Navigator of Economic Disruption | Speaker | Author

Todd Hirsch is an internationally renowned economist, keynote speaker, and author whose

research and work focuses on enhancing adaptability in an ever-changing world. Having had a

front-row seat to key issues transforming the global economy for the past 25 years, he delivers

dynamic, clear-eyed talks on adaptability, creativity, and resilience to help industry and business leaders prepare for a future that is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.

An economist by training, Hirsch recently served as the Director of Energy Transition Centre, an incubator of tech startups focused on navigating our path toward net-zero carbon. Prior to this, he spent 15 years as the VP and chief economist for ATB Financial, taught economics at the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta, and worked in the research department of the Bank of Canada.

In recognition of his work, Hirsch has received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum and Diamond

Jubilee Medals, the University of Alberta’s Alumni Honour Award, and an honorary degree from Mount Royal University. He has also spoken to hundreds of business audiences across the

United States and Canada, and international audiences from Venezuela to Dublin.

The author of four books, Hirsch’s latest, Spiders in COVID Space: Adapting During and After the Pandemic, shares the inspiring and compelling stories of businesses and not-for-profits that reinvented themselves during the pandemic.

Crisis-Proof Leadership: Smart Strategies. Stronger Teams.

In a world where uncertainty is the only certainty, Kimberly Lyall has built a brand around resilience, reinvention, and relentless leadership. With over 25 years of experience lighting up stages, communities, and organizations, she is a dynamic speaker known for her powerful storytelling and game-changing insights.

Kimberly doesn’t just talk about crisis-proof leadership - she’s lived it. From leading a tourism organization through financial disaster to pioneering innovative solutions in multiple industries, Kimberly’s journey proves that even the toughest setbacks can become launchpads for success.

As the emcee for OneTalks 2025, Kimberly will bring her signature energy and uplifting insights to guide us through an unforgettable experience. Get ready for an event filled with inspiration, connection, and the kind of conversations that will shape the future of the events industry!

Professional Speaker | Fitness pro | Leadership Consultant | Dance/aerials

Robin is an international speaker, fitness industry leader, and corporate culture specialist. She is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve attainable wellness goals, leading to a sustainable workplace culture. She delivers simple strategies and actionable tools that make wellness achievable for everyone.

Robin’s dynamic presentations are tailored for businesses in need of revitalizing their culture, boosting employee engagement, and reigniting team motivation and productivity. She’s also known as a trusted educator for fitness professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge and growing their own businesses.

As the founder of O’Grady Consulting, Robin brings a wealth of experience to her speaking engagements, drawing from her diverse background as an operations director, fitness industry leader, dance instructor, and aerialist. Her sessions are infused with contagious energy and uplifting stories, leaving audiences with renewed vigor and a renewed sense of purpose.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Robin finds joy in dancing, group fitness, aerial arts, and just for fun, doing handstands. Based in Calgary with her husband and two boys, she embodies the balance of a thriving personal life alongside her dedication to helping others thrive in theirs.

Claire | Speaker | Philanthropist

Claire Masikewich is a seasoned marketing and communications professional with a track record of driving growth, building brands, and leading through transformative change. She helped launch Canada’s largest surveying and geomatics firm at the onset of the pandemic, uniting corporate cultures and executing innovative strategies in uncertain times.

But in May 2023, Claire’s career took a backseat when her five-year-old daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, an aggressive pediatric cancer. Faced with unimaginable hardship, she channeled her expertise into advocacy, raising awareness and funding for severely underfunded pediatric cancer research.

At the end of August 2024, just before Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Strong Like Sloane Foundation received its official charitable status. Led entirely by Claire, the foundation has raised over $160,000 for pediatric cancer research at the new Riddell Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy in Calgary.

Claire’s journey is one of resilience, turning personal struggles with anxiety and depression into a driving force for change. In late 2024, she launched her speaking career to inspire others to navigate life’s toughest moments with clarity, strength, and purpose.

