“Adapting & Thriving: Perspectives on Speaking in a Post-Pandemic World”

CAPS Ottawa invites you to join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion as we reflect on the profound shifts and challenges facing speakers in a post-pandemic world. “Adapting & Thriving” brings together a diverse group of speakers to explore the evolving role of speaking in shaping our society and culture amidst uncertainty and change.

Through introspective dialogue and shared experiences, our panelists will delve into themes of resilience, empathy, and social responsibility, offering fresh insights and perspectives on how speaking can be a force for positive transformation in turbulent times. They’ll also share how their speaking business has evolved, what they’ve learned, what they’ve left behind and how they’re navigating the modern speaking world.

Whether you’re a seasoned speaker, a budding communicator, or simply curious about the power of words, “Adapting & Thriving” offers an enriching opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation and collective reflection on the future of speaking in a post-pandemic world.

Join us as we amplify the voices of change and explore new horizons in the ever-evolving journey of communication, connection, and leadership.

Meet our speakers:

Guest: Beverly Beuermann-King, CSP

With an impressive track record spanning over 25 years, Beverly has been guiding her audiences toward mastering their reactions to stress, cultivating a culture of resilience, and achieving thriving, engaged workplaces through her innovative S-O-S Principle™ and Work Smart Live Smart presentations.

Beverly went to her first CAPS event in 2000 and joined CAPS in 2001. She has served on the Toronto Board for 11 years, twice as president, 5 Convention Committees, twice as Co-chair, 7 years as Editor of our Speaking of IMPACT magazine, been on the Ethics Committee, the Foundation Board, and now 5 years on the National Board. She has earned her Certified Speaking Professional and Certified Virtual Presenter designation and is a Spirit of CAPS recipient. And she says that joining CAPS was the best business decision that she ever made.

Panelist: Terry Brock, CSP, CPAE

How can you tap into the power of AI for your business and make sense of all of the gobble-de-goop and confusion? Terry Brock helps his clients and audiences to see exactly what can be done from the big picture and right down to the step-by-step execution level.

He is a Speaker Hall of Fame member who brings a passion for technology — particularly AI for business— a sense of history, and real-world business strategies. His style is fun, entertaining, and informative.

Terry’s keynote presentations offer the following benefits:
* Highly entertaining, jaw-dropping, motivating, visually immersive, and super high energy programs:
* Plain English presentations about technology without the fluff and puffery
* Extraordinary value for attendees (able to execute on those ideas immediately!)
* Ideas that can be implemented in your speaking business to make a measurable difference

Panelist: Tina Varughese

Tina Varughese was named one of Canada’s Top 10 Notable Speaker by Ignite Magazine, Canada’s leading magazine for conference and event planners. Her work has been featured in the Toronto Star, TSN, CBC Eye Opener, the Globe and Mail and HR Director. By carefully weaving personal stories with touching humour, her interactive and highly entertaining approach disarms attendees as she breaks down barriers while building bridges. Past clients include Carnival Cruises, Pfizer, TD Canada Trust, Loblaws, Kraft-Heinz and the Department of Military Defense.

She ignites authenticity, encourages belonging and inspires connection. She is the Past-President of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (Alberta Chapter) and has remained on the Board since 2018. Tina was part of Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty- a campaign she admired due to its strides in redefining beauty. Tina resides in Calgary, Alberta with her husband and two children.

Panelist: Gordon Breault, CEO Speakers Bureau of Canada

As President and Co-Founder of the Speakers Bureau of Canada (Speakers Canada) Gordon Breault leads one of the fastest growing speakers’ bureau and talent agencies in North America and quickly to become one of the top bureaus in Canada. With support of many CAPS speakers in his early years, and with their guidance to meet the challenges brought on by virtual events during the pandemic, Gordon quickly became an expert in learning what organizers seek and what audiences need. With a background in sociology and taking the business over from his father Roger Breault, Speakers Canada combines wisdom, expertise, and a fresh perspective to address societal and organizational challenges. Through strategic leadership, he has adeptly managed rapid expansion, focusing on building a dedicated team aligned with the bureau’s mission. This approach ensures Speakers Canada meets industry standards while maintaining agility, flexibility to serve organizations and speakers with care and continue to drive innovation through change within the speaking industry.

Panel Host: David Gouthro CSP

David is a former National President of CAPS and 20 year member whose wit and wisdom have yet to be discovered! However, in the spirit of never too late, he recently launched a conversational podcast entitled “Discover Fresh Perspectives”. He will be guiding the panelists this evening to squeeze out as much value as possible for the CAPS members and Not Yet CAPS members who are investing their time to be with us this evening.