Food-systems innovator Mark Brand and leadership strategist Dave Reynolds to deliver keynote addresses
The region’s longest-standing student business conference is back!
More than 100 students from Atlantic Canadian post-secondary institutions will connect with industry leaders and entrepreneurs at MSVU’s 51st annual Learners and Leaders Conference on November 12, 2026.
Hosted by the Department of Business and Tourism since 1974, the Learners & Leaders conference is the only one of its kind in the region, uniting students and experienced business professionals and entrepreneurs.
The luncheon keynote presenter this year is Mark Brand, Founder of Upward Mobility Kitchens. A sought after speaker, Mark is a food-systems innovator and outspoken advocate for dignity, equity, and social change – or in his words “an advocate, agitator and accomplice.”
From Upward Kitchens: In 2010, Mark reopened the historic Save On Meats in the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Territories, otherwise known as Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Under his leadership, it became a platform for radical hospitality, social enterprise, and community hiring that redefined what a restaurant could be in one of the most marginalized postal codes in Canada. “We weren’t just serving food. We were building a model of care that proved dignity and impact can live on the same plate.”
In Halifax, Mark is leading the expansion of Upward East operations, and now oversees a school lunch program that feeds thousands of students daily. He anchors Upward Café in downtown Halifax (Mi’kma’ki) as a hub for nourishment, connection, and care. He is also building Upward Farms, a new project focused on food sovereignty and sustainability. “Alongside all of this, I continue to speak, teach, and facilitate across the world, helping others build systems of service rooted in dignity and radical hospitality.”
Dave Reynolds will deliver the morning keynote. Dave is the founder and CEO of The Rumin8 Group Inc., a growth consultancy that helps organizations around the world shape strategy and execute with impact across three core areas: succession planning, performance management, and coaching culture. From scaling startups to transforming established enterprises, Dave and his team specialize in turning strategic ambition into measurable outcomes. With over 20 years of experience in business development, executive coaching, and leadership strategy, Dave partners with companies of all sizes and industries to align their people with their purpose, and drive results through action.
He is also a best-selling author and the creator of the Radicle Growth™ method, a people-first framework designed to help leaders grow with intention, lead with clarity, and scale sustainably. As a speaker and facilitator, Dave is known for his clarity, candour, and ability to translate big ideas into practical next steps. His sessions are engaging, actionable, and built for leaders ready to move beyond theory and into execution.
This year’s impressive full roster of Learners and Leaders conference presenters also includes:
- Special topics presenters:
- Nick Beyon (CEO at Chartered Professionals in Human Resources NS);
- Trevor Poole (Senior Manager of Cybersecurity at Bell);
- Tia Upshaw (business coach and CEO of Blk Women in Excellence);
- Belinda Riles (Business Manager at the Nova Scotia Health Authority);
- Tia Tower (Student Recruitment Advisor, CPA Atlantic School of Business)
- CEO panelists:
- Tareq Hadhad (Peace by Chocolate);
- Brad Lawlor (Sport Nova Scotia);
- Curtis Scaplen (Action Consulting Group and Leadership In Focus);
- Hope Swinimer (Hope for Wildlife)
- Alumni panelists:
- Nicole Chretien (CPA, Senior Manager, Baker Tilly Canada);
- Peter Johnson (Market Development Manager, Tourism Nova Scotia);
- Mackenzie Parker (Marketing and Community Specialist, IWK Foundation);
- Emily Sollows (Co-Founder and Communications Director at Lemonade Co.)
View the detailed conference agenda here.
Notable history: Past speakers at the conference have included Jean Chrétien, before he was Prime Minister of Canada, and the late Stephen Lewis, politician, diplomat and human rights activist.
Scenes from last year’s 50th anniversary conference:
