Meet the Presenters
Showcase 2024 will feature 5 professional development sessions with over 20 presenters. The full line up will be posted in June.
This year’s presenters come from diverse sectors including the arts; travel, hotel and food industries; business sectors; and community and economic development experts. Regular conference activities like “Ask the Expert” and “Lightning Rounds” will return along with new ways of learning, connecting and networking with panelists, funders, peers, artists, educators, and specialist advisors.
These unique opportunities provide access to subject matter experts who can enhance your skills and share valuable sector insights and trends, helping to increase your connectivity internally and in your community.
Creative Manitoba
The Manitoba Showcase professional development is in Partnership with Creative Manitoba. Creative Manitoba strengthens, represents and connects Manitoba’s creative communities and industries. They present seminars, courses, and workshops throughout the year for independent artists as well as cultural and arts organizations.
Facilitators
Trudy Schroeder (She/her)
Trudy has served as the executive director of the Winnipeg Folk Festival for ten years and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for thirteen years. She has been involved in cultural development and arts organization leadership for more than thirty years. She holds an MBA, a BA, and an ARCT. She has been awarded the Order of Manitoba for her contribution to the cultural life of the province, a Leader of the Year award from Travel Manitoba, and a Woman of Distinction award.
Josh Marantz (he/him)
With over 40 years in Art management experience, Josh spent 6 years as Director of programming and communications at the Calgary Centre for Performing Arts. He was President of the Calgary International Film Festival, leading the organization from inception through the successful conclusion of its first year. Marantz Productions established in 1997 involved artist management, concert, CD, video, film and event production, graphic arts and performing arts consulting. Josh also owns Tunzen Music, a publishing company with the copyright to over 50 recorded songs.
Katie Daman (she/her)
Katie Daman has a love for delicious food, eating with community, and working towards a sustainable, equitable, and collaborative food system. She was born and raised in Treaty 1 Territory, in rural Manitoba, and currently lives in Winnipeg.
Her work within the agri-food sector has been focused on supporting small to mid-sized farmers and processors in growing their access to urban markets through collective infrastructure. She’s spent significant time speaking with industry stakeholders in Manitoba about how to co-create a stronger, more resilient regional food system, which includes addressing the issue of the “missing middle”.
Katie has over ten years of experience working in the non-profit and community economic development sectors. She is a co-founder and past co-chair of Fireweed Food Co-op and the South Osborne Farmers’ Market, spent four years on the board of the Canadian Community Economic Development Network and has developed and managed two projects alongside Food and Beverage Manitoba including the Food Ecosystems Project and Northern Arts and Food Project.
Panelists
Bud Keys
CEO | Westman Communications Group
Keys brings 35 years of industry experience, including the roles of Senior Director, Commercial Market Development with WCG, and senior sales and technology leadership positions with Allstream/AT&T Canada along with Bell (Northwestel).
Bram Strain
President & CEO | Business Council of Manitoba
Bramwell (Bram) Strain is the President and CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba. Bram is a Manitoban, raised in Elm Creek and is a graduate of Brandon University. Prior to joining the Business Council, Bram worked at all three levels of government in senior roles such as, City Manager in Lethbridge, Alberta, Deputy Minister in the Manitoba Government in Infrastructure and Education, Training, and Immigration, in the Federal system as Assistant Deputy Minister for Western Economic Diversification and Regional Director General for Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Dr Wayne Kelly
Director | Rural Development Institute (RDI)
With over a decade of dedication to rural progress, Wayne holds a Master of Rural Development from Brandon University and a Ph.D. from the National University of Ireland, Galway.
As Director of the Rural Development Institute (RDI), Wayne applies innovative research to help rural Canada adapt to societal, economic, and technological changes.
Jeremy Monias
Brandon Friendship Centre
The bBrandon Friendship Centre is an urban Indigenous service delivery agency. The exist to administer and implement programs to meet the needs of people, either migrating to cities or living in them. One way to describe a centre is to compare it to a bridge. It attempts to bridge a gap between two cultures, between a non-urban and an urban one. They develop programs and support services to meet the needs of Indigenous people in the community as a whole.
