BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//ChamberMaster//Event Calendar 2.0//EN METHOD:PUBLISH X-PUBLISHED-TTL:P3D REFRESH-INTERVAL:P3D CALSCALE:GREGORIAN BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20260305T153000Z DTEND:20260306T003000Z X-MICROSOFT-CDO-ALLDAYEVENT:FALSE SUMMARY:March 5\, 2026 - 2026 CME Smart Manufacturing Conference DESCRIPTION:Overview\n\nTechnology. Innovation. Manufacturing. \n\nThe CME Smart Manufacturing Conference returns for its second edition\, uniting manufacturers\, industry experts\, and technology leaders from across Western Canada to explore how innovation is reshaping the manufacturing landscape.\n\nThis one-day event features two expert panels\, four exclusive facility tours\, and three interactive workshops\, all designed to help B.C. manufacturers turn technology into tangible results.\n\n\n\nTWO PANELS\n\nPANEL: HOW TO PRIORITIZE AND INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY\n\nLearn how manufacturers are selecting the right digital tools and aligning them with strategic goals.\n\n\n\nMODERATOR\n\nTod Gilbert\, President\, VMAC Global Technology \n\nTod Gilbert\, P.Eng joined VMAC as an engineer in 2006. In 2017 he transitioned into the President role and has continued to lead VMAC as an innovative mobile compressed air manufacturer based in Nanaimo\, B.C\, distributing products globally. He is also the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters advisory board chair for British Columbia. He holds a Master's degree in Mechanical & Materials Engineering from Queen's University and an MBA from Royal Roads University. Tod is passionate about leveraging the incredible talent of Canada's innovators and recognizing the potential of manufacturing in Canada to create long term sustainable value.\n PANELISTS\n\nSunil Vedula\, Co-CEO\, NTWIST\n\nSunil works at the intersection of advanced AI and industrial operations\, helping mines and manufacturers achieve higher throughput with lower energy use and emissions. His background spans optimization\, product strategy\, and deploying AI systems in demanding real-world environments. At NTWIST\, he leads the vision behind solutions that deliver measurable\, repeatable value for customers. \n\nMehdi Gohardehi\, Lean Facilitator\, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters \n\nMehdi Gohardehi is a Lean Facilitator at Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)\, where he supports manufacturing companies across British Columbia in driving operational excellence through Lean principles. With over a decade of experience in manufacturing-including food\, automotive\, Oil & Gas and industrial sectors - Mehdi combines deep technical expertise with a passion for continuous improvement\, workforce development\, and practical problem-solving. He is known for facilitating peer councils\, delivering Lean training programs\, and helping companies integrate Lean thinking into their culture.\n\n\nPANEL: FUNDING SOURCES FOR MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT\n\nDiscover programs and financial pathways available to help manufacturers invest in equipment\, automation\, and digital transformation.\n\n\n\nPANELISTS\n\nDustin Yerdon\, Business Relationship Specialist\, City of Surrey\n\nDustin Yerdon is a Business Relationship Specialist with the City of Surrey\, bringing over six years of regional economic development experience. He supports local manufacturers and SMEs by helping them navigate funding programs\, connect with Surrey's innovation ecosystem\, and pursue market expansion and technology adoption opportunities. Combining municipal expertise with a private-sector background in proposal development\, Dustin advances initiatives such as Innovation Boulevard that help Surrey companies scale\, innovate\, and compete globally.\n\nChristian Hansen\, Regional Director General Pacific Region\, Innovation\, Science and Economic Development (ISED)\n\nChristian Hansen joined Innovation\, Science and Economic Development in 2019 and serves as the Pacific Regional Director General. Prior to this position\, he was a Canadian Foreign Service officer for 24 years\, working in Japan\, Norway\, Belgium\, Ottawa and Vancouver. His most recent assignment was as Regional Director and Senior Trade Commissioner for Global Affairs Canada.\n\nChristian holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Public Policy (International Relations) from Princeton.