Presenter: Neil Bailey

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 l 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

In this session, Neil will share information about CPAWS Manitoba’s diverse reach and conservation work. He will discuss the importance of protecting Manitoba’s wild spaces, how nature-based solutions benefit our health and well-being, and how you can get involved. Neil will also share information on current conservation initiatives, the CPAWS Manitoba Nature Club Group Hikes, and upcoming workshops.

Neil Bailey grew up in Gimli, Manitoba, and began his lifelong passion for nature and stewardship by collecting sticks and rocks on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. Neil received his science degree from the University of Manitoba and studied community and regional planning at Dalhousie University in Halifax. Neil's primary focus with CPAWS Manitoba is supporting the Conservation Areas Initiative to expand the protection of wild areas and land-based conservation practices in the Fisher Bay Area, led by Fisher River Cree Nation, Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation, and Peguis First Nation. Neil views environmental issues as social issues with environmental impacts and believes that lasting solutions to environmental problems require collaborative, land-based, and community-driven approaches.

Presenter: Sheryl Giesbrecht

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 l 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

To feel strong and confident in your work role, it is important to focus on self-care and to develop a wellness routine. This presentation will explore stress management for the workplace, the risks regarding compassion fatigue and burnout and will help you develop a practice of self-care so you can thrive. Strategies to make a workday easier will be shared and there will be discussions regarding the issue of work/life balance. .

Presenter: David Bosiak

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 l 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Session Description coming soon ...

Speaker Bio coming soon ...

Presenter: Carly Gray

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 l 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

This session will introduce participants to Nature Journaling, a mindful practice that fosters a connection with the natural world through curiosity, focus, and attention. Carly will discuss the neurological benefits of this practice, the importance of spending time outdoors, and how to facilitate meaningful outdoor learning experiences. Anyone with a curious mind can try nature journaling—it's a practice for all ages and artistic abilities.

Carly Gray is the leader of the CPAWS Manitoba Outdoor Education Program, bringing her vibrant passion for nature and education to every adventure. Carly is a certified teacher from the University of Winnipeg and joined CPAWS in June 2022 and has since shared the wonders of the natural world with thousands of children and adults across Manitoba. Carly’s enthusiasm for environmental education is matched by her belief in the transformative power of building relationships with nature and how instilling a lifelong appreciation for the natural world is crucial to conservation and well-being. When she’s not inspiring minds of all ages, you can find Carly soaking in the beauty of a sunset or taking on a creative project.

Presenter: Janet Lawson, PhD

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 l 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Session Description coming soon ...

Presenter: Zack Tarantino

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 l 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

There are a number of key factors that influence a great sheet of ice. It all starts with operator training and skills. This session will review tools that improve your operators skill and familiarity with standard ice operations. Learn about an approach adopted by over 300 rinks across North America from NHL, AHL, OHL, NCAA and community rinks. This session will include experience from local rinks and an on ice demonstration.

Presenters: Morgan Gray

Thursday, March 6, 2025 l 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Sesion Description coming soon.

Presenter: Shane Ray

Wednesday, March 6, 2025 l 9:30 am - 10:30 am

.Drowning in paperwork? Spending hours on routine tasks? It’s time to reclaim your time. In this session, discover how cutting-edge AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini can revolutionize the way you work, connect, and create. Learn actionable tips, tricks, and best practices to streamline operations, design innovative programs, and deepen community engagement. Take the first step toward a smarter, more efficient, and impactful future in parks and recreation

Shane Ray is a recreation professional who believes that play isn't just for playgrounds—it's a vital ingredient for thriving communities and organizations. As Director of Recreation Services for the Municipality of Ritchot, he puts this belief into action daily, creating opportunities for connection and fun. He also brings his passion for positive change to Grayson Strategies, a consulting firm dedicated to empowering not for profit organizations and rural communities. At Grayson, Shane and his team leverage their deep understanding of these unique environments to provide tailored solutions for sustainable growth. From strategic planning and community engagement to team building and program evaluation, they help organizations unlock their potential and thrive. Shane's particular focus is on fostering environments where belonging and creativity flourish (and maybe a few good dad jokes sneak in). When he's not leading strategic initiatives or advocating for better recreational spaces, Shane can be found outdoors enjoying parks, rivers, and collecting enough lost golf balls to start a side hustle. He lives by the philosophy that life is too short not to have fun, and that a world without recreation is like his golf swing—completely off course.

