Alan is an international speaker, author, and performance coach who is passionate about leadership and reaching new heights in all that we do! His unique philosophy of life revolves around empowering people and embracing an agile mentality focused on goals and results. By understanding what drives and motivates us, we are able to cultivate more innovative and effective ways of thinking and taking action.

Alan holds a degree in engineering from Queen’s University and a master’s in psychology from Adler University, giving him a well-balanced approach to the outer and inner challenges we all face. Alan has worked internationally with large organizations as a professional engineer and project manager.

Building experience through a lifestyle of adventure and challenge, in the spring of 2008, Alan embarked on the journey of a lifetime and set a world record on Mount Everest along with three members of his immediate family. It was a two-month expedition through some of the most exciting yet terrifying conditions imaginable, and their success demanded unwavering perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

Robert W. Chambers is the world-recognized authority for handcrafted log home construction. He has been building log homes since 1983 and teaching log construction since 1988. He has written numerous magazine articles and is author of the best-selling log home construction textbook, the Log Construction Manual and the DVD series .

He is also the inventor of log construction methods, products, and machinery, and holds US and foreign patents for his log construction inventions.

In 2006, the International Log Builders Association (ILBA) presented Chambers with the Grand Achievement Award, which has been awarded only three times in the ILBA's 45-year history.

He served on the ILBA committee that wrote the "Log Building Standards," and "Effective Practices & Methods for Handcrafted Log Construction," and is listed as a technical resource in those Standards. He also served as the ILBA representative to the International Code Committee's (ICC) IS-LOG standards development committee, and was appointed to serve on the American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC) National Log Grading Rule task force.

He has been an expert witness for litigation, and a consultant for log home companies, builders, and developers throughout the world, including the USA and Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latvia, Russia, Finland, Scotland, England, Ukraine, Greece, Romania, Dubai, Turkmenistan, South Africa, Oceania, Brazil and Chile.

Robert is available as a professional consultant on design and construction issues for handcrafted log structures, and as an expert witness for mediation and litigation. He has consulted and been an expert witness both for homeowners and for log home builders. Robert has decades of practical experience and know-how — he is a log home builder and has built numerous log buildings, large and small, commercial and residential. His skills as a teacher and an author are valuable when it comes to clearly explaining difficult or complicated situations.

Robert Savignac, affectionately known as Log Bob, is a revered figure in the world of building with massive wood, boasting over four decades of unparalleled experience. His expertise spans across Canada and extends globally, where he has left an indelible mark on residential and commercial projects alike. With a profound understanding of various wood construction techniques including logs, post & beam, laminated panels, and more, Robert has garnered international acclaim for his mastery in harnessing the inherent qualities of natural wood.

Throughout his illustrious career, Robert Savignac has been intimately involved in the CLBA/ILBA as a Board member, CEO and President. He has been an ambassador to our Industry throughout the world, as well as bringing countless dreams to fruition, guiding clients through the intricacies of log construction with finesse and expertise. Working particularly within Aboriginal and First Nation communities throughout the North has been a major focus in his career. He continues to champion the use of logs as the most natural response to housing demands where promoting sustainability, healthy homes, and environmental stewardship remain a priority. Whether it's a rustic cabin nestled in the wilderness or a grand commercial venture, Robert's passion for his craft shines through in every project he undertakes.

Beyond his exceptional teaching and technical skills, Robert is also known for his unwavering commitment in the ongoing efforts required in demonstrating the energy efficiency of log and mass wood structures. As a trusted advisor and visionary in the field of log and timber construction, Robert Savignac still runs a chainsaw and continues to inspire and empower people to turn their dreams into reality, one log at a time!

Born and raised in the beautiful Mont Tremblant area, Amelie is a talented and

experienced log home designer. She proudly co-owns and operate Harkins inc.,

a log and timber home building company, which was founded by her parents and

brother, David, the current CEO. Amelie, a certified architectural technologist

from Loyalist College, was raised by a talented log builder as a father and a

nature loving mother who shared their ethical and hard-working values with their

two kids. It was only natural for her to follow their footsteps and dive into the log

home industry. Amelie and her husband are now sharing this passion working

together, wondering if their two kids, 12 & 9 will eventually follow in that line.

Amelie is a quiet person, driven by a strong desire to build the most beautiful yet

practical and sturdy homes for her clientele. She works closely with her team to

seek ways to further develop log wood home building techniques and improve

home efficiencies not forgetting the esthetic.  

