AMCA Annual Conference

The Executive is excited to announce some of the speakers for the upcoming 2020 Annual Conference

Bruce Kirby

Acclaimed Explorer | Writer | Photographer

Bruce Kirkby lives life on the edge. An acclaimed explorer, travel writer, and television host (with a degree in engineering physics), he uses his incredible adventures across the globe to provide real-world, practical lessons on risk management and change leadership. Bruce’s travels have taken him to the tip of the highest mountain and to the centre of the driest desert. He draws on these experiences to offer simple strategies to help people confront their fears and learn how to embrace change and growth to see lasting success, both personally and professionally.

With journeys spanning more than 80 countries and 2000 days, Bruce’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. He also spent six months travelling to and living in a Himalayan Buddhist monastery with his young family — an experience that was chronicled on Travel Channel’s Big Crazy Family Adventure. He’s also the former host of CBC’s No Opportunity Wasted.

Bruce is the bestselling author of two travel books, and he is a regular columnist for The Globe and Mail. A multi-National Magazine Award winner, Bruce has also had his writing appear in The New York Times, EnRoute, Huffington Post, Explore, and Canadian Geographic. Bruce is also the winner of a prestigious Western Magazine Award, and his photography was selected by National Geographic as among “the most compelling adventure images of the decade.”

Pete Blank 

BS, Telecommunications, University of Florida
MHR, Human Resources, Rollins College

After a stint as a television sportscaster, Pete returned to Disney in 1994. Over the next 13 years, he managed various areas of Disney's theme parks and resorts, where he learned what it takes to run a world-class organization. Pete was blessed to spend a majority of his time working at the Disney University. While there, he led the Traditions program, which is known worldwide as one of the premiere employee orientation programs. He also facilitated college level courses to thousands of Disney College Interns, and was a Segment Learning Manager for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and the Disney Cruise Line.

Pete is the Training and OD Manager for the Personnel Board of Jefferson County. As a leadership expert and professional speaker he also works with organizations and associations all across the U.S., helping them achieve their goals in the areas of leadership, employee engagement and customer service. Some of his clients include DirecTV, Southern Company, LG, Regions Bank, and Coldwell Banker.

Pete is a former President of the Birmingham Chapter of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), received the “2016 Learning! Champion Award” from Elearning! Magazine, and earned the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Association.

His first book is Employee Engagement: Lessons from the Mouse House. His next book, 55 Ways to add Disney Magic to your Organization, is due out in 2020.

Trish Tutton

We live in an age of burnout. The world tells us that if we want to be happy, we need to be successful. How do we achieve success? Through long hours, burning the candle at both ends, sacrificing our health and wellness and working HARDER. The simple truth is that this only leads to BURNOUT which has your employees looking for a new job, entering conversations in a reactive state, taking more sick/stress leave and HATING their job. When we prioritize our health and well-being, we can get more work done, be more creative, communicate better and achieve better results for our company. Trish will teach simple, effective, and FAST mindful techniques to help employees avoid burnout and even better, achieve great results.

Peter Katz

JUNO-Nominated Musician & Storyteller

Peter Katz has evolved from a nervous first-timer at an open mic night into a JUNO Award, CanadianScreen Award, and two-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominated signer-songwriter with five albums under his belt.  He has toured the world for the past decade in support of his music, sharing the stage and studio with legendary musicians like Academy Award winner and Grammy nominee Glen Hansard, and Garth Hudson (from The Band).  A gifted storyteller, Peter infuses his presentations with songs which inspire audiences to create their own path, overcome obstacles, and find success in whatever they desire.

CBC Radio Host Tom Power called Peter's latest release, We Are The Reckoning, "One of the most heartfelt, beautiful and vulnerable records of the year...an astonishing record," and NOW Magazine name him "Best Male Vocalist" in Toronto.  Peter's songs have been used in movies and TV shows such as Reign, Felicity, and Hello-Goodbye, as well as in CBC's Olympic coverage in 2016.

As a speaker, Peter is a four-time TEDx fellow, who has given countless talks and workshops across Canada.