[Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba - Ingenium Conference 2023]

Did you miss the 2023 Ingenium Professional Development Seminars? It's not too late! Register now to gain instant access to recordings of all 20 sessions, which are available to view until February 9, 2024. Already registered? Access the Ingenium Hub here.

WELCOME TO INGENIUM 2023

From your home, your office, or wherever in the world you may be, join your fellow practitioners as Ingenium 2023 goes virtual! Gain valuable professional development hours and get involved with the Association without having to leave your desk.


Professional Development Seminars

For 2023, all of the seminars listed below will be hosted online via the Ingenium Hub. Every live session will be recorded and available to watch until January 2024 via the On-Demand Library.

Register Online Now!

Live Session Schedule - all virtual!

[Live Schedule]

(PDF Schedule)

Daily Live Sessions

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
KeynoteDecolonizing EngineeringRandy Herrmann, P.Eng., FEC
This opening keynote presentation will discuss the historic and contemporary role engineering has played in Indigenous communities and how engineers can move forward in a spirit of reconciliation. Randy will talk about what exactly is meant by decolonization and why professionals need to address this issue. In order to better understand this role, contemporary engineering issues in Indigenous communities will be explored and traditional Indigenous design will be reviewed. This presentation will also touch upon the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and how that might affect engineering projects in the future.
[Randy Herrmann, P.Eng., FEC]
Randy Herrmann, P.Eng., FEC
Randy Herrmann, P.Eng., FEC, is the Director of the Engineering Access Program (ENGAP) at the University of Manitoba. ENGAP is a support program designed to assist Indigenous students seeking an engineering degree. Randy graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geological Engineering. For ten years he worked as a geotechnical engineer and a project manager before taking on his current role.

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Managing Conflict in Engineering and Technical EnvironmentsLisa Moretto
Conflict doesn't have to be negative. If we recognize when it is escalating and learn to contain it, conflict can lead to breakthrough ideas and respectful relationships.

This session will explore what conflict is and how it can escalate, and the various roles individuals play in resolving conflict. Attendees will learn ways to analyze conflict situations and help others work through it productively.
Sponsored by FWS
[Lisa Moretto]
Lisa Moretto
Lisa is the President of RGI International, Inc. and has over 25 years' experience teaching business and technical communication courses. She has taught at the School of Engineering at the Rochester Institute for Technology and is a Past President of the Rochester Engineering Society, in addition to being a member of IEEE Professional Communication Society. RGI's Manitoba clients include Manitoba Hydro, Richardson International, Health Canada, and several engineering firms.

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication and a Master of Science in User Interface Design. She has co-authored four books with Ron Blicq, including Get to the Point!, Guidelines for Report Writing, in addition to Technically Write! with Prentice Hall, and Writing Reports to Get Results with the IEEE Press. She consistently receives positive reviews about her ability to be an engaging and interactive presenter and is a regular presenter with the Get to the Point! technical writing course for engineering regulators. Lisa has worked for IBM and Hewlett-Packard as a professional technical communicator and continues to teach technical professionals that they too are technical communicators.

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Blowing Up Geothermal MythsMelanie Chatfield, P.Eng., Ed Lohrenz, and Luke Meech. Moderated by Curt Hull, P.Eng.
Ground-Source Heat Pump (GSHP) technology provides Manitoba the opportunity to heat and cool our buildings and power our vehicles electrically without burning fossil fuels. Poor design and installations have created a perception that GSHP systems are expensive and unreliable. However, it has been shown to be reliable, efficient, and cost effective when properly designed and installed. There is increasing demand on design professionals everywhere to understand GSHP and to know how to incorporate it in their projects. In conjunction with geothermal design, energy modelling plays an important part of the design process to ensure accurate understanding of the building operation and energy loads, and how this in turn affects geothermal system sizing. Participants in this session can expect to learn about geothermal engineering and the importance of energy modelling in its proper design and implementation.
Sponsored by Sigfusson Northern Ltd.

[Curt Hull, P.Eng.] Curt Hull, P.Eng., has a consulting practice in sustainability in Manitoba and has been Project Director of Climate Change Connection in Winnipeg since 2007. He works with NGOs, businesses, universities and colleges, as well as all levels of government to create a fossil-fuel free future. He currently serves on the board of Sustainable Building Manitoba and the Climate Reality Project Canada. Since 2016, he has been working on clean energy and sustainability projects with diesel and winter road dependent First Nations in Northern Manitoba. He is also currently working with and advising Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba on their climate change initiatives.

[Melanie Chatfield, P.Eng.] Melanie Chatfield, P.Eng., is an Energy Analyst with the City of Winnipeg. With a background in mechanical engineering, she has over 15 years of high-performance building experience. Melanie is responsible for the reduction of energy consumption and carbon emissions at the City. She works with the Municipal Accommodations department to identify opportunities for energy conservation through operational and capital investment methods. With direct knowledge, she understands how energy efficiency education and assistance is essential to building owners, operations and maintenance staff and design consultants. In addition to Melanie's work as an Energy Manager, she has five years of experience in project management working on various construction projects, including several environmental projects in the UK.

