YPN Leadership Conference
Now in its fifth year, the Young Professionals Network (YPN) Leadership Conference continues to grow as the premier event for emerging leaders in the Canadian sign industry. Generously sponsored by ND Graphics, this members-only, multi-day leadership conference is crafted to inspire the next generation of sign industry professionals to step confidently into leadership roles—within their companies, the association, and the industry at large.
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Join us in Calgary for the Young Leadership Network Conference, a premier event designed to support and elevate emerging sign industry professionals.
Held in conjunction with Sign Experience Canada 2026, this year’s conference offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, gain valuable industry insights, and explore pathways to leadership.
Whether you're looking to grow within your company or take on a greater role in the industry, the YPN Conference is your gateway to new opportunities. If you’re in the first half of your sign industry career and working for a SAC-ACE member company, this experience is for you!
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This year’s YPN Leadership Conference agenda is intertwined with Sign Experience Canada in Calgary, including 2 keynote speakers
This Year’s Conference Lineup
Warren MacDonald
Resilience, Adaptability & Overcoming Adversity
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After a life-changing climbing accident left him a double above-knee amputee, Warren Macdonald transformed personal tragedy into an extraordinary story of resilience and achievement. An adventurer, bestselling author, and internationally recognized keynote speaker, Warren inspires audiences to rethink limitations, embrace change, and develop the mindset needed to overcome challenges. His remarkable accomplishments, including summiting Mount Kilimanjaro and scaling some of the world's most demanding landscapes, demonstrate the power of determination and perspective.
Todd Hirsch
Navigating Economic Disruption
Friday, September 18 11:15 AM
Internationally renowned economist, author, and keynote speaker Todd Hirsch helps organizations understand and adapt to an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience analyzing economic trends and business transformation, Todd delivers engaging insights on adaptability, innovation, and resilience. His practical and thought-provoking presentations equip leaders with the tools needed to navigate uncertainty and prepare for the future.
Sandi Verrecchia
Everything DiSC® Agile EQ: Leading with Self-Awareness and Flexibility
Participate in the interactive Everything DiSC® Agile EQ framework session - a tool for building self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and agility. Led by Satori Consulting Inc., participants will explore personalized DiSC® profiles to better understand their behaviors, values, and decision-making styles.
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Sandi Verrecchia, MBA, CMC, CPCC, C.Dir
Sandi Verrecchia is the President and CEO of Satori Consulting Inc., a boutique firm specializing in leadership development, strategy, governance, and analytics. With over 20 years of experience and certifications in management consulting, coaching, and governance, Sandi brings a unique blend of insight and practical expertise. She is also a co-host of the Leadership Kung Fu podcast and is passionate about helping leaders drive meaningful, lasting change.
Opening Reception
Niagara Parks Power Station, Nighttime Light Show “Currents”
Kick off the Young Professionals Leadership Conference with a captivating tour of the Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel. Explore the historic generator hall illuminated with stunning LED light shows and immersive soundscapes. Wander through the 2,200-foot tunnel featuring archival projections and storytelling displays. Guests can enjoy the Currents light show at their own pace and take in the spectacular Falls Fireworks from the tunnel platform - an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
The Mackenzie Printery
A Working Printing Museum
The restored home of rebel publisher William Lyon Mackenzie reveals 500 years of printing technology, amid the authentic ambiance of a period print shop.
Rarest in the museum's collection is the Louis Roy Press, oldest in Canada and one of the few original wooden presses remaining in the world! A hands-on experience is encouraged with a working Linotype and eight operating heritage presses.
Shop Tour
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Signature Sign and Image. Discover how industry leaders create standout signs and experience their innovative processes firsthand!
Hear it from your peers:
Why the YPN Conference Matters!
“The YPN leadership conferences are unlike any personal or professional development I have been to before. They focus intensely on the connections we form in a relatively small industry as the pillar of what makes us so strong. Meeting others my age in the same field helps contextualize wins and losses we all have and serves as a platform to improve with newfound focus. I would recommend any young person stepping into the industry to join in on these conferences and the YPN in general. The information gained and the people you meet will propel your career forward like nothing else.”
– Will Gibbs, Fast Signs Scarborough
"Attending the recent YPN leadership conference in Montreal was an enlightening experience for me as a young professional. The conference was a meaningful moment in my professional journey, equipping me with skills and perspectives to lead authentically and drive positive change...this was a great opportunity to network with peers who share my passion and to learn from mentors who generously shared their expertise."
– Rebecca Potvin, EM Plastic
"I loved the opportunity to meet other like minded, young professionals in the same field. Learning that we all experience the same issues on a day-to-day basis. Making new friends for hopefully a long time to come."
– Michael Linardi, ND Graphics