Dave Howard

For over 25 years, Dave Howard has dedicated himself to serving those who have served Canada. As the visionary behind the Homes For Heroes Foundation, Dave shares his entrepreneurial journey in addressing the pressing issue of Veteran homelessness. In this captivating keynote, Dave reveals how his unwavering commitment to Canadian heroes led to the creation of innovative programs that provide critical support for Veterans transitioning back to civilian life. With heartfelt stories of resilience, community, and impact, audiences will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges Veterans face and the power of creative solutions to bring about lasting change. Dave’s story inspires others to take bold steps in addressing society’s toughest challenges, proving that with passion and collaboration, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved.

Dave Howard’s leadership has been celebrated time and again, reflecting his dedication to innovation, service, and making a difference. Featured twice in Calgary Avenue Magazine’s 40 Under 40 and recognized as a Leader of Tomorrow by Business in Calgary Magazine, Dave’s commitment to impactful leadership extends beyond business. His contributions to supporting Canada’s Veterans earned him both the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, honors that speak to his passion for serving those who have served.

Change is inevitable, but great leaders know how to turn it into an opportunity for growth and innovation. Dave Howard draws on his extensive experience leading organizations through dynamic transitions with practical insights and proven principles, emphasizing the importance of purpose, resilience, and the drive to rise to the challenges within change by remaining authentic and leave a legacy of impact. Dave shares key leadership strategies for navigating uncertainty, inspiring teams, and maintaining a clear vision amid evolving circumstances. Attendees will gain actionable insights into decision-making, fostering resilience, and driving progress while keeping their teams aligned and motivated. With real-world examples and practical advice, this session empowers leaders to embrace change as a catalyst for transformation and lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose in even the most challenging times.

With a proven track record of launching and scaling impactful ventures, Dave Howard embodies the essence of entrepreneurship. As the CEO and Founder of The Event Group, Canada’s leading live event production company, Dave has mastered the art of building a dynamic and sustainable business in a highly competitive industry. His work extends to philanthropy and social enterprise through the Homes For Heroes Foundation, a national leader in addressing Veteran homelessness, and Canadian Legacy Project, a Veterans transition charity. Most recently, he founded ToMarket, an affordable housing developer, tackling one of Canada’s most urgent social challenges.

In this engaging session, Dave reveals the strategies, insights, and lessons learned from leading diverse organizations. From establishing a strong strategic focus to mastering governance, marketing, and operations, Dave shares practical tools for scaling businesses while maintaining integrity and innovation. With behind-the-scenes stories of overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities, this keynote inspires aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders to turn their visions into thriving

Dave Howard’s journey is a testament to resilience and transformation. Diagnosed with ADHD only after high school, Dave spent his early years navigating the frustration and struggles of an undiagnosed learning challenge. Yet, it was these very hurdles that became the foundation for his future success. In this inspiring keynote, Dave shares how he found his footing in university and transformed personal challenges into powerful skills that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. Audiences will gain unique insights into embracing adversity, discovering hidden strengths, and using setbacks as stepping stones to success. With his trademark energy and authenticity, Dave’s story motivates others to rethink limitations and uncover their own potential.

Balancing the roles of entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dave Howard exemplifies how purpose-driven leadership can bridge the worlds of business and charity. Drawing from his experience managing diverse companies and founding impactful organizations, Dave shares how his commitment to continuous learning and growth has sharpened his expertise in strategy, governance, operations, marketing, and finance. In this insightful presentation, Dave explores the unique challenges and opportunities of steering businesses while building charities that create meaningful change. Audiences will be inspired by his approach to integrating innovation, leadership, and compassion, proving that success is most rewarding when it uplifts others.

Philanthropy is more than giving—it’s about building a legacy of connection, support, and positive change. In this inspiring session, Dave Howard shares how his experiences leading the Homes For Heroes Foundation, Canadian Legacy Project, and other ventures have demonstrated the transformative power of giving back. By engaging volunteers, fostering community connections, and prioritizing collective impact, Dave shows how philanthropy can create solutions for even the most complex societal challenges.

Through heartfelt stories and actionable insights, Dave highlights the critical role of community involvement and the importance of nurturing a culture of giving. Attendees will learn how to harness the power of partnerships, inspire volunteerism, and build initiatives that not only address immediate needs but also create lasting change. This keynote is a call to action for individuals and organizations to embrace their potential to give back, empowering communities and driving meaningful progress