Fall Conference 2025 Brochure

FALL CONFERENCE 2025 Are you an executive director, senior manager, or board director?

Join us for two days of professional development and networking opportunities for leaders in the nonprofit sector!

New this year! Can’t attend in-person?

Register to attend our opening keynote presentation and closing workshop virtually! Find out more at sarclearningcentral.ca

Our Host Hotel: The Sheraton Cavalier 612 Spadina Crescent E Saskatoon, SK

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE SARC BLOCK OF GUESTROOMS, OR SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW

Detailed parking information located on SARC Learning Central

AGENDA

OCTOBER 21, 2025 9:30-10:45 a.m. Registration

10:45-11:00 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Opening Keynote Presentation 12:00-1:00 p.m. Networking Lunch and Exhibitor Showcase 1:00-2:30 p.m. Concurrent Session 1 2:30-2:45 p.m. Networking Break and Exhibitor Showcase 2:45-4:15 p.m. Concurrent Session 2 4:15-4:30 p.m. Exhibitor Showcase 5:30-6:00 p.m. Cocktails 7:00-9:00 p.m. SARC Awards Banquet

OCTOBER 22, 2025

Learn more about DEAM

8:00-9:00 a.m. Breakfast 9:00-10:30 a.m. Concurrent Session 3 10:30-11:00 a.m. Networking Break 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Concurrent Session 4 12:30-1:30 p.m. Lunch 1:30-3:30 p.m. Closing Workshop

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month!

We’re excited to celebrate and have some special things planned!

OPENING KEYNOTE PRESENTATION 11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. LEADING THROUGH CHANGE: TURNING UNCERTAINTY INTO OPPORTUNITY RYAN STRASCHNITZKI

Change is constant, and uncertainty can either be a barrier or a catalyst for growth. Ryan Straschnitzki shares his perspective on leadership in the face of the unknown, emphasizing

Ryan S leadership, he illustrates how strong leadership emerges from resilience, human connection, adaptability, mindset, and decision-making. Drawing parallels between sports, recovery, and and the ability to take action despite obstacles. Join Ryan as he opens the 2025 Fall Conference with ‘Leading Through Change: Turning Uncertainty Into Opportunity’ and leave with a renewed perspective on navigating change with confidence and clarity.

Ryan Straschnitzki, a former Humboldt Broncos hockey player during the 2018-2019 season, has faced significant challenges since becoming paraplegic. Committed to his rigorous physiotherapy, Ryan aims to walk again and currently competes as a member of Canada's para-ice hockey team, with aspirations of capturing gold.

He founded the Straz Strong charity to enhance the lives of those with disabilities. The organization, which has received substantial global support, focuses on creating accessible spaces and improving quality of life. Straz Strong's initiatives include funding for adaptive sports, providing affordable rehabilitation solutions, and raising social awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

Can’t join in-person? Join virtually! More details on the back page and on our website!

OCTOBER 21

CONCURRENT SESSION 1 1:00-2:30 P.M. A: FOREIGN WORKER RECRUITMENT, SCOTT BELL, MLT AIKINS This session will cover several topics relevant to organizations who currently employ, or are seeking to employ, temporary foreign workers in Saskatchewan. We will review the current state of the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. We will discuss federal and provincial compliance considerations in foreign worker management, and learn about the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) and how organizations can access support.

B: GETTING TEAMS ENGAGED: FOSTERING INDEPENDENCE AND NURTURING TALENT, GREGG BROWN We would all like to excel at being a leader or a manager. How do you do that in a world that is constantly changing, and foster accountability and leadership in your teams? While it may seem easy to simply tell others what to do, it often doesn’t build accountability. Coaching others is one of the leadership tools and it doesn’t need to take a lot of time. In this interactive workshop, we will discuss how to use coaching to build accountability and use the GROW coaching model to have coaching conversations. You will also practice coaching and get feedback.

Did you know that SARC has a number of offerings for boards of directors?

Online program that will support directors in their role of leading and governing an organization

Online program for organizational leaders that want to learn more about person-centred leadership In-person or virtual sessions to help guide leaders through all, or parts, of the Strategic Planning Process Bi-monthly live virtual discussions focusing on different governance topics to support directors in their leadership role

Board Resources

Resources specific for nonprofit board directors

OCTOBER 21

CONCURRENT SESSION 2 2:45-4:15 P.M. A: NAVIGATING CHANGE AND ENHANCING RESILIENCE, JENN MINOR JOHANNSON Change is constantly in front of us. There is the change we picked, which always feels more favourable and there is the change that feels like it ‘happened to us’, which is less than attractive. We all respond differently, sometimes to the same information. Understanding what change does to us is a great self-awareness exercise. Knowing how we can strengthen our resilience to navigate the change is something that can be learned. In addition to how we personally respond, we may be looking to lead change within our teams. Join Jenn (of JMJ Coaching) as she shares the ways we often respond, and how we can strengthen those resilience muscles to feel more confident and comfortable. Leading change is another gift, and by understanding those we work with better, we can support them as they move through the change together.