Amelie had no big shiny dreams to see the business grow when she joined the

business. Instead, she had one destination in mind: being Quebec’s most trusted

builder for log homes. The family business incorporated a timber frame and

construction team to their workforce, always keeping their quality standards and

their personal relationships with customers. 

In an industry dominated by man, she is a quiet, strong, and determined leader

inspiring respect through her knowledge and work ethic.

Mira Steinbrecher, Principal Architect, founded her firm in 1991, specializing in residential design across the Pacific Northwest and Montana. With decades of experience, she delivers timeless designs that blend seamlessly with their surroundings.

Mira is also a respected seminar leader and speaker at industry conferences on two continents , fostering connections with builders, engineers, and designers. In her career she contributed to Log Home Living magazine and revived Log Building News, shar ing her expertise in log building design and construction.

Mira holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Texas and is active in the International Log Builders Association and the Timber Framers Guild. With a background in costuming for the professional theater, she brings a unique perspective to her architectural practice.

Monique Frison is the Director General of the Trade, Economic and Industry Branch of the Canadian Forest Service at Natural Resources Canada. Monique’s team at the Canadian Forest Service is responsible for a variety of issues, such as implementation of Canada’s commitment to plant two billion trees by 2031; supporting research, development and deployment of innovative processes and forest products, including accelerating the development of the forest bioeconomy; forest stewardship and economic opportunities in Indigenous communities, and international relations. Monique has also held various high-profile positions across the Federal Public Service, including at Health Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Infrastructure Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and Global Affairs Canada. Internationally, Monique has also held positions with the International Organization on Migration, as well as with Global Affairs Canada in Washington DC. Monique hails from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, but currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario.

Nate has been working in the building trades for 25 years.

He tried to build his first log home when he was ten years old in the wooded area behind his house.

After making it up 5 rows high, he realized it was going to be too much work to finish the project with the one tool he had: an axe.

Since then, he has focused on and studied high efficiency construction, solar integration, and improving our current housing stock.

Nate’s hobbies include running a chainsaw and getting lost in the mountains during the winter.

Herb Meeker embarked on his journey in construction, specializing in custom homes right after high school in 1972. By 1975, he was entrusted with leading the custom home business. Transitioning to log homes in the mid-1980s, Herb contributed to the design, sale, permitting, and construction of nearly 250 log homes in central California. In 1990, he discovered his passion for log home maintenance and restoration, spurred by the industry's potential.

In 2017, Herb transitioned fully into log home restoration, dedicating himself to preserving and protecting historic structures and poorly designed log homes. By 2023, he sold his restoration business and assumed the role of a log home consultant, primarily focusing on mentoring new restoration companies and teaching at the Zero Failures classes at the Sashco facility in Thornton, Colorado. Alongside his professional endeavors, Herb enjoys traveling with his wife Karen and cherishing moments with his 14 grandchildren. He remains committed to advancing the log home preservation cause, notably through his involvement with the David Rogers Heritage & Preservation Committee with the ILBA.

Kevin R. Maynard, Owner/Member of Open Hearth Home Inspection, LLC, is a Certified Master Home Inspector and Licensed General Contractor. He is also a member of the Wisconsin Association of Home Inspectors (WAHI) and American Society of home inspectors (ASHI) and the (ILBA) International Log Builders Association.

Kevin is often hired by attorneys, insurance agencies, builders and homeowners who have encountered problems with their construction project or home inspection. He is also frequently hired to find defects in homes especially log homes that builders or homeowners encounter after the home is built or being built, such as ice damming, mold problems or water coming into the building.

Kevin acquired extensive experience building and repairing log homes before becoming a licensed home inspector and he understands the entire building process and the components of a home as well. He still gets involved with these projects today.

He has been a guest speaker for WAHI, ASHI, ILBA and Estonia Log Builders’ Association. Kevin has traveled to Norway, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Greece, Mexico, Ecuador , Columbia and Estonia looking at buildings, speaking to builders on the particular challenges involved in building and inspecting homes, especial log homes. He was also an instructor for Home Inspector University, based in Fox River Grove, IL.

As owner and big picture thinker at Daizen, Dai Ona identifies business opportunities and works with clients to bring their project visions to life. He applies his design and building experience to create final products that are distinct, functional and sustainable.

