“Adapting to New Forestry: Unlocking Innovative Solutions”

PROGRAM

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore practical strategies that will shape a resilient and sustainable future in forestry

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Introducing our Keynote Speaker

Stéphane Renou

President and CEO of FPInnovations

Plenary Session 1

Tuesday, September 17

Shaping the Future of Forestry Operations - A Delicate Balance Between Human and Machine.

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.

For speaker presentation descriptions:
Opening Event

7:30 AM - 8.30 AM

Registration and Reception
Plenary Session 1

8.30 AM - 10.30 AM / Ballroom AB

Welcome and Keynote

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.

Speakers

Welcome Remarks

Dr. Amélie Roberge, Director General, Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, of the Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada

Keynote/ Shaping the Future of Forestry Operations - A Delicate Balance Between Human and Machine.

Stéphane Renou, President and CEO of FPInnovations

Enablers of a Digital Transformation of the Forest Sector in Canada

Adam Dick, Canada Director, Strategic Operations,Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, of the Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources

Digital Transition in Swedish Forest Operations – Examples from Practice and Applied Research

Magnus Thor, Director Research and Innovation, Skogsforsk

Plenary Session 2

11.00 AM - 12.30 PM / Ballroom AB

Bridging Generations: Adapting to Change and Shaping the Future of Forest Operations

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.

Panel Discussion

Navigating the Future: Perspectives on Creating Value, Economic Prosperity, and Sustainable Forestry Growth

Speakers

Pencil Crayons to Smartphones: Learning to Push the Buttons

Kevin Topolniski, Chief Forester, Acadian Timber

Perspective of a Start-up in Forestry Sector

Francis Charette, CEO, Algorex

Dynamic and Balanced Strategy for the Management of Private Timberlands in a Changing Environmnent

André Gravel, CEO, Solifor

L'entreprenariat féminin en opérations forestières

Amélie Béchard, Directrice générale, Ressources Baie-James

12.30 PM - 2.00 PM / Ballroom C

Luncheon

Enjoy a buffet lunch, engage in networking opportunities, and explore the diverse DEMO International Exhibitor booths.

Concurrent Session 1

Stream A

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM / Room: Richelieu

Perspectives on Meeting Today's Challenges and Evolving Supply Chain Business Models

Perspectives from forestry contractors/entrepreneurs on meeting today’s challenges and an evolving supply chain business model.

Speakers

Rémabec : Doing More For A Greener Forest Industry. The Port-Cartier Integrated Plant : Transforming Forest Residues Into Clean Low-Carbon Sustainable Energy

Éric Bouchard, CPA, CMA Executive Vice-President, Groupe Rémabec

Restorative Forestry with Small Scale Wood Energy Systems

Mathieu LeBlanc, Founder/CEO, ACFOR Inc.

Diverse, Dynamic and Distance - Working Across the United States.

Matthew Mattioda, Chief Forester, Miller Timber

A Small First Nation Making Big Impact in B.C.

Percy Guichon, Executive Director, Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR)/ Tŝideldel First Nation

Tolko Trucking Initiatives

Jerry Mooney, Woodlands Manager Joint Ventures Tolko Industries Ltd.

Concurrent Session 1

Stream B

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM / Ballroom AB

Adapting Forest Management to a Changing Climate

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.

Speakers

Forestry and Climate Change: Experience from Quebec

Evelyne Thiffault , Professor in Forest Ecology and Management, Department of Wood and Forest Sciences - Université Laval

Continuous Forest Inventories Driving the Evolution of Silviculture in Canada

Alexis Achim, Professor, Université Laval

Leveraging Recent Findings on Tree Tolerance to Heat and Drought to Improve Forest Management

Loic D’Orangeville, Professor, Université Laval

Scaling up Forest Sector Solutions in a Changing Climate

Kate Lindsay, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Forest Products Association of Canada

Forest Management and Timber Harvesting in Changing "Climates"

Lauri Sikanen, Principal Scientist /Group Manager, Natural Resources Institute Finland - LUKE

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Reception

Join us for an engaging reception with light refreshments, make valuable connections and visit exhibitor booths.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

Registration and Breakfast
Concurrent Session 2

Stream A

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM / Room: Richelieu

Digital Forestry

Discover the cutting-edge advancements in "Digital Forestry," a session dedicated to exploring the integration of digital technologies in forest management.