\n\n\n\nBeau Olmstead\, Vice President\, Commercial Financial Services\, RBC Royal Bank\n\nBeau has been with RBC Royal Bank since 1997\, engaged in both the commercial banking and capital markets side of financial services. He has covered many sectors including residential and commercial real estate construction\, industrial manufacturing\, consumer retail\, diversified\, health and public sector. Beau currently leads the Commercial banking business for RBC in the Richmond / South Delta markets.\n\nBeau is a member of various associations\; Director of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Association BC Division (Policy Committee member)\; past Director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce (Chair Governance Committee\; Finance Committee member)\; past Board member/Treasurer of the South Delta Minor Hockey Association\, and past hockey Coach.\n\nBefore joining RBC in Victoria\, Beau completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree\, specializing in International Business at the University of Victoria\, in conjunction with Kanagawa University in Yokohama\, Japan. In addition\, Beau completed his Master of Business Administration at Royal Roads University. Beau lives in Tsawwassen with his wife and two young adult children.\n FACILITY TOURS\n\n\n\nExperience innovation in action with exclusive facility tours\, offering a first-hand look at how B.C. manufacturers are applying technology to boost performance and competitiveness. Registrations will open soon!\n\n\n\nCANCORR\n\nCancorr offers you the wealth of knowledge and technical expertise gained from our 35 years of operations in the packaging industry through affiliates all over the world. At the heart of CanCorr is our world-class corrugated sheet feeder\, and this machine boasts a capacity of 160 million m per year\, a width of up to 112 inches\, and manufactures single and double-walled corrugated sheets with B\, C\, E\, F\, and T flute configurations.\n\nOur goal is to provide Western Canada with not only the best quality products but also the most environmentally friendly operations. Located at the heart of Vancouver's industrial hub in South Surrey\, our satellite-tracked transport system delivers the fastest turnaround time to always meet your deadlines.\n\n\n\nCOLUMBIA PLASTICS\n\nColumbia Plastics is a privately-held custom injection molding company that has been in business since 1945. Over the years\, through their focused continuous improvement initiatives\, they have kept abreast of the technological advancements in the industry. Today\, Columbia Plastics is recognized not only for the variety of services that they offer their customers (from design review\, mold design and build\, value-added operations\, to final product packaging\, etc.)\, but also for being the first Clean Room (ISO Class 7 (10\,000)) molder in Western Canada\, mainly serving North America.\n\n\n\nJOHN DEERE\n\nJohn Deere Specialty Products (JDSP)\, located in Langley\, British Columbia\, has a long-standing history of designing and manufacturing Tracked Forestry Products for global distribution. Established in 1998\, our mission has always been to provide safe\, high-quality\, and durable products to help loggers efficiently supply timber to the market.\n\n\n\nMERIT KITCHENS\n\nFor more than 50 years\, Merit Kitchens has been shaping kitchens across Canada and the United States with cabinetry built for lasting beauty and everyday performance. As a family-owned Canadian manufacturer\, we bring together decades of craftsmanship expertise with the precision of modern production technology.\n\nEvery cabinet is built in our Surrey\, BC facility\, where advanced manufacturing systems work hand-in-hand with skilled craftspeople. This integrated approach allows us to deliver quality\, thoughtful design flexibility\, and reliable lead times for our network of designers\, builders\, and dealers.\n\nRooted in our tradition of craftsmanship and guided by a commitment to continuous improvement\, we combine semi-custom versatility with proven manufacturing processes. This balance allows us to offer the design freedom clients want with the reliability our partners depend on.\n\nToday\, Merit Kitchens stands as a forward-thinking manufacturer with a clear mission: to create beautiful kitchens while strengthening the communities we serve and preparing for the future of Canadian manufacturing.\n\n\n\nWORKSHOPS\n\n\n\nParticipate in practical\, hands-on workshops led by industry experts\, including sessions on Digital Twins\, Cybersecurity and Funding your Technology Adoption. Registrations will open soon! X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:
\n
\n

