Gala 2021: Connections

March 24 | 5PM - 7PM EST
with keynote address by Dan Aykroyd

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the 2021 CENE Gala, our annual gathering for CENE members. This year’s program celebrated all of us and our connections to Canada and to each other.

CENE’s Gala 2021 celebrates connections… between the United States and Canada, amid colleagues, among friends and between the very special people who are members of the CENE.

Our evening began with short introductions followed by the Gala Reception - table discussions dedicated to various regions in Canada.

Following the Gala Reception, thought leaders led discussions during our dinner conversations including unique industry perspectives from our leadership council members in the life sciences, financial services and clean tech.

After the dinner conversations, we heard a very special keynote address by Dan Aykroyd. Listen to Dan’s keynote address here. Find out more about Crystal Head Vodka.

The evening concluded with a raffle of some very special Canadian gifts.

Writer, Actor Dan Aykroyd first came to the public’s attention when he began as one of the Prime-Time players on Saturday Night Live. He has co-created numerous films such as LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, BLUES BROTHERS, SPIES LIKE US, DRAGNET, GHOSTBUSTERS, GHOSTBUSTERS II, CONEHEADS, NOTHING BUT TROUBLE (VALKENVANIA), and BLUES BROTHERS 2000.

In 2005 Dan Aykroyd was granted the rights to distribute Patron Spirits throughout Canada. Patron Tequila is the number one selling tequila in North America. The success of Patron Tequila in Canada, prompted Dan to enter the U.S. marketplace in December 2008 with his distinctive Crystal Head Vodka. The ultra-premium vodka is renowned for being filtered through Herkimer Diamonds, blended with pristine Newfoundland water and is completely additive free. Crystal Head is available in three different expressions of vodka: Original is crafted from Canadian corn, Aurora from English wheat and Onyx is made from Blue Weber agave. Crystal Head is a multi-award-winning vodka now sold in over 80 countries worldwide.

When he is not travelling, Aykroyd spends his time at his farm in Kingston, Ontario.

Agenda
5:00 - 5:45 Networking Reception
Table Topics:
- A CENE Welcome
- Gathering Around the Prairie Provinces
- Nova Scotia Connections and Community
- Reconnecting with British Columbia
- Swapping Stories about Our Favorite Ontario Foods with the Ontario Trade and Investment Office - NYC
- A Toast to Canada with Crystal Head Vodka

5:45 - 6:00 Welcome and Introductions
Scott Lewis, President of the CENE
Rodger Cuzner, Consul General of Canada in Boston
Ty Shattuck, CEO, McMaster Innovation Park
Vincent Lau, Managing Partner, Clark Lau LLC
Evan Smith, Partner, Latham & Watkins
Shayne Gilbert, Executive Director of the CENE

6:00 - 6:45 Table Discussions
Table Topics and Hosts
- Cleantech, Greentech, Social Responsibility and Market Opportunities with the CENE Clean Tech Leadership Council led by CENE Members Bruce Hecht and James De Vellis of Foley & Lardner
- Cross-border Investing and Estate Planning with the CENE Financial Services Leadership Council led by CENE Board Member Pat Cote
- The First Hire to the 100th Hire, Finding Great Talent and Creating a Culture of Cross Border Collaboration with Evan Smith of Latham & Watkins
- From the Bench to the Business, Technology Transfer and Market Opportunity with Tani Chan of Wolf Greenfield
- Member Connections: How CENE Can Help You with CENE Board Member Joe Horvat
- The Rise of Nationalism in Drug APIs, Manufacturing, Supply and Distribution with the CENE Life Sciences Leadership Council led by CENE Board Member Rick Pierce
- Supporting Equitable Healthcare Access with the CENE Life Sciences Leadership Council led by CENE Board Member Karla MacDonald

6:45 - 7:00 Keynote Address by Dan Aykroyd