Four Days of Activities in the Heart of the Aluminium Valley

The panel will highlight how the complementarity of skills between companies can open markets that are impossible to reach alone. In an industry where players often find themselves in competition, building trust becomes a prerequisite to daring to share information, expertise, and risks. The discussion will also address the main pitfalls to avoid: unclear partnerships, lack of common goals, asymmetry of commitment, and governance issues. The challenge is simple: understanding how a well-structured collaboration can transform natural rivals into growth catalysts.

Jean-François Desmeules

Chair of the Board of Directors of the Société de la Vallée de l’Aluminium

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Patrice Côté

Président - Dynamic Concept

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Mathieu Bergeron

Operations Director for EPIQ MECFOR

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Marilyne Simard

Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the CQRDA

Marilyne Simard, M.Sc., is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Quebec Centre for Aluminum Research and Development (CQRDA). She has extensive experience in supporting SMEs in developing their marketing strategies and expanding into international markets. Throughout her career, she has assisted numerous companies in structuring their export market development plans and has also shared her expertise on the dynamics of international trade as a lecturer at the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (UQAC). She continues this commitment today at CQRDA, where she brings together companies, research centers, and public partners to accelerate collaborative innovation, promote the adoption of responsible practices, and support the competitiveness and growth of companies in the aluminum sector, both in Quebec and internationally.

Carl Houde

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Alain Grenier

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Did you know that 95% of people trust their friends more than any other source of information? Imagine the impact when these "friends" are... your own employees.
In this dynamic conference, dive into the heart of a public relations revolution. We will explore how organic employee testimonials can propel an organization's visibility to unprecedented heights. Discover how to turn your employees into authentic ambassadors, conveying a powerful and credible message.
Get ready for a series of captivating examples from Quebec and international companies, with smaller or sometimes larger budgets, that have mastered the art of mobilizing their teams for maximum impact. We will unveil the secrets of internal communication transformed into an ultra-effective public relations tool. An exciting exploration of the human impact in corporate storytelling, and you are on the front line to discover it all.

Gabriel Tremblay

HR Marketing Innovation Director

Passionate about everything related to HR marketing and communications, Gabriel helps North American and international companies make their corporate culture the foundation of their employer brand promise. He holds two bachelor's degrees from the University of Sherbrooke, one in education and the other in communication, and has contributed to nearly a hundred employer branding and employee experience projects. Since joining Sept24 in 2016, he has also led numerous conferences and training sessions for managers, HR teams, and executives, always with the goal of making organizations more human, more consistent, and more motivating.

STIQ is proud to introduce its Quebec Industrial Barometer, an extensive study focused on the province’s manufacturing sector. Drawing on its deep industry expertise, the association has developed a series of original indicators designed to provide a clear, realistic snapshot of this sector—an essential driver of Quebec’s economic growth. By analyzing trends in these indicators and cross-referencing key data points, STIQ delivers valuable insights into the current state of the manufacturing industry. Richard Blanchet, President and CEO of STIQ, presents the highlights of the 17th edition of this comprehensive annual study, conducted with 500 manufacturing SMEs across Quebec.

Richard Blanchet
President and CEO, STIQ

Richard holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering as well as a degree in Management. Over the course of his career in the industrial sector, he has held a variety of roles in production support and manufacturing operations management within both small and large organizations. With STIQ since 2004, he now serves as President and CEO. Among his key achievements are the launch of the Podium Supplier Development Program and the strategic repositioning of the association as a leading force within Quebec’s manufacturing sector. Through his various mandates, Richard works closely with OEMs and manufacturing SMEs, giving him a well-informed, hands-on perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry.

Despite the current economic pressure, manufacturing digitalization is an immediate lever of productivity for the aluminum industry. After outlining the cost of inaction regarding digitalization, you will see why advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software becomes a logical first step in manufacturing digitalization, based on business objectives and with a view to continuous improvement. The case study of Groupe OSI illustrates the 'before/after' and the advantages of an APS software solution.

Gabrielle Soucisse

General Manager of PT Digital – Manufacturing Intelligence

Gabrielle Soucisse holds the position of General Manager at Premier Tech Digital – Manufacturing Intelligence, where she leverages extensive expertise gained in complex manufacturing environments. With nearly 10 years of experience in Industry 4.0 and recognized as a specialist in operations optimization technologies, she has developed a vast network in Canada and the United States, conducive to the emergence of strategic partnerships and new opportunities for the sector. Gabrielle stands out for her visionary mindset, rigor, and ability to turn challenges into drivers of innovation. Her charismatic leadership and ability to mobilize teams toward achieving ambitious goals stimulate collective engagement and support the sustainable development of the manufacturing industry. Before taking on her current role, she held key responsibilities in business intelligence, major account management, and project management. A former medal-winning athlete of the Canadian national swimming team, Gabrielle holds a degree in biological sciences from the University of Montreal.

Artificial intelligence is redefining competitiveness in the aluminum industry. Beyond technological uses, this presentation addresses AI as a business performance accelerator : capable of reducing operational costs, optimizing productivity, protecting asset value, and positioning organizations as leaders in a rapidly transforming sector.

Eric Desbiens

CEO of CONFORMIT

Serial entrepreneur and CEO of CONFORMiT Technology Inc., a Canadian SaaS company specializing in EHS (environment, health, and safety) risk management. Under his leadership, CONFORMiT has evolved into an artificial intelligence platform, deployed in 21 countries with over 750,000 users, including clients such as Rio Tinto, Alcoa, BHP, and ArcelorMittal. Eric has also held leadership roles in Europe at PCO Innovation, founded several technology and consulting companies, and served as vice president at Cognicase. A finalist for the Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur of the Year" award in 2007 and 2010, Eric is recognized for his ability to transform complex operational challenges into levers for sustainable performance.

This panel shows that leadership is neither feminine nor masculine. It is defined by a person's ability to create impact and lasting value. Performance relies above all on the quality of decisions, the strength of influence, and the ability to mobilize talent, not on gender. This panel aims to go beyond labels to focus on what truly distinguishes today's leaders: strategic vision, managerial courage, agility, and a culture of collaboration.

How can one exercise influence that unites? How can the diversity of perspectives be turned into a competitive advantage? And how can organizations be built where power is measured by results and collective impact? A frank and structured discussion to break gendered distinctions and rethink leadership as a true lever for growth and sustainable transformation.

Presenter - Nancy Lalancette

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Panelist

Joanne Lefebvre

CEO, Lefebvre Industri-AL

Joanne Lefebvre has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lefebvre Industri-AL since 2018. Based in Baie-Comeau, this family-owned company has been active in the aluminum industry since 2000. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Political Science from the Université de Montréal, she joined the company in 2005. A forward-thinking leader with a strong commitment to sustainability, Joanne has played a key role in advancing R.A.M.E. (Eco-Responsible Aluminum Recycling), an innovative technology launched in 2020. Under her leadership, Lefebvre Industri-AL has earned numerous accolades, including the 2022 Mercuriades Award for Innovative Manufacturer, recognition as a finalist for its sustainable development strategy, and several regional honors. Deeply rooted in her community, Joanne is dedicated to leading with purpose—championing responsible business practices while actively contributing to the economic and social vitality of her region.

Panelist

Éloïse Harvey

CEO EPIQ Machinery

Engineer and entrepreneur, Éloïse Harvey has been leading EPIQ Machinery since 2021. An international-scale company, it produces equipment and handling solutions for heavy industry, combining automation, robotics, and digitalization. Through strategic acquisitions and bold innovations, Éloïse pursues her vision: making the company an emblematic Canadian leader. Several subsidiaries have since joined the group and strengthen EPIQ's mission: providing integrated handling solutions. Recognized for her collaborative management style, Éloïse encourages strategic partnerships to ensure collective success. Her approach emphasizes innovation, inclusion, and long-term impact.