Agenda

Women of STAC Networking Lunch

Women of STAC Committee members and prospective committee members are invited to join a pre-conference networking lunch. For more information and registration, please email slee@canadatelecoms.ca.

Badge Pick-Up

Exhibitors, speakers, and delegates are welcome to pick-up their badges between 12:00-4:00pm on Monday, March 31 at the registration desk in the Nova Scotia Foyer.

Women of STAC Reception

The Women of STAC Committee invites STAC Conference attendees to join us at Halimac (1920 Brunswick St.) for a welcome reception on Monday, March 31 from 6:00-8:00pm. Special thanks to Almvoy Inc. and Seguin Morris for their sponsorship.

Badge Pick-Up & Breakfast

Attendees are welcome to pick up their badges starting at 7:30am at the registration desks in the Nova Scotia Foyer. Breakfast will be provided in the Nova Scotia room.

STAC 2025 Opening Remarks

Isabela Jimenez
Industry Events & Special Projects Manager, Canadian Telecommunications Association

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Isabela Jimenez

Isabela Jimenez started her career as the STAC Program Coordinator in 2019 and has been involved in the telecommunications industry for over five years. Now working as the Industry Events & Special Projects Manager, Isabela oversees the planning and development of the annual STAC Conference & Exhibition. In addition to her role supporting events at the Canadian Telecommunications Association, Isabela also oversees the Women of STAC Committee and committee activities.

Ready, set, connect! Kick off STAC 2025 with a warm welcome and an overview of what’s in store. Discover the highlights of the conference, key sessions to attend, and opportunities to connect with industry leaders.

Tower Industry PPE Standards and the CSA Z259 Committee

Staying safe while working at height requires the right personal protective equipment and up-to-date safety standards. Get up to speed on critical PPE standards with insights from CSA Z259 committee members. This session addresses industry concerns, the role of the committee, and the latest in fall protection equipment.

Wired or Tired: Guys & Guy Tensioning

Guy wire tensioning isn’t just a technical task—it’s a critical safety measure. Join this session for an in-depth look at how to achieve correct tension, plumb, and twist (TPT) in guyed towers. Participants will learn hands-on techniques and maintenance strategies that promote tower stability, reduce risks, and extend the lifespan of these essential telecommunications structures. From loose guys to perfect plumb, this session covers it all.

Tower, Monopole, & Rooftop Rescue Planning

Dominique Valdez
eSystem Training

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Dominique Valdez

Dominique Valdez is the President of eSystem Training Solutions. In the fifteen years since the inception of the company, Dominique has spearheaded the development of training courses and software applications geared specifically towards the Telecommunications Construction industry.  These safety solutions aid companies in creating an effective and efficient safety and training program.    

Dominique is active is several industry initiatives in both the US and Canada.  She serves on the STAC Workforce Health and Safety committee, participates in the NWSA Written Exam committee, and the ANSI ASSP A10.48 standards committee.  

Chris Dickson
Wesbell

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Chris Dickson

Chris Dickson is a seasoned safety professional with over 15 years of expertise in regulatory enforcement, occupational health and safety, and risk management. As the Director of Safety & Compliance at Wesbell Communications Inc., he has developed and implemented strategic safety programs across North America. Chris brings a strong background in operational leadership, emergency and rescue response, stakeholder collaboration, and public accountability. Certified in health and safety, emergency response, and rescue techniques, Chris is committed to fostering safe workplaces and regulatory compliance.

Colin LeGrow
Technical Rope & Rescue

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Colin LeGrow

Colin LeGrow owns and operates Technical Rope & Rescue Inc. He specializes in working in areas where access is challenging, and the risk is considered high. He is an instructor in a number of disciplines including fall protection, confined space entry and high angle rescue.  He has more than 20 years experience and actively participates in many related standards organizations including CSA, STAC, & NFPA. Beyond work, Colin loves outdoor adventure, spending time with family & hiking with his two staffordshire bull terrier dogs.

Accidents at height can happen fast, but a well-prepared rescue plan can make all the difference. This session guides attendees through developing rescue strategies for different structures, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring all personnel are equipped with the necessary skills to execute rescues safely. Whether working on a tower, monopole, or rooftop, safety is the top priority.

Not Just the Nuts and Bolts: DTI Washers and Structural Fasteners in the Canadian Tower Industry

Leading in Telecom: Lessons for Every Level

Jeff Selby
Trylon

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Jeff Selby

From starting out in production on a bandsaw cutting steel, to roles in Quality, Safety, and Operations, Jeff's journey at Trylon has been nothing short of remarkable. Now, he’s stepped into his new role as National Account Manager ready to take on new challenges with the same passion and dedication that have defined his career.

If you ask Jeff, he’ll tell you there’s never been a day at Trylon where he hasn’t learned something new or loved what he does.

