WESK Summit 2024
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 | 7:30am – 3:30pm (followed by optional After Hours) | Sheraton Cavalier, Saskatoon
Four engaging workshops, one dynamic keynotes, one impactful panel discussion, and countless life-changing connections.
The WESK Summit is our annual one-day conference for Saskatchewan women entrepreneurs and business owners to learn from industry experts, presented by Conexus Credit Union. The conference encompasses engaging workshops, a dynamic keynote, an influential panel discussion, and meaningful connections.
Ticket Launch: July 5th, 2024
7:30 – 8:00 am: Check-in
8:00 – 8:10 am: Welcome Remarks
8:10 – 9:00 am: Morning Activities, Land Acknowledgment & Breakfast
Sponsored By:
9:00 – 9:45 am: Keynote Speaker
9:45 – 10:00 am: Refuel & Recharge Break
Sponsored By:
10:00 – 11:30 am: Morning Workshops
11:30 – 12:30 pm: Lunch
Sponsored By: 
11:30 – 11:50 pm: Annual General Meeting
12:30 – 12:45 pm: Afternoon Activity
12:45 – 2:15 pm: Afternoon Workshops
2:15 – 2:30 pm: Refuel & Recharge Break
Sponsored By:
2:30 – 3:20 pm: Panel Discussion
3:20 – 3:30 pm: Closing Remarks
3:30 – 5:30 pm: After-Hours hosted by Conexus
| Ticket Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Non-Member General Pricing | $150 + GST |
| Member General Pricing | $120 + GST |
WESK Members: remember to log in to receive 20% off!
Featured Keynote – Betty-Ann Heggie
Meet The Keynote
Sponsored By:
Betty-Ann Heggie is a former Senior Vice-President with PotashCorp (now Nutrien), the world’s largest fertilizer company. Since retiring from her corporate position Betty-Ann has provided mentorship to women in business as a speaker, author and philanthropist.
She was named a Distinguished Speaker by The Canadian Mining Institute, given the Trailblazer Award from Women in Mining Canada and named one of the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining. Betty-Ann was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, the IR Magazine Awards Hall of Fame and the Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame. She was also given the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the YWCA Lifetime Achievement Award and the University of Saskatchewan Alumni Mentorship Award. She currently serves on the board of the Toronto International Film Festival where she initiated the ‘Share Her Journey’ program to get more women’s stories made into films.
She and her husband Wade have two adult daughters, one of whom lives in Bali which gives Betty-Ann the best excuse to travel around the world at least once a year.
At the WESK Summit, Betty-Ann will be teaching us how to Increase Our Impact (and have fun doing it). How do we navigate our businesses and sustain our energy while creating successful outcomes? In Betty-Ann Heggie’s experience, the answer lies in increasing your impact though Presence, Belonging and Resilience.
A moment of levity can shift your demeanor from robotic to ‘real’ creating the magical gift of ‘presence’. When we refuse to take ourselves too seriously, we share more meaningful connections, discover common ground with others, and establish ‘belonging’. Finding the ability to laugh at things gives us the courage to take on bigger risks. This allows us to recover more quickly from setbacks and we develop ‘resilience’.
This keynote will help you implement these powerful impacts to reach your goals. Adding some levity will help you find pleasure and enjoyment in the process. Get ready to increase your self-awareness, your sphere of influence and your ability to bounce back after a disappointment.
Morning Workshops
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
During our first breakout session, you’ll have the opportunity to choose between one of two 1.5 hour sessions. This year, we will send out an invitation to register for the workshops in advance. If there’s a particular topic you’re excited about, make sure you register promptly in case space is limited! This year we are following previous years’ feedback and adding a framework: 45-60 minutes of content and learning, a 15-minute hands-on activity, and 15-minutes for Q&A.
1) Cash flow for Entrepreneurs – Building a Strong Financial Foundation
Bev Betteridge
President & CFO, Corner Office
About the Presenter
Bev Betteridge is a senior professional with a proven track record of assisting organizations in achieving their goals, managing risks, and enhancing performance through process, technology, and reporting improvements. She now leads a team of professionals providing outsourced accounting and CFO services in Regina, Saskatchewan. Using a tech-driven approach, Bev and her team help organizations achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in their financial operations.
About the Workshop
Let’s be real—managing cash flow can seem like a daunting task. It’s the lifeline of your business, but where do you even start? (Hint: right here!) In this presentation, we’re going to turn the intimidating world of cash flow into something not just manageable, but actually exciting.
Join us as we dive into the essentials of cash flow management and discover how building a strong financial foundation can ensure success for your business. Whether you’re worried about managing your accounts receivable, struggling with payables, or trying to get a handle on unexpected expenses, we’ve got you covered.
