Environment and engineering executives connect in Vancouver

On January 29 and 30, 2025, 115 senior executives and thought leaders from across Canada’s environmental and engineering sectors came together at the Canadian Environmental & Engineering Executives Conference (CE3C) in Vancouver, B.C.

This exclusive gathering serves as a vital platform for C-suite executives from top-tier organizations such as AGAT Laboratories, ECO Canada, ERIS, Gowling WLG, Montrose Environmental, WSP, among others. This year, the conference featured the following: inspiring panels on the latest trends and challenges reshaping the industry; networking with peers, leaders, and innovators; and, game-changing insights to spark ideas, drive innovation, and elevate organizational leadership.

Todd Latham, president of Actual Media Inc. was in attendance at this exclusive event. The Actual Media platform provides quality content and premium marketing, communications, and events services for the Canadian environment, infrastructure, waste, and water sectors through Environment Journal and affiliate publications, ReNew Canada, Waste & Recycling, and Water Canada.

Day 1 included the following:

Purposeful Planning Panel: VELA Wealth kicked off the day with Purposeful Planning and Business Transitions with powerful stories about the realities of building, maturing, and selling a business.
Optimizing Efficiency Session: Rhodium Digital’s session on Optimizing Efficiency in Accounting & Project Management Systems provided actionable insights into leveraging AI, cloud-based solutions, and agile project management.
Industry Benchmarking Presentation: F&M Management Ltd. equipped attendees with essential tools to measure their performance against industry standards.
Alternative Deal Structures Panel: Industry experts shared innovative and creative strategies for M&A success that redefine traditional transactions.

The day concluded with a lively cocktail reception at the Terminal City Club, where executives connected and reflected on an inspiring first day.

Day 2 included the following:

Nik Nanos CM, FCRIC, FCMC, ICD.D captivated the audience during his keynote, “Artificial Intelligence – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly,” diving into AI’s transformative impact on workplace productivity and beyond.
AI Revolution Panel: Industry leaders explored real-world applications of AI, from environmental modeling and infrastructure design to sustainability, while addressing challenges and ethical considerations.
Innovative Pricing Models Panel: This session offered actionable strategies to move beyond the billable hour, implement value-based pricing, and enhance client relationships while boosting profitability.
Board of Directors: Growth and Ownership Transition Panel: Panelists discussed governance structures, the value of external board members, and strategies for growth and seamless ownership transitions, providing invaluable insights for executives.

The day concluded with a wonderful dinner and networking reception at the Terminal City Club, where attendees reflected on an incredible two days of learning, connection, and inspiration.

“I am thrilled to share that the 5th annual CE3C conference in Vancouver was a resounding success,” stated organizer Faramarz Bogzaran, CMC, EP, managing partner at F & M Management Ltd. “This year, we welcomed a record number of top executives from Canada’s leading environmental, engineering, and consulting firms. The event featured insightful discussions on key topics such as Board Governance, AI, M&A, and alternative pricing models, led by an expert panel of speakers and moderators. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to making this year’s event a memorable one. We can’t wait to see you again next year!”

Inaugural CE3C Excellence Award Winner

This year, CE3C presented the Inaugural CE3C Excellence Award to Joe Chowaniec (third from the left) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the environmental industry. With over three decades of leadership, including his impactful work at the Environmental Services Association of Alberta (ESAA), Chowaniec has played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the industry. His dedication, expertise, and commitment to progress have left a lasting impact on countless professionals and organizations.