Overview

\n\n

Technology. Innovation. Manufacturing. \;

\n\n

The CME Smart Manufacturing Conference returns for its second edition\, uniting manufacturers\, industry experts\, and technology leaders from across Western Canada to explore how innovation is reshaping the manufacturing landscape.

\n\n

This one-day event features two expert panels\, four exclusive facility tours\, and three interactive workshops\, all designed to help B.C. manufacturers turn technology into tangible results.

\n
\n\n
\n

TWO PANELS

\n
\nPANEL: HOW TO PRIORITIZE AND INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY
\nLearn how manufacturers are selecting the right digital tools and aligning them with strategic goals.
\n
\nMODERATOR\n\n

Tod Gilbert\, President\, VMAC Global Technology \;
\nTod Gilbert\, P.Eng joined VMAC as an engineer in 2006. In 2017 he transitioned into the President role and has continued to lead VMAC as an innovative mobile compressed air manufacturer based in Nanaimo\, B.C\, distributing products globally. He is also the Canadian Manufacturers &\; Exporters advisory board chair for British Columbia. \; He holds a Master&rsquo\;s degree in Mechanical &\; Materials Engineering from Queen&rsquo\;s University and an MBA from Royal Roads University. Tod is passionate about leveraging the incredible talent of Canada&rsquo\;s innovators and recognizing the potential of manufacturing in Canada to create long term sustainable value.

\n PANELISTS\n\n

Sunil Vedula\, \;Co-CEO\, NTWIST
\nSunil works at the intersection of advanced AI and industrial operations\, helping mines and manufacturers achieve higher throughput with lower energy use and emissions. His background spans optimization\, product strategy\, and deploying AI systems in demanding real-world environments. At NTWIST\, he leads the vision behind solutions that deliver measurable\, repeatable value for customers. \;

\n\n

Mehdi Gohardehi\, Lean Facilitator\, Canadian Manufacturers &\; Exporters \;
\nMehdi Gohardehi is a Lean Facilitator at Canadian Manufacturers &\; Exporters (CME)\, where he supports manufacturing companies across British Columbia in driving operational excellence through Lean principles. With over a decade of experience in manufacturing-including food\, automotive\, Oil &\; Gas and industrial sectors - Mehdi combines deep technical expertise with a passion for continuous improvement\, workforce development\, and practical problem-solving. He is known for facilitating peer councils\, delivering Lean training programs\, and helping companies integrate Lean thinking into their culture.

\n
\nPANEL: FUNDING SOURCES FOR MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT
\nDiscover programs and financial pathways available to help manufacturers invest in equipment\, automation\, and digital transformation.
\n
\nPANELISTS\n\n

Dustin Yerdon\, Business Relationship Specialist\, City of Surrey
\nDustin Yerdon is a Business Relationship Specialist with the City of Surrey\, bringing over six years of regional economic development experience. He supports local manufacturers and SMEs by helping them navigate funding programs\, connect with Surrey&rsquo\;s innovation ecosystem\, and pursue market expansion and technology adoption opportunities. Combining municipal expertise with a private-sector background in proposal development\, Dustin advances initiatives such as Innovation Boulevard that help Surrey companies scale\, innovate\, and compete globally.

\n\n

Christian Hansen\, \;Regional Director General &ndash\; Pacific Region\, Innovation\, Science and Economic Development (ISED)
\nChristian Hansen joined Innovation\, Science and Economic Development in 2019 and serves as the Pacific Regional Director General. Prior to this position\, he was a Canadian Foreign Service officer for 24 years\, working in Japan\, Norway\, Belgium\, Ottawa and Vancouver. His most recent assignment was as Regional Director and Senior Trade Commissioner for Global Affairs Canada.