[Ed Lohrenz] Ed Lohrenz has been in the industry for nearly four decades, with a focus on the design and optimization of ground source systems in commercial buildings and applying the technology on a district scale. He developed the Certified GeoExchange Design course with the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association and contributed to the ANSI/CSA/IGSHPA C-448 Standard for the Design and Installation of Ground Source Heat Pump Systems.

[Luke Meech] Luke Meech is an energy services, marketing, and project management professional with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He is the Customer Technology Specialist at Otter Tail Power Company. He directly oversees the energy efficiency programs including heat pumps, smart thermostats, publicly owned property solar and electric vehicle initiatives including charging infrastructure.


1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Transportation and Gender ConsiderationsAli Campbell, P.Eng.
Transportation is not gender-neutral: women and men have different mobility needs, travel patterns, and influences impacting their transportation and modal choices. Awareness of the importance of incorporating gender perspective into transportation policy, planning, and design is on the rise around the world, acknowledging that diverse perspectives are required throughout. Engineers will be a critical piece in designing our urban spaces to be more accommodating to women and diverse groups as we move forward. This presentation will provide context on gender considerations in transportation including trip-chaining, travel times, and safety, and the impact of gender-neutral transportation practices on women.
[Ali Campbell, P.Eng.]
Ali Campbell, P.Eng.
Ali is an Associate and transportation engineer at Dillon Consulting Limited with experience in transportation engineering, transportation systems planning, urban design, and environmental impact assessments. With a background in civil engineering and a specialty in transportation engineering, she has experience and knowledge in alternative project delivery modes, construction administration, transit planning and design, active transportation, signal timing, traffic safety, and transportation's effect on urban form. Ali is involved in a number of women in engineering initiatives within Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba (Women in Engineering Mentorship Program co-organizer) and within Dillon (Inclusion and Diversity Chair for Transportation and Facilities Technical Group, and Inclusion and Diversity Committee member).

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Empowering Energy Independence: Unleashing the Potential of MicrogridsDr. Andrea Kraj, P.Eng.
A comprehensive exploration of the transformative power of microgrids and their role in driving energy independence and sustainability, this session brings together experts, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to delve into the latest advancements, success stories, and future prospects of microgrids in shaping the energy landscape. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of microgrids, which are localized, self-contained energy systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main power grid. Attendees will learn about the diverse applications of microgrids, ranging from rural electrification and remote communities to critical infrastructure resilience and urban energy optimization.
Sponsored by Engineering and Geoscience Education Foundation Inc.
[Dr. Andrea Kraj, P.Eng.]
Dr. Andrea Kraj, P.Eng.
Dr. Andrea Kraj is CEO and President of CORE Renewable Energy. She completed her Ph.D, M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Engineering and is a pioneering leader in developing advanced energy systems. She is a Fulbright Scholar and practicing professional engineer specializing in Intelligent Energy Systems and Microgrids for Smart Cities. She is also a board director of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) representing BTM (behind the meter) systems and a Vice President of the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA). With more than 20 years of experience, her work has enabled enhancements in rural electrification and less dependence on fossil fuels. Dr. Kraj's work has supported those in remote areas such as in Northern communities, First Nations, and tropical island nations. She is an accomplished author and speaker, and hosts two podcasts, the recently launched Energy Exchange Podcast and Fempower for celebrating women in the fields of Technology, Trades, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, Arts, Athletics, Mathematics, and Science to empower and inspire others.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
A Hydrogen Economy: A Path to a Zero Emissions FutureJoshua Zaporzan and Michael McDonald
The world is decarbonizing and the future of all economies is a green one. Learn why green hydrogen will be a major component of our zero emissions future and how it can be applied to your industry.

This session will highlight the development of Manitoba's first green hydrogen production, storage, and distribution facility by H2MB, whose mission is to inspire and drive sustainable futures worldwide. Additionally, this session will discuss what hydrogen is, how hydrogen is produced, how hydrogen can be used to decarbonize industries and the opportunity for innovation, including new fuel cell technology, within this space. Using the H2MB facility as an example, this presentation will cover the critical components of a green hydrogen production facility.

[Joshua Zaporzan] Joshua Zaporzan is a skilled strategist, marketer, dynamic entrepreneur, and an ardent supporter of the start-up ecosystem. With years of experience, he has honed his expertise in building innovative business strategies, launching new ventures, and investing in new companies.

In 2020, Joshua began working as the Founder & CEO of H2MB Inc., a trailblazer in the clean technology and renewable energy sector. At H2MB, Joshua is working towards developing the hydrogen economy in MB, working with local industries to introduce new fuel cell technologies that can reduce emissions and decarbonize. Joshua passionately believes in innovating for a greener future, championing economic prosperity and environmental well-being in our home province and world over.

