Opening Keynote: Wednesday, June 16
“Experience Connection”
Peter Katz
Opening speaker Peter Katz will kick off Payroll University with an energizing, highly interactive experience designed to bring our community together from the very first moment. Through music, storytelling and audience participation, Peter will create a shared sense of connection that sets the tone for the days ahead. More than a keynote, this unforgettable opening session will invite attendees to engage, participate and experience the power of community in real time.
Speaker Bio
Peter Katz is a Juno Award- and Canadian Screen Award-nominated singer-songwriter, keynote speaker, and facilitator whose interactive keynote concerts create lasting connection, belonging, and momentum. Recently inducted into the National Speakers Association’s Speaker Hall of Fame, an honour held by fewer than 1% of professional speakers, Peter is known for highly customized experiences that help audiences recognize and celebrate their individual and collective impact. Blending live music, compelling storytelling, and research-backed insights, he explores resilience, authenticity, service, and unexpected joy. Peter brings nearly two decades of international touring experience to the stage. After a serious injury interrupted his music career, he discovered that the practices behind meaningful live performance—creating space for connection, reflection, and communal joy—could help leaders and teams in every field thrive. Today, as a four-time TEDx fellow, he equips people at every level of an organization to lead and work with greater purpose. An acclaimed recording artist, Peter’s music has been streamed more than 35 million times, with videos earning over 38 million YouTube views. His keynotes leave audiences feeling recognized, energized, and united around a values-driven vision.
Keynote: Thursday, June 17
“Understand Connection”
Dr. Shimi Kang
Dr. Shimi Kang will help attendees understand what it takes to build and sustain meaningful human connection in today’s rapidly evolving digital and AI-enabled world. Drawing on research, practical insights and her Vancouver-based perspective, Dr. Kang will explore how connection strengthens resilience, collaboration and well-being — at work and beyond. This engaging keynote will give attendees a deeper understanding of why community matters, and practical ways to nurture genuine connection in an increasingly disconnected world.
Closing Keynote: Friday, June 18
“Achieve Through Connection”
Tessa Virtue
Tessa Virtue will close Payroll University with an inspiring keynote on what becomes possible when connection is treated as a discipline. Drawing from her extraordinary career, Tessa will explore the power of trust, communication, shared purpose and partnership in achieving excellence. Her story will bring the theme of Community and Connection to life in a memorable way, reminding attendees that the strongest results are rarely achieved alone — they are built through meaningful relationships, mutual commitment and the confidence to move forward together.