POWC 2026 will take place

* Additional registration required for this workshop at checkout*

Presented by Trent University

The Just Get Over It exercise takes participants through a comprehensive timeline of the history of colonization in Canada, while facilitators weave personal stories throughout. Interactive portions of the exercise ask participants to approach this history with empathy and new understanding, bringing participants directly into the timeline as the stories are shared.

At the end, participants can take some time to debrief the activity with the facilitators. The focus is not on shame and regret, but rather on building new understanding and finding productive solutions for moving forward in a good way.

The exercise takes approximately 2 hours

Exhibitors arrive on-site to unload, install, and prepare their booths for the conference. This dedicated setup window allows time to finalize displays, test equipment, and ensure everything is show-ready before the event officially begins.

For any questions related to exhibitor move in, please contact:
Eric Ashbury
Policy and Market Trends Analyst
eashbury@owa.ca 

* Additional registration required for this workshop at checkout*

This interactive workshop provides a practical overview of modern hydropower Operations & Maintenance for operators, maintainers, engineers, asset managers, and new entrants. Led by Babar Khan and Marc Mantha, and supported by additional experienced O&M professionals, the session explores workforce development, training and competency needs, and leading practices in maintenance strategy, inspection planning, and asset reliability. Participants will gain actionable insights they can apply directly within their facilities, with a strong focus on safety, operational excellence, and long-term asset performance.

As a special offering, five workshop registrants will receive complimentary access to the full Sunbird Power Academy training bundle (valued at $1,000)

Part 1 — Training Requirements & Capacity Building

This module examines the evolving workforce needs within hydropower operations, including:

• Knowledge-transfer risks as senior operators and maintainers retire
• Competency and training requirements for the next generation of O&M professionals
• Expanding pathways and opportunities for women in technical roles
• The growing importance of First Nations capacity building as communities take on greater operational and ownership responsibilities

Participants will explore practical, industry-aligned approaches to skill development, onboarding, and operational readiness. Modern digital training tools—such as the Sunbird Power Academy platform—will be highlighted as part of the discussion.

Part 2 — Maintenance Strategy & Leading Practices

This module focuses on the foundational elements of effective hydropower maintenance programs, including:

• Preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance
• Structured inspection planning and risk-based prioritization
• Leading practices from Canadian and international hydropower operations
• How modern maintenance strategies support safety, reliability, and lifecycle asset performance

Learning Outcomes

• Practical, applicable insights to support daily operations and maintenance
• A strong foundation in modern O&M expectations and best practices
• Improved understanding of training, workforce development, and maintenance planning that strengthens long-term asset performance

* Additional registration required for this workshop at checkout*

Taste your choice of four whiskies AND a signature cocktail from Forty Creek's award-winning range. Learn about the history and process of how they create their blends!

Then why not head over to their retail store for an opportunity to purchase limited release products and merchandise that can't be found anywhere else!  

The Welcome Networking Reception is an exciting event Sponsored by our partners at Groupe Carbonneau! Its designed to kick off the conference and provide attendees with an opportunity to connect and engage with industry professionals, exhibitors, and thought leaders. 

This informal networking reception will offer a relaxed atmosphere for participants to socialize, share ideas, and build valuable relationships.

The Welcome Reception will feature refreshments appetizers, and a lively environment to foster meaningful conversations and partnerships. Whether you're attending the conference for the first time or returning as a seasoned participant, this event is the perfect way to begin your experience at the 2026 Power of Water Conference and Tradeshow.

SPONSORED BY: 

The Evening Networking Event in the Garden will feature live entertainment, and offer attendees a unique opportunity to unwind, network, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere after a day of insightful discussions and exhibitions. Set in a beautiful outdoor garden space, this event combines the best of both business and leisure, providing a relaxing yet engaging environment for participants to connect.

Guests will be treated to live entertainment, featuring local musicians or performers, creating a lively and enjoyable backdrop for conversation and networking. Attendees can mingle with peers while enjoying delicious food and drinks in a casual setting, allowing for both professional and personal connections to flourish.

