BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//ChamberMaster//Event Calendar 2.0//EN METHOD:PUBLISH X-PUBLISHED-TTL:P3D REFRESH-INTERVAL:P3D CALSCALE:GREGORIAN BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20250227T150000Z DTEND:20250227T230000Z X-MICROSOFT-CDO-ALLDAYEVENT:FALSE SUMMARY:BUSINESS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS DESCRIPTION:2026 Event Details Coming Soon! Save the date for February 26\, 2026\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeats are limited for this not-to-be-missed event! Secure your spot today and prepare to be inspired by one of region's most influential business leaders.\n\n\n\n\n\n2025 Business Leadership Conference Photos\n\n\n\n ABOUT BLC\n\n\n\nThe Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to host its inaugural Business Leadership Conference presented by The Pest Control Guy. \n\nThe Business Leadership Conference is designed to empower professionals and entrepreneurs by providing insights\, strategies and inspiration to drive growth\, innovation & success. Through expert speakers\, engaging sessions\, and meaningful networking opportunities\, the conference fosters leadership development and strengthens the business community!\n\n\n\nThis year's theme\, Soar to New Heights\, set to inspire businesses and leaders to reach beyond their limits\, embrace innovation and achieve exception growth.\n\n \nOur format includes informative workshops led by business experts\, an exclusive fireside chat with Don Bell\, Co-Founder and former Co-Chief Operating Officer of WestJet\, where he will share his remarkable business journey and engaging networking activities designed to create meaningful connections.\n\n \n\n\n \n\n KEYNOTE Speaker\n \n\n\n \n \n \n Don Bell co-founded WestJet in 1996 and played a key role in quickly growing it to become Canada's second largest airline. Don's vision\, ideas and leadership were instrumental in creating a powerful company culture based on employee engagement and empowerment. Don served many roles in WestJet including Co-Chief Operating Officer\, EVP of Customer Service and as a Boeing 737 Captain. Prior to WestJet\, Don spent 18 years as President and owner of a Calgary-based company that developed\, installed\, and supported specialized software systems for enterprises. Don is now partner in a very successful property development business in BC\, a Helicopter business in Alberta\, and has sat on the boards of multiple successful organizations from Public companies to non-profits. Don has his ICD.D designation and lives in Alberta. Don has a beautiful wife and four great children\, stays busy with many business interests\, loves to ski in the winter and cycle in the summer\, and is still an active aviator both fixed and rotary.\n\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\nFireside Chat with Don Bell: A Masterclass in Business Leadership and Culture\n\nJoin us for an exclusive fireside chat with Don Bell\, a visionary entrepreneur and one of the founding minds behind WestJet Airlines. Don's incredible journey from co-founding a start-up airline to building it into a powerhouse in just a decade is a story of raw innovation\, bold decision-making\, and relentless focus on people and culture.\n\nIn this intimate and engaging session\, Don will share his insights into:\n\n\n The Power of Culture: Learn how to cultivate a workplace culture rooted in strong values\, mutual respect\, and a shared vision to drive unparalleled success.\n Innovation at its Core: Discover the strategies and mindset that fueled WestJet's business model\, redefining the Canadian airline industry.\n Investing in People: Understand the art of empowering teams\, building loyalty\, and fostering an environment where employees feel valued and inspired.\n\n\nThis is more than just a conversation\, it's an opportunity to learn from one of Canada's most successful entrepreneurs. Whether you're a seasoned leader\, aspiring entrepreneur\, or curious professional\, Don's story will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable takeaways to implement in your own business journey.\n\n\n \n\nBONUS! Gift of Flight\n\n\n\n2025 Business Leadership Conference attendees have a chance to win a round-trip flight for two anywhere WestJet flies!\n\nSome restrictions apply.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n \n\n WORKSHOP Leaders\n \n\nYour choice of three workshops to attend!\n\n \n\nWorkshop 1 (All attendees): \n\n\n \n \n \n \n Workshop 1: \n\n Successfully leading your sales team to the success you all deserve!\n\n When teams fall short of expectations a leader must understand that it is on them\, not their team. This workshop will challenge you to shift your perspective. You can achieve your aspirations for the success of your team through setting clear expectations\, consistent measurement of performance and communicating results with accountability. As a leader you work for your team which in the end will build a loyal\, respectful team of high performers when you are consistent with your effort\, expectations\, support and actions. \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n\n\n\nWorkshop 2 Options:\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n Workshop 2 (Option A): \n\n Working Genius\n\n The 6 types of Working Genius is a new model that helps people discover their natural gifts and thrive in their work and life. When people are able to better understand the types of work that bring them more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure\, they can be more self-aware\, more productive and more successful.\n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n OR\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n Workshop 2 (Option B): \n\n Leading Through the Storm: What Matters Most in a Crisis\n\n In the face of a crisis\, it?s easy to become overwhelmed by the chaos and lose sight of what truly matters. In this presentation\, Scott Simon will share insights drawn from over 25 years on the frontlines of emergencies to guide leaders in focusing on the essential principles that drive effective crisis management. Scott will explore the core values and decisions that make a lasting impact?not only on outcomes but also on the people involved. From staying calm under pressure to communicating with compassion and leading with authenticity\, these lessons are designed to inspire leaders to rise above the moment and leave a legacy of resilience and trust.\n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n \n\nWorkshop 3 Options:\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Workshop 3 (Option A): How to Tackle Your Top HR Issues\n\n Professional HR support ensures you are protected and doing everything by the book. HR experts help you manage employees efficiently and ensure your day-to-day operations run smoothly.\n\n Are you wondering how to retain your best employees? At a loss on how to address employee lateness and frequent absences? Do you have questions about the rules around terminations in your province? \n\n In this workshop learn how you can best address these common HR challenges and protect your business. \n\n \n\n Learning Outcomes:\n\n \n The latest international employment law trends\n How to carry out terminations\n How to handle employee conduct issues and manage performance\n How to address employee lateness and absences\n How to promote equality\, diversity\, and inclusion in the workplace\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n\n OR\n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Workshop 3 (Option B): Bold Leadership\n\n Do you ask yourself if you're on the right track for scaling your business? Do you wonder which digital tools could streamline your operations to boost efficiency and increase profit margins?\n\n If so\, Bold Leadership could be for you!\n\n Bold Leadership provides the knowledge and confidence to navigate the tech world with clarity. We answer questions and address challenges you face when integrating new technologies.\n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFOOD\n\nBreakfast\, lunch and refreshments will be provided for attendees.\n\n \n\n\n\n\n \n\nATTENDEE Swag Bag\n\n\n\nAll Business Leaders attendees will receive an attendee gift bag. \n\n\n\nAre you a business that would like to contribute to the gift bag? \n\nIf yes\, this is a great way to market your business! We require up to 130 items (valued over $5 each) to be included in the bag. The 130 items need to be received by Friday\, February 21.\n\nEmail events@airdriechamber.ab.ca for further information. \n\n \n\n\n CONFERENCE Sponsor\n\n\n\nInterested in sponsoring this event? Click the button below for more information.\n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n THANK YOU Sponsors\n\n \n \n\nPRESENTING\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n\n\n \n \n BREAKFAST\n LUNCH\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n\nVISIONARY\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n MEDIA\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\nINNOVATOR \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nCOLLABORATOR\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\nThank you to all our swag bag and prize donors! X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:

