“Jon Montgomery was a featured speaker at the Alberta Sport and
Recreation Leadership Summit Olympic Athlete Panel Presentation. Jon’s passion
and inspiration along with his charismatic personality had everyone’s attention.
He is an outstanding spokesperson who is engaging and compelling. His ability
to share his journey of what has transpired throughout his career on his path
to an Olympic gold medal was absolutely brilliant.”
Marvin Dobish
Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation
“Kristina Groves was a pleasure to work with for our
"PechaKucha Night" speaking event. She was enthusiastic about taking
on the challenge of our unique "20 slides x 20 seconds" speaking
format and delivered an inspiring, engaging and humorous message to our
audience that was perfectly tailored to our event theme. I was truly impressed
by the thought and effort that Kristina put into her presentation.”
Lindsay Bowman
Program Coordinator, Marketing & Communications
“Charles and François were excellent speakers who showed exciting video footage of their winning moments and spoke about everything from their experiences six months prior to the Olympics and behind the scenes moments, to their winning strategy and how they became speed skaters.
They were very
pleasant and open to audience questions, taking photos and signing autographs for
our attendees who were impressed to see their medals which Charles and François
thoughtfully brought with them.
It was fantastic to add them to our Centre Stage line-up this year and we highly
recommend them as fun, entertaining and inspiring speakers at any English or
French event.
Lisa Spodek, Marketing Director
National Event Management, Producer of the National Women’s Show
“Kristina
Groves was the keynote speaker for the ‘2011 Celebration of Women in Sport’
event hosted by the Pacific Institute of Sport Excellence in Victoria, BC. The
aim of the Women in Sport event was to celebrate the best of sport and why
sport is important for girls and women of all ages in all stages of sport
development. Kristina was the perfect fit for our audience. She had a great mix
of inspiration, humor, and personality. She was approachable, down to earth,
and made the audience feel her humanity.”
2011
Women in Sport Organizing Committee
“Duff Gibson was the keynote speaker at our annual administrative Professional Conference, in Vancouver. He delivered a heartfelt presentation that exemplified humility, passion, purpose, and was highly motivational.
One of our participants commented: ‘Hands down Duff Gibson was probably
one of the best presenters I have seen in my time. He kept all engaged; topic
was great and kept everyone laughing.’ ”
Delores
Callender-Taylor, Regional Learning Advisor
Canada School of Public Service
“Jon Montgomery was a feature speaker at our Annual General Meeting
in 2010 and he was certainly a highlight for the event. His passion and
enthusiasm for his sport, and his ability to tell a story, captured everyone
in attendance. Jon is an excellent speaker, who speaks from the heart and
has a way of making the audience feel a part of his experience.”
Tracy Cobb, National Director, Communications and Fund Development
WinSport Canada
“It was a pleasure to have Jon Montgomery speak at our Gatorade
sales rally this past January. He was engaging, inspiring, and incredibly
authentic in his delivery. There wasn't a single person in the room who
didn't feel intimately connected to Jon's talk and at the end, he took time to
shake hands, take pictures, and sign autographs for each and every one of us.
Lauren MacDonald
Gatorade Marketing Manager
“As a keynote speaker, Kristina Groves has a unique, and humor
filled presentation, and connects seamlessly with her audience. Speaking to a
room of 4,000 new university students, Kristina’s speech touched on her journey
from University of Calgary student, through her Olympic career, and beyond.”
Gareth McVicar, Student Leadership Programs
University of Calgary
“We featured Earle Connor as our after-dinner
speaker at a series of three member business meetings in November 2010. Our
audience was diverse, including independent farmer seed growers and other seed
industry representatives. After a challenging 2010 crop year and a long
day of business- related discussions, we were relying on Earle’s story to
entertain and inspire our group. And he certainly did not disappoint us!
Earle provided an engaging story that highlighted many life lessons. Depending
on the particular situation, our audience was able to relate to many - or
in some cases - all the learnings. Overcoming obstacles and challenges, setting
goals, determination, re-focussing on a new dream when life throws you a curve
– all of these were part of his message. It was a pleasure to hear
Earle’s story and a bonus to “get to know him” during our events. I would
highly recommend Earle Connor. We look forward to seeing him on the
podium in 2012!”
Todd Hyra, Business Manager
Western Canada
SeCan
“Kyle Shewfelt spoke about Grace Under Pressure at our 2010 Western
Regional Conference for the Canadian Pension and Benefits Institute. Kyle's
speech was amazing and he had the 300 people attending the lunch completely
engaged in what he was saying. He really made his story exciting and
inspirational and he had some fantastic footage that was a great complement to
his speech. Afterwards, a long line of folk from the lunch wanted to meet him
and get photos with Kyle and he handled the crowd with a wonderful combination
of grace and charm. Kyle's speech was the talk of the conference."
Colin Gaydos
CPBI Western Regional Conference Programming Committee, 2010
"Kyle Shewfelt shared with us his journey through three Olympic
competitions, emphasizing his struggles and celebrations he encountered. It was
fantastic how Kyle was able to incorporate the theme of our program and
tailored his presentation to the delegates’ experiences during the week. After
the keynote address Kyle went out of his way to connect with our program
participants, passing around his gold medal, talking to the kids and posing for
photos. I would recommend Kyle’s presentation to anyone who is looking to
provide their audience with an inspiring view of what they can accomplish,
while demonstrating what is really important in life.”