Joshua is the Chair of the Young Associates and a speaker to various groups of community leaders and students. He also serves as a judge in numerous business competitions across Canada, eager to empower and support entrepreneurs.

[Michael McDonald] Michael McDonald is an energy storage expert with a Ph.D. in chemistry specializing in electrochemistry and materials science from the University of Manitoba, as well as a postdoctoral fellowship at MIT. In those experiences, Michael led R&D projects related to renewable electrolysis for hydrogen energy as well as lithium ion batteries, which lead to a patent for a polymer-based electrode binder.

Michael has spent over 6 years at NFI, first as Sustainable Transportation Specialist for MCI and then as Operations Manager of the NFI Vehicle Innovation Center. There, he paired his technical acumen with commercial and engineering experience to support ongoing zero-emissions vehicle market development. With exceptional insight on EV technology and the requirements to further deploy a zero-emissions vision across North America, Michael lent strategy and guidance to customer programming, outreach, R&D, and electric bus demonstrations. He speaks regularly on EV technology, sustainability, and infrastructure at industry meetings across the U.S. and Canada.

Michael began to recognize the business and impact opportunity granted by Manitoba's globally unique position in availability of inexpensive, renewable, and abundant electricity to produce and hydrogen, leading his to founding of H2MB Inc. in 2020. He is working to seize this opportunity and utilize domestic green fuel production to build the hydrogen economy in his home of Manitoba.


10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Engineering Better PoliticsJason Fuith, P.Eng.
Heading into Winnipeg's 2014 civic election, the Mayor's goal was to build a campaign without the support of any political party. If successful, the hope was that decision-making and leadership could be based more on practical, evidenced-based solutions than on any one political ideology or belief.

It worked. In 2014, Jason became Mayor Bowman's Chief of Staff, the only engineer/chief of staff across the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Big City Caucus members.

Civic decision-making was going to be different. Questions like, "what Is the root cause analysis" started to come from the Mayor's Office. Working with the Mayor, his priorities included growing open data, increasing government transparency, and building more contiguous machine readable datasets to populate public discussion with reliable, valid data.

Engineering, at its core, is about building, fixing, and improving. Every aspect of this is central to municipal government, from processes for information sharing to traffic management, sewage treatment, and road infrastructure.

As an engineer having worked in politics for eight years, Jason has a unique perspective to share on building, fixing, and improving civic services and processes, and how Winnipeg City Hall has demonstrated some of the best practices for a more practical approach to politics.
[Jason Fuith, P.Eng.]
Jason Fuith, P.Eng.
Jason is a professional engineer with expertise in government operations and relations, and commercializing mission critical products from concept to scale. Over the past thirty years, Jason has led and contributed to teams that have designed and launched products in agriculture, public transit, power utility, and telecommunication sectors. Most recently, Jason managed two successful mayoral campaigns and served as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Winnipeg for eight years. Jason is currently the Director of Strategy at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, a global leader protecting children from online abuse.

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
KeynoteEquity as a Technical SkillSharon Nyangwesolunch delivery option
Join QuakeLab for this interactive lunch keynote focused on designing for equity and how to approach equity as a technical skill. Attendees will identify the outcomes of their work, as well as barriers and points of collaboration by exploring case studies and consider not only how they can embed equity into their role but how to do better as a wider industry.
Sponsored by Canada Life

Enjoy lunch delivered to your door!
Registrants in Winnipeg, Brandon, And Thompson can opt to have lunch delivered to them for this session for just $8! Limited quantities available, delivery area restrictions apply, more details on the registration page.

[Stantec]
Lunch Sponsored by Stantec
[Sharon Nyangweso]
Sharon Nyangweso
Sharon (She/Her) is the Founder and CEO of QuakeLab, a full-stack inclusion and communications agency, Sharon Nyangweso specializes in a radical new approach to diversity and inclusion that is measurable, strategic, and based on a strong foundation of design thinking. A leader in empathetic community engagement and moving inclusivity from aspiration to action, Sharon is a regular contributor and panelist on CBC radio and television, Rabble.ca, Live 88.5, and CTV. An immigrant from Kenya who has lived and worked in Canada for nine years, Sharon has worked across sectors with organizations in 11 countries.

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Supporting Academic Brilliance: Young Friends of Engineering and UMSATSKaitlin Fritz, P.Eng., FEC, Breanna Stratton, Joshua Bond, and Zack Louttit
Learn more about Young Friends of Engineering and the positive impact this group have had on the Price Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba, including supporting students and student competition groups.

One of these groups, UMSATS (University of Manitoba Space Applications Society) will then showcase their recent achievements and outreach work. UMSATS has secured victory for the second time in the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge (CSDC) competition and the rocket team also participated in two separate competitions this season, highlighting their versatility and commitment to excellence in various space-related endeavours.

