Our Speakers

Mississauga, ON

 

Bill Sheehan

Global Head, Association Strategy | D2L

Bill serves as Global Head, Association Strategy for D2L, whose mission is to
transform the way the world learns and delivers personalized, flexible, and
modern learning experiences for associations and their members. With
more than 30 years of senior executive management experience in both
associations and association services companies, Bill brings a wealth of
expertise across various disciplines including operations, membership,
communications, education, events, and non-dues revenue generation.

Christian Vulpe

Chief Operating Officer | FICS

As CEO and Partner at FICS, I’m proud to lead a talented team that consistently delivers high-quality work to our clients. My focus is on providing transformational support, driving strategic growth, and overseeing our financial operations. I also serve as Executive Director or Director of Finance and Administration for several clients.

With a background in finance, leadership, and education—including a Master’s in Educational Psychology and certifications in adult education and leadership—I bring a well-rounded perspective to team development and performance improvement. I’m passionate about helping organizations build accountability, boost performance, and create happier workplaces.

Christine Saunders

President | Halmyre

Christine Saunders is the Founder and President of Halmyre, a marketing consultancy dedicated to helping associations grow and thrive by understanding and addressing the needs of their future members. With a focus on bridging the gap between associations and their members, Christine delivers tailored solutions that drive sustainable growth and engagement. With over a decade in operation, Christine and her team at Halmyre have successfully partnered with 106 trade and professional associations across North America. As a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Halmyre is a trusted partner for organizations with supplier diversity programs.

Christine Nogal

Chief Operations and Business Development Officer | Arthroscopy Association of North America

Christine Nogal, MBA, CAE is the Chief Operations and Business Development Officer at the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) and the Executive Director of the Biologic Association (BA). She specializes in identifying, building, and scaling non-dues revenue opportunities, whether that means launching new products or turning overlooked assets into top performers. With a sharp eye for member value, market demand and scalable growth, Christine bridges strategy and execution, proving that non-dues revenue doesn’t require gimmicks, just clarity, courage and a willingness to rethink what’s “always been done.” She is known for asking hard questions, challenging legacy models, and building solutions that drive both relevance and results.

Danielle Lamothe

President & CEO | Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE)

Danielle Lamothe is the President and CEO of the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) which represents educational advancement professionals working in Canada’s universities, colleges and independent schools. Advancement includes fundraising, alumni relations, communications, advancement services, government relations and external relations.

Drew Woytko

Director of Business Development | Western Financial Group

Bio Coming Soon!

Ed Byers, CMP, CAE

Owner of Non Dues-a-Palooza
President | CANRev Collaborative

Ed Byers is the President of CANRev Collaborative. With over 15 years of experience in associations and nonprofit organizations, he has generated more than $20 million in new revenue through sponsorships and partnerships, the development of educational programs, membership initiatives, events, fundraising efforts, advertising, and enhancements to products and services. Ed is passionate about helping organizations identify and execute new growth opportunities to achieve their strategic objectives.  

Jennifer Taylor

VP, Strategic Development & Industry Engagement | Tourism Industry Association of Canada

Bio Coming Soon!

Joel Neuheimer

CEO | Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)

Joel Neuheimer joined the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) as Chief Executive Officer on February 6, 2023. Joel has over 30 years of experience in federal government advocacy, leadership, and governance.  Originally from Montréal, he has lived in Ottawa with his wife Tina and their three daughters for the last 25 years. Joel holds an undergraduate degree in political science and a master’s in communications. He began his career at what was then the federal Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and then moved to the Forest Products Association of Canada before joining CVMA. Joel has been a member of the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) since 2008 and a member of the CSAE Board since October 2021.

Leah Salvage

Executive Director | Canadian Society of Palliative Medicine

Bio Coming Soon!

Mascia Michalakos

Business Events Specialist | Visit Mississauga

With over 25 years of experience, Mascia Michalakos has built a dynamic career in tourism, hospitality, and business events. Her diverse industry knowledge—ranging from operations and planning to sales and marketing—has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the sector allowing her to contribute meaningfully to its ongoing evolution. Mascia has worked across multiple cities with nearly every major hotel brand, managing

diverse markets from corporate and association to travel trade. She has led high- performing sales teams, spearheaded hotel rebranding initiatives, and successfully navigated multi-million-dollar budgets.

 

 

Matt DeMille

Executive Director | Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters (OFAH)

 

Bio Coming Soon!

 

 

Rebecca O’Brien

Executive Director | IREM Foundation

Bio Coming Soon!

Stephanie Lockhart

Executive Director | Canadian Superior Courts Judges’ Association (CSCJA)

Bio Coming Soon!

Tracy Folkes Hanson, CAE

President and CEO at CSAE

A visionary, thought leader, Tracy is known for her success in developing and driving corporate culture, collaboration, and strategy. She is well versed in the art of leadership, communication, and change management.

Tracy joined the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) as President & CEO, in July 2017. Prior to joining CSAE, she held senior positions for numerous leading brands both in the private and non-profit sectors including the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, MasterCard International, Kinark Child & Family Services, and The Arthritis Society. A small stint in politics, Tracy was elected to Whitby Town Council in 2010 as North Ward Councillor. She continues to be be an active volunteer and community leader.