We invite you to join us at one or both of our Industry Luncheons available during the Conference. This is a great opportunity to network with other Delegates and be entertained over lunch.
Monday May 10, 2010 – Ray Zahab
On November 1, 2006 Ray and two other runners set out on an epic expedition to cross the Sahara Desert by foot. One hundred and eleven days after leaving the coast of Senegal they made history by dipping their toes into the Red Sea and raising the bar of all that we consider possible. The epic expedition had the trio running an average of 70km’s a day, without a single day of rest. National Geographic tracked this epic expedition by web, and the documentary film ‘Running The Sahara’ - narrated and produced by Matt Damon - will raise awareness for the drinking water situation in Northern Africa.
On January 7, 2009 Ray and two other Canadians broke the world speed record for unsupported expedition from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole. In the process, Ray became the first person to trek to the South Pole on this traditional 1130 km route solely on foot using snowshoes.
Wednesday May 12, 2010 – Brent Butt
Brent Butt was born in Tisdale, Saskatchewan on August 3, 1966- the very same day that legendary comedian Lenny Bruce died. The youngest of seven children, Brent discovered that making people laugh was the quickest way to get their attention. In an environment where sharp wits triumphed over pull-my-finger gags, Brent learned to 'work clean' at a very early age. However, you can only build a comedy career so far in Tisdale- and so it wasn't long before Brent headed for the bright lights of Toronto. In a few years he went from doing 5 minutes on amateur night in Saskatoon to performing professionally for huge crowds in Canada and the United States.
Brent's style, which he refers to as "coffee shop humour", is comfortable and relaxed. "My friends and I used to sit in the local coffee shop, literally for hours, just talking. We would discuss everything from world domination to the best kind of socks." Butt says, "That's what I try to recapture onstage, that easy style. The jokes naturally build and multiply in that situation. You don't have to force them".
Brent's career has continued to build momentum over the years. From doing Television Specials on every network in Canada (and a few cable channels) to sold out concert shows in theatres across the country, Brent established himself as one of Canada's favourite funnymen. From 2003 to 2008, he teamed up with CTV to create the hugely popular sitcom Corner Gas. Brent is currently writing and producing a pilot for CTV entitled, Hiccups.
Brent has won four Canadian Comedy Awards, for Best Male Stand-up, Best Male TV Performance and Best Writing - TV Series.
