Building the Next Generation: Leadership, Mentorship and the Future of the Sign Industry
Thursday, September 17 | Day 1
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Session 1A – Room: Flat
Building the Next Generation: Leadership, Mentorship and the Future of the Sign Industry
This 60-minute panel discussion supports the Sec 2026 conference theme, Signs of Change, by exploring how the industry can develop future leaders through mentorship, knowledge transfer, and cross-generational collaboration.
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Moderator
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Amanda Leblanc (Hansen Signs)
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Panelists
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Kris Voros (Tops Lighting)
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Robert Ascenzi (Spectra Signs)
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Chris Dade (ND Graphics)
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Discussion Topics
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Building a career in the sign industry
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Mentorship and learning across generations
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The changing sign industry and future opportunities
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Leadership development and succession planning
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The discussion will be conversational rather than presentation-based, encouraging panelists to share experiences and engage with one another, followed by an audience Q&A.
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Attendees will leave with practical insights into career development, mentorship, leadership, succession planning, and strategies for developing the next generation of industry leaders.
Moderator: Amanda Leblanc
Hansen Signs
Amanda Leblanc believes curiosity is one of the most underrated leadership skills. She is energized by asking questions, challenging assumptions, and stepping into rooms where she knows she will learn something new. At Hansen Signs, she enjoys bringing people together, connecting ideas across teams, and finding better ways to help people and processes grow. Passionate about mentorship and meaningful conversations, Amanda believes that some of the best ideas emerge when people with different experiences are willing to learn from one another. For her, success is not about having all the answers. It is about staying curious enough to keep asking better questions, and helping others do the same.
Speaker: Kris Voros
Tops Lighting
Kris Voros is a prominent leader in Canada’s sign installation industry, known for building a professional reputation based on absolute accountability, resilience, and trade excellence. He began his career at just 13 years old, gaining hands-on experience in neon installation before launching his first independent venture at 16. These early, formative years instilled a lifelong commitment to technical precision, resourceful problem-solving, and completing every structural job properly.
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Later, he channeled this deep operational expertise into growing Tops Lighting from a small local shop into one of the largest sign installation companies in Canada. Under his leadership, the firm scaled significantly, operating a fleet of nearly 100 trucks and expanding its core services across six provinces and territories, including remote fly-in locations. Driven by practical field experience and strong client relationships, Voros remains dedicated to supporting the broader installation community, managing high-profile corporate projects, and delivering reliable solutions nationwide.
Speaker: Robert Ascenzi
Spectra Signs
SAC Past President and Chief Operating Officer at Spectra Advertising.
Speaker: Chris Dade
ND Graphics
Chris leads Sales and Marketing at ND Graphics, driving business growth through customer-focused strategies and strong industry relationships. Known for his collaborative leadership style, he is passionate about mentoring others and creating opportunities for professional development. Chris believes career success is built on adaptability, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning. As a mid-career leader, he brings practical insights on career growth, navigating change, and the lessons that have shaped his professional journey.