Jeff is excited to work closely with Trylon's clients, ensuring that priorities are aligned and resources are strategically placed. His goal? To ensure targets are met with Speed, Quality, and Consistency the Trylon way.

Tracey Walsh
CBC/Radio-Canada

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Tracey Walsh

Tracey Walsh is the National Senior Manager of Asset and Lease Management, Real Estate Transactions, within the Media Technology and Infrastructure division at CBC/Radio-Canada. With nearly 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Tracey oversees a multimillion-dollar portfolio and leads a high performing team, responsible for the lease and let of broadcast facilities by and for the Corporation. This includes over 500 communication sites and 1000 revenue and expense agreements. 

As a visionary leader, Tracey excels in driving strategic negotiations and fostering collaboration across stakeholders and partners in Operations and Project Engineering.  Her personal leadership approach emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and commitment to achieving shared goals.

A passionate advocate for continuous growth, Tracey holds an MBA in International Business, a Bachelor of Commerce undergraduate degree, and is a Certified Leasing Officer with the Real Estate Institute of Canada. Tracey is also co-chair of the Women of STAC Committee.

Cheyenne Zierler

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Cheyenne Zierler

Veronica Howat

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Veronica Howat

Leadership evolves at every career stage, bringing new challenges and opportunities for growth. Three leaders—a seasoned executive, a mid-level manager, and a rising leader—share personal stories, key lessons, and how their leadership styles have developed over time. Gain strategies for building leadership presence, navigating stage-specific challenges, leveraging strengths, and fostering continuous development. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this session provides valuable insights to help you lead with confidence and impact.

Industry Insights with Lee Bragg

Robert Ghiz
Canadian Telecommunications Association

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Robert Ghiz

As President and CEO of the Canadian Telecommunications Association Robert Ghiz provides overall leadership and direction to an organization that is the authority on wireless issues, developments, and trends in Canada. Robert has served in this role since 2017, helping the Canada Telecoms team represent and promote companies and service providers that collectively contributed more than $70 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product in 2020 alone. Prior to joining the association, Robert had a successful career as a political leader. He was twice elected Premier of Prince Edward Island from 2007 to 2015, successfully stewarding the province’s economy through the 2008 global financial collapse and contributing to its record-setting economic growth following the recession. While Premier, Robert also led successful trade missions in Europe, Asia, South America and the United States. In addition to his role today with the association, Robert is the Chair of Mobile Giving Foundation Canada, and the Chair of the Medavie Health Foundation. He also serves as an Advisor on numerous Boards including the Prince’s Trust Advisory Council, the True Patriot Love Foundation, and as PEI Representative of the CN Community Board.

Lee Bragg
Eastlink

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Lee Bragg

A thought-provoking fireside chat featuring Lee Bragg, Executive Vice-Chair of Eastlink and the visionary leader who spearheaded the company’s entry into the wireless industry. Moderated by the Canadian Telecommunications Association’s President and CEO, Robert Ghiz, this session explores Mr. Bragg’s unique perspective on the current state of Canada’s telecom landscape, the challenges facing the industry, and Eastlink’s evolving role as an innovative player in an intensely competitive industry.

Day 1 Break on Exhibit Hall Floor

Enjoy snacks and refreshments while networking on the STAC 2025 Exhibit Floor.

Corrosion Protection for Telecommunications Towers

This session examines corrosion mitigation for telecom towers across Canada’s diverse climates and reviews the best strategies for long-term corrosion resistance. A lively panel of tower engineers and corrosion experts offer attendees a base of the latest knowledge in corrosion protection for towers, because effective corrosion protection starts at the foundation.

Electrical Safety for Telecom Technicians

Keeping telecom technicians safe around power is critical. This session focuses on electrical safety best practices, from grounding system maintenance to battery and tower lighting safety. Electrical engineers and electricians share practical experiences, offering real-world perspectives on the challenges of working near high-voltage lines and underground power systems.

Keynote

STAC 2025 Day 1 Closing Remarks

Isabela Jimenez
Industry Events & Special Projects Manager, Canadian Telecommunications Association

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Isabela Jimenez

Isabela Jimenez started her career as the STAC Program Coordinator in 2019 and has been involved in the telecommunications industry for over five years. Now working as the Industry Events & Special Projects Manager, Isabela oversees the planning and development of the annual STAC Conference & Exhibition. In addition to her role supporting events at the Canadian Telecommunications Association, Isabela also oversees the Women of STAC Committee and committee activities.

Before the first day of STAC 2025 concludes with the annual Welcome Reception, gather for a brief recap of the day’s highlights and a look ahead to tomorrow’s agenda. This session honours industry leaders through the STAC Awards and recognize this year’s Women of STAC Bursary recipients. Join us in celebrating the dedication and contributions of this year’s outstanding winners and recipients!

