Conference Schedule
Get a glimpse of what’s ahead. A detailed schedule for GCEC 2025 will be released closer to the event — check back soon for updates on keynotes and sessions.
The Whova app is your go-to guide for GCEC 2025. Stay informed, connected, and organized — all in one place.
With Whova, you can:
- Access the full conference schedule and updates in real time
- Build your personalized agenda and receive session reminders
- View maps and venue details at a glance
Download Whova before arriving in Calgary so you’re ready to hit the ground running.
October 3
A Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer and the most awarded male Canadian country artist in history, Paul Brandt’s impact reaches far beyond the stage. From his early days as a Registered Nurse to a chart-topping music career and powerful humanitarian work, he’s built a career on bold pivots and purpose-driven work.
This October, hear how he’s mastered the art of the pivot — right here in the city where it all began.
October 4
A four-time Olympic gold medalist, Hockey Hall of Famer, and Canada’s all-time leading scorer, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, BKin’13, MSc’16, Hons. LLD ’18, MD’21, has redefined what it means to lead—on and off the ice. A proud University of Calgary alum, she’s built an inspiring career that spans Olympic victories, a medical degree, and her current role in player development with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
This October, hear her story at GCEC 2025 at the University of Calgary.
October 4
Lara Murphy is the CEO of Calgary Wild FC and founder of Ryan Murphy Construction. From breaking barriers for women in construction to launching Alberta’s first professional women’s soccer team, she’s dedicated to building spaces and opportunities where people can thrive.
In a special fireside chat, Lara will share her journey of empowerment, belonging, and inspiring the next generation to dream big.
- Arrive in Calgary
- Optional Pre-Conference Excursions
- Depart for Banff – 7:30am
- Depart for Drumheller – 8:15am
- Return to hotels – between 4:00pm – 4:30pm
- Optional New Leader Academy Bootcamp (at the Fairmont Hotel — transportation not provided)
- Optional New Member Orientation (at the Fairmont Hotel — transportation not provided)
- Shuttles Depart Host hotels for opening reception at the BMO Centre
- Fairmont – 6:00pm & 6:15pm
- Marriott – 6:00pm & 6:15pm
- Best Western Plus – 6:00pm
- Aloft – 6:00pm
- Alt – 6:00pm
- Shuttles return to host hotels – 9:00pm & 10:00pm
- Shuttles depart host hotels – 7:00am & 8:00am
- Breakfast Available on UCalgary campus – 7:00am – 9:00am
- Opening Keynote – 9:00am – 10:00am
- Conference Breakout Sessions – 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Lunch – 12:00pm – 1:00pm
- Conference Breakout Sessions – 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- Shuttles return to host Hotels
- Fairmont – 4:00pm & 4:30pm
- Marriott – 4:00pm & 4:30pm
- Best Western Plus – 4:15pm
- Aloft – 4:15pm
- Alt – 4:15pm
- Shuttles Depart Host hotels for evening reception at Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre
- Fairmont – 6:00pm & 6:15pm
- Marriott – 6:00pm & 6:15pm
- Best Western Plus – 6:00pm
- Aloft – 6:00pm
- Alt – 6:00pm
- Shuttles return to host hotels – 9:00pm & 10:00pm
- Shuttles depart host hotels – 7:00am & 8:00am
- Breakfast Available on UCalgary campus – 7:00am – 9:00am
- Opening Keynote – 9:00am – 10:00am
- Conference Breakout Sessions – 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Lunch – 12:00pm – 1:00pm
- Conference Breakout Sessions – 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- Shuttles return to host Hotels
- Fairmont – 4:00pm & 4:30pm
- Marriott – 4:00pm & 4:30pm
- Best Western Plus – 4:15pm
- Aloft – 4:15pm
- Alt – 4:15pm
- Shuttles Depart Host hotels for evening reception at the Telus Spark Science Centre
- Fairmont – 6:00pm & 6:15pm
- Marriott – 6:00pm & 6:15pm
- Best Western Plus – 6:00pm
- Aloft – 6:00pm
- Alt – 6:00pm
- Shuttles return to host hotels – 9:00pm & 10:00pm