BECOME A SPONSOR BECOME A SPEAKER AGENDA SPEAKERS & TOPICS REGISTRATION
Speaker Lineup will be finalized by March 31st
Morning:
Keynote Speaker sponsored by Keyin College
TBA
Topic: AI in the future of HR
Mark Gill, MER, Senior HR Consultant
Topic: Workplace Investigations
Bio: Mark is a solutions-focused senior management professional with a master’s degree in employment relations and has 17 years of experience across the human resources spectrum working in public sector healthcare operations, municipal governance and private sector operations.
Dallas Mercer
Topic: Future-Proofing HR: Turning Absence Into Connection and Recovery
In this thought-provoking session, Dallas explores the evolving relationship between work, health, and recovery—and why prolonged absence (“worklessness”) is one of the most significant, yet overlooked risks facing modern organizations.
Designed for HR leaders navigating increasing mental health claims, complex disability cases, and workforce pressures, this session highlights how connection and emotional intelligence serve as strategic tools for improving recovery outcomes and strengthening culture. Rather than focusing solely on claims processes, Dallas reframes absence as a leadership and organizational opportunity. Participants will gain practical, evidence-informed strategies to support early engagement, maintain connection during absence, and build workplaces where employees remain supported, engaged, and able to return to meaningful work
Bio: Dallas Mercer is a nationally recognized leader in workplace health, disability management, and leadership development. With over two decades of experience supporting organizations across Canada, she has partnered extensively with HR leaders, executives, and operational teams to strengthen workforce sustainability, improve recovery outcomes, and navigate complex absence challenges.
Afternoon
Discussion Panel: Retention Beyond Pay: Culture, Growth, and Belonging
Participants:
Denise Riggs, Director of Human Resources at North Atlantic
Moderator: 
Meghan Felt, Immigration Lawyer, McInnes Cooper
Meghan is an immigration lawyer in St. John’s. She represents clients on a variety of Canadian immigration issues, ranging from individuals seeking temporary resident visas, study permits, work permits and permanent residency, to large corporations seeking labour market impact assessments and work permits to hire foreign workers. Meghan has extensive experience with obtaining work permits under the International Mobility Program and other international agreements, including CUSMA, CETA and GATS.
Meghan is a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Canadian Bar Association. She is the current Chair of the CBA-NL Citizenship and Immigration Section, where she also participates in submission drafting and editing in conjunction with the CBA for new developments in immigration law. In addition to her daily practice, Meghan is involved with the firm’s pro bono program, offering immigration legal services to individuals in need.
HR Day Emcee
Nick Beynon
Bio: Nick is a dynamic leader and expert in the field of human resources. With a successful career spanning Wales, USA and Canada, Nick has earned a reputation for excellence, receiving numerous industry awards, including the HRPA Rising Star Award, the CPHR Nova Scotia HR Award of Excellence, and an Innovation Award.
With his deep understanding of HR and proven track record of success, Nick is a sought-after speaker who has shared his insights at conferences and events nationwide. Whether discussing the future of HR, the importance of leadership, or the value of professional development, Nick delivers engaging and thought-provoking presentations that inspire and inform his audiences.
Morning Energizer
Ryan Osborne
Bio: Ryan provides fitness and lifestyle coaching exclusively for entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders over 40. He is a Kinesiologist and owner of OZ Coaching as well as a Certified Ergonomic Coordinator and corporate wellness consultant. Ryan has 20 years of habitual coaching, biomechanics, injury prevention/ergonomic, healthy lifestyle management experience and have coached well over 1500 business professionals and leaders to regain control of their fitness.
He is the creator of The Fit Leaders program with a transform leaders into fit leaders and has coached clients from seven different countries and all industries. Ryan’s corporate wellness division offers workplace wellness solutions to enhance engagement and culture of healthy, happy, and productive employees