Every year, the National Training Events (NTEs) bring some of the brightest minds and boldest thinkers to the stage, and 2026 is set to be our most dynamic lineup yet. 

This year’s NTE West speakers are leaders, disruptors, creators, and experts who’ve made their mark on industries ranging from entertainment to economics, cybersecurity to resilience, and team development to human behaviour.

Across two power-packed days, you’ll experience game-changing keynotes, interactive workshops, and captivating storytelling all designed to help you think differently, work smarter, and lead with purpose. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and energized by the remarkable thought leaders taking our stages.

Get Ready to Laugh, Learn, & Lean In

Jessi Cruickshank is taking the mic as this year’s NTE host. Known for her razor-sharp wit and unmistakable authenticity, Jessi is one of Canada’s most celebrated entertainment personalities.

Maybe you saw her at NTE a few years ago, or on MTV’s The Hills After Show, CBC’s The Goods, and Canada’s Smartest Person. You may also know her as the creator of New Mom, Who Dis?, or as the comedic force behind her chart-topping podcast Phone a Friend.

Jessi brings an electric presence to every stage she steps on, with a remarkable ability to create instant connection with audiences. As an accomplished emcee and interviewer for organizations like RBC, Canada Goose, and the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards, she’s the spark that ignites the room.

The Art of Achieving Ambitious Things

Jia Jiang became famous as “The Rejection Guy,” but his influence extends far beyond his viral experiment. With millions inspired by his TED Talk and bestselling book Rejection Proof, Jia has built a career around teaching people how to overcome fear, build resilience, and chase big goals with confidence.

His new keynote reveals a transformative way to achieve ambitious goals: by turning discipline from a burden into an empowering routine.

Find your true ambition. Strip away noise and identify what truly drives you.

Master the RISE system:

• Routinize your dream
• Increase your payouts
• Surefire your environment
• Elevate your ability

Apply the One Action Goal: A tool so powerful, it makes you fall in love with the work required to succeed.

This is more than a talk. It’s a blueprint for unlocking potential.

Strategic Moves: Navigating Change in Uncertain Times

In a world shaped by volatility, economic shifts, geopolitical tension, disruptive technologies, and climate uncertainty, adaptability has never been more essential.

Todd Hirsch, internationally renowned economist and author, offers a clear-eyed, insightful guide to navigating turbulence with strategic focus and confidence. With 25 years at the forefront of global economic transformation, Todd helps leaders understand what’s changing (and what to do next).

You’ll walk away with:

• A deeper understanding of global forces shaping today’s economy
• Fresh perspectives on what the 21st-century economy really looks like
• Tools to stay agile when disruption hits
• Options to explore the future of work, economic forecasting, or adaptability skills

Smart, timely, and deeply relevant, this keynote sets leaders up for what’s ahead.

The Optical Tune-Up: From Pain Points to Power Moves

Independent and community-based optical practices face real pressures—from competition and staffing to technology demands. Tyler Hayden’s energetic, gamified session is designed to turn all that complexity into clarity.

This highly interactive World Café workshop goes beyond talking: it’s about doing. Participants rotate through focused table conversations to identify challenges, solve problems, and co-create practical strategies they can use immediately.

Expect to leave with:

• Clinic-ready actions to improve workflow
• Retention strategies for stronger teams
• Patient experience ideas that set your clinic apart
• Tech adoption approaches that actually work
• A prioritized list of next steps for the next 7–30 days

Tyler brings decades of research and a contagious sense of fun to every event. This session is about empowerment through collaboration, creativity, and actionable insight.

Cybersecurity: Spies, Lies, Cybercrime, & You

Strap in! Eric O’Neill’s keynote is an edge-of-your-seat journey into the world of espionage, AI-driven attacks, deepfakes, and the cybercriminal empires threatening every business today.

Eric isn’t just a cybersecurity expert; he’s a legendary former FBI operative known for taking down one of the most notorious spies in U.S. history, Robert Hanssen. His undercover mission inspired the film Breach and his bestselling book Gray Day.

Today, Eric leads cutting-edge firms specializing in counterintelligence and AI-fueled cybercrime prevention. His message is clear: in a world where cybertheft is expected to exceed $20 trillion USD, vigilance isn’t optional.

What you’ll learn:

• How AI is fuelling the next generation of cyberattacks
• What every organization must do to defend itself
• Real stories from the FBI’s most sensitive operations
• How to protect your money, your data, and your reputation

Thrilling, informative, unforgettable. This keynote will change how you think about digital security.

Your Next Step: Join Us at NTE West 2026

This year’s speakers equip you with tools, courage, and clarity to excel in the rapidly changing world around us.

From big-picture inspiration to hands-on problem solving, NTE West 2026 is where ideas ignite, connections spark, and momentum begins.

Are you ready to learn, connect, and grow?

We can’t wait to welcome you. Register today to secure your spot. Spaces are limited.