Viviane Forest

Keynote Speaker | Edmonton, Alberta

Gold Medalist
Paralympic Athlete and Overcoming Adversity Expert

Viviane Forest Expertise Disability, Adaptability & Agility, Public Relations & Media Training, Accessibility, Mindset & Attitude, Mindset & Goal Accomplishment and PTSD & Trauma.

Viviane Forest

About Viviane Forest

Viviane Forest is one of Canada’s most decorated Paralympic athletes and an inspiring public speaker on topics of corporate, education & community events. Viviane Forest shares her real story of overcoming adversity to earn success, in a genuine, strong manner that motivates people to be active and reach for their goals and dreams. After winning a total of 7 Paralympic medals and many world events in both summer (Goalball) and winter sports (Downhill and Slalom Skiing), Viviane Forest retired in the sports industry and is now focusing on speaking and art therapy.

Viviane Forest Videos

Super Athletes | Viviane Forest | Paralympic Alpine Skiing | "The Falc

Get Involved! Feat. Viviane Forest | Paralympic Alpine Skiing

Viviane Forest: "failure is Not an Option"

Viviane Forest Retires

Canada's Viviane Forest Crashes in Women's Downhill Visually Impaired

Viviane Forest Interviews & Podcasts

VIVIANE FOREST BIOGRAPHY

Viviane Forest,  who is known as “The Falcon”, is an inspiring public speaker at corporate, education and community events. Her presentations are genuine, strong, and they motivate people to be active and reach for their goals and dreams. In the past ten years, she has spoken to approximately 10,000 people in Quebec and Alberta. She is frequent presenter to corporate gatherings and often accepts speaking engagements for public events or fundraisers. She has experience speaking to small groups like a classroom or large conference gatherings as a keynote. Viviane’s keynote address, Failure is Not an Option appeals to many organizations because of her charm and ability to speak authoritatively in both French and English.

Viviane Forest can also facilitate team-building sessions. Viviane Forest is a Triple Gold Medal Paralympian of 2000, 2004 and 2010. Viviane is one of Canada’s most decorated Paralympic athletes. After a nine-year career as a member of the national Goalball team, she now competes for Canada in Para-Alpine skiing. Viviane Forest has seven Paralympic medals from three different Paralympic Games. Viviane was born in Montreal but now calls Edmonton home. She has been in competitive sports since the age of four. Viviane played hockey and ringette, and participated in karate, judo, track and field, cycling and provincial-level swimming.

The one thing that differentiates Viviane Forest from other athletes is that she has only 4% of normal vision. Yet she excels at the highest possible levels. Viviane Forest races down the ski slopes, with her guide, at speeds over 100 km/hr. They use a two-way radio system, trust and confidence to prevail on the slopes of the world. At the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, Viviane won medals in all five alpine race disciplines: a Gold in the prestigious Downhill, three Silvers in Super-G, Slalom and Super Combined and a Bronze in Giant Slalom. With two Paralympic gold medals won in Goalball at the Sydney 2000 and the Athens 2004 Paralympic Summer Games.

Viviane Forest has become one of a few female high-performance athletes in the world to win gold medals in both summer and winter Paralympic or Olympic Games. Recently Viviane Forest has national recognition for her sporting accomplishments: Canadian Paralympic Committee inaugural Debut Award, and Alpine Canada TELUS Award of Excellence Breakthrough Athlete of the Year. In addition to her sport accomplishments, the community also is lucky to Viviane as a leader and role model. She is the recipient of the Edmonton’s Salute to Excellence (October 2010), and The Global Woman of Vision (May 2010).

Viviane Forest’s story is stunning and captivating. Her five-medal podium finish at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games had her collecting over 25% of Canada’s medals while injured. Her tenacious determination and commitment to her dreams create a humourous and intense story, sure to inspire. Between training and competing, Viviane is an inspiring public speaker at corporate and community events. Her presentations are genuine, strong, and they motivate people to be active and reach for their goals and dreams. In the past ten years, she has spoken to approximately 10,000 people across Canada.

Viviane Forest frequently speaks at corporate gatherings and often accepts speaking engagements for public events or fundraisers. Forest has experience speaking to small groups like a classroom or board meeting and large conference gatherings in convention centres.

Viviane Forest Topic Presentations

Viviane Forest Edmonton, Alberta, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

Failure is Not an Option

Vision Beyond Limits: : Competing at the Highest Level with 4 Percent Sight

Failure is Not an Option: : Turning Setbacks into Podium Finishes

Viviane Forest Books & Articles

Viviane Forest Speaking Testimonials

"What a Standing Ovation looks like: Thank you for joining us at our 2010 Annual Conference as a keynote presenter. Your presentation was engaging and entertaining, and I know that our members will truly benefit from your inspirational story."

Megan Archibald

Manager
Communications & Stakeholder Engagement, Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia

"Viviane, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share your incredible experiences with our athletes and many of your teammates – it really hit home for a lot of them and we look forward to working with you in future initiatives! The sport system would surely benefit from more athletes like you!"

AthletesCAN

Athlete Forum 2010 Committee

"J’ai eu le plaisir de travailler avec Viviane Forest au sein du Conseil d’administration de l’Association sportive des aveugles du Québec (ASAQ). J’attire votre attention sur l’engagement de Madame Forest. Elle a été conférencière-initiatrice dans la communauté ainsi que dans des écoles à l’intention de groupes d’élèves de niveaux primaire et secondaire. Elle a fait de la représentation lors d’événements tels que «Vision Extrême », la semaine de la canne blanche et le Congrès de la Fédération des éducateurs et éducatrices physiques enseignants du Québec (FÉÉPEQ). L’École Jacques-Ouellette lui a décerné un prix en juin 2001, lors de son retour des..."

Robert Deschênes

Président
Association Sportive des Aveugles du Québec

"It has also been my experience that Viviane is driven to experience excellence, not only in her sport but also in her personal life. I believe she is unstoppable when she decides what she wants. It is for these reasons that I have asked Viviane to address a large group of my colleagues on what it takes to achieve such a high level of success in a relatively short period. As a Canadian, I am extremely proud to know her based on the quality of her character, her stellar attitude and her strength & determination. She is a great example of being Canadian."

Deborah Cantin

Marketing Director
World Financial Group

"Edmonton West has had Viviane Forest out to speak to our club in November 2010. She is an amazing speaker considering she has only been speaking English for a couple of years. Her presentation is touching and humourous, definitely worthwhile."

Edmonton West Rotary Club

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Viviane Forest known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Viviane Forest is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Viviane Forest speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Viviane Forest delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Viviane Forest is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Viviane Forest is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Viviane Forest from and where do they speak across Canada?

Viviane Forest is from Edmonton, Alberta and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Viviane Forest available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Viviane Forest is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Viviane Forest deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Viviane Forest may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Viviane Forest to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Viviane Forest is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Viviane Forest for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Viviane Forest is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Viviane Forest as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Viviane Forest keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Viviane Forest for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Viviane Forest may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Viviane Forest for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Viviane Forest should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Viviane Forest represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Viviane Forest is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More