Connect. Support. Inspire.
CANS 2025 Stanhope Simpson Insurance Women in Construction Forum
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | Pier 21 (Halifax, NS)
Thursday, September 24, 2026 | Cedar Event Centre (Halifax, NS)
You’re Invited to CANS Women in Construction Forum
CANS Women in Construction Forum will highlight the experiences and perspectives of women while welcoming attendees of all genders. This is more than just a networking event — we’re building lasting support systems and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Featuring insightful speakers, a panel discussion, and facilitator-led networking exercises, this event promises a dynamic and engaging experience with activities carefully designed to foster discussion and forge valuable relationships within the industry.
Event Information
- Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
- Time: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Check-in starts at 9:30 a.m.)
- Location: Pier 21 (Halifax, NS)
- Registration: CLOSED! (Next year’s save the date coming soon!)
- Sponsorship: CLOSED! Please contact Justin Blakeney to learn about upcoming sponsorship opportunities with CANS Events!
Pricing
Tickets include access to our full day of activities, a welcome mocktail, and plated lunch.
Members: $345.00 + HST
Non-Members: $450.00 + HST
Cancellation Policy: Women in Construction Forum registration cancellations must be made before Monday, October 20 to be eligible for a 75% refund, and before Friday, October 24 to be eligible for a 50% refund. No refunds will be given after Friday, October 24, 2025.
Agenda
9:30 a.m. Registration and Welcome Mocktail
10:00 a.m. Opening Remarks
10:15 a.m. Facilitated Networking: Round One (with Gerard Murphy, Barefoot Facilitation Inc.)
10:45 a.m. Keynote Presentation, Dr. Jody Carrington
12:00 p.m. Networking Lunch
1:05 p.m. Facilitated Networking: Round Two (with Gerard Murphy, Barefoot Facilitation Inc.)
1:35 p.m. Moderated Panel
2:20 pm Draw for Door Prizes
2:30 p.m. Networking and Exhibitor Tables
3:30 p.m. Event Close
9:00 a.m. Registration, Welcome Mocktail and Exhibitor Showcase
10:00 a.m. Opening Remarks
10:15 a.m. Session One
11:15 a.m. Break, Exhibitor Showcase
11:25 a.m. Session Two: (Wo)Men-toring: Navigating mentorship in a male dominated profession. Lessons learned from two mentees turned mentors
12:00 p.m. Networking Lunch
1:05 p.m. Session Three: Professional Presence and Networking with Purpose
2:05 p.m. Keynote Speaker
3:05 p.m. Networking and Exhibitor Showcase
3:45 p.m. Prize Draws
4:00 p.m. Event Close
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Jody Carrington (Carrington & Company)
Dr. Jody Carrington is a powerhouse speaker and fearless champion for authentic human connection. She is highly sought after for her expertise, energy and genuine approach to helping people solve the most complex human-centred problems.
Dr. Carrington is the founder and principal psychologist at Carrington & Company, she’s written three best-selling books, speaks on hundreds of stages globally each year, and hosts the widely celebrated podcast UNLONELY. In this modern world where we look all the time, but we don’t see, where we listen but we don’t hear, Dr. Jody is clear on one thing: we were never meant to do any of this alone. Read Dr. Carrington’s full biography here.
Networking Facilitator
Gerard Murphy (Barefoot Facilitation)
Gerard Murphy is Founder & CEO of Barefoot Facilitation Inc., based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. With over 30 years of experience as a facilitator, educator, and speaker, Gerard is passionate about helping people engage in conversations that inspire impact and improve individual, team, and organizational performance. He has worked with clients across Canada in the voluntary, public, and private sectors, designing and leading learning opportunities that drive results. A certified Personality Dimensions®Facilitator, Gerard is also an active member of the International Association of Facilitators.
Panel Moderator
Anathea Fenton (Falkbuilt)
Anathea is regarded as an off-site construction specialist having planned and delivered hundreds of projects throughout North America from initial planning and design assist, to project management and oversight of installation. An entrepreneur at heart, she went from employee to business owner, founding the local branch of Falkbuilt Ltd in 2020.
She is member and past President of the Design and Construction Institute of Nova Scotia (DCI) and is a past member of the Pre-Manufactured Think Tank for Building Transformations. Highly respected within the local design and construction industry, she is recipient of the Distinguished Member Award by DCI for her commitment and contribution to the industry.
Kelly Bennett (Abacus Data)
Kelly is a pollster with personality plus. She loves a challenge and always digs deep. A proud Bluenoser, Kelly leads Abacus Data’s work in Atlantic Canada and supports clients across the country. Over her fifteen-year career, she has asked thousands of research questions to help organizations understand people’s experiences, priorities, and decisions.
