Speakers & Workshops
This year’s conference features a rich selection of sessions led by experts in education, risk management, and industry innovation. Each workshop is designed to strengthen our shared understanding of strategic risk leadership and to inspire practical approaches for building resilient school communities.
Special Keynote Speaker
Edward Olson leads MNP’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Enterprise Risk Services (ERS) practices for the BC Okanagan region. With over two decades of Canadian and international experience, Edward helps organizations navigate complex risk environments through strategic planning, sustainability integration, and governance excellence. His work spans both public and private sectors, where he is known for delivering practical, actionable strategies that strengthen resilience and long-term value.
Presenters & Workshops
Artificial Intelligence offers immense potential for innovation but introduces complex new risks. This session examines AI’s dual impact through a risk management lens, exploring privacy, cybersecurity, climate, and emotional AI.
Participants will leave with practical insights to strengthen resilience and align with evolving privacy expectations.
Risky Business in the Age of AI
Key Take-Aways
✔ Discover the dual impact of AI
✔ Learn from real-world research and case studies
✔ Unpack the rise of deepfakes & companion AI
✔ Explore policy and practice frameworks for responsible use
✔ Access AI risk resources and takeaways
Aon helps clients make informed risk-based decisions through data and insights. At this session, Aon Global Risk Consulting will provide information on physical security best practices and industry methodologies that will help school leaders mitigate emerging threats to their organizations.
This information will assist in improving the organization’s security posture and also how to meet the duty of care under Occupier’s Liability legislation. The new global school security standard for K-12 schools (ANSI/ASIS SSEC-2025) will also be discussed.
Physical Security Risk Management from SAFE Design
✔ Explore the new Global School Security Standard (ANSI/ASIS SSEC-2025) and its impact on K–12 institutions.
✔ Understand duty of care obligations under Occupiers’ Liability legislation.
✔ Learn physical security best practices to mitigate emerging threats in schools.
Key Take-Aways
Assessing Destinations: Understanding Risks
When planning student travel, risk perception can be as influential as the risk itself. Unpack the complex realities of international travel—exploring how media narratives, geopolitical tensions, and cultural context shape our understanding of safety.
Participants will examine common questions about travel to destinations like the United States, East Asia, and Africa, distinguishing between perceived and actual risks.
✔ Understand the difference between perceived and actual travel risks
✔ Explore case studies from recent global contexts
✔ Gain tools for transparent, informed decision-making in student travel
Key Take-Aways
From Waiver to Wilderness: Assessing Risk, Response, and Guide Competency
David Wooldridge, founder of Ridge Wilderness Adventures, brings his extensive experience in outdoor leadership, safety, and experiential education to this engaging session. Participants can expect practical insights drawn from years of leading wilderness training, expeditions, first aid instruction, and environmental stewardship initiatives.
Key Take-Aways
✔ Lessons in leadership and teamwork from the outdoors
✔ Strategies for managing risk and building resilience
✔ Insights into environmental stewardship and safety culture