Whether you're looking to deepen existing partnerships or create new ones, the Evening Networking Event in the Garden promises an unforgettable experience as part of the 2026 Power of Water Conference and Tradeshow.

Join us in the Tradeshow Hall for a dynamic and engaging start to the day with a delicious hot breakfast, while getting an early look at the innovative products and services on display!

Join us for the official Welcoming Remarks from OWA President, Paul Norris. Paul will welcome delegates and provide an overview of the exciting sessions and networking opportunities ahead, while also acknowledging the key stakeholders, sponsors, and participants who make the conference possible. 

OWA Chair, Nicholas Pender, will share remarks highlighting OWA’s mission and vision, and emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the waterpower industry.

The Honourable Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources, will deliver the opening keynote. As the lead of the Ministry with responsibility for legislative and policy frameworks governing the waterpower sector, Minister Harris will share an insightful address on the key role his Ministry is playing in advancing the expansion of waterpower in supporting a reliable, sustainable, and growing economy.

The Honourable Mike Harris
Minister of Natural Resources Legislative Assembly of Ontario

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The Honourable Mike Harris

As we enter a new era of significant waterpower expansion, positive and productive partnerships with Indigenous communities will be crucial. Importantly, the industry has and continues to build business relationships to advance investment and economic reconciliation. Hear from an outstanding panel of experts about the key success factors in realizing this generational opportunity and meeting our shared objectives.

Shaun Fantauzzo
Vice President of Policy First Nations Major Projects Coalition

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Shaun Fantauzzo

Shaun Fantauzzo is Vice President of Policy at the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, where he is responsible for leading the Coalition’s strategic policy objectives. Previously, he served as the Director of Indigenous Access to Capital at Natural Resources Canada and was responsible for developing the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program that is now administered by the Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation. Shaun also spent seven years at Finance Canada in progressively senior roles working on files such as the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, modern treaty negotiations with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit rights-holders, Indigenous tax policy, private corporation tax planning, and corporate income tax reform. Based in Toronto, he has a Master of Arts in political science from the University of British Columbia.

The Networking Break and Trade Show directly in the Tradeshow Hall at the 2026 Power of Water Conference and Tradeshow offers attendees a refreshing mid-day pause to recharge, connect, and explore. During this dedicated break, participants can enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages while mingling with industry peers, exhibitors, and potential business partners in a vibrant and interactive environment.

In the context of rapidly evolving energy markets, optimizing existing hydroelectric assets is increasingly critical to meet growing power demands. This presentation explores practical strategies for unlocking new capacity at current hydro sites. The session emphasizes the importance of early integration of economic and financial assumptions into technical planning, highlighting that asset optimization requires a holistic approach. 

Key opportunity vectors include pushing turbine and generator limits through rehabilitation and modernization, enhancing flow and transmission, and leveraging flexibility inherent in reservoir systems. The presentation details how targeted upgrades—such as new runners, wicket gates, and draft tube modifications—can yield significant power increases. Additional strategies involve accepting higher transmission losses, winter rating adjustments, and transformer replacements, all aimed at maximizing output without major new infrastructure. 

The assessment process considers asset condition, lifecycle status, reservoir levels, social and regulatory constraints, and hydrological variability. Financial modeling is central, with sensitivity analyses around discount rates, escalation, energy and capacity values, residual value, and CAPEX, guiding optimal capacity sizing. The presenters stress that technical and financial teams must collaborate closely, as long-term vision and integrated planning are essential for success. 

Ultimately, the presentation offers actionable insights and real-world examples to help operators unlock hidden value in their facilities, adapt to market trends, and ensure sustainable, reliable power generation for the future. 

Presented by Hutchinson Environmental

As Ontario embarks on the expansion of waterpower to help meet emergent and enduring electricity needs, it is imperative that we apply lessons learned from recent developments to new project proposals.  Join Hutchinson Environmental, a leading environmental firm to gain insight on key Best Management Practices of particular importance to new greenfield development.

Presented by FPrimeC Solutions Inc.