- The secrets of cash flow management such as managing accounts receivable & payable, monitoring cash inflows & outflows, and preparing for the unexpected.
- The art of accurate bookkeeping by focusing on what matters and decoding your financial statements.
- Practical and easy to implement tips & tricks to boost your cash flow.
- How you can embrace technology to streamline your cash flow management.
- You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to manage your cash flow effectively, equipped with practical tools and knowledge to ensure your business has a strong financial foundation.
2) From Clicks to Conversions: Mapping Your Way to Higher Sales
Albert Jame
Chief Experience Officer, zu
About the Presenter
Starting his career at zu in 2002, Albert Jame’s journey spans from the era of static websites to digital ecosystems. Establishing zu as a pioneer in human-centered design — his deeply reflective nature and storytelling craft brings a dynamic blend of logic, reasoning, and humor, making him one of the most sought-after design leaders and speakers in Canada.
About the Workshop
Let’s face it—customer experience is on everyone’s radar these days. But here’s a twist: it’s not just about your customers. Your end users could be employees, patients, citizens, fans, students, and more. The secret to increasing your revenue lies in truly understanding your current users. You’ve probably heard about journey mapping or even started exploring it, but let’s dig deeper.
In this workshop, we’ll make journey mapping easy and practical. With Albert’s guidance, you’ll learn how you can grow your sales by truly understanding your customers and their needs. By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a clear, practical plan for improving user experiences and seeing real growth in your organization.
- How to map out the user journey and identify areas for improvement.
- What tools and techniques you can use to learn more about your users.
- How you can create the most memorable experience for your users.
- Practical tips and actionable strategies to increasing sales by understanding your customers and their needs.
- How putting yourself in your users’ shoes can lead to better bottom line.
Afternoon Workshops
Time: 12:45pm – 2:15pm
During our second breakout session, you’ll have the opportunity to choose between one of two 1.5 hour sessions. This year, we will send out an invitation to register for the workshops in advance. If there’s a particular topic you’re excited about, make sure you register promptly in case space is limited! This year we are following previous years’ feedback and following a framework: 45-60 minutes of content and learning, a 15-minute hands-on activity, and 15-minutes for Q&A.
1) Crafting Your Path to Market Success: Marketing Plan for Entrepreneurs
Brita Lind
CEO, Adeptus Marketing
About the Presenter
A graduate of Harvard University with honours (and hockey skates), Brita has decades of experience in marketing, brand development, and advertising. As the owner of Adeptus Marketing, Brita has helped numerous clients, from start-ups and solopreneurs to large corporations, develop highly successful marketing plans. The former creative director at Farm Credit Canada, and associate creative director at Phoenix Advertising Group, Brita has worked with such organizations as Bose Corporation, Paradise LeisureScapes, Regina Folk Festival, Creative Saskatchewan, SaskTel, SaskPower, SaskEnergy, SaskGalleries and many more.
While Brita is a marketing powerhouse with a ton of experience under her belt, her real talent is in teaching and mentoring others, and having fun while doing it. Brita has conducted workshops on Strategic Planning, Hiring, Business Planning, Marketing Strategy, and Marketing Planning.
About the Workshop
Back by popular demand! Let’s face it – developing a marketing plan is a daunting task. You know you need one, but where do you start? (Hint: right here.) This workshop will show you marketing plans aren’t as scary as they appear, and they can be a lot of fun (actually).
During this workshop, award-winning marketer, Brita Lind, will walk you through all the necessary components of a successful marketing plan. You’ll get the tools you need, an easy-to-follow template, and an experienced guide to help you along the way. Discover which channels and tactics may work best for your business. Decide on appropriate timelines and budgets. And define the indicators that will show you you’re on the right path. With hands-on, interactive exercises (don’t worry, no push-ups), you’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and a marketing plan you can immediately act on!
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a clear, practical plan for improving user experiences and making a real impact in your organization.
- Defining your marketing objectives and setting SMART objectives
- How to outline your unique sales proposition
- How to Identify your audience(s)
- Which marketing channels and tactics are appropriate for you
- Defining some key messages
- How you can put it all together – your marketing plan underway
- How to review your marketing strategy consistently
2. Growth Strategy: Scaling Your Business to Next-Level Success
Cara Cote
Client Services Manager, WESK
Sponsored By: 
About the Presenter
Cara joined the WESK team as a business advisor in June 2020. She is a serial entrepreneur, having owned and operated multiple businesses since 2001. Her role includes working with entrepreneurs at all stages of development and connecting them with the resources they need to thrive. She believes in being kind, honest, and helpful in all aspects of her life, and loves helping WESK members put their big ideas to life.
