Keynotes

During the catastrophic Alberta wildfires, fire chief DARBY ALLEN shot to global acclaim for guiding the 88,000 residents of Fort McMurray to safety with no loss of life—the largest evacuation in Canadian history. Now, he offers guidance on how to be a stoic, quick-thinking leader in tough situations. We all face emergencies and crises—Allen shows us how to overcome them.

Known as the face of the Alberta wildfires—and widely celebrated as a national hero—Darby Allen is an exemplar of selfless courage and level-headedness under pressure. Allen was Regional Fire Chief of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, an area that encompasses the community of Fort McMurray. In spring 2016, he spearheaded the evacuation of the city’s entire population while the rest of the world watched. Throughout the ensuing weeks of operations, he worked tirelessly with first responders and volunteers, who came from across the nation (and globe) to assist. His updates to the media were not only a means of reliable information, but a source of optimism—Allen provided calm reassurance as the lead spokesperson throughout the rescue efforts.

A native of Birmingham, England, where he worked as a firefighter for the Hampshire Fire Brigade, Allen emigrated to Canada in 1990. He began work as a firefighter with the Calgary Fire Department in 1992, moving up in rank from Training Officer to Assistant Deputy Chief of Operations, before moving on to Fort McMurray Fire Service 2009, where he became Regional Fire Chief in 2013.

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Dale Curd is in his third season as Host of acclaimed CBC documentary television show Hello Goodbye, in which he engages strangers in conversations as they prepare to greet or see off loved ones at Toronto’s Pearson Airport. “The show is so deeply rooted in common experience that it is truly, persuasively poignant, but immensely uplifting, too,” says Globe and Mail television critic John Doyle. “Much of that has to do with Curd’s natural ability to draw closely-held stories and unexpressed feelings out of people.”

A compelling, compassionate and dynamic host, public speaker and psychotherapist, Curd boasts a number of other media pursuits. He is the author of two upcoming books with Harper Collins. In 2017, Dale began presenting his Keynote, The Mastery and Science of Empathetic Listening, to healthcare organizations across North America.

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Professional speaker and comedienne Meg Soper is recognized as one of the premiere motivators in North America. She combines her remarkable sense of humor with her unique perspective of life to captivate her audience and provide a presentation filled with inspiration and entertainment.

Meg has appeared as a keynote speaker and feature performer at conferences and corporate functions across North America and internationally. She has shared the stage with such celebrities as Ray Romano and Ellen Degeneres. With over 30 years experience in the health care industry and as a Registered Nurse in the Operating Room, she understands how your attitude affects those around you
at home and in the workplace environment. Meg is co-author of the book, “From the Stage to the Page – Life Lessons from Four Funny Ladies”. She has appeared on the CBC Television Network, Women’s Television Network and Prime TV, as well as being featured in many radio programs and comedy festivals. Meg has a tremendous ability to connect with her audience and take every event to a higher level.

Meg Soper Motivational Keynote Speaker Captivating Audiences with Humor

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