2026 Event Details Coming Soon! Save the date for February 26\, 2026
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\nSeats are limited for this not-to-be-missed event! \;Secure your spot today and prepare to be inspired by one of region'\;s most influential business leaders.
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\n2025 Business Leadership Conference Photos
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\n \;ABOUT \;BLC

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\nThe Airdrie Regional Chamber \;of Commerce is excited to host its inaugural Business Leadership Conference presented by The Pest Control Guy. \;

\n\n
The Business Leadership Conference is designed to empower professionals and entrepreneurs by providing insights\, strategies and inspiration to drive growth\, innovation &\; success. Through expert speakers\, engaging sessions\, and meaningful networking opportunities\, the conference fosters leadership development and strengthens the business community!
\n
\nThis year'\;s theme\, Soar to New Heights\, set to inspire businesses and leaders to reach beyond their limits\, embrace innovation and achieve exception growth.
\n \;\n
Our format includes informative workshops led by business experts\, an exclusive fireside chat with \;Don Bell\, Co-Founder and former Co-Chief Operating Officer of WestJet\, where he will share his remarkable business journey and engaging \;networking activities designed to create meaningful connections.\n\n
 \; \n\n
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 \;KEYNOTE \;Speaker

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Don Bell co-founded WestJet in 1996 and played a key role in quickly growing it to become Canada'\;s second largest airline. Don'\;s vision\, ideas and leadership were instrumental in creating a powerful company culture based on employee engagement and empowerment. Don served many roles in WestJet including Co-Chief Operating Officer\, EVP of Customer Service and as a Boeing 737 Captain. Prior to WestJet\, Don spent 18 years as President and owner of a Calgary-based company that developed\, installed\, and supported specialized software systems for enterprises. Don is now partner in a very successful property development business in BC\, a Helicopter business in Alberta\, and has sat on the boards of multiple successful organizations from Public companies to non-profits. Don has his ICD.D designation and lives in Alberta. Don has a beautiful wife and four great children\, stays busy with many business interests\, loves to ski in the winter and cycle in the summer\, and is still an active aviator both fixed and rotary.
\n  \;
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\nFireside Chat with Don Bell: A Masterclass in Business Leadership and Culture
\nJoin us for an exclusive fireside chat with Don Bell\, a visionary entrepreneur and one of the founding minds behind WestJet Airlines. Don'\;s incredible journey from co-founding a start-up airline to building it into a powerhouse in just a decade is a story of raw innovation\, bold decision-making\, and relentless focus on people and culture.
\nIn this intimate and engaging session\, Don will share his insights into:

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This is more than just a conversation\, it'\;s an opportunity to learn from one of Canada'\;s most successful entrepreneurs. Whether you'\;re a seasoned leader\, aspiring entrepreneur\, or curious professional\, Don'\;s story will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable takeaways to implement in your own business journey.

