Practice Sessions: Building Business Success for Architects and LIDs

First Biennial Full Day of Professional Development Sessions geared towards building successful practices

About this Event

With the CAA's continued goal of providing Professional Development opportunitites related to the Business of Architecture and Licensed Interior Design in Alberta, we decided to hold a full day of sessions on the off year of Banff Session to give our membership easy and affordable access to high quality content together with the opportunity to network and grow relationships within our industry. Practice Sessions will provide 7.5 hours of AAA Structured LU eligibile professional development sessions covering procurement, accounting, scope & fee, corporate branding, workplace demographics, basic contracts and the art of networking.

Agenda


🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
Host: CAA/MNP

🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Session 1: The Procurement Process and Your Proposal
Host: Shawna Cochrane, City of Calgary

Info: This presentation aims to demystify the City of Calgary’s procurement processes within the broader public procurement rules and requirements. It will highlight some emerging changes looking to improve the process both for external vendors, and our internal staff.  Understanding the processes will give participants insights into the methods behind the consultant proposal calls, the proposal review process and entering a contract with The City of Calgary.


The session will focus on ideas and sharing from our personal experiences that will help to improve your future proposals, both for The City of Calgary and other public sector clients. 

🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Coffee Networking Break

🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Session 2: Navigating Growth Through Today’s Challenges
Host: Ian Meier, CPA, CA, Business Performance Expert

Info: Running a successful architectural firm takes more than great design – it requires smart financial decisions, risk management, and long-term planning.


MNP’s panel of experts in Tax, Forensics, Succession Planning, and Business Performance will share practical insights to help you navigate challenges and build a stronger, more resilient firm. This interactive discussion is your chance to ask the tough questions and get real answers, so come prepared to join in the conversation! 

🕑: 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Coffee Networking Break

🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Session 3: Scope and Fee 201 How the Guide is Practically Applied
Host: Tai Ziola, Dialog & Allan Colpitts, ACI

🕑: 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Session 4: Interactive Lunch Workshop: Building Your Brand
Host: Nicole Guenette, Keen Creative

🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Session 5: Understanding Gen Z & Millenials: Insights for Employers and Brands
Host: Alison Watson, Vice President, Public Affairs, Leger

Info: Join Allison Watson, Vice President at Leger, as she unveils key findings from Leger's latest study on Gen Z and millennials. Whether you’re looking to engage these generations as employees or consumers, this session will provide essential insights into their:

Finances

Future outlook

Mental health

Perspectives on equity and influence

Go beyond a one-size-fits-all approach with our segmentation analysis, which categorizes Zillennials into five key groups: 

The Optimist

The Disillusioned

The Traditional

The Anxious, and 

The Unshakeable. 

Learn how to tailor your strategies, products, and messaging to resonate with each unique segment.


Don't miss this opportunity to refine your approach and better connect with these influential generations!

🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Networking Coffee Break

🕑: 03:15 PM - 04:15 PM
Session 6: Contracts: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Host: Magdalena Cambridge, Senior Advisor/Partner, Lloyd Sadd

Info: In this session, co-presenters Magdalena Cammidge from Lloyd Sadd Insurance and Graham Henderson from McLennan Ross will explore the complexities of contract clauses in client agreements.


The session will focus on key clauses that should be included to ensure robust legal protection and comprehensive coverage, while also identifying problematic clauses that can pose risks from both legal and insurability perspectives. Drawing from both legal and insurance viewpoints, the presentation will provide practical insights on how to navigate these challenges and minimize potential risks.

🕑: 04:15 AM - 06:00 PM
Session 7: Wine & Cheese Workshop: Building Communication Confidence
Host: Shea Westcott, Fluent Expressions

Info: Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed to transform your networking skills and amplify your business opportunities. Discover the profound impact that effective networking can have on both current and future ventures. 


During this workshop, you will: 


Learn Proven Networking Strategies: Gain functional tips and tricks to seamlessly enter and exit networking groups while engaging in meaningful and authentic conversations. 


Master the Art of Conversation: Say goodbye to awkward silences and forced small talk. Learn how to initiate fluid conversations that add genuine value to your personal and professional relationships. 


Enhance Your Presentation: We'll cover key aspects of content delivery and share essential tips for managing stress, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in any networking scenario. 


To cap it off, we'll dive into focused networking opportunities where you can put your newly acquired skills into practice, building connections that matter. 

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