Allison Godwin (BOYNECLARKE LLP)
Allison Godwin is a Partner with the Business Litigation team at BOYNECLARKE LLP, with a practice focused primarily on civil, commercial, and construction litigation. Recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada for Corporate and Commercial Litigation and Construction Law, she has appeared at all levels of Court in Nova Scotia throughout her more than decade-long legal career. Allison is also Chair of the firm’s Articling Committee and is passionate about mentorship, workplace culture, and professional development.
Tracy Smith (BOYNECLARKE LLP)
Tracy Smith is a Partner and Team Lead of BOYNECLARKE’s Business Litigation group, with a practice focused on construction, commercial, and estate litigation. She advises clients on complex construction disputes and has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2024 and as a Thomson Reuters Stand-Out Lawyer since 2025. Throughout her leadership roles at the firm, Tracy has been a strong advocate for mentorship and has helped shape and evolve mentorship programs from both mentor and mentee perspectives.
Who’s Invited?
CANS Women in Construction Forum welcomes everyone, regardless of gender. CANS is committed to fostering an inclusive industry and building supportive networks that extend beyond the confines of this event. Anyone interested in encouraging and supporting women in the industry is welcome to attend.
With Thanks to Our Partner
Getting There
Parking: There is a large paved parking lot to the right of the Pier 21 Museum entrance. The current fees for Monday to Friday (7 a.m. – 6 p.m.) are $3/hour with a maximum of $12 per day. Payment can be made on site via machine (Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or through Indigo app.
Parking: There is a large paved parking lot to the front and rear of the Cedar Event Centre. There is parking for up to 164 cars, subject to availability, parking signs and regulations.
Panelists
- Debra Reid, Human Resources Business Partner & Operations Lead at FBM Architecture Ltd.
- Hilary Carter, Director of Design and Development at Pilot Build Co.
- Odette MacKenzie, Planner and Scheduler at Bird Construction
- Shauna Bottomley, Superintendent at Lindsay Construction
- Kelly Bennett, Vice President & Atlantic Lead at Abacus Data
- Allison Godwin, Partner, Business Litigation, at BOYNECLARKE LLP
- Tracy Smith, Parter & Team Lead, Business Litigation, at BOYNECLARKE LLP
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Jody Carrington (Carrington & Company)
Dr. Jody Carrington is a powerhouse speaker and fearless champion for authentic human connection. She is highly sought after for her expertise, energy and genuine approach to helping people solve the most complex human-centred problems.
Dr. Carrington is the founder and principal psychologist at Carrington & Company, she’s written three best-selling books, speaks on hundreds of stages globally each year, and hosts the widely celebrated podcast UNLONELY. In this modern world where we look all the time, but we don’t see, where we listen but we don’t hear, Dr. Jody is clear on one thing: we were never meant to do any of this alone. Read Dr. Carrington’s full biography here.
Networking Facilitator
Gerard Murphy (Barefoot Facilitation)
Gerard Murphy is Founder & CEO of Barefoot Facilitation Inc., based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. With over 30 years of experience as a facilitator, educator, and speaker, Gerard is passionate about helping people engage in conversations that inspire impact and improve individual, team, and organizational performance. He has worked with clients across Canada in the voluntary, public, and private sectors, designing and leading learning opportunities that drive results. A certified Personality Dimensions® Facilitator, Gerard is also an active member of the International Association of Facilitators.
Panel Moderator
Anathea Fenton (Falkbuilt)
Anathea is regarded as an off-site construction specialist having planned and delivered hundreds of projects throughout North America from initial planning and design assist, to project management and oversight of installation. An entrepreneur at heart, she went from employee to business owner, founding the local branch of Falkbuilt Ltd in 2020.
She is member and past President of the Design and Construction Institute of Nova Scotia (DCI) and is a past member of the Pre-Manufactured Think Tank for Building Transformations. Highly respected within the local design and construction industry, she is recipient of the Distinguished Member Award by DCI for her commitment and contribution to the industry.
Revisit past CANS Women in Construction Forums
Questions?
For event info, contact:
Britney MacPhee
Events Lead
Tel: 902-468-2267 ext. 704
Cell: 902-499-2939
bmacphee@cans.ns.ca
For sponsorship info, contact:
Justin Blakeney
Sponsorship Lead
Tel: 902-468-2267 ext. 718
Cell: 902-818-6530
jblakeney@cans.ns.ca