This study presents a comprehensive structural condition evaluation of two dam crest sections located in Quebec, Canada, carried out through a coordinated program of non-destructive testing (NDT). Six zones exhibiting different levels of suspected deterioration were selected to examine the condition of both the concrete surface and the underlying material. Initial visual observations documented surface problems, including cracking, localized spalling, and signs of aging, that warranted further investigation using instrumented techniques.

To characterize the subsurface condition, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was employed to detect anomalies associated with voiding, delamination, and previous repair boundaries. Ultrasonic pulse echo (UPE) testing supplemented these findings by identifying areas with reduced signal transmission, indicative of internal defects or weakened concrete. Impulse response (IR) measurements were also conducted, revealing regions of elevated mobility that correlate with structural discontinuities or reduced stiffness. In addition, spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) was used to estimate shear wave velocity profiles; reductions in velocity were consistently observed in locations where other methods suggested compromised concrete.

The integration of these advanced NDE techniques allowed for cross-validation of results, significantly increasing confidence in the interpretation of the structural condition. Collectively, the datasets demonstrated that while the majority of the investigated concrete maintains satisfactory performance, certain localized areas show evidence of degradation requiring attention. These deteriorated zones were most commonly associated with prior repairs or long-term exposure to environmental stresses.

Overall, the study highlights the effectiveness of combining multiple NDE methods to generate a more reliable and complete understanding of concrete infrastructure condition. Such an approach supports better-informed maintenance planning, targeted rehabilitation, and improved long-term asset management for critical hydraulic structures.

The Networking Lunch held directly in the Tradeshow Hall offers attendees a fantastic opportunity to refuel while continuing to make meaningful connections. Enjoy a delicious, thoughtfully curated lunch while mingling with industry professionals, exhibitors, and thought leaders in the heart of the Tradeshow floor.

SPONSORED BY: 

This engaging presentation provides attendees with a practical, interactive experience with 3D laser scanning technology, offering a clear understanding of its capabilities and impact on hydropower facility operations. By engaging directly with the scanner and visualization tools, participants will see how precise digital data is captured, processed, and applied to improve maintenance, inspections, and alignment processes. 

Key Takeaways from the Presentation/Demo: 

1. Interaction with the Technology 

Attendees will see how the 3D laser scanner operates in real time and understand its role in capturing high-precision data. 

A guided demonstration will showcase the ease of use, portability, and adaptability of the scanning system in hydropower environments. 

2. Real-Time Data Capture & Visualization 

Participants will observe the scanner collecting initial point cloud data, demonstrating the early stages of digital model creation. 

Using tablet or computer visualization, they will see how individual scans stitch together to form a complete representation of a facility or component. 

3. Understanding the End-to-End Process 

While full processing and analysis require additional time, attendees will explore pre-loaded sample datasets that illustrate final deliverables such as 3D models, digital twins, and alignment reports. 

Experts will guide discussions on how this data can be applied for maintenance planning, predictive analysis, and operational improvements. 

4. Practical Applications in Hydropower Operations Through real-world case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will gain insights into how 3D scanning enhances facility efficiency, reduces downtime, and supports long-term asset management. 

The session will highlight key benefits such as improved alignment accuracy, faster inspections, and enhanced documentation. 

Bringing 3D Laser Scanning to Your Facility 

Presented by Aquanty Inc.

Inflow forecasting remains a critical challenge for hydropower operations. This presentation introduces HydroSphereAI, a next-generation machine learning (AI/ML) platform that advances beyond traditional rainfall-runoff models by directly learning the hydrological response of watersheds from decades of historical data.

Using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks trained on a uniquely augmented dataset that integrates weather, physiographic, and hydrometric attributes across Canada, the system achieves high forecast skill - even in ungauged basins where conventional methods typically struggle.

We demonstrate historical and operational forecast performance for gauged and ungauged watersheds, highlighting improvements from real-time data integration and extensions to snowpack prediction. Forecasts driven by multiple numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems, including emerging AI-based products from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, show strong operational skill at both daily and hourly timescales.