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\nBONUS! \;Gift of Flight
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\n2025 Business Leadership Conference attendees have a chance to win a round-trip flight for two anywhere WestJet flies!
\nSome restrictions apply.
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 \;WORKSHOP \;Leaders

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Your choice of three workshops to attend!
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Workshop 1 (All attendees):

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Workshop 1: \;

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Successfully leading your sales team to the success \;you all deserve!

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When teams fall short of expectations a leader must understand that it is on them\, not their team. This workshop will challenge you to shift your perspective. \; You can achieve your aspirations for the success of your team through setting clear expectations\, consistent measurement \;of performance and communicating results with accountability. \;As a leader you work for your team which in the end will build a loyal\, respectful team of high performers when you are consistent with your effort\, expectations\, support and actions. \;

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\nWorkshop 2 Options:
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Workshop 2 (Option A): \;

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Working Genius

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The 6 types of Working Genius is a new model that helps people discover their natural gifts and thrive in their work and life. When people are able to better understand the types of work that bring them more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure\, they can be more self-aware\, more productive and more successful.

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 \;  \; \;

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 \; \; \;OR

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Workshop 2 (Option B): \;

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Leading Through the Storm: What Matters Most in a Crisis

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In the face of a crisis\, it?s easy to become overwhelmed by the chaos and lose sight of what truly matters. In this presentation\, Scott Simon will share insights drawn from over 25 years on the frontlines of emergencies to guide leaders in focusing on the essential principles that drive effective crisis management. Scott will explore the core values and decisions that make a lasting impact?not only on outcomes but also on the people involved. From staying calm under pressure to communicating with compassion and leading with authenticity\, these lessons are designed to inspire leaders to rise above the moment and leave a legacy of resilience and trust.

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Workshop 3 Options:

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Workshop 3 (Option A): \;How to Tackle Your Top HR Issues

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Professional HR support ensures you are protected and doing everything by the book. HR experts help you manage employees efficiently and ensure your day-to-day operations run smoothly.
\n Are you wondering how to retain your best employees? At a loss on how to address employee lateness and frequent absences? Do you have questions about the rules around terminations in your province? \;
\n In this workshop learn how you can best address these common HR challenges and protect your business. \; \; \; \; \;
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\n Learning Outcomes:

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  • The latest international employment law trends
    • \n
  • How to carry out terminations
    • \n
  • How to handle employee conduct issues and manage performance
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  • How to address employee lateness and absences
    • \n
  • How to promote equality\, diversity\, and inclusion in the workplace
    • \n
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 \;

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 \;  \;OR

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Workshop 3 (Option B): \;Bold Leadership

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Do you ask yourself if you'\;re on the right track for scaling your business? \; Do you wonder which digital tools could streamline your operations to boost efficiency and increase profit margins?

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If so\, Bold Leadership could be for you!

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Bold Leadership provides the knowledge and confidence to navigate the tech world with clarity. We answer questions and address challenges you face when integrating new technologies.

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\nFOOD

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Breakfast\, lunch and refreshments will be provided for attendees.
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\nATTENDEE \;Swag Bag

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\nAll Business Leaders attendees will receive \;an attendee gift bag. \;
\n
\nAre you a business that would like to contribute to the gift bag? \;
\nIf yes\, this is a great way to market your business! \;We require up to 130 items (valued over $5 each) to be included in the \;bag. \;The 130 items need to be received by Friday\, February 21.
\nEmail events@airdriechamber.ab.ca \;for further information. \;
\n \;\n
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\n \; \;CONFERENCE \;Sponsor
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\nInterested in sponsoring this event? \;Click the button below for more information.
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 \;THANK YOU \;Sponsors
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PRESENTING
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BREAKFASTLUNCH
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\nVISIONARY

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\n \;MEDIA
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\nINNOVATOR \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
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\nCOLLABORATOR\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
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Thank you to all our swag bag and prize donors!

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\n LOCATION:CONFERENCE Location Century Downs Racetrack & Casino 260 Century Downs Dr. Rocky View\, AB UID:e.1948.2801 SEQUENCE:3 DTSTAMP:20260502T013916Z URL:https://www.airdriechamber.ab.ca/events/details/business-leadership-conference-soaring-to-new-heights-2801 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR