Learners & Leaders Business and Tourism Conference is coming back for its 51st year!

Conference is held on Thursday, November 12 from 10am to 4pm.

New this year: Recruitment session at 9am!

The event offers a spectacular opportunity for students to speak with experienced professionals, draw inspiration from entrepreneurs who started with a dream, learn from human resource professionals, network with industry professionals, and be guided by exceptional keynote speakers as well as Human Resource Professionals from various industries.

Ticket Cost: $25. Ticket sale location will be announced at a later date.

Keep an eye on this webpage for updates.

And it is Learning Passport eligible

Check out our 50th Anniversary in photos

November 12th 2026

Bringing together student learners and industry leaders for a day of networking, workshops, knowledge transfer and skill development.

This even is held in the Multipurpose Room, Rosaria, MSVU

Agenda:

8:30am Registration – NSCC
9:00am Registration – MSVU
9:00am Recruitment Session – Jeremy Neilson, Manager, Student Recruitment, MSVU
9:30am Welcome – Dr. Susan Trenholm, Dean of Professional & Graduate Studies, MSVU
9:45am Keynote Address – Dave Reynolds, Managing Partner, ValueSelling Associates, Inc. and Founder & CEO, The Rumin8 Group Inc.
10:30am 1st Spotlight Talk (CPHR)
10:50am CEO Panel
11:35am AI in the Workplace – Trevor Poole, Senior Manager, Operations & Cybersecurity, Bell Canada
12:20pm 2nd Spotlight Talk (CIM)
12:45pm Lunch
1:15pm Keynote Address – Mark Brand
2:00pm 3rd Spotlight Talk (CPA)
2:20pm Personal Branding – Tia Upshaw, CEO & Founder of Blk Women Excellence
3:05pm Alumni Panel – Emily Sollows, Co-Founder and Communications Lead, Lemonade Communications
3:50pm Closing Remarks

Silver Sponsors

 

 

 

 

Bronze Sponsor

Tourism Nova Scotia logo. Has a Nova Scotia flag.

Refreshment Partnership

Why Attend?

  • Network with a wide range of industry professionals who are coming here specifically to meet with students from the Mount and NSCC.
  • Develop skills in relationship building.
  • Listen to the latest from motivated speakers on a wide range of topics such as accounting, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, communications, innovation, and tourism and hospitality management.
  • Talk with CEOs to get leadership facts and information.
  • Maybe even meet your future employer!

What our students are saying

“The conference has been great so far. I really enjoyed hearing some of the speakers that we had earlier today and I’m looking forward to hearing Edwin speak tonight.”- Ashley, Tourism and Hospitality Management

“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to network with others and be inspired by people who’ve truly accomplished some amazing things.” – Nanette, Business Administration

“The conference was great. I was actually at the conference last year as well, so I found it worthwhile enough to come back for a second time.” – Melissa, Business Administration

October 30th 2024

photo reads: 50th Learners and Leaders Conference. Colours are black and gold. There is a swirly ornamental flame type thing dividing the 50th from the rest of the text.

Media release: Fifty years of the Learners & Leaders Business and Tourism Conference, Oct 21 [MSVU]

Printable Agenda

Keynote Speakers

Business and Tourism 50th anniversary Learners and Leaders conference Keynote speaker introduction. Courtney Sherlock. Meet our keynote speaker. Black backgrounds with text in squares.

Morning Keynote: Courtney Sherlock – CEO, Halifax Tides FC
Watch Courtney’s Keynote Address

Business and Tourism 50th anniversary Learners and Leaders conference Keynote speaker introduction. Edwin Frizzell is pictured here. With text Meet our keynote speaker. gold background with text in squares.

Evening Keynote: Edwin Frizzell – Regional VP, Fairmont Central Canada and General Manager, Fairmont Royal York
Watch Edwin’s Keynote Address

Patrick Sullivan, Rhonda Bursey, Adam Bower, Gideon Sing and Deshawn Davison. All headshot are lined up with their names and titles below. We have a white background with dashes of black and gold. Text reads 5 decades of MSVU Grads on the top left n black and learners and Leaders conference igniting success 2024 next to that in a gold box with white letters.

Watch the 5 Decades of MSVU Grads

CEO/Executive Panelists

Photos of Kathleen Jay, Erin Madden, Dave Reynolds and Harry Arora. All headshot are lined up with their names and titles below. We have a white background with dashes of black and gold. Text reads CEO Executive Panelists on the top right in black and learners and Leaders conference igniting success 2024 on the left in a gold box with white letters.

Watch the CEO/Executive Panel

Workshop Hosts

Watch Curtis’s workshop

Connecting Employers and Students

This photo contains a thank you to the sponsors of the business and tourism 50th anniversary learners and leaders conference. Fairmount Royal York. Centre for Women in Business, The AC group, Enterprise Mobility, CPA, Mount alumni. There is a Gold swirl on the right and left with the words Thank you in black and the word sponsors in gold, The company logos in the middle of the photo.

 

 

 

 

October 19th 2023

Thank you to all who attended and supported the 49th Annual Learners & Leaders Conference which gathers students, faculty and industry professionals together for a day of learning and networking. The conference featured a CEO panel, a human resources panel, a MSVU graduate panel and multiple career-based workshops. It was another fantastic event with keynote speaker Dave Carroll, a Canadian songwriter, author, social media pioneer and the creator of a one-in-a-billion story, United Breaks Guitars closing off the evening. And we were very excited to share the day with students from NSCC.

Check out our photos

Agenda

Here are some highlights of the 49th conference:

CEO Panel – Dynamic Leaders for Positive Change:

This year’s CEO panel features dynamic leaders who are at the forefront of innovation in their respective fields, driving positive change in businesses and communities. We are honored to have the following distinguished panelists:

Written announcement of the CEO panel and the learners and leaders conference along with the headshots of of the four panelists.

CEO panelists bio’s can be found here

Watch the video

 

Alumni Panel – Forging Success in Careers and Business:

A panel discussion where students will have the opportunity to learn how to forge success, secure that first job, earn promotions, and start successful businesses. The panelists include:

Written announcement of the Alumni panelists and the learners and leaders conference along with the headshots of of the three session leaders.

Alumni panelists bio’s can be found here

Watch the video

 

Human Resource Panel:

Gain insights into the current job market and industry trends with our HR panel, who will provide valuable information for our students’ career development.

Written announcement of the Alumni panelists and the learners and leaders conference along with the headshots of of the five session leaders.

HR panelists bio’s can be found here

Watch the video

 

Workshop Sessions: 

Written announcement of the workshop leaders and the learners and leaders conference along with the headshots of of the four session leaders.

Check out our workshop leaders bio’s here

 

Info Sessions:

 

Keynote Speaker:

We are thrilled to have Dave Carroll as our keynote speaker.

Keynote speaker Dave Carroll standing in front of wood paneling, smiling, wearing a white t-shirt and brown leather jacket. written announcement of the keynote speaker and the learners and leaders conference.

Find Dave’s bio here

Watch the video

Huge thank you to our sponsors:

Gold Sponsor:

 

 

 

 

Panel Sponsors: 

The AC Group logo. Black letters with green highlights. The AC group of independent accounting firms limited.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nutrition Break Sponsors:

 

 

 

Cengage logo

General Sponsorship:

MSU Alumni LOGO

Check out below for previous year’s highlights. 

October 13th 2022

Thank you to all who attended and supported the 48th Annual Learners & Leaders Conference. The Fall 2022 conference marked the event’s return to campus, gathering students, faculty and industry professionals together for a day of learning and networking. The conference featured a CEO panel, a human resources panel, a MSVU graduate panel and multiple career-based workshops. Ross Simmonds, Founder and CEO of Foundation Marketing, delivered an exceptional keynote speech, and students were able to draw inspiration from business and tourism leaders throughout the entire event.

Check out our photos

Words saying 48th Annual MSVU Business and Tourism Learners and Leaders Conference

Opening Remarks

Get Motivated! Graduates of MSVU Tell All!

Graduate student panelists: Matt Brown, Colin Everett, Melanie Lowe and Nick Mombourquette

Watch it now

CEO Panel

Business and Tourism Learners and Leaders conference CEO panelists: Eugénie Jason, Brad Lawlor, Matthew Martel and Sylvia Parris-Drummond

Watch it now

Human Resource Panel Session

Learners and Leaders business and tourism conference human resource panelists: Nick Beynon, Beth Connell, Coralie Gallant, Sydney Hiltz, Jessica Hughes, Milia Khuramshina, Selena Landon, Carol Logan, Krista Martin, Lisa Whynott

Watch it now

Keynote Speaker

Business and Tourism Learners and Leaders conference keynote speaker Ross Simmonds

Watch it now

Thank you to our sponsors!

Centre for Women in Business, Enterprise, CPA, Councillor Shawn Cleary, MSVU Alumni

January 27th 2022

Learners and Leaders 47th conference Banner

Missed the Human Resources Panel? Watch it now!

Missed the Keynote address? Watch it now!

Missed How to Network in a Virtual World? Watch it now!

Thank you so much panelists for making the 47th conference a success!

January 28th 2021

46th Annual MSVU Business and Tourism Learners and Leaders  Conference

HR Panel

Learners and Leaders Conference 2021 HR panel

Watch the HR Video

CEO Panel

Learners and Leaders Conference 2021 CEO panel

Watch the CEO Video

Entrepreneurship Panel

Learners and Leaders Conference 2021 Entrepreneurship panel

Watch the Entrepreneurship Video

Graduate Student Panel

Learners and Leaders Conference 2021 Graduate Student panel

Watch the Graduate Student Video

Thank you Panelists!!

October 24th 2019

L & L conference

Visit our Photo Gallery

Watch the events on our YouTube channel
Media Release

Opening Remarks – Dr. Kim Kienapple Dean of Professional Studies

Kaitlyn Bellefontaine
Chanel Mazerolle
Lindsay Shea
Brittany Thompson

CEO Panel
Lydia Bugden – CEO and Managing Partner of Stewart McKelvey
Greg Curwin – Founder of TruLeaf Sustainable Agriculture and the Principle of JenMar Business Design
Patty Howard – Founder and CEO of Kitchen Door: Innovative Food Company
Dave O’Connor – Founder and President of Glow the Event Store

Lunch and Keynote Cleve Sauer

2 + 2 Session for NSCC Students, Peter Mombourquette, Chair, Department of Business and Tourism

Workshop Sessions
Human Resource Panel Sessions
Networking Reception and Silent Auction

Dinner & Keynote Mr. Edwin Frizzell Regional Vice President Accor Hotels Central Canada & General Manager, Fairmont Royal York

Presenters, panelists and business and tourism student volunteers at the 45th learners and leaders conference in 2019.

Business and Tourism Graduates who sat on a panel session for the 45th annual Learners and Leaders conference in 2019.

October 25th 2018

Visit our Photo Gallery
And watch the events through our YouTube channel.
Media Release

Welcome and Opening – Dr. Kim Kienapple, Dean of Professional Studies
Morning Keynote – Kevin Robinson, CEO, Robinson’s Cannabis

CEO Panel:
Mark Lever – President & CEO, The SaltWire Network
Craig Lynk – CFO, Atlantic Corporation Limited
Marie Mullally – President & CEO, CUA
Sara Napier – President & CEO, United Way Halifax
Doug Nugent – Group Rental Manager in Atlantic Canada with Enterprise Holdings
Patrick Sullivan – President & CEO, Halifax Chamber of Commerce

2+2 Information Session for NSCC Students, Kyle Steele, Manager, Student Recruitment

Workshops sessions
Business Pitch
Enterprise Management Trainee Program – Come Work for Us!
CPA Atlantic School of Business – Join the Pros!!
What the !#$! is Business Casual? Personal Branding & Networking for Emerging Leaders

