AMCA Annual Conference

Bruce Kirkby lives life on the edge. An acclaimed explorer, travel writer and television host (with a degree in engineering physics), Kirkby’s travels have taken him from the world’s highest mountains to the wildest rivers and driest deserts. He draws on these experiences to provide real-world, practical lessons on resilience, risk management and change leadership, helping individuals and organizations confront fears, embrace change and find lasting success.

With journeys spanning more than 80 countries and 2000 days, Kirkby’s accomplishments include the first modern crossing of Arabia’s Empty Quarter by camel, a raft descent of Ethiopia’s Blue Nile Gorge by raft, sea kayak traverse of Borneo’s northern coast, and a coast-to-coast Icelandic trek. The former host of CBC’s No Opportunity Wasted, Kirkby recently spent six months travelling to and living in a Himalayan Buddhist monastery with his young family — an experience chronicled on Travel Channel’s Big Crazy Family Adventure.

Kirby is the author of three bestselling books. A columnist for The Globe and Mail, and a National Magazine Award winner, Kirkby’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, EnRoute, and Canadian Geographic. His photography was selected by National Geographic as among “the most compelling adventure images of the decade.”

The October 2021 Municipal Election is fast approaching. Within weeks after the election, all municipalities are required to provide an orientation for new and continuing elected officials. Ian’s interactive session will provide a high-level overview of what is required based on his experience conducting many council orientations and mid-term governance refreshers across several Provinces.  Throughout this session, Ian will address some important concepts using lessons he’s learnt that led to his book, “Who’s Driving the Grader and other Governance Questions”.

Municipal clerks and administrators have a tremendous amount of responsibility when it comes to their municipalities. They are required to spend time on the big stuff: organizing workflow, balancing budgets and delivering results. Very few have time to stop and focus on the small details. But the details are usually the difference between a mediocre manager and a successful leader.

Through a fascinating lesson from a simple roach, Pete will share six simple, yet essential traits that leaders can emulate every day to improve their teams and their municipality.

Think you aren’t a leader? Don’t have a manager title or supervisory role? Join Pete and let him show you that regardless of your title or position, implementing the actions learned in this session will create a difference across your municipal organization.

After years working in cultures where stress and burnout were seemingly the only way to success Trish suffered a shocking loss and things became clear: stress is unavoidable, but it doesn’t have to dictate our lives. As a speaker and mindfulness teacher, Trish has taught the skills to live and work happier to thousands of professionals and has created positive change for her clients to become happier, more productive, effective, and successful without the busy badge of honour. 

Session Description: Mindful Resilience: Develop the Mindset to Thrive, No Matter What! 

When faced with difficulty - what's the difference between people who succeed, and those that struggle? How do we position ourselves better to not only survive - but THRIVE?

As we continue to navigate the challenge of a global pandemic - let's assess where we're at, and what we've learned.

One thing is for sure - this isn't the first challenge you've encountered - and it's definitely not the last.

In this experiential keynote, Trish will teach the keys to develop the mindset to thrive, no matter what life throws us.

When your employees learn the skills to thrive, they become a valuable asset for your company, helping you weather any storm that comes your way.

JUNO-Nominated Musician & Storyteller

Peter Katz is a JUNO Award & Canadian Screen Award-nominated singer-songwriter who has spent the past 15 years touring internationally. He has been described by many of his fans and speaking clients as "a thunderbolt for the soul”.

Renowned CBC radio host Tom Power described Peter’s music as “one of the most heartfelt, beautiful, and vulnerable records of the year… an astonishing record”. To date, his music has been streamed over 4.5 million times and his music videos have over 16 million views on YouTube.

Peter’s music has also been featured on several TV shows and movies like Lethal Weapon, Reign, Sign Sealed and Delivered, Felicity, For Your Consideration, Hello Goodbye, Alias, Heartland and more, as well as on CBC Television’s 2016 Rio Olympics / Paralympics coverage.

As a speaker, Peter is a 4-time TEDx fellow being called on to give his highly customized ‘Keynote Concerts’ to countless companies and organizations across various industries like Bell, Xerox, Royal Lepage, SITE Global, Trillium Health, The Canadian Society of Association Executives, and the Government of Canada, to name a few.

“His ability to connect is unlike anyone I’ve seen. To be the highest standard of being a storyteller is to be like Peter Katz.” Jeff Pulver - Founder of Vonage