Through outreach with younger students interested in space exploration, UMSATS have been dedicated to inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts, fostering a passion for the field and potentially shaping future careers.
Sponsored by KGS Group

[Kaitlin Fritz, P.Eng., FEC] Kaitlin Fritz, P.Eng., FEC obtained a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 2012 and a Masters of Structural Engineering in 2021 from the University of Manitoba. She has spent the majority of her career working for Manitoba Hydro and is currently the Section Head of Asset Information and Standards in their Asset Management Division. She joins this presentation in her capacity as the Chair of Young Friends of Engineering, one of the many volunteer positions Kaitlin holds within the engineering community. In addition to work and volunteering Kaitlin greatly enjoys cooking, travelling, and cycle touring the world.

[Breanna Stratton] Breanna Stratton is a fifth-year computer engineering student graduating this school year. She serves as Program Manager of The University of Manitoba Space Applications and Technology Society (UMSATS). Breanna is deeply dedicated to promoting STEM inclusivity and expanding outreach efforts. Her strong communication skills and innovative strategies have significantly increased awareness about the technical society and school opportunities. Beyond academics, Breanna is committed to inspiring the next generation of innovators and is on a promising path to becoming a respected figure in the field of computer engineering.

[Joshua Bond] Joshua Bond is a fourth-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Manitoba. He has been involved with UMSATS since 2021 and currently holds the positions of co-project manager and mechanical lead on the satellite team. He was one of twelve students who represented UMSATS at the sixth iteration of the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge in June 2023, and contributed to a joint win with the University of Waterloo. Joshua is greatly interested in aerospace engineering and hopes one day to pursue a career in the field.

[Zack Louttit] Zack Louttit is an undergraduate computer engineering student at the University of Manitoba, and the Project Lead for the UMSATS Rocket team. As part of UMSATS, he has been a part of two rocket design cycles (Winnie 3.0/4.0), leading the design of each rocket's electrical systems. Currently, Zack is leading the design of the team's latest rocket project, Winnie 4.5, to be launched in Summer 2024.


3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Applications for Engineering and GeosciencesJonathan LaFreniere and Taylor Hinther
Magnetics and LiDAR have a wide range of exploration and engineering uses and this presentation will cover methods, procedures, and limitations of them both. This session will cover applications such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Magnetics for broad mineral exploration packages, discrete anomaly detection for legacy Oil and Gas projects, LiDAR collection and data presentation for mineral exploration as well as civil engineering.
Sponsored by The Personal Insurance Company

[Jonathan LaFreniere] Jonathan LaFreniere is the Geophysics and Remote sensing manger at Axiom Exploration Group. He obtained his B.Sc. in Geology at the University of Saskatchewan in 2018. Jonathan started his career in exploration geology with experience in uranium, base metal, and gold exploration in western Canada. In 2021 Jonathan transitioned into Geophysics as a field UAV operator with a focus on magnetics and LiDAR surveying. He has spent the last three years developing from a field support roll into a project management lead within the Geophysics and Remote Sensing division at Axiom.

[Taylor Hinther, A.Sc.T] Taylor Hinther is a certified Applied Science Technologist (A.Sc.T) in Geomatics Engineering Technologist from the Technology Professionals of Saskatchewan. Taylor received his diploma from Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in 2016. Taylor has 7 years' experience in surveying, ranging from mine construction at K+S Bethune to runway rehabilitation at Saskatoon's John Diefenbaker Airport runway 15-33. With this Taylor brings a wide range of experience from mining to civil surveying. This has included surveying and mapping at Giant Mine Reclamation, N.W.T and various developments throughout Saskatchewan. Bringing an extensive knowledge of accurate understanding of surveying methodology, working survey practices including photogrammetry and LiDAR application. Taylor manages RPAS project for LiDAR and photogrammetry and is a advanced RPAS pilot with Transport Canada Flight Reviewer certification.


Thursday, November 9, 2023

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Responding to the Iqaluit Water CrisisIan Moran, EIT
In October 2021, residents in Iqaluit detected the smell of fuel in the municipal water supply. Members of the WSP water team out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, arrived in the Nunavut capital a few days later to locate the issue, create a solution, and remove any residual fuel from the current water supply. Within a few days, a contamination pathway was located and removed, followed by the removal of a historic underground fuel tank - the contamination source.

A second fuel problem emerged months later, with the WSP team again responding to address the emerging issue. This time, a tar-like substance secreting from one of the walls had leaked into one of the tanks, contaminating the water inside. A temporary bypass system was installed re-route disinfected water while repairs were made to the tanks.

Join key members of the engineering team to learn more about the technical aspects of how this water crisis was handled and the 61-year-old Water Treatment Plant in the Canadian Arctic was restored to safety and sustainability for years to come.

[Ian Moran, EIT] Ian Moran, EIT is an Engineer-In-Training working for WSP Canada Inc. based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba. He has worked in nearly all Canadian provinces and territories and has collaborated with industry experts across North America.