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Wednesday, March 6, 2025 l 9:30 am -10:30 am

Session Details Coming Soon

Presenter: Leanndra Rajkumar, Boys and Girls Club

Wednesday, March 6, 2025 l 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Presenter: Lorne Edwards Lifesaving Society Manitoba

Thursday, March 6, 2025 l 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Lifesaving Society Manitoba can serve your community in a variety of ways that you may not be aware of. Beyond water safety, we are already known for, there are programs and education opportunities such as ice safety, how to be safe while boating, and much more information that could strengthen your community.

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Thursday, March 6, 2025 l 1:30 pm -2:30 pm

Session Description Coming Soon.

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Thursday, March 6, 2025 l 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

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Thursday, March 6, 2025 l 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Led by a facilitator, a community of practice (COP) is a group of people who share a common goal, a set of problems, or an interest in a topic and who come together to fulfill both individual and group goals. This year's COP will focus on designing the participant experience that fosters belonging and inclusion.

Presenter: Nicholas Noonan-Robinson

Thursday, March 6, 2025 l 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Facilities spaces are being used differently than their built purpose. This session will focus on how to ensure that your spaces are following current safety regulations and provide practical tips to ensure that all your staff keep your space safe on a daily basis.

Presenter: Martin Sampson, Canadian Parks and Recreation Association

Friday, March 7, 2025 l 10:00 am - 11:00 am

The first edition of the Framework, “Framework for Recreation in Canada 2015: Pathways to Wellbeing,” was a collaborative effort of the provincial and territorial governments (except Quebec), the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA), and the provincial/territorial recreation and parks associations (including l’Association québécoise du loisir municipal). This first edition was endorsed by provincial and territorial ministers and supported by the Government of Canada in February 2015 to provide guidance and galvanize the recreation and parks sector. Significant change has occurred since the Framework was first published in 2015. To reflect and address these changes, and after consultation with sector representatives across the country, a 2024 Framework Update was developed by the recreation and parks sector for the sector in partnership with CPRA and under the guidance of the Framework Leadership Team. The 2024 Framework Update is not meant to replace the original edition, but instead to highlight current context and provide new information that impacts the sector and the development of recreation and parks strategies and action plan This session will provide information regarding the renewal process and the opportunity for senior recreation leaders and practictioners to provide feedback on the 2024 Framework Update and providing feedback on the implementation process with the Manitoba lens.

Presenter: Regional Consultants and Managers

Friday, March 7, 2025 l 10:00 am - 11:00 am

The pandemic restrictions challenged our industry in many ways, forcing us to pivot and identify new ways to deliver programs and services. While some changes were met with resistant, some changes opened up new opportunities and connections to new communities and ways for our sector. Join this the discussion for capturing the valuable lessons, thoughts and approaches that will help our sector be innovative and make an impact for the next decades.

Presenter: Kendall Yasui

Friday, March 7, 2025 l 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Participating in recreation and sport improves mental, physical, and social health. The Rally Report 2022 indicates that 50% of girls are not participating in sport by they time they reach adolecence and in fact 1 in 3 girls drop out vs. 1 in 10 boys. Women tend to be less physically active than men, with only 50% of women report reaching 150 minutes of physical activity each week, compared to 59% of men the same age (18 years or older). This session will explore the ways that some females are successful in the recreation and sport participation and how your facility, programs, and customer service can build an environment that fosters participation.