Discover, connect, and innovate at EMC’s Manufacturing Excellence Forum—a gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from across Canada’s manufacturing sector.
Whether you’re seeking solutions to workforce challenges, exploring emerging technologies, or looking to grow your manufacturing network, this event is your opportunity to engage directly with thought leaders and industry peers shaping the future of Canadian manufacturing.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 8:00 am PST
Kelowna, BC
8:00 – Networking Breakfast
8:30 – Opening Remarks
8:45 – “Why Productivity is Everything: A Strategic Lens for Manufacturing Success”, with Matt Weller, Senior Advisor Supply Chain, EMC.
In manufacturing, productivity is far more than just a metric. It is in fact the ultimate measure of how effective your business is at producing value that your customers are willing to pay for.
This talk explores productivity not as a calculation, but as a mindset and operational compass that shapes decision-making across the plant floor and the executive suite. We’ll unpack how a focus on productivity as the primary business objective drives competitive advantage and resilience, and we will examine the People-Process-Technology hierarchy as a unified framework for manufacturing effectiveness.
Whether you are leading operations or shaping strategy, this session will offer a clear, grounded perspective on why productivity is everything.
9:45 – Spotlight on Trades & Applied Research – Okanagan College
Okanagan College will be presenting an inside look at their renowned Trades & Apprenticeship Department. This year’s session comes with a new twist: Mary Butterfield from the Applied Research Department will join Danny Marques, Interim Dean of Trades & Apprenticeship, to share insights on how applied research is shaping the future of skilled trades education and workforce development.
10:15 – Networking Break
10:45 – Industry Panel Discussion
11:30 – Industry Keynote – TBA
12:15 – Networking Lunch
1:30 – Tour and Networking Session
Each participant will be able to select one of the following afternoon sessions:
Discover, connect, and innovate at EMC’s Manufacturing Excellence Forum—a gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from across Canada’s manufacturing sector.
Whether you’re seeking solutions to workforce challenges, exploring emerging technologies, or looking to grow your manufacturing network, this event is your opportunity to engage directly with thought leaders and industry peers shaping the future of Canadian manufacturing.
Join us for an immersive four-day course designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge in economic development leadership, integral to achieving the new BCEDA CEDP.BC Certification. This comprehensive program will delve into a range of key economic development activities vital for fostering thriving communities.
BCEDA Member: $795.00 + GST
Non-Member: $895.00 + GST *Potential funding may be available through the BC Employer Training Grant
The Ec Dev Leadership Learning Exchange is scheduled to start at 8:30am PST on Sunday, October 19th and wrap up by 4:30pm PST on Wednesday, October 22nd.
Economic development professionals from the Northern Development Region are invited to join the Regional Economic Development Network (EDN-NDT) for an in-person forum. This network aims to foster enhanced collaboration, professional development, and economic resilience across Northern B.C. more info...
Rural and regional economies face distinct opportunities and pressures, climate transitions, sector shifts in forestry and tourism, infrastructure gaps, and Indigenous/municipal reconciliation.
SIRES exists to address these dynamics head-on, empowering leaders across sectors to drive place-based economic solutions that truly work. The Summit will focus on learning about the current state of the southern interior of BC?s regional economy, the challenges and how to accelerate sustainable prosperity for the region. In addition to connecting with delegates through collaborative sessions, the Summit will feature presentations from thought leaders and peers with a lens on collaborating for economic success in the region.
Join us and 120+ economically minded delegates for two days of learning, collaborating and networking. more info...