TEDxStLaurentBlvd
2024

Sparking Ideas, Igniting Change

November 19, 2024, 6:30PM
Club Soda, Montreal

TEDxStLaurentBlvd is a unique event that aims to bring together the vibrant community of Montreal to share ideas worth spreading.
This TEDx event promises to ignite your curiosity, challenge your perspectives, and connect you with a community passionate about innovation, creativity, and positive change. Don’t miss this chance to be part of something truly special—reserve your seat now and be inspired!
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Moments of Insight
8 Visionary Speakers
1 Unforgettable Experience

Event Speakers

Talk
Erica Wiebe
Olympic Gold Medalist
The one thing needed to create conditions for success
Talk
Danny Smiles
Chef
Coming Soon
Talk
Dimitrios (Jim) Beis
Pierrefonds-Roxboro Borough Mayor
The power of listening: Building strong communities through engagement
Talk
Josef Azam
Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
Beyond borders: Healing division in a fractured world
Talk
Dr. Derek da Costa
Chief Medical Advisor & Consultant; Asst Prof McGill Univ Faculty of Medicine
Life's G-forces: Turning pressure into empowerment
Talk
Bonnie Robinson
Chief Executive & Strategic Advisor, Operations & Risk Management Specialist
Neurodiversity: Where every individual can thrive
Talk
James Mancini
Media Personality, Former Canadian Wrestling Champion, MMA Athlete & Entrepreneur
The unexpected path: How perseverance and failure ignite greater opportunities
Talk
Glenn O’Farrell
C.M., LL.B, ICD.D, Corporate Director, Board Chair, CEO & SVP
Restoring kindness and decency: The role of media in shaping a civil society
Host
Taylor Eaves
Client Relations Expert & Sports Event Strategist
More to come
Talk
Erica Wiebe
Olympic Gold Medalist
The one thing needed to create conditions for success

Erica Wiebe is the 2016 Olympic Champion in the sport of Freestyle Wrestling, an Ivy League MBA graduate, sports commentator, and expert facilitator. She is also a 8x national champion, World University Champion, 2x Commonwealth Games Champion, and 2018 World Championships bronze medalist.

As a passionate advocate for the power of sport, she volunteers her time as a youth wrestling coach, ambassador with Right to Play, and Vice-Chair of the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta board of directors. When not taking people down, commentating on it, and/or coaching someone to do it, she works as a manager of athlete relations, safe sport, and DEI at the Canadian Olympic Committee.

Talk
Danny Smiles
Chef
Coming Soon

Chef Danny Smiles, born Daniele Francis in May 1985, is a celebrated Montreal chef known for his Italian and Egyptian-inspired cuisine. He began his culinary journey at his family’s hotel and pursued formal training at 19.

Danny rose to fame as the runner-up on Top Chef Canada, becoming executive chef at Le Bremner, where he gained acclaim for innovative seafood dishes. He later led the Willow Inn and catered for clients like Radiohead and Charlotte Cardin. He also co-hosted Chuck & Danny’s Road Trip on the Food Network.

His latest restaurant, Le Violon, is thriving, following the success of his bar, Double’s Late Night.

Talk
Dimitrios (Jim) Beis
Pierrefonds-Roxboro Borough Mayor
The power of listening: Building strong communities through engagement

Jim Beis is a long-standing public servant and community leader, known for his significant contributions to sports, recreation, and local governance. He began his career in municipal services as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Roxboro, where he played a key role in developing and expanding recreational programs. Following this, Jim took on the position of Division Head of Sports and Recreation, continuing his work to enhance community sports and leisure activities.

Jim’s dedication to public service led him to enter politics, where he was elected as a Borough Councillor for Pierrefonds-Roxboro. His leadership and commitment to his community quickly advanced him to the position of Mayor of Pierrefonds-Roxboro, a role he continues to hold. During his time as mayor, Jim also served on the Montréal Executive Committee, where he was responsible for Procurement, Sports and Recreation, and Communities of Diverse Origins.

In addition to his political career, Jim has remained deeply engaged in the community as a Governing Board Member at several schools and as a Board Member at On Rock Community Services, a non-profit organization supporting local families. His passion for sports extends beyond his professional work, as he regularly volunteers his time as a coach for both soccer and baseball teams, fostering youth development and community spirit.

Jim’s ongoing commitment to public service and community well-being continues to leave a lasting impact on the Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough.