Cara enjoys golfing and pretending she isn’t cold in the winter. Something you may not know about Cara – she is a past President of the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women.
About the Workshop
Ready to move beyond the ups and downs of your entrepreneurial journey and drive your business forward? Imagine trading in that rollercoaster for an entrepreneurial motorhome that’s headed straight for success. Sound good?
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan to navigate your business’s growth journey and make the most of your entrepreneurial adventure. Through engaging discussions and actionable insights, you’ll leave with a personalized roadmap that celebrates your achievements and guides you toward future milestones. You’ll walk away feeling accomplished and ready to hit the road to your next big destination!
Join us for this workshop; we’ll explore the realities of scaling a business and what it takes to elevate it to the next level.
- Decision Making: Learn how to make choices that propel a business forward.
- Business Management: Discover effective strategies for managing and leading a growing enterprise.
- The Money Talk: Understand different financial options and make informed choices about saving versus borrowing.
- What is Success?: Define what success looks like for you and your business.
Panel: Candid Conversations
Candid Conversations, a WESK panel series, focuses on equality, diversity, and inclusion. This series fosters an inviting space to have important and impactful dialogues on EDI in the Saskatchewan workplace.
Meet our Moderator
Sabeen Ahmad
CTV
A “Storyteller by heart,” Sabeen has certainly found her calling in the world of radio and television, as well as public speaking, professional event emceeing, and hosting. Over nearly 20 years in front of the camera and microphone, there are precious few places where Sabeen hasn’t made her presence felt – raising the level of any endeavor she involves herself in to one that is truly world-class.
Along with working at CTV Regina, working with organizations like The Saskatchewan Rush, Roughriders Football Club, The Canadian Football League, and the Grey Cup Committee, as well as the City of Regina and Regina Police Service, just to name a few, Sabeen’s passion for her community continues to shine through with each new, decidedly large-scale project she undertakes.
Meet our Panelists
Betty Mutwiri
Founder, BM Leadership Coaching and Consulting Inc.
Betty is a Certified Executive Coach, Systemic Team Coach, Organizational Leadership Consultant, Speaker and Author. She is the Founder and Principal of, BM Leadership Coaching and Consulting Inc. that serves organizations across Canada with customized and integrated leadership development, coaching and wellbeing programs to enhance employee engagement, wellbeing and agility.
In 2023, she received the International Association of Top Professionals Award in Executive Coaching in New York and was also recognized as one of the Top Ten BIPOC entrepreneurs in Western Canada, by the BIPOC Foundation.
Mubarka Butt
CEO, BoardBe
Mubarka is the CEO of BoardBe. Recognized as a distinguished corporate strategist, Mubarka is deeply respected within boardrooms and executive suites for her insights into governance and strategy execution. She possesses an extensive background in strategic planning, governance excellence, and fostering cultures of high performance, enabling organizations not just to comply, but to thrive and excel.
With over a decade holding pivotal roles in HR and strategy, Mubarka’s deep engagement in shaping strategic people initiatives laid the groundwork for BoardBe’s vision. Her journey, particularly as a woman of colour, reflects remarkable tenacity, overcoming significant hurdles to earn her position as Chief Strategy and People Officer in the C-suite. Now, she combines her comprehensive expertise to provide boards and CEOs with impactful strategies that cover governance coaching, balanced scorecard strategic planning, executive compensation, and fortified corporate governance.
A passionate advocate and sought-after speaker for diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership, Mubarka is determined to amplify the voices of countless talented women who have traditionally been sidelined in leadership roles. Her dedication extends to rigorous board governance audits, ensuring organizations operate at the pinnacle of excellence.
Talitha McCloskey
Co-Founder, RaiseHER Co.
Talitha (she/her) is a relationship builder and a passionate advocate for others. With a deep commitment to supporting everyone’s hopes and dreams, she makes it her mission to uplift those around her. Talitha wears many hats—as Co-Founder of RaiseHER Community, as Program Lead for the Digital Marketing Skills Canada program for Growclass, as a Freelance Writer with Nova Creative Co., as a board and committee member for community organizations, including SYPE and the YWCA, as a Masters student, and as mama to Haven, her son, partner to Mitch and friend to many.
Talitha proudly refers to herself as a “relationship broker,” using her various community roles to connect and empower others. Raised to stand up for those who need it most, she is driven by a passion for people and a vision of making the world a better place. Talitha sees the opportunity to create and shape a community of women dedicated to supporting one another, and she’s committed to making that vision a reality.
Meet our Sponsors!
