The Manitoba Geothermal Energy Alliance will be holding a one-day “Leading by Example” Conference on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at the Victoria Inn Hotel, 1808 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba. 

Register today for our “Leading by Example” conference – a full conference pass is $300. In addition we have exhibitor space for $900 and sponsorship opportunities ranging from $500 to $5000. Full details on all options is available on the registration page.

At the conference you will learn about Efficiency Manitoba’s ground source heat pump offers, incentives, and rebates that help homeowners, businesses, and communities save energy and money. Plus learn about several residential, multi-unit residential, commercial and recreational geothermal projects not just in Manitoba but North America. The conference will include innovations in our industries products, geothermal system design, and geothermal installations. Existing and emerging financing programs, incentive programs, business opportunities, training opportunities, regulations and the future of the geothermal industry in Manitoba will all be discussed.

Agenda

08:00 AMRegistration & Light Breakfast
08:45 AMConference Opening Emcee – Brent Laufer
Dignitary Remarks Mike Moyes, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Welcome Remarks Clarence Jonker, MGEA President
09:15 AMSession #1: MGEA Past, Present and Future Gerry Paradis
09:45 AMSession #2: Multi-Unit Residential / District Geothermal Systems Chris Snelgrove & Andrew Marquess
10:15 AMHealth Break & Exhibits
10:45 AMEfficiency Manitoba – Affordable Home Energy Program Presentation Lindsay Robinson, Art Ladd, Sarah Coy, Darby Essie
Keynote Speaker Colleen Kuruluk (Efficiency Manitoba CEO)
12:00 PMLunch Delegates may visit the “Ground Heat Exchanger (GHX) Show and Shine” in the parking lot.
Host: Mike Millard, Swift Underground
01:15 PMKeynote Speaker Jeff Hammond (International Ground Source Heat Pump Association – IGSHPA Executive Director)
IGSHPA and CSA Group Partnership & 2025 CSA/ANSI/IGSHPA C448 Design and Installation Standard
02:15 PMHealth Break & Exhibits
02:45 PMSession #3: C.M.U. Project Showcase Paul Neufeld (Southern Comfort Mechanical), Mike Millard (Swift Underground)
03:15 PMSession #4: Provincial geothermal organizations working together to show unity and advocate for a heat pump program through the Federal GovernmentPaul Frith, Ontario Geothermal Association President
03:45 PMClosing Remarks
07:00 PMPublic Information SessionModerator: Crystal ThibeaultPanel: Clarence Jonker, Gerry Paradis, Peter Fehr, Chris Snelgrove, Lindsay Robinson, Douglas Hildebrandt

Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor - Efficiency Manitoba

Gold Sponsors

Gold Sponsor - Hydron-Aire Ltd.
Gold Sponsor - Southern Comfort Mechanical Inc.

Bronze Sponsors

Bronze Sponsor - CGM Engineering Ltd.
Bronze Sponsor - Gem Equities Inc.
Bronze Sponsor - SMS Engineering
Bronze Sponsor - Xterra Geothermal

Keynote Speakers

Keynote Speaker: Colleen Kuruluk
Colleen Kuruluk (Efficiency Manitoba CEO)

Colleen joined Efficiency Manitoba as its inaugural CEO in January 2019. Her passion and deep expertise in energy efficiency served as a solid foundation to build the organization from the ground up, and her visionary nature and extensive leadership skills created a strong culture of teamwork, transparency, and commitment to helping all Manitobans save energy.

The work Colleen has accomplished at the helm of Efficiency Manitoba’s operations have made an enduring impact in the industry. In her collaborative efforts with industry partners, she’s been able to reinforce the importance of energy efficiency in Manitoba’s long-term clean energy and economic goals.

Keynote Speaker: Jeff Hammond
Jeff Hammond (International Ground Source Heat Pump Association – IGSHPA Executive Director)

Jeff Hammond is the Executive Director at the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA). Jeff earned a B.S. in business administration from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and an A.A.S. in electrical engineering technology from Purdue University. He has over 35 years’ experience in the ground source heat pump (geothermal) industry, including positions at ClimateMaster, Enertech, Geo-Flo, and WaterFurnace.

Tour and Cocktail Hour @ The Forks

Conference delegates can join us at The Forks on the evening of March 10th, from 6PM-10PM, for an optional gathering along with cocktails. You’ll be able to see a 17 year old geothermal system of approximately 600 tons in the heritage building and meet with others attending the conference. The Forks is located at 1 Forks Market Road in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This event will be held in the South Aisle.

Accommodations

Victoria Inn Hotel Convention Centre
1808 Wellington Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Phone: 1-204-786-4801

Group Code: #365246
Group Rate: $179.00 plus taxes / per night
Group Rate Expires:Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Public Information Session

A free Public Information Session about Geothermal will be held from 7-9 PM (doors open at 6:30PM) on the evening of March 11th, at the Victoria Inn Hotel. *Please register for the Public Information Session Passes even though there is no charge so we can estimate planned attendance.*

Attendees are encouraged on the evening of March 11th to donate a monetary or food items onsite. All proceeds from the public information session will be donated to the Food Bank.

Registration is available online: https://secure.erbium.com/ui/register/e-TOtGXHaKbZ

For questions, or registration assistance, please contact our event manager:

Sheri Domenico
P: 204-881-0337
E: [email protected]