10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Robotic Maintenance Vehicles: Automating the Dangerous, Dirty, and Dull JobsAdam Gray
Crack sealing is a vital part of a successful pavement preservation program and is the most cost-effective solution to extending the life of roads and highways, but it is a very labour intensive and a dangerous job to perform. Robotic Maintenance Vehicles (RMV) is a modular mobile platform that can perform road maintenance applications. The Robotic Crack Sealer is the first robotic maintenance module that has been brought to market, featuring a proprietary vision system to scan the pavement surface to identify and measure the cracks to provide path data to a FANUC 6-axis robot that performs the work, dispensing a hot pour crack sealant material into the cracks. The RMV also has the ability to collect and analyze sealing performance data, which before now has been nothing more than an educated guess as an industry standard.
Sponsored by FWS
[Adam Gray]
Adam Gray
Adam Gray is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Pioneer Industrial Systems, based in Columbus, Ohio.

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
KeynoteSpotlight on Manitoba's Bioscience Industry and Life Sciences VisionKim Klinelunch delivery option
Join Kim Kline, President of Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM), as she delves into BAM's strategic approach to discovering new and innovative solutions, contributing to sustainable bio-economy growth in Manitoba.

Attendees will receive a comprehensive overview of Manitoba's bioscience industry, gaining insights into trends within its three sub-sectors: Health Biotech, Ag Biotech, and Clean Biotech. Additionally, the presentation will introduce the first-ever Manitoba Life Sciences Strategy, developed in collaboration with the Manitoba government.

Positioned at the forefront of bio-economic advancement, Manitoba is making substantial strides through increased investments and strategic partnerships. Historically known as the gateway to the west, Manitoba is quickly becoming the gateway to the world.

Enjoy lunch delivered to your door!
Registrants in Winnipeg, Brandon, And Thompson can opt to have lunch delivered to them for this session for just $8! Limited quantities available, delivery area restrictions apply, more details on the registration page.

[CTTAM]
Lunch Sponsored by CTTAM
[Kim Kline]
Kim Kline
Kim is the catalyst of Bioscience Association Manitoba, an industry association that's the hub and advocate for innovators, entrepreneurs, and established companies in Manitoba's growing bioscience industry. BAM's member companies belong to, often more than one of the three subsectors: Health Biotech, Ag Biotech, and Clean Biotech. Kim's unrestrained passion for creating a strong bioscience industry in Manitoba has shaped the province in incalculable ways. With Kim in leadership, BAM is continually advocating for opportunities and innovation in Manitoba's bioscience industry and her people-focused approach has reflected in an extensive expansion of the sector's workforce development.

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Navigating Stormy Seas: Exploring Team Dynamics, Cultivating Team Culture, and Mastering Difficult ConversationsKimberly Dodds, P.Eng.
In this presentation, we focus on the challenging terrain of difficult conversations and their pivotal role in team dynamics and culture. We unveil the intricacies of these conversations through real-life stories and practical strategies for mastering them.

We explore how adversity shapes teams, delving into the significance of team culture, showcasing its transformative power. Discover how to cultivate and harness a team's potential by fostering a communicative culture through difficult conversations.

Throughout our discussion, we emphasize that difficult conversations are not to be feared. Drawing inspiration from real life story telling, we discuss how to handle these conversations with grace and effectiveness. Help team members gain the confidence to address sensitive topics and promote open and constructive dialogue.

Prepare for an enlightening journey that equips you with valuable insights and actionable strategies to enhance your team's effectiveness and achieve exceptional results.
Sponsored by CTTAM
[Kimberly Dodds, P.Eng.]
Kimberly Dodds, P.Eng.
Kimberly, a member of the Yukon Hospital Corporation's Senior Leadership Team, has spent her career navigating the various challenges of leadership across the healthcare spectrum. She has held key positions such as Director of Tissue Bank Manitoba, Sr. Engineer & Expert in Residence, Leadership and Management Instructor as well as Healthcare Consultant. As a professional bioengineer with an MBA, Kimberly is currently pursuing her Doctoral Studies at Edinburgh Business School in Scotland. Throughout her career, Kimberly has made a significant impact in both the private and public healthcare sectors, spanning across Canada and international boundaries. Her diverse experience ranges from working with nuclear pharmaceuticals to contributing to the field of point-of-care medical diagnostics. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kimberly finds fulfillment in embarking on adventures in remote locations including completing Canada's longest paddling race in 2023. She seamlessly blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications both within and outside the office environment.

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Biophilic Design Panel - The Leaf Case StudyMitchell Hall, Lee McCormick, Bryan Smith, Sarah Chernis, Monica Giesbrecht, and David Bowick. Moderated by Dr. Andrea Kraj, P.Eng.
A 7,840 square metre greenhouse incorporating two climate biomes, a butterfly garden, classrooms, event space, and restaurant, The Leaf is situated within Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park. Toronto-based firm KPMB Architects teamed up with local practices Architecture49, Blackwell Structural Engineers, SMS Engineering, and HTFC Planning & Design to develop The Leaf over the course of 12 years.

