2018 Speakers & Celebrities
Bryan Baeumler
Bryan doesn’t believe he’s put in an honest day’s work unless he gets his hands dirty. A natural-born teacher, the Gemini-award winning host has been educating and entertaining viewers across Canada and the US since 2007 on the hit shows Disaster DIY, Canada’s Handyman Challenge, Leave it to Bryan, House of Bryan and his most recent show Bryan Inc.. Bryan’s quick wit and easy-going personality have made him a huge hit with viewers on all of his home renovation shows.
Learning valuable tricks of the trade from his father, a meticulous aircraft engineer, Bryan spent his childhood summers building his family’s cottage from the ground up. After earning a dual degree in Political Science and Business, Bryan was headed towards a career of practicing law. Realizing he’d rather be renovating than being chained to a desk, his innate passion for building took over and he traded in his tie for a tool belt and founded Baeumler Quality Construction.
A few kids and number of hit TV shows later, Bryan continues to tackle home renovation projects, be the spokesperson for numerous products and expand his growing businesses to include Baeumler Approved and Baeumler Custom Cabinetry. Currently filming Bryan Inc. with wife Sarah, viewers will follow the couple on their journey as they flip two investment properties while balancing their busy home lives together. For more information about Bryan, visit bryanbaeumler.com.
Don’t miss Bryan on our Main Stage on Friday, January 19 from 6:30-7:30pm and Saturday, January 20 from 1-2pm where he will help take the frustration out of your home renovations!
Handy Man Chris Palmer
As a professional Industrial Designer turned Carpenter and Contractor, Chris has brought a new perspective to the world of handcrafting beautiful custom builds. With over 10 years of experience, his company focuses on all levels of projects from custom furniture pieces, to complete home additions. A creative eye and unique style keeps Chris on trend and his work in demand. Chris often participates in many charities donating his work to help raise money for groups such as Diabetes, Habitat for Humanity and others. You can also find Chris sharing his knowledge on the latest and greatest home renovation tips for DIY'ers as a regular guest expert on The Marilyn Denis Show, The Global Morning Show and other daytime TV stations. You may also recognize Chris from other shows from HGTV, such as Canada's Handyman Challenge, Income Property, Open House Overhaul and Backyard Builds.
Chris will reveal the top renovations to boost the value of your home on our Main Stage on Friday, January 19 from 3:30-4:30pm and Saturday, January 20 from 3-4pm.
Katrina Barclay & Evan Blackburn
Katrina Barclay is the owner of upcycled-furniture boutique and workshop, Malenka Originals. Over the last 6 years, Katrina has shown thousands how to refresh and revitalise their old, tired furniture. She is Ottawa’s exclusive stockist for Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan, and was one of Ontario’s first retailers of the popular product. She has travelled widely to learn techniques for using Chalk Paint, including being taught directly by Annie Sloan at her Oxford, England studio. Katrina’s work and business have been featured across multiple media outlets in Ottawa, as well as publications in Canada and the USA.
A graduate of Algonquin College's Carpentry and Joinery program, Evan Blackburn has tackled everything from large timber frames to small miniatures. Over the last few years, he has spent most of his time teaching students on a number of woodworking topics, and has recently been teaming up with Malenka Originals to offer in-house repair services.
To learn how to transform old furniture, be sure to check out Katrina and Evan’s presentation on our Main Stage on Saturday, January 20 from 11:30am-12:30pm and Sunday, January 21 from 1-2pm.
Steve Barkhouse
Steve Barkhouse is the Owner and President of Amsted Design-Build, Ottawa’s most recognized local renovation company. He regularly shares design inspiration and renovation tips on CTV News at Noon, and through other local news outlets.
Steve essentially grew up on construction sites, and combined with his education in business and design, it was a natural fit to start Amsted in 1989. The company grew out of Steve’s inherent “people-pleasing” nature, and that feeling permeates throughout Amsted today. Most recently Amsted was named 2017 Renovator of the Year by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, marking the 7th time the company has been awarded this title.
Steve will guide homeowners through a successful renovation project when he takes the Main Stage on Saturday, January 20 from 4:30-5:30pm and Sunday, January 21 from 11:30am-12:30pm.
Sue Pitchforth
Sue Pitchforth of Décor Therapy Plus is an International Award-Winning Designer, and Readers’ Choice Winner for eight years in a row. Sue is a TV personality who loves sharing her passion for Design, teaching, conducting workshops and seminars. Watch for new things coming from Sue as she establishes herself in the Nation's Capital. Sue practices Interior Decorating, Colour Consulting, Home Staging, Re-Design and manages renovations for her clients.
Get the inside scoop on the top design tips that save you time and money with Sue on our Main Stage on Thursday, January 18 from 6:30-7:30pm and Sunday, January 21 from 2:30-3:30pm. The first 25 attendees will receive a fabulous Takeaway Bag filled with design info, coupons & ideas!
Lagois Design-Build-Renovate Expert Panel
Jeff Hurdis – Designer
Jeff Hurdis has the fun job of helping bring clients’ visions to life at Lagois. As resident Designer, he is responsible for the development of 3D renderings and managing the building permit process with the City.
Sophie Villeneuve – Project Development Manager
Project Development Manager, Sophie Villeneuve has her finger on the pulse of all projects at Lagois. Tasked with managing budgets, product selections, trade pricing, scope of work and contract writing, she definitely has her hands full. But she loves every minute of it – especially the variety.
Chris Parish – Construction Manager
Chris Parish is the Construction Manager for Lagois. Overseeing the building process from start to finish, he ensures that all trades people onsite are doing top-notch work that remains on time and budget.
Moderator: Sienna Benson – Director of First Impressions
As Director of First Impressions, Sienna Benson is the face of Lagois when people first walk in or make a call. If you have a question, she will do her very best to answer it, and if she can’t, she knows exactly who to direct you to.
Come see the Lagois Design-Build-Renovate Expert Panel on the Main Stage on Thursday, January 18th from 3:30pm-4:30pm.
Neil Harding
Neil Harding has been with Sleep Country Canada for over 17 years. He is responsible for home shows, training and product knowledge nationally. He has extensive experience in all aspects of the mattress industry and is considered an expert in his field.
Come see Neil Harding on the Main Stage on Saturday, January 20th at 6:00pm-7:00pm.
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