Shape Policy

Convention is an opportunity to influence policy, both locally and provincially. Shape SUMA’s policy direction through resolutions, sector meetings, and the new Dialogue with SUMA sessions. The annual bear pit and dialogue with ministers sessions provides delegates with the opportunity to put their municipal issues before the provincial government, as well as the media.

Networking 

There are plenty of people to meet and plenty of opportunities to network. Gain a fresh new focus as you connect with colleagues, peers, SUMA Board and staff members at the SUMA Convention during the President’s Gala and Awards Ceremony, sessions, at breaks, and in your sector meeting.

Municipal Marketplace, presented by Kinetic GPO

Sunday, April 13 - 4:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. 
Monday, April 14 - 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 15 - 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

One of the largest of its kind in Canada, SUMA’s tradeshow features booths with products and services that municipalities use each day. 

Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Visit the Gordie Howe Sports Complex to learn more about how the facility was developed and how they have become a hub for sports in Saskatoon. Participants will visit a variety of facilities including the track, speed skating and baseball area, softball area, SMF minor football field, and the FFUN performance indoor training centre. At the Gordie Howe Sports Centre hear more about how this versatile multi-use building was
strategically designed to cater to a variety of events and activities and hosts sporting events, office spaces, a meeting room, a spacious banquet area, and more.

Black Fox Farm and Distillery

Visit Black Fox Distillery for a tour with founders Barb and John. Barb and John will share their story about how the distillery got started while taking the group on a tour of the distillery to learn about their alcohol production. Participants will have a guided whisky tasting that includes 3 half ounce whisky pours accompanied by food pairings. John will share tips about sipping whisky and provide education about the whiskies
served. Following the tour participants will have time to mingle and sip the samples.

CN Railyard

Take a tour of CN’s Chappell Yard in Saskatoon! Essential to the economy, the CN team of approximately 25,000 railroaders annually transports goods valued at over $250 billion. These goods span a wide range of business sectors, ranging from resource products to manufactured and consumer goods, across a rail network of approximately 20,000 route miles spanning Canada and the United States. Join us for an exclusive tour to learn more about Intermodal Terminals, and rail safety.
 
Non-accessible. Steel toe boots are required to access the facility. CN will provide if needed.

MC - Trevor Moore

As a professional emcee, host, speaker, and corporate standup comedy
magician with 17 years of experience at the microphone, Trevor understands
how to steer the rhythm, focus, and feel of your event agenda.

As a born storyteller and natural conversationalist, Trevor has a knack for reading the room and matching the energy of his audience. His intimate and interactive style ensures stage transitions are always refreshing, upbeat andengaging, never losing sight of your event's purpose.

Trevor is quick on his feet, calmly adapting toreal-time challenges and adjustments as they arise. As someone who has seen events from all sides of the stage – as an organizer,speaker, emcee, host, guest, sponsor, and entertainer –

Trevor is much more than just an emcee; he is also a creative resource for you and your team. His professionalism, experience, and attention to detail make him a valuable asset to your event committee every step of the way.

Keynote - Pamela Barnum

Sponsored by SaskWater

Following a successful 20-year career in the criminal justice system, Pamela studied corporate negotiations in graduate school.
Now, she shares her expertise with others, teaching them how to improve their communication skills to increase trust inside corporations, associations, and law enforcement agencies.

She learned quickly how to separate fact from fiction and truth from falsehood. As a nonverbal communication expert and trust strategist, Pamela delivers techniques once thought of as a “secret second language” participants can begin using immediately.

Pamela shares her experience, research, and expertise with humor, candor, and energy, blending actionable strategies with memorable stories.

She is also a featured expert and contributor in print media, radio and television news programs in Canada and the United States.

In addition, she has appeared in person before live and virtual audiences ranging from 50 - 12,000.

Keynote - Dr. Gabor Maté - delivered virtually

A renowned speaker, and bestselling author, Dr. Gabor Maté is highly sought after for his expertise on a range of topics including addiction, stress and childhood development.

Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr. Maté weaves together scientific research, case histories, and his own insights and experience to present a broad perspective that enlightens and empowers people to promote their own healing and that of those around them.

After 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, Dr. Maté worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness.