02 – 05 June 2024
GFOA Alberta
Conference Schedule
GFOA Alberta Conference Schedule of Events
![45454](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/45454.png)
Sunday | 02 June 2024
11:00 AM
Devon Golf Course
Devon, AB
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GolferIcon.png)
GFOA Alberta Golf Tournament
Join us on Sunday, June 02 for a great day of golf at the Devon Golf Club and start your Conference off with fresh air, exercise and maybe bragging rights! Dinner follows and a shuttle to the golf club is available to all golfers.
6:30 – 8:00 PM
Ballroom Foyer
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NetworkingIcon2.png)
Early Registration Opens
Take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere of Sunday evening to get your registration out of the way, and be able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast Monday morning.
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Ballroom Foyer
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DrinksIcon.png)
Welcome Reception | Hobson & Chahal - CIBC Wood Gundy
Whether you arrive for golf or come in later in the day, be sure to come to the Welcome Reception Sunday evening in the ballroom foyer at the Fantasyland Hotel. Enjoy a cocktail, relax and say hello!
9:00 PM – Midnight PM
Conference Room 14/15
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DrinksIcon.png)
PSD Citywide & GFOA Alberta Hospitality Suite
Don’t forget to pop in and have a nightcap at the GFOA AB Hospitality suite before calling it a day!
Monday | 03 June 2024
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Conference 6/7
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ExhibitorIcon.png)
Exhibitor Displays
We have a full hall of great exhibits for you to browse this year, including financial institutions, software and Cybersecurity offerings, insurance and tech, so be sure to check it out!
7:30 – 8:30 AM
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MealIcon.png)
Breakfast and Registration
Didn’t get in to Edmonton in time to register Sunday? That’s fine, you have time for breakfast, fresh coffee and to get registered Monday morning, so rise and shine!
8:00 – 8:30 AM
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SpeakerIcon.png)
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Emcee: Pauline Perreault
Update From Gary Sandberg, Assistant Deputy Minister at Government of Alberta
8:45 – 9:30 AM
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AGMIcon.png)
GFOA Annual Organizational Meeting
9:30 – 10:30 AM
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SpeakerIcon.png)
Opening Keynote Speaker
Carolyn Stern | President and CEO, EI Experience
10:30 – 11:00 AM
Conference 6/7
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CoffeeIcon-1.png)
Networking Break
Take 30 to visit the Trade Show in Conference Hall 6&7. Fill up on some refreshments, chat with the awesome vendors and get your passport scanned for a chance to win a $2,000 Westjet Voucher!
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BreakoutIcon.png)
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
We’re excited to offer a number of breakout sessions during the Conference for you to choose from, so take a look through the program and see what peaks your interest.
Session Rooms
Conference Room 5
Conference Room 10
Conference Room 9
11:00 – 12:00 Noon
Breakout Sessions
Conference Rooms
Jeff Simpson, AB Munis
The True Cost of Ignoring Employee Mental Health
Gerry Grant, Sylogist
Navigating the Cloud: Cloud ERP Solutions for Local Government Finance
Ed McCaulley, F. H. Black
Fundamentals of Managing Public Sector Risk
12:00 Noon – 12:45 PM
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MealIcon.png)
LUNCH
Enjoy the networking lunch in the Beverly Hills Ballroom.
12:45 – 1:45 PM
Breakout Sessions
Conference Rooms
Sarah Hobbs, Townsuite
Future Proof Your
Municipality
Randy Nicholls & Larry Brownoff, CPA
Ethics Case Studies
Tony Schiebel & Grant Gabert Tantus Solutions
The Promise and Challenges of Municipal Service Management
1:45 – 2:15 PM
Conference 6/7
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CoffeeIcon-1.png)
Networking Break
Take 30 to visit the Trade Show in Conference Hall 6&7. Fill up on some refreshements, chat with the awesome vendors and get your passport scanned for a chance to win a $1,000 Westjet Voucher!