This panel will explore the challenges and technical achievements of this project.

[Dr. Andrea Kraj, P.Eng.] Dr. Andrea Kraj is CEO and President of CORE Renewable Energy. She completed her Ph.D, M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Engineering and is a pioneering leader in developing advanced energy systems. She is a Fulbright Scholar and practicing professional engineer specializing in Intelligent Energy Systems and Microgrids for Smart Cities. She is also a board director of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) representing BTM (behind the meter) systems and a Vice President of the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA). With more than 20 years of experience, her work has enabled enhancements in rural electrification and less dependence on fossil fuels. Dr. Kraj's work has supported those in remote areas such as in Northern communities, First Nations, and tropical island nations. She is an accomplished author and speaker, and hosts two podcasts, the recently launched Energy Exchange Podcast and Fempower for celebrating women in the fields of Technology, Trades, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, Arts, Athletics, Mathematics, and Science to empower and inspire others.

[Mitchell Hall, OAA, FRAIC] Mitchell Hall is a Canadian architect recognized for his passion and commitment to architecture as a vehicle for improving the human condition. He believes that architects must offer agency - acting in the best interests of people and place - to help make a better world. He challenges existing paradigms to create buildings and spaces that actively promote wellness, cultivate community building, and address the pressing challenges of our time, from climate change to population growth.

Joining KPMB in the formative years of the practice, Mitchell worked on seminal award-winning projects such as Woodsworth College and Kitchener City Hall. He is known for his diverse design and leadership experience, and for directing interdisciplinary teams to deliver large, complex projects in the sectors of healthcare, culture, hospitality, science, and education. He is currently leading major projects for the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health and The Hospital for Sick Children. Mitchell's noteworthy projects include Canada's National Ballet School, Ottawa Art Gallery, and The Leaf at Assiniboine Park Conservancy.

In addition to practice, Mitchell also serves as a guest critic for student reviews, has served as the Chair of the Mississauga Urban Design Advisory Panel, and was a past advisory member for the prestigious Design Colloquium in the United States.

[Lee McCormick, B.E.S., March, MAA, OAA, LEED AP] Lee McCormick is a registered architect with more than 30 years of experience in the profession. Currently Managing Principal of Architecture 49 Inc. in Winnipeg, his roles include: leader of the local Transportation sector, chair of the Contracts Committee, and leader of Community Impact projects. Lee believes strongly in collaborative design processes and is skilled at creative idea generation and analytical problem-solving, as well as working within the constraints of a project's requirements and budget.

Lee has served over the years as president of the Manitoba Association of Architects and in various other positions including Chair of the MAA Practice Committee, Chair of the MAA BIM Sub-Committee, and Member of the MAA Public Affairs Committee. Lee is currently a Member of the MAA Registration Committee. He is also a member of Red River College's Public Advisory Committee for the Bachelor of Construction Management program. He has been a sessional lecturer at the University of Manitoba in the Masters of Architecture program and a visiting design critic for all levels of the masters program. He has also worked for one of Western Canada's largest design build contractors. His understanding of both design and construction allows Lee to bring unique insights to design solutions especially for cold climates.

[Bryan Smith] An experienced project manager and lead designer, Bryan Smith with SMS Engineering has a keen understanding of both the design process and building engineering systems.

Bryan thrives in complex, multi-disciplinary projects that require detailed coordination, and thanks to his exceptional organizational skills, he has successfully managed projects for various organizations, including Red River College Polytech, Winnipeg Airports Authority, University of Winnipeg, RBC Convention Centre, Manitoba Hydro, and the Assiniboine Park Conservancy.

[Sarah Chernis, B.EnvD, LEED AP BD+C] Sarah Chernis is a Project Manager and Sustainability Specialist with more than 17 years of experience working on complex projects. Sarah's early career experience included energy modelling, daylight modelling, building commissioning, and LEED certifications which have given her a foundational knowledge of both engineering and architectural systems. Sarah has led the Sustainability Practice Committee at Architecture 49 and was involved with the Canada Green Building Council's Technical Advisory Committee for 11 years, including through the roll-out of LEED version 4. Sarah assumed the roll of Project Manager for the Canada's Diversity Gardens project and saw the project through detailed design, construction, and commissioning phases ensuring constant integration of project team members and focusing on decision making that will lead to capturing the vision of the project.

