What is the annual Summit all about?
The annual Grow Brandon Summit is an annual event that brings together business and industry leaders, educational institutions, Indigenous partners and government representatives to discuss shared economic priorities, explore opportunities for growth and strengthen collaboration across Brandon and the surrounding region.
This year’s Summit will focus on four key areas shaping the region’s future: Agriculture, Housing, Population and Tourism. Attendees can expect insights into Brandon’s economic opportunities, discussions on housing and population growth, a look at the vision of reaching 80,000 residents by 2040, and conversations about strengthening regional tourism. The Summit will explore how collaboration, strategic planning and investment can help build a stronger, more prosperous future for Brandon and Westman.
Meet our 2026 Speakers
Keynote and Special Guests
MC and Moderators
Presentations
Population Panel
Tourism Panel
Thank you to our Sponsors
We couldn't do this work without the generous support of our sponsors.
Thank you to Manitoba Hydro and Canad Inns.
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2026 Summit Schedule
Our MC: Bram Strain, President and CEO at Business Council of Manitoba
1:30 pm
Welcome Remarks: One Year Onwards
Sean Barr, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Manitoba Region
1:40 pm
Provincial Minister’s Address
Hon. Adrien Sala, Minister of Finance
1:50 pm
Keynote Address: Intentional Growth – The Path Forward
Chuck Davidson, President and CEO Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism
2:05 pm
Sponsor Address
Manitoba Ag Days
2:10 pm
Presentation: Opportunities Abound
Chris Ferris- InterGroup Consults
2:25 pm
Agriculture Q&A
Bram Strain, President and CEO at Business Council of Manitoba
2:35 pm
Networking Break
(15 minutes)
2:50 pm
Sponsor Address
Brandon Jobs
2:55 pm
Presentation: Vision 80,000 by 2040
David Carruthers, Urban Systems Ltd.
3:10 pm
Population Panel: Impact of Vision 80,000 by 2040
Moderator: Wayne Kelly, Director - Rural Development Institute (RDI), Brandon University
Panelists:
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Curtis Hullick, General Manager, Brandon Chamber of Commerce
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Ryan Nickel, City of Brandon
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Jon Zilkey, Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer, Brandon School Division
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Samuel Solomon, Economic Development, City of Brandon
3:40 pm
Population Q&A
Wayne Kelly, Director of Brandon University’s Rural Development Institute (RDI)
3:50 pm
Strategic Tourism Outlook
Lanny Stewart, UpHouse / Brandon Tourism
4:00 pm
Tourism Panel: Growing Our Regional Tourism Economy
Moderator: Gerald Cathcart, Director of Economic Development, City of Brandon
Panelists:
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Connie Lawrence, CEO and General Manager, Keystone Centre
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Brian White, General Manager of the Clarion Hotel & Suites
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Dean Hammond, Executive Director, Riverbank
4:30 pm
Presentation - Powering Our Future
Chris Mankewich – Manitoba Hydro
4:50 pm
Closing Remarks
Jeff Fawcett, Mayor of the City of Brandon
5:00 pm
Summit Concludes
Thank you for attending
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