Finally, we review early operational deployments in Ontario watersheds and discuss the practical benefits of ML-driven inflow forecasting for optimizing hydropower operations, enhancing flood preparedness, and improving system resilience.

Presented by ANDRITZ Hydro

Provide an overview of the background leading to the development of a new Kaplan design, describe the most important turbine components and the differences from the conventional Kaplan design. In addition, the results of a case study are presented showing that new Kaplan design contributes to space savings of up to 29 % in the intake area and enables a simpler concrete intake structure. This leads to optimized powerhouse dimensions and construction costs. The new Kaplan design allows better access to the main components of the turbine, namely the guide vane mechanism, the runner and the discharge ring. These components can be maintained and dismantled without moving the generator, resulting in efficient maintenance and short downtime and, thus, optimized operating costs. This new design can be applied for new plants as well as for brownfield projects, allowing the maximization of the available volumes while leaving untouched the foundations and external structures of the powerhouse.

With plenty of opportunities to connect, learn, and explore, the Trade Show Hours offer an essential experience for anyone attending the 2026 Power of Water Conference, ensuring you make the most of your time at the event.

Join us at the Networking Sunset Reception prior to the Gala Dinner and Awards, which offers a sophisticated and relaxed setting for attendees to unwind, connect, and socialize before the evening’s semi-formal events. 

This pre-Gala event sets the stage for the evening’s main celebration, allowing attendees to mingle and prepare for the prestigious Gala Dinner, Keynote Speaker and Awards ceremony, where industry achievements and outstanding contributions to the water sector will be recognized. The reception serves as a perfect warm-up, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere ahead of the night’s semi-formal proceedings.

SPONSORED BY: 

The Gala Dinner is a prestigious and elegant event that celebrates the achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations within the water industry. Held in a beautiful Grand Event Room, the Gala Dinner provides an opportunity for attendees to come together for an evening of fine dining, networking, and recognition.

This semi-formal event will feature a gourmet dinner, accompanied by an evening of inspiration. 

The Gala Dinner offers attendees a chance to reflect on the insights gained over the course of the event so far, celebrate industry successes, and forge lasting professional relationships in a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere. It’s an evening of networking, recognition, and celebration that underscores the collective efforts shaping the future of water management and sustainability.

To be Announced! 

SPONSORED BY:

The Awards Ceremony, held immediately following the keynote speaker, is a celebratory and inspiring event recognizing the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations within the water sector. This prestigious ceremony honors those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing water management, sustainability, and community impact.

Three awards that will be featured at the ceremony are:

- Innovation Award
- Stewardship Award 
- R.R. Dodokin Award

The Awards Ceremony provides an opportunity for the industry to come together, celebrate the accomplishments of peers, and be inspired by the vision and passion of those who are making a difference.

The Gala may be over, but the energy is just beginning! Keep the momentum going at our "Power Up" after-party—the ultimate spot to unwind and recharge. Grab a drink at the cash bar and challenge your colleagues to a round of mini-golf, ping-pong, or pool. With everything from foosball to Mega Jenga and corn hole, it’s the perfect chilled-out space to "power up" your connections and finish the night on a high note

Join us in the Tradeshow Hall for a dynamic and engaging start to the day with a delicious hot breakfast, while getting an early look at the innovative products and services on display!

New procurements, transmission expansions and Indigenous-led developments have all begun – requiring like never before the skills and expertise of the entire range of waterpower professionals both now and for the foreseeable future. Join this panel of thought leaders and practitioners to discuss how our industry can attract and retain tomorrow’s talent today.

Mark Chapeskie
Vice President of Programs
Electricity Human Resources Canada

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Mark Chapeskie

With over 16 years of experience in management, business development, marketing and communications, Mark has a proven track record in leading research and programs that facilitate the transfer of skills across sectors and occupations, minimizing the need for jobseeker retraining. He has spearheaded labour market intelligence studies, providing critical insights and recommendations for Canada’s electricity and renewable energy sectors.

His professional background spans international development, education, and digital, culminating in his current role in not-for-profit management.