[Monica Giesbrecht FCSLA, MALA, CRM] Monica Giesbrecht leads HTFC's interdisciplinary landscape architecture, urban design, and land planning projects throughout Canada's prairie, boreal, and tundra biomes. Her work is rooted in placemaking through amplifying the local, cross-cultural inclusion through intensive consultation and codesign, and land stewardship though climate resilient biophilic design. Monica's ongoing investigations into the social, physical, and psychological relationships between landscapes and youth, immigrants, marginalized groups, and seniors serve as a foundation for her progressive work creating healthy communities, integrated recreation networks, liveable neighbourhoods, inclusive urban environments, sustainable landscapes, and culturally sensitive lands.

[David Bowick, P.Eng.] David Bowick is a professional engineer licensed across Canada and working around the world. Having lectured and taught in architecture faculties of many schools, his unique talent is working with architects, developing structures that fulfill and enhance their design vision. This effort has received awards from the local engineering societies, the Fabric, Wood, Steel and Concrete industry groups as well as contributing to numerous architectural award winning projects.

His particular passion is tensile structures, the major focus of his personal engineering efforts for the past 10 years. Having completed many recognizable projects, including a role in Canada's recently completed BC Place Stadium, David has studied tension structures at the Institute for Membrane Structures in Germany and sat on the board of the Fabric Structures Association.


On-Demand Sessions

Arctic Futures: Sustainable Transitions in Climate ChangeDr. Andrea Kraj, P.Eng.
The Arctic region stands at the nexus of global environmental, health, geopolitical, and economic challenges, and its future is a matter of pressing concern for both the international community and the indigenous peoples who call this pristine wilderness home. Viewers of this presentation will embark on a journey to explore the multifaceted dimensions of Arctic futures, shedding light on the critical issues that define the region's destiny.

The presentation will delve into the profound impact of climate change on the Arctic, highlighting the accelerating melting of sea ice, rising temperatures, and their cascading effects on ecosystems and global climate systems. The implications of these changes will be discussed, from heightened vulnerability to extreme weather events to opportunities for resource exploitation and emerging shipping routes. Arctic geopolitics will be considered, as well as the cultural and societal dimensions of Arctic futures, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of Arctic communities in the face of rapid transformations.

Explore the Arctic's past, present, and potential futures, and gain a deeper understanding of the critical issues at stake in this remote and unique but undeniably pivotal region.
[Dr. Andrea Kraj, P.Eng.]
Dr. Andrea Kraj, P.Eng.
Dr. Andrea Kraj is CEO and President of CORE Renewable Energy. She completed her Ph.D, M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Engineering and is a pioneering leader in developing advanced energy systems. She is a Fulbright Scholar and practicing professional engineer specializing in Intelligent Energy Systems and Microgrids for Smart Cities. She is also a board director of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) representing BTM (behind the meter) systems and a Vice President of the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA). With more than 20 years of experience, her work has enabled enhancements in rural electrification and less dependence on fossil fuels. Dr. Kraj's work has supported those in remote areas such as in Northern communities, First Nations, and tropical island nations. She is an accomplished author and speaker, and hosts two podcasts, the recently launched Energy Exchange Podcast and Fempower for celebrating women in the fields of Technology, Trades, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, Arts, Athletics, Mathematics, and Science to empower and inspire others.

Best Practices to Protect Yourself and Your Organization from Cyber ThreatsAzhar Laldin
Cyber threats are no longer in the realm of science fiction or Hollywood movies. The dangers posed by malicious actors are real, significant, and perhaps imminent. Individuals and businesses need to be aware of the threats, and more importantly, be prepared to protect themselves against malicious actors.

This presentation will identify some of the critical threats in today's environments and provide some best practices that individuals and businesses can implement to reduce their risk.
[Azhar Laldin]
Azhar Laldin
Azhar Laldin is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Castellan Information Security Services Inc., which specializes in providing end-to-end Information/Cyber Security services, products, and personnel.

Azhar has nearly 30 years of experience working in the Information Technology field, and over 20+ years of experience in successfully delivering complex and critical projects across several industries including Education, Agriculture, Financial Services, Telecommunications, Insurance, Human Resources, and Healthcare. Over the last 10+ years, Azhar's focus has been on providing leadership in information and cyber security specialty, developing, and delivering security programs/roadmaps, conducting security assessments, implementing security controls, and selection/deployment of security technologies.

Efficiency Programs for Commercial and Residential BuildingsEfficiency Manitoba
Learn about Efficiency Manitoba's financial incentive programs to lower energy bills and reduce maintenance costs. The Efficiency Manitoba team will provide information on both Commercial and Residential programs available.

[Denise Turanli] Denise Turanli is the Business Development Lead at Efficiency Manitoba, which is Manitoba's newest Crown corporation dedicated to energy efficiency. Efficiency Manitoba offers programs and rebates to help you save energy, money, and the environment. Denise has 8 years of experience working with energy efficiency programming, and is responsible for helping commercial customers, such as multi-unit residential buildings and small businesses, navigate the efficiency programs so they can reduce their business' energy consumption. Denise is passionate in helping businesses of all sizes and she has a keen interest in offering accessible information to business owners so they can make informed decisions.