\n\n

Christian holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Public Policy (International Relations) from Princeton.
\n
\nBeau Olmstead\, Vice President\, Commercial Financial Services\, RBC Royal Bank
\nBeau has been with RBC Royal Bank since 1997\, engaged in both the commercial banking and capital markets side of financial services. He has covered many sectors including residential and commercial real estate construction\, industrial manufacturing\, consumer retail\, diversified\, health and public sector. Beau currently leads the Commercial banking business for RBC in the Richmond / South Delta markets.
\nBeau is a member of various associations\; Director of the Canadian Manufacturers &\; Exporters Association &ndash\; BC Division (Policy Committee member)\; past Director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce (Chair &ndash\; Governance Committee\; Finance Committee member)\; past Board member/Treasurer of the South Delta Minor Hockey Association\, and past hockey Coach.
\nBefore joining RBC in Victoria\, Beau completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree\, specializing in International Business at the University of Victoria\, in conjunction with Kanagawa University in Yokohama\, Japan. In addition\, Beau completed his Master of Business Administration at Royal Roads University. Beau lives in Tsawwassen with his wife and two young adult children.

\n FACILITY TOURS
\n
\nExperience innovation in action with exclusive facility tours\, offering a first-hand look at how B.C. manufacturers are applying technology to boost performance and competitiveness. Registrations will open soon!
\n
\nCANCORR
\nCancorr offers you the wealth of knowledge and technical expertise gained from our 35 years of operations in the packaging industry through affiliates all over the world. At the heart of CanCorr is our world-class corrugated sheet feeder\, and this machine boasts a capacity of 160 million m²\; per year\, a width of up to 112 inches\, and manufactures single and double-walled corrugated sheets \;with B\, C\, E\, F\, and T flute configurations.
\nOur goal is to provide Western Canada with not only the best quality products but also the most environmentally friendly operations. Located at the heart of Vancouver&rsquo\;s industrial hub in South Surrey\, our satellite-tracked transport system delivers the fastest turnaround time to always meet your \;deadlines.
\n
\nCOLUMBIA PLASTICS
\nColumbia Plastics is a privately-held custom injection molding company that has been in business since 1945. Over the years\, through their focused continuous improvement initiatives\, they have kept abreast of the technological advancements in the industry. Today\, Columbia Plastics is recognized not only for the variety of services that they offer their customers (from design review\, mold design and build\, value-added operations\, to final product packaging\, etc.)\, but also for being the first Clean Room (ISO Class 7 (10\,000)) molder in Western Canada\, mainly serving North America.
\n
\nJOHN DEERE
\nJohn Deere Specialty Products (JDSP)\, located in Langley\, British Columbia\, has a long-standing history of designing and manufacturing Tracked Forestry Products for global distribution. Established in 1998\, our mission has always been to provide safe\, high-quality\, and durable products to help loggers efficiently supply timber to the market.
\n
\nMERIT KITCHENS
\nFor more than 50 years\, Merit Kitchens has been shaping kitchens across Canada and the United States with cabinetry built for lasting beauty and everyday performance. As a family-owned Canadian manufacturer\, we bring together decades of craftsmanship expertise with the precision of modern production technology.\n\n

Every cabinet is built in our Surrey\, BC facility\, where advanced manufacturing systems work hand-in-hand with skilled craftspeople. This integrated approach allows us to deliver quality\, thoughtful design flexibility\, and reliable lead times for our network of designers\, builders\, and dealers.

\n\n

Rooted in our tradition of craftsmanship and guided by a commitment to continuous improvement\, we combine semi-custom versatility with proven manufacturing processes. This balance allows us to offer the design freedom clients want with the reliability our partners depend on.

\n\n

Today\, Merit Kitchens stands as a forward-thinking manufacturer with a clear mission: to create beautiful kitchens while strengthening the communities we serve and preparing for the future of Canadian manufacturing.
\n
\nWORKSHOPS
\n
\nParticipate in practical\, hands-on workshops led by industry experts\, including sessions on Digital Twins\, Cybersecurity and Funding your Technology Adoption. Registrations will open soon!

\n
\n LOCATION:Civic Hotel (13475 Central Avenue\, Surrey) UID:e.749.14318 SEQUENCE:3 DTSTAMP:20260409T113350Z URL:https://surrey.preview.gochambermaster.com/events/details/march-5-2026-2026-cme-smart-manufacturing-conference-14318 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR