March 5, 2026 - 2026 CME Smart Manufacturing Conference

Tod Gilbert, President, VMAC Global Technology 
Tod Gilbert, P.Eng joined VMAC as an engineer in 2006. In 2017 he transitioned into the President role and has continued to lead VMAC as an innovative mobile compressed air manufacturer based in Nanaimo, B.C, distributing products globally. He is also the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters advisory board chair for British Columbia.  He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical & Materials Engineering from Queen’s University and an MBA from Royal Roads University. Tod is passionate about leveraging the incredible talent of Canada’s innovators and recognizing the potential of manufacturing in Canada to create long term sustainable value.

Sunil Vedula, Co-CEO, NTWIST
Sunil works at the intersection of advanced AI and industrial operations, helping mines and manufacturers achieve higher throughput with lower energy use and emissions. His background spans optimization, product strategy, and deploying AI systems in demanding real-world environments. At NTWIST, he leads the vision behind solutions that deliver measurable, repeatable value for customers. 

Mehdi Gohardehi, Lean Facilitator, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters 
Mehdi Gohardehi is a Lean Facilitator at Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), where he supports manufacturing companies across British Columbia in driving operational excellence through Lean principles. With over a decade of experience in manufacturing-including food, automotive, Oil & Gas and industrial sectors - Mehdi combines deep technical expertise with a passion for continuous improvement, workforce development, and practical problem-solving. He is known for facilitating peer councils, delivering Lean training programs, and helping companies integrate Lean thinking into their culture.

Dustin Yerdon, Business Relationship Specialist, City of Surrey
Dustin Yerdon is a Business Relationship Specialist with the City of Surrey, bringing over six years of regional economic development experience. He supports local manufacturers and SMEs by helping them navigate funding programs, connect with Surrey’s innovation ecosystem, and pursue market expansion and technology adoption opportunities. Combining municipal expertise with a private-sector background in proposal development, Dustin advances initiatives such as Innovation Boulevard that help Surrey companies scale, innovate, and compete globally.

Christian Hansen, Regional Director General – Pacific Region, Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED)
Christian Hansen joined Innovation, Science and Economic Development in 2019 and serves as the Pacific Regional Director General. Prior to this position, he was a Canadian Foreign Service officer for 24 years, working in Japan, Norway, Belgium, Ottawa and Vancouver. His most recent assignment was as Regional Director and Senior Trade Commissioner for Global Affairs Canada.

Christian holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Public Policy (International Relations) from Princeton.

Beau Olmstead, Vice President, Commercial Financial Services, RBC Royal Bank
Beau has been with RBC Royal Bank since 1997, engaged in both the commercial banking and capital markets side of financial services. He has covered many sectors including residential and commercial real estate construction, industrial manufacturing, consumer retail, diversified, health and public sector. Beau currently leads the Commercial banking business for RBC in the Richmond / South Delta markets.
Beau is a member of various associations; Director of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Association – BC Division (Policy Committee member); past Director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce (Chair – Governance Committee; Finance Committee member); past Board member/Treasurer of the South Delta Minor Hockey Association, and past hockey Coach.
Before joining RBC in Victoria, Beau completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree, specializing in International Business at the University of Victoria, in conjunction with Kanagawa University in Yokohama, Japan. In addition, Beau completed his Master of Business Administration at Royal Roads University. Beau lives in Tsawwassen with his wife and two young adult children.

Every cabinet is built in our Surrey, BC facility, where advanced manufacturing systems work hand-in-hand with skilled craftspeople. This integrated approach allows us to deliver quality, thoughtful design flexibility, and reliable lead times for our network of designers, builders, and dealers.

Rooted in our tradition of craftsmanship and guided by a commitment to continuous improvement, we combine semi-custom versatility with proven manufacturing processes. This balance allows us to offer the design freedom clients want with the reliability our partners depend on.

Today, Merit Kitchens stands as a forward-thinking manufacturer with a clear mission: to create beautiful kitchens while strengthening the communities we serve and preparing for the future of Canadian manufacturing.

WORKSHOPS

Participate in practical, hands-on workshops led by industry experts, including sessions on Digital Twins, Cybersecurity and Funding your Technology Adoption. Registrations will open soon!