B. THE FUTURE OF WORK: A ROADMAP FOR CHANGEREADY LEADERS TO SUCCEED IN AN AI-DRIVEN WORLD, GREGG BROWN Many organizations are faced with the reality of having to do more at a faster pace, with increased complexity and uncertainty – especially in today’s rapidly changing environment. As AI continues to reshape the workplace and the future of work, leaders and teams are having to evolve to meet these new demands. In this interactive experience, you will discover how to align and inspire teams for growth, how to be open to new ideas and new ways of doing things, and how to maximize agility to tackle the changes that are coming down the pipe that you can immediately use.

Register and join us for the annual SARC Awards Banquet, starting at 5:30 p.m. on October 21, where we will honour people and organizations from across the province who are committed to community development and inclusive employment.

CONCURRENT SESSION 3 October 22, 2025 9:00-10:30 a.m.

A: INSPIRING LEADERSHIP: BUILDING A CULTURE THAT LASTS, TRACEY KOWALCHUK True leadership isn’t about titles or positions it’s about the culture we create and sustain. In today’s world of constant change, organizations need leaders who not only deliver results but also inspire, engage, and model the values that make culture strong.

This interactive workshop is designed for senior leaders who want to develop leadership at every level and embed it into the DNA of their organizations. Through group activities, peer discussion, and reflection, we will define the leadership behaviors your organization needs most, explore how to align values with daily actions, and design simple practices that make leadership part of everyday culture.

You’ll leave with fresh ideas, practical tools, and one clear commitment to strengthen leadership in your team long after the conference ends.

B: THE HEALTH CHECK: HOW FIT IS YOUR ORGANIZATION? CATHERINE GRYBA Every organization wants to thrive, but how do you really know if yours is healthy?

In this engaging session, Catherine will take you through the essential elements of a highperforming organization - what it looks like when things are working well, the red flags that signal potential trouble, and the practical steps leaders can take to strengthen culture, performance, and resilience.

Packed with real-world insights and actionable tips, this talk will help you measure your organization’s fitness and chart a clear path toward greater health and success.

CONCURRENT SESSION 4 October 22, 2025 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

A: THE ART OF BOARD LEADERSHIP:

B: STRONGER TOGETHER:

ADDRESSING BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE

A NATIONAL MOVEMENT

GOVERNANCE, KEVIN FREEDMAN

FOR INCLUSIVE HOUSING,

This session will empower board and committee chairs, as well as executive leaders, to better manage and prevent major challenges to the board’s work, both in and out of meetings.

DAVID PETKAU

Through a combination of anecdotes, guided discussion, and group activities, this session will explore the common issues that interrupt or derail a board’s work. Some areas to be explored include unclear roles and boundaries between governance and management, meetings that drift off the agenda, meeting distractions, lack of engagement, monopolization of meetings, conflicts of interest and perceived bias, and communication. You will see how utilizing certain tools and tactics can help to overcome and even mitigate common issues to effective organizational governance.

After attending this session, you will be able to identify and understand common barriers to effective governance, recognize and evaluate potential chair interventions, tools, and tactics, and lead through difficult situations in a way that maintains respect, fairness, and results.

This session will introduce you to the work and opportunities of the Intentional Community Consortium (ICC).

The ICC is a growing, national, membership driven organization seeking to find solutions to the affordable housing crisis faced by people with diverse abilities. Through networking and sharing resources the ICC seeks to empower organizations to develop the partnerships, skills, and opportunities to increase the supportive housing options for people with developmental disabilities across Canada.

Through advocacy at all levels of government the ICC seeks to ensure the housing needs of people developmental disabilities is imbedded into housing investments and strategies developed.

NEVER WASTE A GOOD CRISIS

CLOSING WORKSHOP 1:30-3:30 P.M.

SUZANNE KNIGHT

Pressure often reveals what’s broken, but it can also create the perfect conditions for change.

In this workshop, Suzanne Knight will explore how organizations can use moments of uncertainty, disruption, or crisis to create momentum, solve root-cause issues, and build stronger systems.

Based on her experience advising leadership teams through massive transformation, Suzanne offers a grounded and practical approach to leading well in times of instability. She shares how to focus on what matters most, uncover the patterns holding teams back, and make bold but thoughtful decisions that create lasting value. This talk is ideal for executive teams navigating change, growth, or strategic resets who want to build resilience without burning out their people.

Suzanne Knight is an award-winning keynote speaker, business strategist, and transformation expert specializing in leadership, AI, and the future of work. She has guided Fortune 500 companies, startups, and global teams through change with actionable insights and dynamic storytelling. Known for her high-energy presentations, Suzanne inspires audiences to embrace innovation, drive impact, and build agile organizations. With a blend of humour, research, and real-world experience, she empowers leaders to navigate disruption with confidence. Whether on stage or in executive workshops, Suzanne delivers practical strategies that spark growth, enhance team performance, and unlock new opportunities for success.

Can’t join in-person? Join virtually! More details on the back page and on our website!

FALL CONFERENCE Register before the early bird deadline to be entered into a draw to receive one free conference registration!!

Y L EAR D BIR

Early Bird Registration (in effect until September 23 at 9:00 a.m.)

SARC Members Conference and Banquet $538 (regular $568) SARC Members Conference Only $449 (regular $479) Non Members Conference and Banquet $568 + GST (regular $594) Non Members Conference Only $479 + GST (reg $510)

New this year!

Register to attend our opening keynote presentation and the closing workshop virtually from your organization!

SARC Members $200 (per organization) Non Members $240+GST (per organization) *More information will be provided to you after you register