Special Events
Join us for these unique opportunities to enhance your leadership skills, network with peers, and have some fun!
Pre-Conference Workshop
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Conflict Resolution Fundamentals
This immersive half-day training explores the mindset and psychology behind effective conflict resolution, providing participants with actionable techniques they can implement immediately. Participants will take a deeper dive into the psychological foundations of human behavior, gaining practical tools to manage themselves and others in high-stakes or emotionally charged conversations. Through a combination of theory, self-reflection, and interactive exercises, attendees will build confidence in their conflict resolution skills.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the four psychological drivers of human behavior and how they influence conflict dynamics.
- Apply self-management techniques to regulate emotions and maintain control in difficult situations.
- Practice active listening through structured one-on-one skill-building scenarios.
- Develop greater awareness of non-verbal communication and its impact on message delivery.
- Learn how to frame and deliver messages effectively, considering tone, timing, and context.
Speaker Bio
Melissa Fortunato
Melissa is a retired FBI Special Agent with over two decades of experience navigating high-stakes negotiations and undercover operations. She excels in the art of communication under pressure through her training and experience as an FBI Crisis Negotiator for more than 15 years.
Melissa led the FBI Cleveland Crisis Negotiation Team for over a decade and played a critical role in resolving high-pressure domestic and international kidnappings and armed barricade situations.
Her work as an undercover agent targeting organized crime, public corruption, and counterintelligence sharpened her skills in persuasion, strategic assessment, and trust-building.
These frontline experiences now power her dynamic work as a training facilitator and consultant. Whether working with C-suite executives in complex negotiations or guiding teams through conflict, Melissa delivers practical, battle-tested tools that help professionals lead, influence, and problem-solve with precision.
Having taught with The Negotiations Collective for many years in our conflict resolution programs, Melissa serves as a Managing Director and is passionate about helping professionals build the confidence and skills to navigate difficult conversations effectively.
Welcome Networking Event
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Join us as we kick off the start of conference at our Welcome Networking event! It’ll be a fun evening to mingle with your colleagues and connect with other established and emerging leaders in the professions. Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink along with a selection of hors d'oeuvres served throughout the night.
Cash bar is available for purchase of additional beverages.
Event included in all in-person packages. Additional tickets are available for purchase.
Exhibitor Wine & Beer Reception
Thursday, October 15, 2026
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Mingle and network, reflect on your new learnings, and check out the amazing selection of exhibitors at our Exhibitor Reception! Get to know the outstanding organizations being showcased while completing your exhibitor passport for a chance to win a prize.
Enjoy a selection of drinks and hors d’oeuvres during the event.
Event included in the two-day conference package or the Thursday-only conference package.
Engineers and Geoscientists BC respectfully acknowledges that our office is located on the unceded ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. As a provincial regulator, we are grateful to have the opportunity to operate and serve across a diverse province of over 200 Indigenous communities.