Mark holds a BA in Government from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY, and an MA in Human Security and Peacebuilding from Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC

Cheryl Farrow, MBA, CAE
CEO Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT)

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Cheryl Farrow, MBA, CAE

Cheryl Farrow joined the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) as CEO in September 2020, bringing an extensive background in not-for-profit management, including governance transformation and credentialing. Cheryl’s other not-for-profit leadership roles include CEO of the Canadian Bar Association, President and CEO of the Supply Chain Management Association, Executive Director of the Canadian Grocery Human Resource Council, and President of the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation. Cheryl has an MBA from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and holds her designation as a Certified Association Executive (CAE). 

The Networking Break and Trade Show directly in the Tradeshow Hall at the 2026 Power of Water Conference and Tradeshow offers attendees a refreshing mid-day pause to recharge, connect, and explore. During this dedicated break, participants can enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages while mingling with industry peers, exhibitors, and potential business partners in a vibrant and interactive environment.

Presented by Janox Fluid Power Ltd.

Hydraulic systems play a critical role in the safe and efficient operation of hydroelectric power plants by controlling essential functions such as turbine governors, wicket gate servomotors, spillway and intake gate actuators, and emergency shutdown mechanisms. Effective operation and maintenance (O&M) of these systems is essential to ensure reliability, minimize downtime, and extend equipment life. 

This presentation provides a practical overview of the core principles, challenges, and best practices involved in maintaining high-performance hydraulic systems within hydroelectric facilities.

The discussion begins with an examination of fundamental operating requirements, including maintaining stable system pressures, ensuring correct accumulator performance, and verifying proper operation of control valves. Attention is given to how operational changes—such as frequent load cycling, seasonal variations, and emergency shutdown demands—affect hydraulic performance and component wear.

The maintenance-focused portion of the presentation explores common failure modes and routine inspection strategies. Key topics include fluid cleanliness management, filtration system performance, seal and hose degradation, pump and motor health monitoring, and early detection of leaks and pressure anomalies. Techniques such as fluid sampling, pressure and flow trend analysis, and valve performance testing are presented as effective tools for condition-based maintenance. 

Finally, upgrade considerations are addressed in the context of improving maintainability and operational performance. Examples include sensor-based monitoring for real-time diagnostics, upgraded control valves, and more robust fluid management systems. Case studies illustrate how targeted modernization efforts can reduce maintenance burdens and enhance system reliability. By focusing on real-world operation and maintenance practices, this presentation aims to equip operations personnel, maintenance technicians, and engineers with practical strategies to optimize hydraulic system performance and ensure long-term, trouble-free operation of hydroelectric power plants.

Presented by Biopassage Scientific Consulting (Fishheart)

Fishheart Ltd has developed an innovative and comprehensive solution for passing fish upstream at hydropower dams and for monitoring and collecting fish during upstream migrations. The Fishheart is a floating system that can be installed below dams or in other segments of a river. It uses pumped attraction flow to bring fish into passage conduits from which they can be transferred upstream or into a collection tank. An AI video monitoring system is used to identify fish that enter the passage conduits, measure all fish for length, and trigger the passage sequence. Monitoring and passage data can be accessed in real-time and compiled into custom reports with pictures and videos. Fish that need to be collected can be transferred into holding tanks for handling. 

The Fishheart system has been accepted for upstream passage of salmonids in Finland and is currently being investigated as a method for passing freshwater fish species in Australia. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy funded a study led by EPRI that was conducted at Santee Cooper’s Santee Dam in South Carolina in 2024 and year two of a three-year study is being conducted in 2026 at FirstLight’s Tunnel Station in Connecticut. Installations of the Fishheart in Europe, Australia, and the U.S. will be presented as case studies. The results of testing at these sites have demonstrated the ability of the Fishheart system to pass a wide range of species and sizes, including a variety of freshwater fishes and several anadromous species (e.g., American Shad, Alewife, Blueback Herring, Sea Lamprey, and Atlantic Salmon).  

