Many of our members have shared the same message: retention matters. They no longer want to promote someone into leadership simply because they show up on time. Instead, they want leaders who have both the technical tools to do the job and the leadership skills to guide and build high-performing teams.
This one-day learning event is designed to showcase what strong leadership looks like in today's world. Participants will leave with practical strategies that they can bring back to their work sites and offices and apply immediately in their day-to-day roles.
When: October 15, 2026
Where: JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District
Time: 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When customers can’t associate any positive human qualities among possible suppliers, they know they can buy from anyone and be satisfied with what they get (quick: name an industry where this isn’t reality). Instead of fighting this dynamic, most businesses roll over, mimic their competitors, use price as a weapon and unwittingly weaken their competitiveness – along with any chance of creating customer loyalty. Which means, in every industry, the doors are wide open for dominators to emerge.
This is a dynamic Ken knows intimately and capitalized on in his leadership role in the against-all-odds turnaround of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. In his supercharged, high-energy speeches, Ken inspires companies and individuals to become dominant competitors by becoming memorable – not for what they make or do, but for who they are
In more than 1,000 keynotes around the world, he’s shared his proven techniques for harnessing simple drivers of human behavior to create customer experiences that delight, build reputations, fuel preference and foster tattoo-worthy levels of loyalty.He’s the author of Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance, host of the Tailgating with Geniuses podcast and co-founder of Torque Sessions Leadership Training.In everything he does, he lives by his credo of, “Never do what’s expected, make yourself as noticeably different as possible and have a lot more fun than you’re supposed to.”
Allan Kehler is a leading voice in mental health, resilience, and workplace wellness. Renowned for his powerful storytelling, Allan draws on his personal journey through mental illness, addiction, and suicide to deliver keynotes that are as impactful as they are relatable.
With a background as an addiction’s counselor, clinical case manager, and post-secondary instructor, Allan blends professional insight with lived experience. His presentations challenge audiences to rethink mental health, strengthen human connection, and cultivate safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces.
Having delivered over one thousand keynotes across the globe, Allan has become a trusted resource for organizations seeking to create mentally healthy and high-performing workplaces. His TEDx talk on men and mental health has gained global traction, and his best-selling books have further positioned him as a thought leader in the field.
As CEO, Rohit Gupta leads Rohit Group’s bold expansion across North America. Known for his compelling storytelling and forward-thinking leadership, Rohit has helped build an innovative company operating at the intersection of homebuilding, community development, and city-building.
Looking forward, he is focused on expanding the organization's partnerships in affordable housing and infrastructure to serve our communities, while growing the retail and office portfolio. At the center of his strategy is BuildBase™, a spin-out builder SaaS solution that serves as the backbone of the organization, which Rohit is leveraging to drive operational efficiency while delivering a higher-quality customer and partner experience across all business lines.
Level 52 is a Canadian leadership development and executive coaching firm that specializes in building high-performing leaders and aligned leadership teams through a science-backed, results-driven approach. Their work focuses on practical tools and frameworks that leaders can apply immediately to improve performance, influence, and organizational culture.
Grounded in principles from neuroscience and high-performance environments, Level 52’s methodology is built around The Science Behind Success, an award-winning leadership framework that underpins their training programs, workshops, and coaching engagements. The firm supports leaders at all stages—from emerging leaders and supervisors to senior executives—through in-person, virtual, and customized learning experiences.
Matt Day is a professional entertainer, emcee, musician, and music wellness facilitator with more than 25 years of experience performing for audiences across Alberta. He has emceed and performed for organizations including the Alberta Realtors Association, Alberta Chamber of Resources, Alberta Motor Transport Association, and Feast on the Field at Commonwealth Stadium, often sharing the stage as co-emcee with Edmonton television personality Tracie Gray.
Matt recently completed his graduate studies in Music, focusing on training healthcare staff to deliver music based interventions in patient care. As a Music Wellness Facilitator at Edmonton’s Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, he works daily with what keeps people present, engaged, and motivated to participate, the same instincts he brings to managing the flow of a live event.
Matt combines performance polish, high energy, and a sharp read of the room to keep events moving, with relevant recaps, audience interaction, and musical moments that support the energy and purpose of the occasion.
Tracie Gray is an award-winning broadcaster, television personality, actor, podcast host and professional emcee with more than 25 years of experience entertaining and connecting with audiences. A familiar voice and face in Edmonton media, Tracie has worked extensively in radio and television and has hosted and emceed events ranging from intimate community gatherings to major live events with audiences of more than 30,000 people.
Known for her warmth, quick wit and ability to make people feel at ease, Tracie brings energy, humour and genuine connection to every stage she steps onto. She was also honoured as a 2022 Women of Inspiration Award recipient – Women in Media.
Registration opens
Breakfast and welcome to guests
Opening remarks
Keynote Speaker: Allan Kehler
Break
Session 1: Fireside chat with Rohit Gupta
Lunch
Session 2: Interactive Workshop lead by Level 52
Session 3: Interactive Workshop lead by Level 52
Break
Closing Keynote: Ken Schmidt
Reception
OpenCircle Contractors Association would like to thank to following speaker sponsor.
OpenCircle Contractors Association would like to thank the Calgary Construction Association, Red Deer Construction Association and the Edmonton Construction Association for their partnership on this event.
JW Marriott Edmonton
ICE District
10344 102 St NW,
Edmonton, AB
T5J 0K9
By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree that photographs, video, and audio recordings may be taken by OpenCircle Membership Services and Workforce Development Association and its owners, parents, subsidiaries and affiliates (including OpenCircle Benefit Services, OpenCircle National Advocacy Ltd., and OC Benefit Plan Trust) (the “event organizers”) or authorized media and used for promotional or informational purposes in print, online, or social media, without further notice or compensation. If you do not agree to the above, please inform event staff upon arrival.You understand and voluntarily assume all risks associated with attendance and participation, including injury, illness, or loss, and agree that the event organizers, venue, sponsors, volunteers, and affiliates are not responsible or liable for any such occurrences, except where prohibited by law. By attending, you release and hold harmless the event organizers from any and all claims arising from your participation.The event organizers are committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy laws; any personal data collected will be used solely for event administration and communication purposes and will not be shared without your consent, except as required by law. IMPORTANT NOTE: Tickets to the event are subject to limited availability.