Talk
Josef Azam
Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
Beyond borders: Healing division in a fractured world

Josef Azam is a Montreal entrepreneur with a genuine story of resilience. Growing up in a family of immigrants, he faced financial struggles and learning difficulties, but his determination led him to become the first in his family to earn a university degree.

He is the founder of Design Shopp International, a digital marketing agency that he built from the ground up over 17 years ago.

Josef is deeply involved in his community. He serves as president of the Riverdale Wrestling Club and Cloverdale Multi-Ressources, and also sits on the boards of YES Montreal and the John Abbott Foundation, always giving back to the causes he believes in.

Talk
Dr. Derek da Costa
Chief Medical Advisor & Consultant; Asst Prof McGill Univ Faculty of Medicine
Life's G-forces: Turning pressure into empowerment

Dr. Derek da Costa is a respected Chief Consultant, Medical Director, and Advisor in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at Clinique Médicale En Route in Laval. He is also an active staff member in the Emergency Department at St. Mary’s Hospital and serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at McGill University. Dr. da Costa is extensively involved in academic teaching as an Osler Fellow, preceptor, and mentor for medical students and residents. His work spans across various teaching and mentorship roles, including the Longitudinal Family Medicine Experience (LFME) and Transition to Clinical Practice (TCP) programs, as well as having been involved as an examiner for the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and Quebec (OSCE) evaluations.

Dr. da Costa is a recognized leader in Continuing Medical Education (CME) initiatives, organizing and moderating numerous events for family physicians, pediatricians, and community health programs. He also contributes to research, including having been involved in the McGill Vaccine Center studies and pediatric research. His dedication to medical education earned him an Award of Excellence in Teaching from McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine.

With over three decades of experience, Dr. da Costa has made substantial contributions to medical education, clinical practice, and research, while actively engaging in community outreach and health advocacy.

Talk
Bonnie Robinson
Chief Executive & Strategic Advisor, Operations & Risk Management Specialist
Neurodiversity: Where every individual can thrive

Bonnie Robinson is a seasoned leader with a passion for people and organizational growth. As President of Anjali Devi Advisory Inc., she guides businesses through strategic transformations and innovation. Her leadership experience includes roles such as CEO in the consumer goods sector, where she successfully launched products and expanded market share, and senior leadership positions at Walmart Canada Corp, where she led a region generating $6.5 billion in revenue and spearheaded initiatives that improved efficiency and achieved sustainable cost savings.

Her personal experience as a mother navigating the complex support systems for her neurodivergent child has fueled her advocacy for more accessible and streamlined resources. Bonnie is deeply committed to creating inclusive environments where every individual can thrive, whether in education, the workplace, or broader society. She serves as President of the Board and Committee Chair for YES Employment + Entrepreneurship and is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives that support youth and families.

Talk
James Mancini
Media Personality, Former Canadian Wrestling Champion, MMA Athlete & Entrepreneur
The unexpected path: How perseverance and failure ignite greater opportunities

James Mancini is a dynamic figure in the world of sports and entertainment. Beginning his career in amateur wrestling, James captured 7 Canadian National titles and proudly represented Canada on the international stage, notably securing a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. His competitive drive led him to transition into professional MMA, where he continued to make his mark.

Beyond athletics, James has become a versatile media personality, participating in reality shows, radio programs, short films, and podcasts. He has also appeared on TV, commentated on sports, hosted events, and taken on special skills roles in films. Currently, James is the host of The Boom Boom Show on YouTube. In Season 1, he engaged viewers with interviews and commentary on combat sports and pop culture, while Season 2 saw him hit the streets to capture hilarious moments with Montreal’s nightlife scene. Adding yet another layer to his career, James also performs as a stand-up comedian.

In addition to his entertainment ventures, James is a co-owner of Resto Vendetta Bar & Vin, blending his entrepreneurial spirit with his passion for bringing people together.

Talk
Glenn O’Farrell
C.M., LL.B, ICD.D, Corporate Director, Board Chair, CEO & SVP
Restoring kindness and decency: The role of media in shaping a civil society

Transformational leadership with a proven track record of leveraging digital technology and creative partnerships. He has led executive teams in revitalizing, start-up and ongoing operations of media businesses in complex environments. Glenn served as Chair of the Ontario Energy Board, Corporate Director at Le Devoir Inc. on Le Groupe Fair-Play’s Advisory Board and Director at GPO Corp.