[Rob Boresky, P.Eng.] Rob Boresky, P.Eng. is a Mechanical Systems Engineer and the Mechanical Systems Technical Lead for Efficiency Manitoba's commercial engineering group. He works primarily on the New Buildings, Commercial Energy Audit, and Deep Energy Retrofit Programs and specializes in whole-building energy modelling. Rob's prior experience to EM includes working as a mechanical engineering consultant and energy modeller for a wide variety of commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings in Manitoba.


Great Attraction After the Great ResignationJaysa Toet
Companies and candidates are continuing to feel the impacts of "the Great Resignation". Both enter the recruitment process with similar goals however, the process to get there can often become overcomplicated with unknowns, layers of logistics, or the wrong steps.

Whether you are a stellar company hiring for your team, or a talented individual looking for your next career steps, this session will help you focus your recruitment efforts to stand out. This session will explore what is most attractive to candidates in 2023 and consider tips for companies and individuals to get the best out of the recruitment process.
[Jaysa Toet]
Jaysa Toet
Jaysa Toet is the Founder of Lively Consulting, a talent acquisition consulting firm providing recruitment training and full cycle recruitment. Jaysa's focus on livelihoods and the importance of career decisions is the "why" behind her work.

Manitoba Hydro's 2023 IRP: Managing the energy transition and the role of engagementLindsay Melvin, P.Eng., FEC and Lindsay Hunter, P.Eng.
The energy transition is underway in Manitoba and it will impact how energy is supplied, delivered, and used in the province. Managing how to prepare for and respond to this transition is critical to ensure opportunities within the energy transition are optimized for the best interests of all Manitobans. Manitoba Hydro's first Integrated Resource Plan, the 2023 IRP, is a roadmap looking 20 years into the future to ensure energy is available when and how Manitobans need it. The 2023 IRP is a comprehensive analysis to understand the energy transition in Manitoba, its potential impact, and what might be required to respond as the future unfolds. Engagement with customers and interested parties was used to inform the 2023 IRP. Outcomes of the 2023 IRP indicate that the energy transition will have a significant impact for all Manitobans and a collaborative effort from the boarder energy planning community will be needed. This presentation explores the outcomes of the 2023 IRP and the role of engagement assessing the Manitoba energy landscape, and in informing the developing of the IRP. The importance of ongoing engagement in managing the energy transition will also be discussed.

[Lindsay Melvin, P.Eng., FEC] Lindsay Melvin, M.Sc., MBA, P.Eng., FEC holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, an M.Sc. in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and an MBA, all from the University of Manitoba. Lindsay is the Director of Integrated Resource Planning at Manitoba Hydro. During over 18 years with Manitoba Hydro, Lindsay has fulfilled diverse roles in System Modelling, Resource Planning; Market and Risk Studies, Export Power Marketing; Business Performance and Project Management, Distribution; and Integrated Resource Planning Policy and Coordination.

[Lindsay Hunter, P.Eng.] Lindsay Hunter, P.Eng., MBA, PMP is the acting Integrated Resource Planning Policy & Coordination Department Manager at Manitoba Hydro and held the position of project manager, leading the enterprise-wide team in the development of Manitoba Hydro's first Integrated Resource Plan. She is a mechanical engineer that started her career in engineering design, before starting to take on more progressive roles in project management. In 2015, Lindsay obtained her Masters in Business Administration, with a focus on Leadership in Organizations and Lean Management. Lindsay has held her Project Management Professional (PMP) designation since 2017 and has recently obtained the Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM) certification. Lindsay also has specific training in designing and executing public engagement through the International Association of Public Participation.


Conference Registration

Tuesday, November 7 - Thursday, November 9, 2023
Online professional development sessions daily between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Exclusive on-demand and live session recordings available for 90 days.

General Public $200 + GST
Association Registrants $125 + GST
Association Students $25 + GST
Lunch Add-On $8 + GST

Register Online Now!

Registration includes:


Enjoy lunch delivered to your door!
Registrants in Winnipeg, Brandon, and Thompson can opt to have lunch delivered to them during the lunch Keynote sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Limited quantities available, delivery area restrictions apply, more details during registration.




For questions or more information, please contact:

Gemma Keatch
Events Coordinator
E-mail:GKeatch@EngGeoMB.ca
Phone:(204) 474-2736 ext. 238

Cancellation Policy

GST Exemption

Individuals registering themselves may not claim GST exemption. GST exemption will only be applied when registration and payment is made by the GST exempt department. To register individuals from your GST exempt department, please complete the paper registration form for each registrant and email to GKeatch@EngGeoMB.ca from a work email address with full email signature, stating your GST number. As exemption must be verified through the Association office, GST exempt registrations may not use the online registration form. Please note that the Association will not refund GST after payment for registration has been made.

Awards Ceremony Luncheon

Friday, October 20, 2023
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
North building, RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg

2023 Awards Ceremony

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