2:15 – 3:15 PM
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SpeakerIcon.png)
Keynote Speaker
Facing Climate Risks in a Local and Regional Context
Speaker: Don Iveson | Civic Good
Served as Edmonton’s Mayor from 2013 until 2021
3:20 – 4:20 PM
Breakout Sessions
Conference Rooms
Will ZoBell & Suzanne Schulz , BDO
Enhancing Fraud Awareness: Insights from a Forensic Accountant
Jeff Young & Cindy Ackles, National Bank
Estate and Financial Planning
Jessica Szewczuk, Art of Change
Sketch-noting for Leaders
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NetworkingIcon2.png)
After Hours Networking
After a busy first day of the Conference, take a breather and head up to the CIBC Meet & Greet to network and relax, and don’t miss the Comedy Show later!.
6:00 PM
The Comic Strip
Bourbon Street
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NetworkingIcon2.png)
Title Sponsor Hobson & Chahal CIBC - Meet and Greet
Enjoy some laughter and entertainment at Hobson & Chahal’s exclusive Meet & Greet. Come for cocktails, appetizers and networking and get ready for an awesome comedy show! Let’s laugh and unwind at this one-of-a-kind event!
8:00 PM
The Comic Strip
Bourbon Street
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DrinksIcon.png)
The Comedy Show
Sponsored by GFOA Alberta’s Title Sponsor Hobson & Chahal – CIBC Wood Gundy.
Everyone is Welcome!
9:00 PM – Midnight
Hospitality Suite
Conference Room 14/15
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NetworkingIcon2.png)
GFOA Alberta Hospitality Suite
Be sure to stop by the GFOA Alberta Hospitality Suite Monday night for some late fun, refreshments and networking!
Tuesday | 04 June 2024
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Conference Rooms 6/7
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ExhibitorIcon.png)
Exhibitor Displays
We have a full hall of great exhibits for you to browse this year, including financial institutions, software and Cybersecurity offerings, insurance and tech, so be sure to check it out!
7:30 – 8:30 AM
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MealIcon.png)
Breakfast and Emcee Remarks
Enjoy your breakfast and coffee while catching up on the latest conference news and updates with our Emcee Pauline Perreault, then it’s off to another great day!
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SpeakerIcon.png)
Keynote Speaker
Ian McCormack, CMC | President, Strategic Steps
9:30 – 10:00 AM
Conference 6/7
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CoffeeIcon-1.png)
Networking Break
Take 30 to visit the Trade Show in Conference Hall 6&7. Fill up on some refreshements, chat with the awesome vendors and get your passport scanned for a chance to win a $1,000 Westjet Voucher!
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BreakoutIcon.png)
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
We’re excited to offer a number of breakout sessions during the Conference for you to choose from, so take a look through the program and see what peaks your interest.
Session Rooms
Conference Room 5
Conference Room 10
Conference Room 9
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Breakout Sessions
Conference Rooms
Valentin Beranek, TEC
Navigating the ERP Evolution: From Monoliths to Best-of-Breed
Ben Prouxl, Catalyst Communications
Communicating Municipal Finances Effectively to the Public
Dan Mikita & Michel Charlebois CIBC Commercial
Long-Term Financing via Interest Rate Derivatives
11:15 – 12:00 Noon
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SpeakerIcon.png)
CIBC Economic Update
Andrew Grantham, CIBC Economist
12:00 Noon – 12:45 PM
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MealIcon.png)
LUNCH
Enjoy the networking lunch in the Beverly Hills Ballroom.
12:45 – 1:45 PM
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AGMIcon.png)
Cyber Fraud Panel
Panelists:
Kelly Gibson, Town of Banff CAO
Kevin White, Trinus, CAO
Declan Friel, Cyber Security Specialist from Marsh Canada Ltd
Moderator: Adam Scharmann,
Manager, Technical Services at Town of Stony Plain
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
Conference Rooms
Stephane Bussiere, CPA, Deloitte
Financial Instruments
Wendy Gnenz, MNP
Innovating for Impact: How Local Governments Across Canada Focus on Service Delivery
Gibson Ingram & Mike Janke, GrantMatch
Maximizing Grant Funding For Your Community
2:50 – 3:20 PM
Conference Rooms 6/7
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CoffeeIcon-1.png)
Coffee Break
Take 30 to visit the Trade Show in Conference Hall 6&7. Fill up on some refreshements, chat with the awesome vendors and get your passport scanned for a chance to win a $1,000 Westjet Voucher!