Jenel Shaw
Arts Accessibility Network of Manitoba
Discover the comprehensive offerings of the Arts Accessibility Network Manitoba (AANM) and gain insights into how their extensive online resource collection can assist both you and your organization in seamlessly integrating accessibility across all aspects of your programming.
Jennifer Watson
Executive Director | Brandon First
Jenn is the Executive Director of Brandon First – a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing events of all types to Brandon, Manitoba with the goal of driving economic development through multi-day event tourism. With a Business Administration BA and her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the Canadian Society of Association Executives, Jenn works to connect events with venues, vendors and funding opportunities while promoting the stakeholder businesses of Brandon First to event organizers.
Jenn is also one of the founding board members, and currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer and Volunteer Coordinator for the Salamander Summer Music Festival – a three-day music and arts festival held annually in July in Brandon’s beautiful Rideau Park.
Jeff Fawcett
Owner and Mayor of the City of Brandon | D&B Sprinklers
His Worship Mayor Jeff Fawcett was elected in 2022 after serving 12 years as a City Councillor. Mayor Fawcett has been involved in the community for over 30 years. As a business owner with businesses serving Southwestern Manitoba, he has also been actively involved in the Arts, Education, and Recreation communities. Prior to being involved in municipal politics, Mayor Fawcett served on many boards and committees, including the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba, Brandon University Foundation, and YMCA Brandon.
Keri Latimer
Artist | Leaf Rapids
Kris Doull
Regional Manager-Westman, Community Development
Kris has worked in the community development field for 36 years as a Recreation Director in Treherne and Carman and for the past 30 years, as Regional Manager with the Community Development Branch of Municipal Relations. Kris is also an active volunteer in his own community with the belief that you must lead by example.
Kris Ontong
Project Manager | Immigration Partnership Winnipeg
Kris is a prominent Filipino-Canadian community leader and advocate bringing over fourteen years of expertise in website and graphic design to his multifaceted career. His professional journey includes a stint at the House of Commons as Executive Assistant to Kevin Lamoureux, the Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North. Currently, Kris’ current role that allows him to actively support the integration and success of newcomers.
Margot Cathcart
CEO | Rural Manitoba Economic Development (RMED)
Margot Cathcart, President, and CEO of the Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation is renowned for her impactful contributions to economic growth, especially in rural Manitoba. Born and raised in the region, she is a graduate of Brandon University who expanded her worldview through experiences in Japan and Winnipeg before ultimately returning to Brandon to nurture her family. Her career spans multiple sectors, including television, news media, technology, agriculture, and financial services, demonstrating her adaptability and leadership prowess. Margot has participated in and spoken at international conferences in France and Montreal and domestic conferences including Indigenous economic development events.
Margruite Krahn
The Herdsman House
Melanie Gamache
Borealis Beading
Borealis Beading, established in 2014 is owned and operated by Melanie Gamache, a Manitoba Métis francophone beadwork artisan. She provides interactive, hands-on, and authentic Métis cultural learning experiences on her property, only 45 mins from downtown Winnipeg, or she can come to you with her NEW for 2024 mobile experience, Métis Connections. All experiences are delivered in a style reflective of the traditional beading circle format where friends and family would gather to share stories and talk about their day while passing on the traditional art forms. The newly opened PerLODGE, a 160sq ft tiny house, provides accommodations to add to your onsite experience.
Michael Juce
President and CEO | Manitoba Hotel Association
Michael Juce was born in Dauphin and grew up in Hamiota. He is a proud graduate of Brandon University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in political science. After graduation he moved to Winnipeg for the Manitoba Legislative Assembly’s internship program. That led to working in the legislature for several years before moving to the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce as their Director of Advocacy. In 2019 Michael joined Prairie Sky Strategy, a leading Western Canadian public affairs and business development firm. Michael also worked in the private sector before becoming the President and CEO of the Manitoba Hotel Association in January 2023.