STAC 2025 Welcome Reception

Attendees are invited to join us at the STAC Conference & Exhibition welcome reception taking place on the exhibit floor. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of Almvoy Inc. and eSystem Training Solutions. 

Attendee Breakfast

A buffet breakfast will be provided to attendees in the Nova Scotia Ballroom.

Morning Keynote

Lee Bragg
Eastlink

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Lee Bragg

Candace Carnahan

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Candace Carnahan

Candace Carnahan

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Candace Carnahan

Not Your Normal Build: Unusual Rooftop Tower Installations

Urban rooftops are becoming prime real estate for telecom installations, but they come with unique engineering challenges. This session examines the complexities of rooftop builds, including small cell and microcell deployment, changes in snow loading requirements, and anchor spacing considerations. Attendees will hear firsthand from providers with extensive rooftop experience and gain insights to share with their engineering teams.

Lone and Remote Work Safety: Managing Risk on Isolated Sites

Tony Deveaux
St. John Ambulance NS/PEI

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Tony Deveaux

Tony is the Manager of Training for St. John Ambulance in NS and has been in this position for 20 years.  He has been teaching First Aid and CPR programs since 1997.  He is a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves, serving from 1991 – 2023 as a Medical Assistant for 35 and 33 Field Ambulance. Over that time has participated in three domestic deployments and gained years of experience as a Medic. He is certified to teach a number of safety programs including Advanced First Aid, Remote Wilderness First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, and Marine Advanced First Aid. 

Sergio Palladini
Esri Canada

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Sergio Palladini

Sergio Palladini is the Industry Manager for Telecommunications with Esri Canada, a global leader and supplier of Geographic Information System software. Working within the utilities practice at Esri Canada, Sergio is focused on illustrating the importance of geospatial technology as it applies to the telecommunications industry and how geospatial technology can be used to support the OSS and BSS landscape of a telecom operator and the build partners who are delivering telecom network projects. Prior to joining Esri Canada, Sergio spent 16 years of his career working with Enghouse Networks, a Canadian-based software company focused on the development and delivery of geospatial telecommunication solutions for wireline network design and management. Sergio holds an undergraduate degree from Queen's University, Kingston Ontario and a Master's Degree in Geographic Information Systems from the University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta.

Working in remote and rugged environments presents unique safety challenges for telecommunications crews. This session explores critical strategies for safeguarding workers while installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting telecom infrastructure in isolated areas. Expert speakers will cover risk assessment, emergency preparedness, communication in low-signal zones, and the use of advanced safety technologies. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on improving field team safety, mitigating environmental risks, and fostering a culture of preparedness in challenging conditions.

Break on Exhibit Hall Floor

Enjoy a coffee break while networking on the STAC 2025 Exhibit Floor.

Introduction to the use of Aluminum Structures in the Canadian Tower Industry

Tower Work and the Natural World: Environmental Hazards & Considerations

Telecom towers may rise above the landscape, but they’re not immune to the hazards of nature. This session highlights real-world safety concerns, including exposure to harmful pathogens, vector-borne diseases, and managing noxious weeds around sites. Get insights on best practices for pest management, regulatory compliance, and safeguarding workers in environments where wildlife meets telecom infrastructure.

Blowin' a Gale: Atlantic Canada’s Pivotal Role in Telecommunications History

Break on Exhibit Hall Floor

Enjoy snacks and refreshments while networking on the STAC 2025 Exhibit Floor.

Industry Innovations: Emerging Tower Industry Technologies

Network Infrastructure: Investment Drivers and Headwinds

STAC 2025 Conference Close and End-of-Conference Raffle

Isabela Jimenez
Industry Events & Special Projects Manager, Canadian Telecommunications Association

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Isabela Jimenez

Isabela Jimenez started her career as the STAC Program Coordinator in 2019 and has been involved in the telecommunications industry for over five years. Now working as the Industry Events & Special Projects Manager, Isabela oversees the planning and development of the annual STAC Conference & Exhibition. In addition to her role supporting events at the Canadian Telecommunications Association, Isabela also oversees the Women of STAC Committee and committee activities.

STAC 2025 closes with a final reflection on the past two days. We’ll recap the highlights, thank our community of industry professionals, and look forward to another year of innovation and safety in Canada’s telecom tower and infrastructure industry.

STAC 2025 Post-Conference Outing

The annual STAC Post-Conference Outing offers attendees a chance to relax and unwind at the end of the event by enjoying great food and drinks with colleagues from across the industry.

This year's outing will take place at the Alexander Keith’s Brewery following conference activities on Wednesday, April 2 at 6:00pm. Tickets for the outing are $100 and include an assortment of food, drinks, and full access to the brewhouse. Outing tickets can be purchased through the registration page as an add-on. If you already purchased your conference tickets and are looking to purchase outing tickets only, please contact ijimenez@canadatelecoms.ca.

This year’s post-conference event is sponsored by FieldSENSE and Rigarus Construction.