Nik Hansen
Sales Manager
Fishheart

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Nik Hansen

Nik is a sales manager at Fishheart with a background in supply chain management, analytics, project management, and sales. He began as an operator during Fishheart’s first season at the Tunnel Generating Station in Connecticut and now supports fish passage projects nationwide. Nik is also an avid hunter, angler, and overall outdoors enthusiast.

Presented by Ontario Power Generation

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) will present real-world case studies that highlight the challenges, innovative solutions, and successes involved in refurbishing and redeveloping existing hydroelectric assets. Sara-Kristin Doherty, Project Director of Renewable Generation Major Projects at OPG, will join fellow speakers to showcase several OPG redevelopment initiatives—brought to life with compelling visuals. A key highlight will be the Matabitchuan Generating Station Redevelopment Project, featuring insights from Hamed Hasanharati, Senior Manager of Renewable Generation Projects at OPG; Emre Fidan, Structural Department Head at KGS Group; and Julien Laplante, Project Manager at Kiewit. These projects demonstrate how refurbishment extends asset life, enhances efficiency, and ensures compliance with modern standards, underscoring its vital role in strengthening Canada’s clean electricity system. 

Sara-Kristin Doherty, P.ENG
Director, Renewable Generation Major Projects Ontario Power Generation

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Sara-Kristin Doherty, P.ENG

Sara-Kristin is a Project Director for Renewable Generation Major Projects in the Enterprise Project Organization at Ontario Power Generation (OPG). She is leading several dam safety projects, including Smoky Falls Dam Safety, Frederick House Lake Dam and Abitibi Canyon Concrete Dam. Sara-Kristin joined OPG in 2007. During her time, she has held various roles in Engineering, Supply Chain, Projects and Work Management. At the end of 2023, she made the move from Nuclear to Renewable Generation. Sara-Kristin holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from McMaster University and a Master of Engineering (Power Electrics) from the University of Waterloo. 

Hamed Hasanharati, PMP, CPCM
Senior Manager, Renewable Generation Major Projects Ontario Power Generation

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Hamed Hasanharati, PMP, CPCM

Hamed Hasanharati is a Senior Manager of Renewable Generation Projects at Ontario Power Generation, where he leads major infrastructure initiatives such as the Matabitchuan Generating Station Redevelopment Project. With a strong focus on project delivery, Hamed specializes in managing complex energy projects from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and stakeholder expectations.

Supporting his project leadership is over 16 years of commercial and contract management experience, including designation as a Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

Emre Fidan, P.Eng.
Civil/Structural Department Head KGS Group

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Emre Fidan, P.Eng.

Emre Fidan is Structural Department Head at KGS Group with over 17 years of experience in civil and structural engineering. He plays a key leadership role in several ongoing redevelopment initiatives with Ontario Power Generation, including the Matabitchuan, Coniston and Stinson Generating Station projects. He has also played a key role in construction of Calabogie Generating Station as site resident engineer and worked as a structural engineer during the design of PSS Generating Station (New Post Creek). His expertise involves a wide range of projects, mainly small hydropower redevelopment but also including rehabilitation and reconstruction of water-retaining structures, navigation locks, hydro dams, bridges, roadways, environmental remediation of radioactive waste sites, mining, transportation, tunnels, and subsurface building developments. 

Julien Laplante, P.ENG
Project Manager Kiewit

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Julien Laplante, P.ENG

Julien Laplante is a Project Manager with Kiewit, currently assigned to the Matabitchuan Redevelopment Project, bringing over 17 years of experience delivering large, complex hydroelectric and heavy civil projects across Canada. He has played key leadership roles on major dam safety and rehabilitation programs, including the Little Long Dam Safety and Lower Mattagami projects, overseeing multidisciplinary construction teams in live, operating environments. Known for his strong focus on constructability, safety, and execution planning, Julien bridges engineering, operations, and field leadership to deliver high-risk infrastructure projects safely and efficiently.

The Networking Lunch held directly in the Tradeshow Hall offers attendees a fantastic opportunity to refuel while continuing to make meaningful connections. Enjoy a delicious, thoughtfully curated lunch while mingling with industry professionals, exhibitors, and thought leaders in the heart of the Tradeshow floor before your departure.