Human Resource Panels
Accounting
Marketing/Communications
Tourism/Hospitality
Management/Technology

Reception, Networking, Silent Auction

Dinner and Keynote – Alisa Alyward, Regional Vice President, Metro Halifax, Royal Bank of Canada

Announcement of Silent Auction Winners and Closing Remarks

2018 Details

October 26th 2017

The 43rd annual Learners and Leaders: Igniting Success Conference was held on October 26th at Mount Saint Vincent University and hosted by the Department of Business and Tourism. The mandate of the conference is to bring together student learners and industry leaders for a day and evening of networking, workshops, knowledge transfer and skill development. Over 250 students from the Mount and NSCC attended this year’s event with another 60 industry professionals volunteering their time and expertise for our students.

Keynotes were Ross Simmonds, Michael Duck, and Dave Carroll. Workshops were held by CPA Atlantic and CPA NS, the Centre for Women in Business, Breathing Space Yoga Studios and Girl On Fire, and Enterprise Inc. Additionally over 20 human resource professionals held panels for all of the student discipline areas and the evening ended with a gala dinner attended by more than 225 people.

The conference provides our students with a valuable opportunity to make direct industry contacts as well as showcase their diverse talents and skills to potential employers.

Visit our Photo Gallery

And watch the events through our YouTube channel.

Media Release

Welcome & Ross Simmonds, Motivational Keynote Speaker – Watch the Video

Michael Duck, CEO, SureShot Solutions – Watch the Video

Marijuana Industry Panel – emerging trends in Canada – Watch the Video
Brett Evans, DoobTool Inc.
Diandra Phipps, National Access Cannabis
Evan Price, Truro Herbal Company
Andrew Robinson, Robinson’s Cannabis Incorporated

Evening Keynote: Dave Carroll (United Breaks Guitars!)

October 27th 2016

It was a successful day with our sold out conference, students from NSCC, Holland College and the Mount got some great advice and learned a lot from our guest speakers. Great to see so many industry experts during the day and at the Dinner supporting our students.

Now you can watch the events through our YouTube channel.

 And visit our Photo Gallery

Welcome & Tyler Hayden, Motivational Keynote Speaker & Team Building Activity Expert –watch the video.

CEO Panel – watch the video.

       Rob Normandeau – President, SeaFort Capital

       Sarah Young – Managing Partner, NATIONAL (Atlantic Canada – Halifax)

       Permjot Valia – CEO & Founder, Mentorcamp

Afternoon Keynotes – watch the video.
Brian Scudamore & Erik Church, 1-800-GOT-JUNK

Keynote Cleve Sauer, Therapeutic Clown – watch the video.

Media release

2016 Details

October 22nd 2015

2015 Learners & Leaders 41st Annual Business & Tourism Conference

What a great conference with over 50 Leaders sharing their knowledge and experiences with approximately 220 business Learners from across the province.

MSVU, NSCC and Holland College students enjoyed keynote speakers, panel and workshop sessions ending the evening with a networking reception with local industry leaders.

The event offers a spectacular opportunity for students to speak with experienced professionals, draw inspiration from entrepreneurs who started with a dream, learn from human resource professionals, network with industry professionals, and be guided by exceptional keynote speakers as well as Human Resource Professionals from various industries.

The Expert Presenters:

Tyler Hayden – Living Life Large, Speaker and Motivator

CEO Leadership Panel

Rob Normandeau, President, SeaFort Capital
Donnald Clow, President and Chief Executive Officer, Crombie REIT
Paul LeBlanc, Founder and Chief Entrepreneurial Officer, Extreme Group
Amy Regan, President, Skinfix Inc.


Cleve Sauer– Therapeutic Clown, Speaker and Motivator

Danny Graham,Q.C., former leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party and MLA for Citadel Halifax, and currently Chief Engagement Officer with Engage Nova Scotia.

Learners and Leaders conference logo