Conference schedule

Speakers

Caitlin Bryant

Director, Commercialization of Money Movement Solutions & Head of Revenue Operations, Visa

Rod White

Senior Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Scotia Wealth Management

Mason White

Investment Associate , Scotia Wealth Management

Paul Taylor

Vice President, Investment Management, Mackenzie Investments

Konstantine Ketsetzis

Partner at Gowling WLG and Sessional Lecturer at McMaster University, Gowling WLG & McMaster University

Erin Hunking

Senior Account Manager, BDC

Kevin Fernandes

Partner at Keyser Mason Ball, LLP, KMB Law

Kyle Kerr

Vice President, Investment Management, Cushman & Wakefield

About

Day One of the McMaster World Conference (MWC) will feature eight distinguished speakers, each representing a unique professional designation and career path. Topics will include AI, CFP, CIM, CFA, MBA, JD, and AVP, offering attendees a diverse and insightful look into today’s most in-demand fields. Held annually during the first week of February, the McMaster World Conference is a two-day event designed to help students and young professionals explore various career pathways, certifications, and professional designations. The conference provides a unique opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals about their journeys, challenges, and the steps they took to achieve success. This year’s theme, “Careers and Certifications,” highlights the importance of lifelong learning, professional development, and strategic career planning. Attendees will gain valuable insights into what each designation entails, how to pursue them, and how they can shape long-term career growth.

Speakers

Lloyd Smith

President and CEO, FirstOntario Credit Union

Paul Lee-Chin

Portfolio Manager, Mandeville PC

Dr. Christine Sawchuk

President & CEO, CBV Institute

Monika Manza

Canadian Managing Partner, Advisory, KPMG

Adam Durrant

Vice President, Investment Management, InvestinHamilton

Stefa Sokolowski

Vice President, Investment Management, InvestinHamilton

Rita Ventresca

Strategic and Community Partnerships Manager, Fedcap Canada

Paolo Mule

Senior Manager, MNP

About

Day Two of the McMaster World Conference (MWC) will spotlight industry professionals from leading organizations, including KPMG, Invest in Hamilton, MNP, FirstOntario Credit Union, Mandeville PC, and the CBV Institute. Speakers will bring perspectives from public accounting, corporate finance, valuation, consulting, economic development, and professional services, offering attendees real-world insight into how these fields operate in practice. Held annually during the first week of February, the McMaster World Conference is a two-day event designed to help students and young professionals explore diverse career pathways, certifications, and professional opportunities. Day Two places a strong emphasis on industry application, allowing attendees to understand how professional designations and business knowledge translate into impactful careers across both private and public sectors. Continuing this year’s theme, “Careers and Certifications,” Day Two highlights the value of professional credentials such as the CBV and the role of firms and institutions in shaping career growth. Attendees will gain insight into recruitment pathways, workplace expectations, and the skills needed to succeed in competitive professional environments, while learning directly from experts who are actively shaping the business landscape.