STRAZ STRONG initiative, he empowers those with both mental and physical disabilities by promoting adaptive sports, social awareness, and rehabilitation. His compelling storytelling resonates with audiences, as he shares insights on living with a disability, the importance of accessibility, and the ways in which communities can foster inclusivity. A sought-after public speaker, Ryan’s advocacy for disability awareness extends far beyond the podium. He has become a beacon of hope for many, working closely with organizations that champion inclusivity and provide support for those facing similar challenges. His partnerships with rehabilitation centers, schools, and non-profit organizations allow him to connect on a personal level, fostering an environment of empathy and understanding. Ryan’s hands-on approach and dedication are transforming lives, bridging gaps, and creating meaningful change in the lives of those he touches.

In the professional speaking circuit, Ryan Straschnitzki stands out as a dynamic force who not only shares his story but actively engages with his audience to drive change. His impact is felt long after he leaves the stage, with his message resonating in the hearts and minds of those who hear him. Businesses, educational institutions, and community groups are drawn to Ryan’s authenticity and the wisdom he imparts. His unwavering commitment to his values and principles is a constant reminder that with determination and a positive mindset, anything is possible. It is through his words and actions that Ryan continues to be an influential figure, making a lasting difference in society.

Ryan’s words not only recount his personal journey but also impart wisdom on motivation, self-improvement, and compassion. His speeches are filled with inspiration, information, and a compelling call to action. Ryan Straschnitzki’s life is a living testament to the power of perseverance, positive thinking, and the human ability to turn tragedy into a mission for the greater good. Whether consulting on accessibility or speaking at events, Ryan’s authenticity and courage continue to inspire greatness in others.

 

Scott Bell, MLT Aikins

Scott has advised various employers and individuals with regard to federal immigration applications, including work permits, Labour Market Impact Assessments, Free Trade Agreement exemptions and permanent residency. He also has experience with applications made through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) and other Provincial Nomination Programs. A primary focus of his practice is in relation to advising employers on the management of temporary foreign workers and immigration legislation compliance. In addition to employment-based immigration, Scott provides services relating to family-based immigration applications, including spousal sponsorship.

Gregg Brown, Gregg Brown Learning Solutions

Gregg is a globally recognized leadership and change expert and a best-selling author who combines storytelling, audience engagement and research-based insights to empower teams to be future ready and thrive in the future of work. Gregg was named one of the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders on Change Management. His ideas on leadership and the future of work are in Forbes, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, and Entrepreneur.

Gregg started his career in the non-profit sector over 25 years ago. He has spent over 50% of his career working directly with public sector organizations, including non-profits, municipal, provincial, territorial and federal governments. Gregg has sat on numerous boards, led board development sessions, as well teaching leadership development and volunteer management at Vancouver Community College many years ago.

Gregg’s dynamic, high energy keynotes have engaged thousands of individuals on hundreds of stages in some of the world’s leading organizations -including Johnson & Johnson, RBC and KPMG through to governments and humanitarian organizations worldwide including the UN, Habitat for Humanity and the CDC.

Gregg holds a Master’s of Social Science degree from the University of Leicester in the UK, with a focus on organizational psychology and performance and is an Associate Member of the American Psychological Association. Gregg recently started his PhD focusing on the impact of AI on the people-leader role.

 

Jenn Minor Johannson,  JMJ Coaching

Jenn is an Executive Coach, a keynote speaker, workplace trainer, counsellor and the creator of numerous wellness retreats. She also facilitates a group called “the Boardroom”, where she supports business owners and senior leaders in a structured monthly forum.  Her practice was founded 14 years ago and she loves working with leaders in many different capacities.  Jenn’s background prior to JMJ includes her functions as senior Human Resources Manager, Quality Assurance and HR Consultant. Jenn is a Mom to 2 wonderful young men, a published writer, a wellness junkie, a lifelong learner and a reading addict.

 

Tracey Kowalchuk, TK Leadership Outside the Box

Tracey Kowalchuk is a leadership coach, facilitator, and professional speaker who helps organizations build teams where trust, accountability, and courage thrive. With more than 20 years of experience in leadership development and organizational culture, she has worked across sectors to guide senior leaders and emerging leaders in navigating change, engaging teams, and fostering resilience.

Through her company, TK Leadership Outside of the Box, Tracey designs and delivers interactive workshops that blend bold conversations, practical tools, and real-world application. She is known for her candid, engaging style that challenges leaders to step into discomfort, spark meaningful dialogue, and create workplaces where people feel inspired to lead.

 

Catherine Gryba, CRG Strategies Inc.

Catherine Gryba, ICD.D, is the owner of CRG Strategies, Inc. – helping businesses and organizations develop strong governance practices for their boards and for their management teams.

Catherine also provides coaching to executive teams on how to get board perspective on strategy while keeping the board “out of their kitchen”.

Catherine is the National Academic Director for the Institute of Corporate Directors course on Chairing Boards – a four-module course on the role of the chair, chairing effective meetings, and how to select a board chair.

Catherine is the MacKay CEO Forum Chair for Saskatchewan – a peer executive group because it’s lonely at the top.

Suzanne Knight, mBolden

Suzanne Knight is a global consultant, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur who helps leaders and organizations navigate change with clarity and confidence. As CEO of mBolden, she partners with executives across industries to simplify complexity, build resilient systems, and unlock performance.

Her career spans leadership roles at Walmart Canada, Deloitte, and Philip Morris International, where she led large-scale digital and efficiency transformations. Today, she draws on that global experience, having worked with more than 80 clients in 14 countries, to help organizations translate strategy into action.

Suzanne is also the co-founder of Be Uninterrupted, a national advisory network for professional women and a TEDx speaker whose work explores resilience, leadership, and the future of work. Known for her practical insights and relatable authority, she equips audiences with tools they can use immediately to lead well through disruption.

David Petkau, Karis Disability Services (South – Ontario), Vice-Chair of Intentional Community Consortium (ICC)

David Petkau serves as the volunteer vice-chair of the Intentional Community Consortium (ICC), a group committed to finding solutions to the affordable housing crisis faced by people with diverse abilities. David is also the Executive Director of Karis Disability Services’ South District in Ontario. David started as a Direct Support professional with Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons) 34 years as ago. David has served in many capacities including, Program Manager, Director of Operations and Director of Community Engagement. In his roles David, among other things, has sought to lead the organization through transformative approaches to the housing challenges that people that experience a developmental disability face.

Kevin Freedman

Kevin Freedman, the founder and principal consultant with the Governance Guru, has been helping boards through training, facilitation, and expert guidance since 2014. He has sat on more than 15 local and national boards, including with Assiniboine Credit Union, the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg School Division, and Water Polo Canada, and chaired six. Before starting his business, Kevin spent nearly 20 years in the nonprofit sector including as an executive director and CEO, and has been an instructor with the Faculties of Business at the University of Winnipeg and Canadian Mennonite University, with a focus on non-profit management, organizational behaviour, and business strategy for more than ten years.

Kevin holds a master’s degree in non-profit management and leadership and is an active member of the Governance Professionals of Canada and the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. His facilitation style is engaging and entertaining, and he has presented at conferences across Canada. He is a long-time volunteer and activist and is a recipient of several leadership and service awards for community and human rights work including from YMCA Canada, Governor General of Canada, and the Mayor of Winnipeg. He lives in Winnipeg and is known for telling the most Canadian story ever.

Click here to register for the conference!