Her keynote, Shift Happens: How to Thrive Through Hard Times, shares her deeply personal story and equips audiences with practical tools and mindset shifts to not just survive adversity, but to emerge stronger.

“You don’t know what you’re capable of until you’re asked to be capable.”

Business Development | Marketing | Destination Development

Yvonne Chau is a seasoned business development professional whose career has come full circle in the tourism industry. She started in the industry at her family’s travel agency, sparking a lifelong passion for travel and tourism. This led her to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Tourism from the University of Calgary, providing the foundation for a career in destination development, strategic planning, and economic growth.

Recently earning her Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation, Yvonne has further solidified her expertise in tourism leadership and development. She joined Travel Alberta as a Travel Trade Manager more than seven years ago, where she helped connect Alberta’s tourism products with international tour operators. She later transitioned into her current role as Destination Development Manager, focusing on the supply side of tourism—working with tourism businesses, entrepreneurs, and local governments to create thriving visitor economies.

Beyond tourism, Yvonne spent over a decade in new home development and homebuilding, leading marketing, communications, and digital transformation initiatives. Adapting on the fly, she built expertise in website development, CRM systems, and online sales platforms, gaining a deep understanding of market trends, consumer engagement, and strategic growth—insights that now strengthen her work in tourism. Known for her analytical mindset, she excels at problem-solving, strategic planning, and fostering industry partnerships.

Outside of work, Yvonne has recently rediscovered her love for painting, a creative passion that allows her to explore artistic expression. One day, she hopes to paint on the fly while traveling across Alberta and beyond, capturing the beauty of destinations as she experiences them.

As she continues to support Alberta’s tourism industry, Yvonne also looks forward to exploring the province in a new way—through both her professional expertise and her artistic lens.

Business Development Director

Fraser Abbott is the Director of Business Development for the Champions Program at Tourism Calgary. The program identifies thought leaders in the local ecosystem, collaborates with them on ambitious conference solicitation strategies, and provides them with the tools they need to serve as conference chairs to successfully bid on and host major conferences in our Ultimate Host City.

Prior to joining Tourism Calgary, Fraser enjoyed a lengthy hospitality career spanning over thirty years working for brands like the Hotel Arts Group, Village Brewery, the Calgary Hotel Association, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, as well as former hotel brands like Delta Hotels & Resorts and Canadian Pacific Hotels.

Fraser has been active in the community serving on different boards and committees including the Mount Royal University Foundation; Alberta Culinary Tourism Alliance, the Calgary Stampede’s Sam Centre Advisory Committee; Umoja Community Mosaic / Soccer Without Boundaries; among others.

Jennifer Hadley is a seasoned event strategist, consultant, and a proud member of Spark Event Collective. With nearly two decades of experience in sponsorships, strategic planning, and full-service event management, she partners with organizations to create impactful experiences, drive stakeholder engagement, and develop sustainable event strategies.

Jennifer coined the phrase ‘graciously audacious’ to describe her approach to work—turning doubt into possibility and creating outcomes her clients wouldn’t have imagined. She blends bold vision with practical execution, ensuring every event is not just successful but transformative. Whether supporting planners on-site, guiding nonprofits through fundraising, or advising businesses on event-driven growth, she is committed to delivering results that exceed expectations.

In her multiple roles, Jennifer collaborates with industry professionals to foster innovation and build stronger event communities. She understands that industry growth isn’t just about trends—it’s about meaningful connections, strategic action, and pushing boundaries to drive real change.

When she’s not shaping events, you’ll find her deeply involved in her community, volunteering, and keeping up with her two active kids who are her reason for her drive and passion.

Need More reasons to Attend?

OneTalks 2025 is your chance to gain fresh insights, connect with industry leaders, and explore the future of events in an engaging and dynamic setting.

From thought-provoking discussions to hands-on networking opportunities, this event is designed to inspire, educate, and elevate your career.

Plus, enjoy a unique dining experience at The Highwood Kitchen + Bar, where SAIT’s talented students showcase their skills. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Calgary’s thriving events community!

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