Speakers

The Digitalization of Forest Operations: How Do We Get There?

Jean-Martin Lussier, Research Scientist, Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, of the Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada

Supply Chain Data Management for Improved Forest Operations

Luc Lebel, Director, FORAC, Université Laval,

Supply Chain Data Management for Improved Forest Operations

Gabriel Verret, Resolute

Enhancing Forest Sector Competitiveness with Digitalized Technology

Adime Bonsi, Senior Researcher, Project Lead - Digital Transformation, FPInnovations

Gaining Earlier Insights into the Timber Harvesting Supply Chain - The Forest Machine Connectivity Supercluster Project

Kevin Lim, CEO, Lim Geomatics Inc.

Concurrent Session 2

Stream B

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM / Ballroom AB

Low-carbon Wood Supply Chain

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.

Speakers

First Look at Hybrid Harvesters Operating in Eastern Canada: Fuel Consumption and Productivity.

Eric Labelle, Professor in Digital Forest Operations, Université Laval

Emission Reduction Alternative for Forestry Transportation: Hybrid Electric Tractor Semi-trailer.

Steve Mercier, Lead Researcher, Transportation & Infrastructure, FPInnovations

The Use of Electrical and Hybrid Trucks in Forest Transports

Rahul lyer, PhD Student, FORAC/Université Laval

Concurrent Session 3

Stream A

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM / Room: Richelieu

Automation

Explore the transformative potential of automated technologies in forestry operations.

Speakers

Robotics for Timber-Harvesting Operations: Problems, Challenges, Vision

Inna Sharf, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University

AI and 3D Mapping in Forest Environments:Results and Lessons Learned from the Past Six Years

Philippe Giguere, Professor, Université Laval

Towards Autonomous Log Loading

Heshan Fernando, Researcher, FPInnovations

Autonomous Trucking and Platooning Initiative

Pierre Cormier, VP Forestry and Woodland Operations for Quebec-Ontario, Resolute

Concurrent Session 3

Stream B

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM / Ballroom AB

Adaptive Forest Management Practices

Hear engaging presentations on enhancing fire resilience, leveraging advanced planting machinery for reforestation, implementing ecological forestry principles, and optimizing biomass management.

Speakers

Increasing Harvest Intensity to Promote Stand Renewal Using Integrated Forest Operations

Claudie-Maude Canuel, PhD candidate, Université Laval, Canadian Wood Fibre Centre

LiDAR Mapping in Wildfire Management and Fuel Treatment Planning

Vesa Leppanen, CTO, Arbonaut

Nova Scotia, the TRIAD Model and Adaptive Management

Brad Butt, Manager of Forest Management Planning, Department of Natural Resources and Renewables

Mechanized Tree Planting with PlantmaX

Ryan Hunter, Product Specialist, Logmax Forestry

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM / Ballroom C

Luncheon

DEMO International Show Welcome
Francis Belanger, VP sales & administration, SBC Cedar
 
Buffet Lunch
Engage in networking opportunities, and explore the diverse DEMO International Conference exhibitor booths.
Plenary Session 3

2:00 PM - 5:00PM

Finland’s Forestry Expertise: Innovations for Sustainable and Profitable Growth

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.

Welcome Remarks

Jaakko Autere, Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Finland to Canada

Forest Joensuu - The Forest Capital of Europe. Value-Ad Innovations in the Forestry Supply Chain.

Seppo Tossavainen, Head of Economic and International Affairs, City of Joensuu in Finland

A Regional Approach in Creating Economic Prosperity with Sustainable Forestry Practices

Lauri Sikanen, Principal Scientist, Natural Resources Institute of Finland (LUKE)

Transforming Forest Management: Finland-Canada Partnership Fueling Innovation and Success in the Forestry Sector

Dominik Roeser, Associate Dean, Research Forests & Community Engagement, University of British Columbia

Finnish Solutions for First Nations’ Challenges – Full Value Chain Approach

Pasi Pinta, CEO NordBEST Inc. Honorary Consul of Finland

PANEL:

Navigating the Future: Perspectives on Creating Value, Economic Prosperity, and Sustainable Forestry Growth

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