Keynote speakers

Brock Hart

Brock Hart

Brock Hart is the co-founder and co-CEO of Overlap Associates, a problem solving design consultancy, driven by a diverse team of service designers, strategists, engagement specialists, coaches and trainers operating from offices in Canada and the UK.

Brock is a serial entrepreneur focused on helping some of the world’s largest brands and some of the most vital community organizations with design-led solutions and new capacity for problem solving. As a former Creative Director and award-winning designer with an undergraduate degree in sociology and diploma in design, he is passionate about the power of human-centred design to make things better. Asking the question “Why?” is always his starting-point and he is a trusted advisor to organizations and leaders who are ready to radically change in order to achieve true transformation. Adept at bringing people together around big ideas, Brock is a visionary thinker and an extraordinary facilitator.

Ross Cloutier

Ross Cloutier

With more than 45-years of experience in the adventure and emergency response industry as a guide, business owner, academic, and consultant, Ross Cloutier is the Principal of Bhudak Consultants Ltd. and the Executive Director of HeliCat Canada.

Beginning his career as a climbing and ski guide, Ross has had numerous roles in the adventure industry including; British Columbia Search & Rescue Coordinator, Climbing Leader for the 1991 Mt. Everest Canada Expedition, President and CEO of Avalanche Canada, Chair of the Outward Bound Canada National Safety Committee, founder and past-Chair of the Adventure Studies Department at Thompson Rivers University, and the current Executive Director of HeliCat Canada, the trade association for helicopter and snowcat skiing in Canada.

An internationally acclaimed risk management and adventure tourism development consultant, Ross has worked in this capacity in over 40 countries. He has written dozens of consultant reports, publications, expert opinions, and business strategies. He works continuously as an expert witness in the outdoor education and adventure tourism sectors.

Ross has studied Recreation Administration (Outdoor Recreation), Physical Education (Outdoor Pursuits), and has an MBA in International Business.