Mark Shand, 4-H Specialist - Programs
Alberta Provincial 4-H Club Week
“Ryan Cochrane spoke at our 2009 Youth Athlete of the Year awards
brunch in the Cowichan Valley in January of 2010 and was an absolute gem.
Overall, Ryan was a very witty, down-to-earth guy who gave us great insight into
his own athletic career and everyone will remember him for his kindness,
willingness to be photographed with the kids, and the time he took privately
afterwards to speak with them as if they were all long-lost friends. It was a
great event thanks to Ryan and we appreciate his insight and contribution
toward making that happen.”
Don Bodger, Sports Editor
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial
"We appreciated hearing Jessica Zelinka’s perspective as an
athlete, mom and general all around motivator on how to overcome obstacles and
how to achieve dreams and goals. We appreciate the personal touches she
added to make her message more relevant to our students. Jessica
convinced us to enjoy ourselves even though we are working hard to achieve
goals.”
Dell Stephens
Chinook Kiwanis Club
"We had the pleasure of hiring
Earle Connor as a keynote speaker
for our Alberta Trampoline and Tumbling Coaching retreat held in Canmore, AB. I
have attended and organized countless events with guest speakers and I must say
I have never heard a more honest and inspirational speaker.
Earle’s ability to simply tell a story should not be underestimated, it is a
great skill. Without exception all of us left feeling motivated and definitely
inspired. I would not hesitate at all in recommending Earle for anybody looking
for some inspiration, motivation and someone who just wants to hear a great
story by a great storyteller."
Derek Hanson,
Trampoline and Tumbling Program Director
Alberta Gymnastics Federation
"Gymnastics Saskatchewan was
pleased to have Kyle Shewfelt attend our 2009 Awards Dinner as our guest
speaker and MC. Kyle was amazing, his speech was interesting, motivating and he
touched the many young people there with his stories about hard work and
perseverance regarding his Olympic experiences. Kyle made himself available
to present awards, sign autographs, visit with athletes, coaches, volunteers
and parents. He was extremely personable and willing to participate in all
facets of the Awards Dinner. We would most certainly
invite Kyle to attend another event in Saskatchewan. I highly recommend him as
a speaker for any type of function."
Klara Kesmarky Miller, CEO
Gymnastics Saskatchewan
"Having Carol Huynh bring her light into our town, and making it shine
bright was my highlight for the BC Northern Winter Games. Carol spoke and
toured 2 elementary schools, 1 high school, every sport venue (x6), the holding
area for the athletes, and the opening ceremonies. I was privy to all of her
talks and she never missed a beat. The kids were engaged, and she was a true
ambassador for sport, healthy living, goal setting, and achieving it all with
the help and support of her friends and family.
This message comes to us at a time when we truly need it and she delivered
wonderful speeches that were laden with experience, humility, humour, and
positive intention. Her message was felt by all who received it, our town is
still buzzing from her visit. I think we all cried watching her video, and to
have her in there, in person, was remarkable! Thank you Carol and Agenda Sport
for making it happen!"
Kelly McMahon,
Director of Ceremonies and Special Events
Mackenzie Northern Winter Games Committee 2009
"Wrigley Canada is proud of Denny
Morrison’s accomplishments and that we are sponsoring his efforts to win at
the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. His inspirational speech at our
National Sales meeting was wonderful!"
Laura Amantea,
Brand Manager (Excel)
Wrigley Canada
"We invited Kristina Groves to play a key role at
Petro-Canada's Family Day at the Calgary Stampede. She was a trooper, meeting
us on the grounds at 6:30 a.m. on a Sunday to help serve breakfast to 20,000
people over a 2 hour period. She spoke from the Grandstand stage to the
thousands of families who packed the seats to feast on their pancake breakfast.
Kristina is a warm and engaging speaker and she did a great job in inspiring
the kids and their parents with her story of how she began her speed skating
career. We were so pleased to have Kristina with us at this year's Petro-Canada
Family Day Breakfast. As our Sr. Vice-President, Neil Camarta said, she's a
"real pistol" - someone who's not only at the top of her game but who
generously gives back to the community."
Hazel Gillespie, Manager, Community Partnerships
Petro-Canada
"It was a great pleasure for
all of us to meet Earle Connor and
to listen to him speak persuasive and humourously about his goals and
achievements. He told a very powerful story to the students highlighting the
importance of dealing with adversaries in a positive manner so as to benefit
from such experiences. I am confident that this will remain alive in all of our
minds."
Dell Stephens
Chinook Kiwanis Club
"Earle Connor did an
outstanding job of incorporating our themes for the in motion Manulife National
Physical Activity Institute and targeting his message to our audience. He not
only entertained but also inspired everyone in the room to persevere in their
goals and challenges in their work and everyday life. We heard nothing but rave
reviews on his incredible story and ease of presentation style. He was truly
one of the highlights of our Institute."
Don Ratcliffe-Smith,
Chairperson
in motion Manulife National Physical Activity Institute
"Duff Gibson was truly an inspiration to our 1,000 guests at the
annual Hbc Golf Tournament in Support of Canadian Athletes. During the day, he
welcomed each and every participant on the golf course, and shared his passion
for his sport. During dinner he addressed corporate Canada and spoke about his
journey to winning Olympic gold, and shared the importance of supporting
Canadian Athletes. We couldn't have asked for a more out-going, passionate and
warm speaker. Duff Gibson is not only an elite athlete, but he's also an elite
representative for Canadian athletes."
Diane Gordon, Director
Hbc Heritage & Community Investment
