October 27, 2026
6:00 PM EDT
Opening Reception at Hockey Hall of Fame
6:00 - 7:30 PM
October 28, 2026
7:00 AM EDT
Registration Opens
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
7:30 AM EDT
Breakfast
7:30 AM - 8:15 AM
8:15 AM EDT
Navigating Canada's Breaking Point
8:15 - 9:30 AM
SPEAKER:
Author, Chairman, Ipsos Public Affairs & Leading Expert on Canadian Demographics and Public Opinion
Author, Chairman, Ipsos Public Affairs & Leading Expert on Canadian Demographics and Public Opinion
`Darrell Bricker is a leading global expert in demography, public opinion, politics, and social trends, known for turning complex data into clear, actionable insights. As CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, he provides timely analysis on societal and consumer shifts in Canada and worldwide. A CRIC Fellow, bestselling author, and regular commentator on The Hub, Darrell’s recent book, Breaking Point, examines the pressures reshaping Canada. His previous works, including Empty Planet, The Big Shift, and Next, explore global demographic change and Canada’s evolving identity.
October 28, 2026
8:15 - 9:30 AM
Canada is at a pivotal turning point as demographic shifts, economic pressures, and changing migration patterns reshape growth and opportunity. In this session, Darrell Bricker reveals how outdated assumptions about markets, talent, and demand are colliding with new realities, and what leaders must do to adapt. Grounded in data and real-world insight, this presentation provides a clear, actionable lens on what lies ahead and how to prepare.
Key Takeaways:
- Where real growth will emerge in the next decade—and where it will not
- How aging demographics and migration trends are reshaping markets and talent
- A practical framework to navigate uncertainty and build trust in a rapidly changing environment
SPEAKER:
Author, Chairman, Ipsos Public Affairs & Leading Expert on Canadian Demographics and Public Opinion
9:30 AM EDT
Networking Break
9:30 - 9:45 AM
9:45 AM EDT
Environmental Sustainability Progress in the Canadian Healthcare Sector
9:45 - 10:45 AM
SPEAKER:
Project Assistant - Preparing Canada’s Health Care Buildings for Net-Zero, Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care
Project Assistant - Preparing Canada’s Health Care Buildings for Net-Zero, Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care
Armaan Makhani-Kotadia was named Canada’s Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leader by Corporate Knights and is a Project Assistant at the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care’s "Preparing Canada’s Health Care Buildings for Net-Zero Project." He is also currently pursuing his Masters of Health Sciences (MHSc) in Health Equity and Sustainability at Western University.
Armaan Makhani-Kotadia was named Canada’s Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leader by Corporate Knights and is a Project Assistant at the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care’s "Preparing Canada’s Health Care Buildings for Net-Zero Project." He is also currently pursuing his Masters of Health Sciences (MHSc) in Health Equity and Sustainability at Western University.
A graduate of McMaster University’s Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences program, Armaan also completed minors in Sustainability and Community Engagement. At McMaster, he contributed more than 700 hours as a Sustainability Teaching Assistant, co-led the Student Sustainability Ambassadors Program, published single-use plastic research that informed campus policy, and received the inaugural Adam Chiaravalle Post-Secondary Youth Conservation Award at the Hamilton Environmentalists of the Year Awards.
October 28, 2026
9:45 - 10:45 AM
This session highlights the latest advancements and ongoing efforts driving improved environmental sustainability across Canada’s healthcare sector. Attendees will gain insights into innovative initiatives, operational changes, and collaborative strategies aimed at reducing waste, lowering emissions, and promoting more sustainable practices while maintaining high standards of patient care. Learn how organizations are navigating challenges and driving measurable progress toward a greener healthcare system.
SPEAKER:
Project Assistant - Preparing Canada’s Health Care Buildings for Net-Zero, Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care
10:45 AM EDT
Networking Break
10:45 - 11:00 AM
11:00 AM EDT
Canadian Advocacy Update
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
SPEAKERS:
Founder and CEO - Wellington Advocacy
Founder and CEO - Wellington Advocacy
As the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wellington Advocacy, Nick draws on his 15 years of political experience across Canada to advise the senior leadership of some of Canada’s largest companies and associations. Prior to Wellington, Nick directed issues management for the Prime Minister of Canada, served as Chief of Staff to the former Premiers of British Columbia and Alberta, and as a political party Campaign Director.
CEO - Vanguard Strategy Inc
CEO - Vanguard Strategy Inc
Michele Cadario was the first woman in Canada to run a national election as Campaign Director for the Liberal Party in 2004 following her success as National Director for Paul Martin’s leadership campaign. She served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Martin and was a key member of each of his transition teams. More recently she was a senior strategist in the 2013 & 2017 BC Liberal campaigns and Deputy Chief of Staff to Premier Christy Clark until 2017.
