Survive and Thrive: Manufacturing in the Age of Tariffs

• Manufacturing leaders from sectors such as automotive, aerospace, defence, food processing, energy, and advanced materials
• Innovation and technology executives driving adoption of AI, quantum computing, robotics, and smart manufacturing solutions
• Policymakers and economic development officials at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels
• Industry associations, hubs, and accelerators supporting manufacturing growth and innovation
• Academic and technical leaders from universities, colleges, and applied research centres
• Investors and venture partners focused on scaling advanced manufacturing and deep-tech ventures

8:00 – 8:30 am: Networking & Breakfast

Start the day connecting with the leaders defining Ontario’s next industrial era.

8:30 – 8:40 am: Opening Remarks

Setting the stage for a high-stakes conversation: how Ontario can rewrite the rules for manufacturing competitiveness?

• Giles Gherson, President and CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade

8:40 - 8:50 am: Special Address

• Phil Jennings, Deputy Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

8:50 - 9:05 am: Morning Keynote

• Robert D. Atkinson, Ph.D, President, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

9:05 – 9:40 am: Rule #1: Adopt Relentlessly — Closing Ontario’s Innovation Gap

AI, quantum, automation — the race is on. This panel tackles one question: how can Ontario manufacturers accelerate technology adoption fast enough to stay in the game?

 Hear how leading firms and global peers are scaling innovation, what policies drive success, and what it takes to lead transformation inside your own organization.

Speakers:

• Hallie Siegel, CEO, Canadian Robotics Council

• Rae Jeong, CEO, Maneva 

Moderator:

• Stewart Cramer, Chief Program Officer, NGen Canada

9:40 – 10:15 am: Rule #2: Build the Foundation — Compete on Strength, Not Chance

A competitive economy doesn’t happen by accident. This discussion explores how Ontario can retool its policies, incentives, and infrastructure to make growth inevitable — not optional. Learn what’s working globally and how Ontario can set the conditions for manufacturing leadership in a volatile world.

Speakers:

• Goldy Hyder, President & CEO, Business Council of Canada
• Linda Hasenfratz, Executive Chair, Linamar
• Wendy Andrushko, President, DuPont Canada

10:15 – 10:30 am: Coffee Break

Refuel and connect — the ideas get sharper from here.

10:30 – 10:45 am: Presentation: Technology in Action

See how technology adoption translates to measurable gains — and what Ontario firms can learn from real-world success stories.

• Guy Dulude, Vice President Portfolio Development & Sales Acceleration, Siemens Digital Industries Software

10:45 – 10:50 am: Introductory Remarks

• Steve Carlisle, Former Executive Vice-President and President, North America, General Motors & Interim Chair, Advanced Manufacturing Council 

10:50 - 11:05 am: Keynote: Rule #3 — Lead Where It Counts

A defining moment for Canadian industry leaders: how to turn trade threats into a manufacturing advantage.

• Flavio Volpe, President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA)

11:05 – 11:30 am: Lightning Talks: Ideas Redefining the Playbook

Fast, focused insights from innovators reshaping Ontario’s talent and productivity landscape.

Introductory Remarks:

• Ali Grovue, Vice President, Ignite Management

Speakers:

• Dr. Craig Stephenson, President & CEO, Centennial College
• Kelly Hoey, Executive Director, HIEC

11:30 – 11:50 am: Rule #4: Seize the Industrial Opportunity — The Defense Advantage

With defense investment set to surge, Ontario stands at the edge of a generational opportunity. This conversation reveals how manufacturers can tap into defense-driven innovation, build domestic capacity, and strengthen supply chains — before others do.

This timely conversation will explore how Ontario can lead in meeting defense demands while driving innovation, economic development, and global competitiveness. 

Speakers:

• Berardino Barratta, CEO, MxD Chicago
• Chris Casey, Industrial Manufacturing and Automotive Sector Lead, PwC

11:50 am – 12:00 pm: Closing Remarks

Leading advocacy and driving action for a sector that’s ready and willing to play to win.

• Giles Gherson, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade