Schedule

  • Breakfast
    8:00 a.m.
  • Keynote Speaker: Dave Meslin - Building a Culture of Engagement
  • Break
    10:15 a.m.
  • Panel: The Business of Libraries
    10:45 a.m.
  • Lunch
    11:45 a.m.
  • Room Changeover
    12:45 p.m.
  • Breakout Sessions 1
    1:00 p.m.
  • Break
    1:45 p.m.
  • Breakout Sessions 2
    2:00 p.m.
  • Vendor Break
    2:45 p.m.
  • Breakout Sessions 3
    3:15 p.m.
  • Day Closing
    4:00 p.m.
  • Breakfast
    8:00 a.m.
  • Keynote Speaker Dr. James Makokis - Stand up with Pride: Navigating Diverse View-points with Compassion and Respect
  • Break
    10:15 a.m.
  • Panel: Advocacy
    10:45 a.m.
  • Lunch
    11:45 a.m.
  • Room Changeover
    12:45 p.m.
  • Breakout Sessions 4
    1:00 p.m.
  • Quick Break
    1:45 p.m.
  • Breakout Sessions 5
    2:00 p.m.
  • Vendor Break
    2:45 p.m.
  • Breakout Sessions 6
    3:15 p.m.
  • Conference Closing
    4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Breakout sessions will feature three breakout options for each timeslot

Please note the schedule is subject to change.

Building a Culture of Engagement

Keynote Speaker: Dave Meslin

Apathy is all around us. Most people have become disengaged not only from politics, but also from our schools, workplaces and associations or organisations. Increasingly, those in leadership positions are asking themselves “How do we boost public participation?”, “How do we engage our students?” and “How can we inspire our membership to get involved?”. Dave Meslin encourages us to recognize apathy as a web of barriers that reinforce disengagement – and that we can work together to dismantle the obstacles. His seven-minute TED talk about apathy has more than 1.4 million views. This in-depth version of the talk for NSB clients, incorporates anecdotes, humour and examples of best-practices. He reminds the audience that we all have something to contribute and that the strongest cities, schools and associations are the ones that have learned how to tap into the collective creativity, passion and knowledge of their constituents.

Stand up with Pride: Navigating Diverse View-points with Compassion and Respect

Keynote Speaker: Dr. James Makokis

Taking a stance and advocating for meaningful change can be a challenging endeavour, filled with potential criticism and conflict. In a world that values authenticity and compassion, it is essential to navigate these situations with dignity and empathy. Dr. James Makokis, known as half of “Team Ahkameyimok,” embodies the power of authentic leadership and offers valuable insights on how to take a stance while maintaining compassion and understanding.

Drawing from his remarkable journey on The Amazing Race Canada and their tireless commitment to equality for First Nation and LGBTQ2S+ communities, Dr. Makokis provides practical solutions for navigating challenges through a compassionate lens. He shares his personal experiences and lessons learned, empowering individuals to embrace their authenticity and confidently address controversy and conflict.
By emphasizing unity and investing in knowledge, Dr. James Makokis encourages individuals to understand the perspectives of others in order to engage in respectful and productive conversations without being offended. He demonstrates the importance of self-reflection, continuous education, and humility in order to manage oneself and relate to others with empathy and compassion.

In this empowering presentation, participants will learn how to develop the mindset and skills needed to navigate conflicts while staying true to their values. Dr. Makokis provides strategies for self-awareness, effective communication, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect in the workplace through an inclusive lens. Through his guidance, attendees will gain the tools to approach challenging conversations with dignity, build bridges of understanding, and make a positive impact in their personal and professional lives.

Dr. James Makokis takes you on a transformative journey of authenticity, compassion, and advocacy so that individuals can better understand how and when to stand up, and how to educate others on your perspective without impacting you or your peers. By embracing these principles, individuals can create positive change within themselves, their teams, and their communities.

Call for Speakers