Today, Michele is CEO of Vanguard Strategy Inc., a consulting firm specializing in organizational structuring, strategic communications, and issues management and a Principal of J&M Network. Michele is also a regular political television commentator.
VP of Government Affairs - TRSA
VP of Government Affairs - TRSA
Kevin Schwalb is TRSA’s Vice President of Government Relations and certifications. He comes to TRSA after serving as a Presidential appointee of President George W. Bush to the Department of Labor. While at the Department of Labor, Schwalb worked directly for Labor Secretary Elaine Chow representing DOL to such stakeholders as congressional leaders, business leaders such as CEO’s of Fortune 50 companies as well as small businesses owners. Among the issues Kevin was involved in where Free Trade Agreements, Family and Medical Leave Act revisions and labor organization policy.
Prior to the Department of Labor Kevin was the Federal Legislative Director to the National Association of Home Builders for environmental policy dealing with such issue as the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act.
While at TRSA, Schwalb has defended the linen, uniform and facility services industry on many federal, state and city issues ranging from fighting President Obama’s Overtime proposal which would have cost the industry millions of dollars, updating healthcare linen regulations at the state level and enacting tax rebates saving laundry operators thousands of dollars annually. Schwalb was instrumental in leading the team that developed TRSA’s certification programs: Clean Green and Hygienically Clean programs.
October 28, 2026
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This session provides an overview of the latest advocacy efforts affecting the Canadian industry landscape. Attendees will gain insights into key policy developments, regulatory updates, and strategic initiatives, along with what they mean for organizations and how to stay engaged and informed moving forward.
SPEAKERS:
Founder and CEO - Wellington Advocacy
CEO - Vanguard Strategy Inc
VP of Government Affairs - TRSA
12:00 PM EDT
Lunch
12:00 - 12:45 PM
12:45 PM EDT
Management: Identifying and Developing Future Leaders
12:45 - 1:45 PM
SPEAKERS:
Director, HR & Adminstration, Alsco Uniforms
Director, HR & Adminstration, Alsco Uniforms
Gene Ketter serves as Director of Human Resources and Administration for Alsco Uniforms, where he partners with leaders across the organization to drive talent strategy, organizational effectiveness, and business performance. Since joining Alsco in 2022, he has helped shape initiatives that strengthen leadership, culture, and long-term growth.
With more than 20 years of leadership experience, Gene has led HR organizations for a global equipment manufacturer and the largest revenue-generating utility company in the United States. His expertise includes strategic consulting, executive coaching and leadership development, organizational design, business transformation, and corporate innovation. His diverse background also includes leadership roles in Sales, Operations, and Customer Service, giving him a well-rounded perspective on building high-performing organizations.
Throughout his career, Gene has worked across a variety of industries, including financial services, manufacturing, utilities, and food service. His thought leadership has been featured in multiple publications throughout North America.
Gene earned his bachelor's degree from North Carolina A&T State University and his MBA from Wingate University. He also holds several professional HR certifications, including a Strategic Leadership certificate from Cornell University.
With a global perspective, Jeff is at the forefront of the institutional textile industry, actively collaborating with manufacturing partners from diverse corners of the world. His keen eye for market trends and unparalleled strategic thinking have led him to expertly navigate complex challenges, leveraging hedging strategies and conducting meticulous country diversification audits.
Vice President - Cintas
Vice President - Cintas
James Dawe is a Vice President at Cintas, where he oversees rental operations across Eastern Canada and New England. With more than two decades of experience at Cintas, James has played a key role in leading operations and supporting growth across the company's rental business.
James is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada and has completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School, including studies in negotiation and profitable growth. He brings extensive leadership experience and a strong operational perspective to the textile services industry.
October 28, 2026
12:45 - 1:45 PM
This session focuses on building a strong leadership pipeline through intentional leadership development and succession planning. Attendees will gain practical strategies for identifying future leaders, developing key management skills, and ensuring organizational continuity through effective talent planning.
SPEAKERS:
Director, HR & Adminstration, Alsco Uniforms
Vice President - Cintas
1:45 PM EDT
Networking Break
1:45 - 2:00 PM
2:00 PM EDT
Escalating Customer Experience and Data Expectations
2:00 - 2:45 PM
SPEAKER:
CEO - ABS Laundry Business Solutions/LSI Inc
CEO - ABS Laundry Business Solutions/LSI Inc
Marien van Bezooijen is Chief Executive Officer of ABS Laundry Business Solutions/LSI Inc., a global provider of ERP software and technology solutions for the textile care and commercial laundry industry. Appointed CEO in January 2025, he has more than 20 years of experience in the IT services and enterprise software sectors, having held senior leadership, sales, and management positions with managed services and ERP solution providers.