Nima Talasaz
Booking Agent | Sakamoto Agency
Nima Talasaz is a dedicated music industry professional with a genuine passion for artists and the live music experience. Starting from his early days as a promoter, he quickly transitioned to working closely with musicians, focusing on artist management and development. Through sincere connections and nurturing relationships, Nima has had the privilege of witnessing artists’ growth and success. Driven by a genuine desire to create vibrant live music spaces, Nima successfully managed venues in Ontario and Alberta. Before coming on board at Sakamoto Agency, he founded Oceanside Entertainment, a boutique agency that proudly showcases the rich musical talent of Vancouver Island while collaborating with artists from all corners of the country. With deep appreciation for the opportunity to contribute, Nima remains dedicated to promoting talent and fostering unforgettable musical moments, always inspired by the vibrant spirit of the Canadian music scene.
Rich Hamon
Presenter | Eastern Manitoba Concerts Association
Rich has served with EMCA’s Program Selection for 21 years, in tandem with other positions (particularly technical ones). He’s often been the first line of contact with Artists, Agents and Managers, seeking availability, technical and hospitality needs. Past work experience in Science and management, as well as a life-long love of music (as a drummer), have all been helpful in facilitating bookings, and producing shows. Fans of the Winnipeg Folk Festival, especially younger ones, may also recognize Rich’s alter-ego as ‘The Bubbleman’.
Sid Stevenson
Owner | Section 6 Brewing
Stevenson hails from Kenton and farmed for 15 years. He had been looking for an opportunity to do something creative and interesting, exploration in connection with our community, and we just want to be approachable, welcoming, and we can do that through what we produce for beer. Opened Brandon’s second tap room in 2022. One of the mission statements that we have is we like to mix traditional with new and experimental. As part of the ambiance of the new operation, business partners Ben Loewen and Sid Stevenson have made the brewing process part of the attraction, with the towering German-made stainless steel fermentors of the company brewhouse visible from the shiny wooden bar in the tap room that divides them.
Tara Leach
Teacher | Prairie Hope High School
Yvonne Sisley
Administrator | ArtsForward
Yvonne Sisley, Administrator of Neepawa’s ArtsForward, is regarded as an industry leader with respect to peer collaboration, community programming and her impactful contributions to the Arts and Culture community in Neepawa and around the province. She is a graduate of Human Resource Management from the University of Manitoba, as well as having an extensive background in both Education and the Food & Hospitality Industry.
In addition to her role at ArtsForward, Yvonne is also a Councillor for the of Town of Neepawa, where she Chairs the Recreation and Economic Development Committee of Council, is a Member of the Neepawa Disabled Persons Association Board and on the Public Works Committee of Council.
Experts
Anita Baerg
Canadian Heritage
Interested in a conversation about federal funding and grants available through Canadian Heritage? Explore a wide range of topics, including checking the status of your application, learning about the various funding programs offered by Canadian Heritage, and discovering effective ways for your organization to maximize the benefits of its programming.
Akshay Vaid
Manitoba Arts Network
Join Akshay Vaid, Marketing Coordinator at Manitoba Arts Network, for an insightful session on engaging young audiences and enhancing your digital presence. Akshay will share practical tips on social media marketing, digital strategies, and creating compelling video and photography content tailored for the digital space.
Rob Krause
Manitobans for the Arts
Manitobans for the Arts is here to listen. What are your needs and challenges? How can we better serve you? Join Brendan McKeen, Chair of Manitobans for the Arts, and express your concerns about the sector so we can build a better arts sector for ALL of Manitoba.
