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“Adapting to New Forestry: Unlocking Innovative Solutions”
A native of Montréal, Stéphane Renou holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. He also holds an MBA (Innovation Management) from the University of Colorado. In 2000, Stephane joined General Electric’s research centre to lead engineering divisions in the Aviation and Oil & Gas sectors worldwide. Stéphane Renou is currently President and CEO of FPInnovations, which specializes in the creation of scientific solutions in support of the Canadian forest sector’s global competitiveness.
7:30 AM - 8.30 AM
8.30 AM - 10.30 AM / Ballroom AB
Welcome to the opening session of the 2024 DEMO International Conference that highlights the vital role forestry plays globally in sustaining our environment, economies, and communities. This session will emphasize our collective efforts and innovative strategies to promote sustainable forest management, ensuring a greener, more resilient future for generations to come.
Dr. Amélie Roberge, Director General, Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, of the Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada
Stéphane Renou, President and CEO of FPInnovations
Adam Dick, Canada Director, Strategic Operations,Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, of the Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources
Magnus Thor, Director Research and Innovation, Skogsforsk
11.00 AM - 12.30 PM / Ballroom AB
Explore the evolving landscape of forestry through the perspectives of diverse generations. This session will address how traditional practices and modern innovations can be harmonized to enhance forest operations, ensuring sustainable and resilient management for future generations.
Navigating the Future: Perspectives on Creating Value, Economic Prosperity, and Sustainable Forestry Growth
Kevin Topolniski, Chief Forester, Acadian Timber
Francis Charette, CEO, Algorex
André Gravel, CEO, Solifor
Amélie Béchard, Directrice générale, Ressources Baie-James
12.30 PM - 2.00 PM / Ballroom C
Enjoy a buffet lunch, engage in networking opportunities, and explore the diverse DEMO International Exhibitor booths.
Perspectives from forestry contractors/entrepreneurs on meeting today’s challenges and an evolving supply chain business model.
Éric Bouchard, CPA, CMA Executive Vice-President, Groupe Rémabec
Mathieu LeBlanc, Founder/CEO, ACFOR Inc.
Matthew Mattioda, Chief Forester, Miller Timber
Percy Guichon, Executive Director, Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR)/ Tŝideldel First Nation
Jerry Mooney, Woodlands Manager Joint Ventures Tolko Industries Ltd.
Explore innovative strategies for forest management in the face of climate change, focusing on biodiversity conservation, climate simulations, and adaptive forest prescriptions. This session will highlight best practices for maintaining ecosystem health and resilience amidst evolving environmental conditions.
Evelyne Thiffault , Professor in Forest Ecology and Management, Department of Wood and Forest Sciences - Université Laval
Alexis Achim, Professor, Université Laval
Loic D’Orangeville, Professor, Université Laval
Kate Lindsay, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Forest Products Association of Canada
Lauri Sikanen, Principal Scientist /Group Manager, Natural Resources Institute Finland - LUKE
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Join us for an engaging reception with light refreshments, make valuable connections and visit exhibitor booths.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Discover the cutting-edge advancements in "Digital Forestry," a session dedicated to exploring the integration of digital technologies in forest management.
Jean-Martin Lussier, Research Scientist, Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, of the Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada
Luc Lebel, Director, FORAC, Université Laval,
Gabriel Verret, Resolute
Adime Bonsi, Senior Researcher, Project Lead - Digital Transformation, FPInnovations
Kevin Lim, CEO, Lim Geomatics Inc.
This session highlights innovative strategies to reduce carbon emissions throughout the wood supply chain. Discover how sustainable forestry practices, renewable energy sources, and efficient transportation methods, are shaping a greener future for wood production and distribution.
Eric Labelle, Professor in Digital Forest Operations, Université Laval
Steve Mercier, Lead Researcher, Transportation & Infrastructure, FPInnovations
Rahul lyer, PhD Student, FORAC/Université Laval
Explore the transformative potential of automated technologies in forestry operations.
Inna Sharf, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University
Philippe Giguere, Professor, Université Laval
Heshan Fernando, Researcher, FPInnovations
Pierre Cormier, VP Forestry and Woodland Operations for Quebec-Ontario, Resolute
Hear engaging presentations on enhancing fire resilience, leveraging advanced planting machinery for reforestation, implementing ecological forestry principles, and optimizing biomass management.
Claudie-Maude Canuel, PhD candidate, Université Laval, Canadian Wood Fibre Centre
Vesa Leppanen, CTO, Arbonaut
Brad Butt, Manager of Forest Management Planning, Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
Ryan Hunter, Product Specialist, Logmax Forestry
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM / Ballroom C
2:00 PM - 5:00PM
Finland is a pioneer in the sustainable development of the forest bioeconomy, developing innovative solutions and best practices that enhance efficiency and economic viability within the sector. In this workshop, learn from the Finnish experience and how that translates into growth and opportunities within the Canadian context.
Jaakko Autere, Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Finland to Canada
Seppo Tossavainen, Head of Economic and International Affairs, City of Joensuu in Finland
Lauri Sikanen, Principal Scientist, Natural Resources Institute of Finland (LUKE)
Dominik Roeser, Associate Dean, Research Forests & Community Engagement, University of British Columbia
Pasi Pinta, CEO NordBEST Inc. Honorary Consul of Finland
Navigating the Future: Perspectives on Creating Value, Economic Prosperity, and Sustainable Forestry Growth
Canadian Woodlands Forum/
Forum canadien des opérations forestières
Tel.: (902) 897-6961
Fax: (902) 897-6976
Email: admin@cwfcof.org
Website: cwfcof.org