Prior to becoming CEO, Marien served as Chief Commercial Officer at ABS, where he played a key role in driving global growth, strengthening customer relationships, and expanding the company’s commercial strategy. Known for his customer-focused approach and passion for innovation, he is committed to helping organizations leverage technology to improve operational efficiency, embrace digital transformation, and achieve long-term success.
October 28, 2026
2:00 - 2:45 PM
This session explores how rising customer expectations are reshaping service delivery in a data-driven world. Attendees will learn how to harness data and insights to create more personalized, responsive experiences that strengthen customer relationships and drive business performance.
SPEAKER:
CEO - ABS Laundry Business Solutions/LSI Inc
2:45 PM EDT
Networking Break
2:45 - 3:00 PM
3:00 PM EDT
CEO/Senior Executive Panel
3:00 - 4:00 PM
SPEAKERS:
President & CEO - TRSA
President & CEO - TRSA
Joseph Ricci is President and CEO of TRSA, the leading global association for companies that supply, launder and maintain linens and uniforms and provide facility services across major industries. He has strengthened TRSA’s advocacy, expanded member programs and advanced industry standards for safety, hygiene and sustainability through certifications including Hygienically Clean, Clean Green and Safety & Health.
With more than 30 years of experience in business and association management, Ricci is a recognized industry voice who has toured over 500 commercial laundries worldwide and testified before the U.S. Congress on sustainability, security and labor issues. He was named a Top Association CEO by CEO Update and is a Certified Association Executive. Ricci holds an MBA from George Mason University and a BA in Communications from Virginia Tech, and he serves on the NAM Council of Manufacturing Associations and the Virginia Tech Pamplin School of Business Hospitality & Tourism Advisory Board.
COO - London Hospital Linen Services Inc.
COO - London Hospital Linen Services Inc.
Brendan began his career with London Hospital Linen Service Inc. in July 1988 as a 16-year-old part time employee. After completing his education at Western University, and many roles throughout the plant, both in production and management, Brendan transitioned into his current role of Chief Operating Officer in February 2019. Today his responsibilities include overall operations management, finance management, textile procurement, customer relationship management and strategic planning and marketing. He sits on the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Technical Sub Committee on Sterilization, is the current Past President of IAHTM (International Association of Healthcare Textile Managers), Past President of the Board of Directors for ARTA (The American Reusable Textile Association), and contributes to the Canadian General Standards Board Committee on Textile Test Methods and Terminology.
Co-CEO - Quintex Services LTD
Co-CEO - Quintex Services LTD
Brodie Quinton is Co-CEO of Quintex Services Ltd., a fourth-generation family-owned uniform, linen, and facility services company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Since joining the business in 2018, Brodie has played a key role in advancing the company's digital presence and sustainability efforts while helping build on a family legacy that spans more than 100 years in the textile services industry. He is a graduate of the University of Victoria and serves as a Regional Board Member for the Nature Conservancy of Canada in Manitoba.
Brodie brings a fresh perspective to the family business, drawing on experience gained outside the industry to help drive innovation, continuous improvement, and long-term growth. He is committed to enhancing the customer experience and ensuring Quintex continues to evolve alongside the changing needs of the markets it serves.
President & CEO - Wagg's Linen & Uniform
President & CEO - Wagg's Linen & Uniform
Growing up in the family’s business, Billy was on the plant floor by the age of 12, sweeping, sorting and learning the rhythm of operations firsthand. Over the next 25 years, he worked his way through every corner of the company—from production and sales to management—building a deep understanding of what makes both people and processes work.
By 2015, he stepped into the role of President, and in 2025, took the helm as CEO. Today, Billy continues to carry forward the legacy of a 5th-generation family business, one that has stood the test of time through both tradition and transformation.
That balance between progress and personal touch is what defines Wagg’s success. Under Billy’s leadership, the company has expanded through acquisitions and strengthened its global network through active participation in TRSA committees while keeping its family-driven culture front and center.
October 28, 2026
3:00 - 4:00 PM
This CEO panel brings together industry leaders to share their perspectives on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the sector today. Panelists will discuss advancing environmental sustainability, strengthening leadership development and succession planning, and responding to escalating customer expectations in a data-driven environment. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how top executives are driving innovation, building resilient organizations, and positioning their companies for long-term success.
SPEAKERS:
President & CEO - TRSA
COO - London Hospital Linen Services Inc.
Co-CEO - Quintex Services LTD
President & CEO - Wagg's Linen & Uniform