3:20 – 4:20 PM
Breakout Sessions
Conference Rooms
Scott Jorgens, Endeavour Solutions
Tips for Digital Transformation Without Changing your Current ERP
Rod Miller, Deville Group
The Mindset of Effective Leadership
Kash Zaidi, ATB Ventures
Safeguarding Consumer Identity and Mitigating Data Fraud in Financial Services
5:00 – 6:00 PM
L1 Lounge
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NetworkingIcon2.png)
Sponsor Appreciation | By Invitation Only
Hosted by GFOA Alberta
L1 Lounge
6:00 – 6:30 PM
Beverly Hills Foyer
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DrinksIcon.png)
Cocktails
Join us for cocktails in the Ballroom Foyer.
6:30 – 11:45 PM
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GalaIcon.png)
GFOA Alberta Gala Dinner
Entertainment by Dueling Piano Kings
10:30 PM – Midnight
Conference Room 14/15
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DrinksIcon.png)
PSD CityWide & GFOA AB Hospitality Suite
Come enjoy an after dinner drink in the GFOA Alberta Hospitality Suite before the night ends!
Wednesday | 05 June 2024
8:00 – 8:30 AM
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MealIcon.png)
Breakfast and Checkout
Enjoy your breakfast and coffee, get checked out so you’re free to enjoy the rest of the Conference, and be sure to stay till the end!
8:15 AM
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SpeakerIcon.png)
Welcome & Recap
Emcee, Pauline Perreault
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BreakoutIcon.png)
BREAKOUT SESSIONS & MUNICIPAL FINANCE OFFICER FORUMS
Session Rooms
Conference Room 5
Conference Room 10
Conference Room 9
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Breakout Sessions
Fantasyland Hotel
Andrew Skeith , RMRF
Employment Law
Tim Duhamel, BLOOM
Best Practices: Budgeting
Jason Steele, VC3
Cybercrime And How to Protect Yourself Against It
9:30 – 9:45 AM
Check-Out
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CoffeeIcon-1.png)
Comfort Break
Check out of your room – you can drop your bags at the front desk for secure storage.
9:45 – 10:30 AM
Breakout Sessions
Conference Rooms
Municipal Finance Officers Forum
RURALS
Municipal Finance Officers Forum
10k + Population
Municipal Finance Officers Forum
Under 10K Population
10:40 – 11:50 AM
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AGMIcon.png)
Edson: Fires to Floods Panel
Panelists:
Mayor Kevin Zahara, Town of Edson
Christine Beveridge, Town of Edson CAO
Caryn Bouchard, Town of Hinton, FCSS Manager
Moderator:
Benjamin Proulx, President Catalyst Communications
11:50 – 12:00 Noon
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NetworkingIcon2.png)
Closing Remarks & Prizes!
Emcee, Pauline Perreault
Executive Director, Rick Wojtkiw
12:15 – 2:30 PM
Beverly Hills Ballroom
Fantasyland Hotel
![](https://gfoa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SpeakerIcon.png)
PSAS 3280 Asset Retirement Obligations
Lessons Learned in Year One
Speaker: Darren Liviniuk, Deloitte
Pre-Registered Event
About Us
GFOA Alberta is a professional organization whose purpose is to enhance the practice of governmental finance in the Province of Alberta. Our objectives include:
- Promote networking opportunities for all government finance officials within all levels of government
- Support and promotion of Provincial, Canadian and International GFOA Conferences and training programs
- Communication with membership on financial issues
- Liaison with Municipal Affairs
- Enhance the profile of GFOA Alberta.
Our Association is affiliated with the International Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and maintains contact with its staff to promote training opportunities and participation in annual international GFOA conferences.
Quick Connect to GFOA Alberta
Quick Connect to GFOA Alberta
About Us
GFOA Alberta is a professional organization whose purpose is to enhance the practice of governmental finance in the Province of Alberta. Our objectives include:
- Promote networking opportunities for all government finance officials within all levels of government
- Support and promotion of Provincial, Canadian and International GFOA Conferences and training programs
- Communication with membership on financial issues
- Liaison with Municipal Affairs
- Enhance the profile of GFOA Alberta.
Our Association is affiliated with the International Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and maintains contact with its staff to promote training opportunities and participation in annual international GFOA conferences.