David Gouthro: Emcee, CSP, Past National President
“Building the Courage to Change”
David will share insights on what he believes to be a critical success trait for 2026 and beyond – courage.
So, what is courage? When and how do we embrace it? What conditions are required for us to act courageously? David will examine the areas where exercising personal courage in the midst of a multitude of changes will have the greatest potential impact.
Learn how courage provides a foundation for our curiosity, creativity and commitment to 2026.
Brian Lee, CSP, HoF, Author, Spirit of CAPS Award.
“Fee Master: How to Set and Negotiate Fees to Win More Business Every Time”.
Brian’s mission is to share how to negotiate like a pro with tough meeting planners and achieve win-win outcomes every time. Learn “what to say” and “how to say it” when potential clients are hesitant or resist your fees. He will unlock the mystery of how to set and get the fees you deserve and boost your 2026 bottom line. He offers 41 different strategies. Each participant leaves with a “Fee Master” workbook.
Carolyn Stern, CSP, Author
“The Emotionally Strong Speaker”
In her refreshingly honest presentation Carolyn helps you shift from being emotionally reactive to being an emotionally intelligent speaker. Her strategies will off set bruised egos, voices of self doubt as well as tips to avoid the comparison trap and impostor syndrome.
You’ll learn how to mute your inner critic, tame your ego, speak with confidence and lead with heart, showing up with authenticity and emotional strength.
Panel discussion featuring Michelle Cederberg, Kimberly Lyall and Jackie Rainforth. Topics will include:” Prospecting strategies for 2026” and “Share a business failure (lesson learned) you wished you learned sooner”.
Meeting Planner for Jan SS: Tim Breithaupt
David Gouthro: Emcee, CSP, Past National President.
“Building the Courage to Change”
Bio:
David Gouthro is a dedicated, 20 year member of CAPS BC. He is founder and CEO of “The Consulting Edge”. For forty years he has specialized as a meeting facilitator, an emcee and a keynoter.
David feels we are in the midst of challenging, confusing and complex times. Predictability is no longer predictable. The pace of change is unprecedented. Hence, change is no longer an option.
Brian Lee, CSP, HoF, Author, Spirit of CAPS Award.
“Fee Master: How to Set and Negotiate Fees to Win More Business Every Time”.
Bio:
Brian has been a loyal CAPS Alberta member for 25+ years and has served as chapter President. Brian is founder and CEO of Calgary based Custom Learning Systems. He has been in business for 41 years, and the past 20 years been devoted to Hospitals and Helthcare Organizations. He has trained leaders and caregivers at 560+ hospitals and Clinical networks. He travels 150,000 miles per year and has spoken in every state and province. He keeps his sessions fresh, energetic, coupled with enthusiasm.
Carolyn Stern, CSP, Author
“The Emotionally Strong Speaker”
Bio:
Carolyn Stern is recognized as a leading authority on emotional intelligence. With a mission to dismantle the stigma surrounding emotions in professional speaking, coupled with twenty years of experience, Carolyn has shared her expertise with thousands of business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Her insights have been featured in renowned publications including Forbes, Fast Company, and the European Business Review. She has appeared on The Social, CTV, and Global TV.
Carolyn is a CAPS Alberta member and was the opening keynote at the CAPS Halifax National Convention.