A native of St-Malachie, Québec, Glenn studied economics, law, business, corporate governance and data analytics at St. Francis Xavier University, Université Laval, SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell University, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto and Schulich Executive Education Centre, York University. He is a member of the Order of Canada, the Québec Bar and the Institute of Corporate Directors (and ever-aspiring singer-songwriter).

Host
Taylor Eaves
Client Relations Expert & Sports Event Strategist

Taylor Eaves is an enthusiastic Account Manager with a passion for people, sports, and creating great experiences. As former sports event manager and game host, Taylor led the USports Vanier Cup for two consecutive years, blending professionalism with an infectious love for the game. A Western University alum and devoted dog lover—especially to Dakota and Charlie—Taylor brings energy, connection, and dedication to everything she does, from managing clients to creating unforgettable moments.

More to come

More speakers to come

Why You Should Attend

Expand Your Horizons: TEDxStLaurentBlvd brings together brilliant minds from diverse disciplines, offering you the chance to immerse yourself in groundbreaking ideas and compelling stories that inspire transformation. This event is your gateway to new perspectives and the perfect spark for your creativity.

Connect with a Passionate Community: Surround yourself with individuals who share your enthusiasm for ideas. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, student, or simply curious, TEDxStLaurentBlvd is your platform to network, exchange insights, and collaborate with others who are committed to making a difference.

Be Part of a Movement: TEDx is more than just a series of talks—it’s a catalyst for change. By attending TEDxStLaurentBlvd, you’ll join a global dialogue on innovation, culture, and social impact, and gain actionable insights to drive positive change in your community.

Club Soda
Montreal
November 19, 2024, 6:30PM

Join us on November 19th, 2024, at Club Soda, Montreal for an unforgettable day of ideas, inspiration, and connection. Located in the heart of Montreal, Club Soda offers an intimate setting for our event, where you’ll be able to engage deeply with our speakers and fellow attendees.

Get Tickets

Experience an unforgettable evening. Enjoy a night of intellectual stimulation, artistic expression, and meaningful conversations that will leave you energized and motivated to take on the world.

Volunteer with TEDxStLaurentBlvd

Every TEDx event thrives because of the dedication and passion of its volunteers, who work tirelessly to bring ideas worth spreading to life. From managing logistics to driving our social media outreach, volunteers are essential to the success of TEDxStLaurentBlvd. If you share our commitment to making a difference and are enthusiastic about contributing to this inspiring event, we would be thrilled to have you on our team!

Sign Up to Volunteer

Stay Connected With Us

Join our community and be the first to receive updates on event details, exclusive content, and more. Follow us on social media to stay informed and become part of the ongoing conversation.

Engage, share, and connect with others who are passionate about ideas worth spreading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TEDx?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxStLaurentBlvd, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxStLaurentBlvd event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.

Is the event accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes, Club Soda is an accessible venue. We are committed to ensuring that TEDxStLaurentBlvd is welcoming and accessible to everyone. If you require specific accommodations, please contact us in advance, and we will do our best to meet your needs.

Will the talks be available online after the event?

Yes! All TEDxStLaurentBlvd talks will be recorded and made available online a few weeks after the event. You can watch them on the official TEDx YouTube channel or through our event website.

Are there any age restrictions for attending TEDxStLaurentBlvd?

There are no strict age restrictions for TEDxStLaurentBlvd, and attendees of all ages are welcome. While the event is designed to inspire and challenge mature audiences, teenagers under 18 are encouraged to attend, as it can be a valuable source of inspiration and learning.

However, we recommend that parents or guardians consider whether the content is suitable for younger children, as the talks are aimed at an adult and teen audience. Club Soda is an all-ages venue, so attendees under 18 are welcome without any restrictions.

In what language will the TEDxStLaurentBlvd talks be presented?

All talks at TEDxStLaurentBlvd will be presented in English on the 19th of November 2024.

How long will the event last?

TEDxStLaurentBlvd will begin at 6:30PM and is expected to last approximately three hours, including all talks and intermissions. We suggest arriving early to find your seat and make the most of the evening. Drinks are available to purchase at the venue. Doors open at 5:30PM. 

How can I purchase tickets, and what is included in the ticket price?

You can purchase your ticket online, (https://clubsoda.ca/en/events/tedxstlaurentblvd-des-conferenciers-influents-des-idees-marquantes) directly at the Club Soda box office. The ticket price includes access to all the talks for that evening. Seating is general admission, so early arrival is recommended. Doors open at 5:30PM.

Contact Us

Thank you for your interest in TEDxStLaurentBlvd! For any inquiries, please complete the form below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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