Canada Council for the Arts
Two Program Officers from the Canada Council, Eliane Daoud – Program Officer, Arts Across Canada & Arts Abroad Programs and Nathalie Cléroux – Program Manager, Creating, Knowing and Sharing Program
Deirdre Tomkins
Manitoba Arts Council
Connecting with the experts from the Manitoba Arts Council can be a multifaceted experience that goes beyond just seeking funding. It can provide artists and cultural organizations with valuable guidance, resources, and connections to enhance their creative endeavors, advance their careers, and contribute to the vibrant arts community in Manitoba.
Kris Ontong
Eastern Region Immigration Partnership
Kris is a prominent Filipino-Canadian community leader and advocate bringing over fourteen years of expertise in website and graphic design to his multifaceted career. His professional journey includes a stint at the House of Commons as Executive Assistant to Kevin Lamoureux, the Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North. Currently, Kris’ current role that allows him to actively support the integration and success of newcomers.
Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts
The Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts is operated by law students at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law.
The Clinic serves artists, creatives, and arts and cultural organizations throughout Manitoba!
This is the only legal clinic in Manitoba that provides free legal information and services tailored specifically to artists and arts organizations.
All work performed by law students is supervised by experienced lawyers.
The Clinic provides information and services entirely for free. Why? To support artists
Margot Cathcart
Rural Manitoba Economic Development (RMED)
Margot Cathcart, President, and CEO of the Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation is renowned for her impactful contributions to economic growth, especially in rural Manitoba. Born and raised in the region, she is a graduate of Brandon University who expanded her worldview through experiences in Japan and Winnipeg before ultimately returning to Brandon to nurture her family. Her career spans multiple sectors, including television, news media, technology, agriculture, and financial services, demonstrating her adaptability and leadership prowess. Margot has participated in and spoken at international conferences in France and Montreal and domestic conferences including Indigenous economic development events.
Martine Friesen
Manitoba Arts Council
Connecting with the experts from the Manitoba Arts Council can be a multifaceted experience that goes beyond just seeking funding. It can provide artists and cultural organizations with valuable guidance, resources, and connections to enhance their creative endeavors, advance their careers, and contribute to the vibrant arts community in Manitoba.
Nicole Tamoto
Canadian Heritage
Interested in a conversation about federal funding and grants available through Canadian Heritage? Explore a wide range of topics, including checking the status of your application, learning about the various funding programs offered by Canadian Heritage, and discovering effective ways for your organization to maximize the benefits of its programming.
Trudy Schroeder
Arts & Heritage Solutions
Arrange a meeting with Trudy Schroeder to explore various aspects of your strategic planning and organizational development. This meeting can encompass discussions related to your strategic direction, audience engagement, program development, marketing, promotion, and more. Trudy Schroeder can provide valuable insights and guidance in these areas to enhance your overall strategy and success.
Wendy Peterson
Community Futures Westman
After graduation from Olds College, I returned to Brandon and began work with the City of Brandon. I joined Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. Where I remained as their Executive Director for 14 years. Since then, I have worked for the Canadian Red Cross, Westman Immigrant Services, and the Aurora Project. I have completed my certification with for Cooperatives and Social Enterprises has led me to form my own small non-profit co-op and social enterprise working with refugee youth and Hutterites. I serve as a Board Member of Brandon Community Builders, Board Member for the CoopZone and Board Member for Compass Credit Union. I am engaged in an interesting project as a mentor to a women’s group in Ukraine forming a Sewing Co-op. I have a passion to see communities and their residents grow especially rurual communities, I enjoy offering options to communities other than typical business models, that allows communities to build upon the strengths they have, themselves.
Questions?
Registration & Payment Support
Manitoba Arts Network
admin@mbartsnet.ca
1.866.919.2787
Are you new to Showcase and unsure of what to expect? Wondering, “What’s in it for me?”
Jane Ireland
2024 Showcase Ambassador
manitobashowcase@gmail.com
If you have any questions/issues, do not hesitate to reach us at admin@mbartsnet.ca or call Toll Free: 1.866.919.2787.
Make sure to share your experience during the Conference using the hashtag #MBSHOWCASE24 by tagging us.
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