Business Investment & Attraction

WBEDC Launches A New Speaker Series: Thinkers. Inventors. Doers.

Speakers will include Arlene Dickinson, David Segal, Debbie Travis, and Dennis Snow

black and white photo of arlene dickenson

Fort McMurray, AB – Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation (WBEDC) is excited to announce the launch of a new speaker series: Thinkers. Inventors. Doers. The inaugural four-part series will feature a mix of influential business leaders including Dennis Snow, Debbie Travis, David Segal, and Arlene Dickinson. The series is designed to get local businesses and community leaders embracing the possible and thinking outside of the box.

“We want to encourage participants to learn from inspiring thinkers, inventors and doers – so they, in turn, can be the thinkers, inventors and doers of our region,” says Natasha Hartson, Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation for WBEDC.

The first event takes place on March 9, 2020 with Dennis Snow where he shares his experiences working at Walt Disney for over 20 years. Dennis’s presentation will help today’s leaders’ step into their multi-faceted role as the visionary, facilitator and idea champions within their organizations. The speaker series continues with its prominent line up of speakers as follows:

-Debbie Travis, on April 27th, 2020

-David Segal, on May 26th, 2020

-Arlene Dickinson on Jun 22nd, 2020

“Bringing speakers of this calibre to our community gives us an excellent platform to inspire and remind people that Fort McMurray is a great place to start, grow and scale a business,” says Kevin Weidlich, President & CEO of the WBEDC.

 How to Register for Thinkers. Inventors. Doers. Speaker Series

Visit www.choosewoodbuffalo.ca/events


Event Information

*Dennis SnowMarch 9th, 2020*

Dennis spent 20 years with Walt Disney managing various areas including Disney University, where he taught corporate philosophy and business practice to cast members and the leadership team. Dennis’s presentation will help today’s leaders’ step into their multi-faceted role as the visionary, facilitator and idea champions within their organizations.

*Debbie TravisApril 27th, 2020*

Debbie is a beloved, trusted and inspiring media icon throughout the world. She has stared in and produced several popular design shows, she is a best-selling author and has created a popular branded line of consumer products.

Debbie will share the tools that helped her transform her life. Using her wit and her common-sense advice, she will help motivate anyone who finds themselves standing at a crossroads wondering “What’s next for me?”

David Segal — May 26th, 2020

David, the co-founder of DAVIDsTEA, is a retail visionary and branding expert. In his compelling talk, David takes audiences through the five criteria that make for a compelling product; the most important qualities to look for in your people; and share tips on how you can put your own ego aside to move your business forward.

Arlene Dickinson — Jun 22nd, 2020

Arlene, the general partner of District Ventures Capital, a three-time best-selling author, and accomplished public speaker. She is most widely recognized for her role as a Dragon/Venture Capitalist for over 12 seasons on the multi-award-winning television series, Dragons Den. Arlene will discuss why marketing must be a top concern of leadership, and why creativity and accountability go hand in hand.