Dai conveys both passion and resolve to meet any challenge and leads his team in offering exceptional work at every stage of the design, production and installation process. He has fostered respect and camaraderie among his crew members who reflect his work ethic. Dai’s focus on high quality standards and reputation guide decision-making. Dai’s experience has been gained through more than two decades working in the building and timber frame industries in Japan, other parts of Asia and Canada.

He emigrated to Canada from Japan and started Daizen Joinery in 1990 in Parksville, BC, where he focused his efforts on hand timber building and joinery, and exporting frame products to Asian markets. Dai relocated his business to the Interior of BC in 2004 where he expanded his company to meet the growing needs of the timber frame industry in North America.

Today, his company serves a client base from across Western Canada, the US Pacific Northwest, California and Hawaii. His commitment to ongoing professional development and speaking opportunities keep Dai open to new, innovative ideas, and collaboration within the timber frame industry.

Pierre Cousineau, CEO of Americana Log Homes, brings a grounded vision to crafting personalized log and timber homes. Since its establishment in 1987, Pierre has guided Americana's growth into a top provider of such homes in Canada and the Eastern United States.

Under his leadership, Americana is celebrated for its meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to realizing clients' visions. Pierre and his team embrace the challenge of turning plans into stunning realities, each project showcasing their unparalleled skill and commitment.

With a focus on innovation and a love for log construction's timeless appeal, Pierre has positioned Americana as an industry leader, renowned for excellence in design and construction. His dedication to quality ensures each home is a unique sanctuary tailored to its owners' needs.

As Pierre leads Americana Log Homes forward, his emphasis on personalized service and superior craftsmanship remains steadfast, reinforcing the company's reputation for excellence. Additionally, his son, Roch, brings a fresh perspective as he embarks on his journey in the industry.

Natasha Jeremic is the Sustainability Manager in the Codes and Standards group at the Canadian Wood Council. She is engaged in strategic building code and standards initiatives related to sustainability, circularity, and durability. Natasha leverages her experience in structural design, building performance, and whole life carbon accounting to demonstrate how wood products are a viable solution for a sustainable and low-carbon built environment.

Katharina (Kat) Koelbel, born in Cologne, Germany in 1967, is a seasoned architect with a passion for log home design. Since 1991, she has crafted exquisite log homes in Germany and Switzerland, overseeing every aspect from estimation to site management. A licensed architect in Germany, Kat is also a dedicated member of the International Log Builders' Association (ILBA), serving on its board from 2003 to 2004. Her collaboration with global partners and her current role at KLAFS, a leading spa brand, reflect her versatility and commitment to excellence. Kat finds inspiration in wooden vibes and cherishes networking opportunities, regularly attending ILBA conferences.

In a country where forests cover over 50% of the territory, wood construction is deeply rooted in tradition. Building on centuries of know-how Estonian woodhouse sector has become an innovation leader, combining extensive R&D with cutting-edge design & technology.

My goal is to support Woodhouse Estonia members to boost timber construction further more via:

+ digitalization and automatization

+ solutions for qualified labor shortage

+ cross-sector cooperation

+ communication & marketing

Linda has been involved in the success of Moose Mountain Log Homes Inc. since 1986. She has been involved in hands on reassemblies (set-ups) in Japan, Germany, the US and across Canada. She has taken the lead on the long term financial aspects as well as been involved in helping couples understand the actual emotional and functional living in a handcrafted log home. Knowing that there are the “nuts and bolts”, and financial realities that make up one aspect and equally the emotional dream of living in a total custom crafted home. Usually each of the couple have different priorities and need to be addressed from a different perspective.

The annual financial cycle and needs of a small business has to have a long term focus which if left to the physically functioning part of the business might not alone insure success.

As an owner and operator Linda is always on call from showing potential clients log homes that Moose Mountain has built to making sure all runs smoothly in the construction yard.

Connie joined Core Insurance and the WOODsure Program in 2017, bringing construction project management expertise to her insurance portfolio. With a passion for wood products, Connie, continues to support her clients with solutions for their wood operations; from Log Building, Wood Products Manufacturing to Mass Timber Construction. She’s made signification contributions to organizations such as the International Log Builders’ Association and sits on various Industry committees such as the Canadian Wood Council National Steering Committee, Ontario Woodworks Provincial Steering Committee and is an Advisory Board Member for the GC Wood Program – Natural Resources Canada. Connie has recently been appointed the SVP Manufacturing Wood Products Practice Group for Axis Insurance Managers tasked to bring the best in class in wood products to the Industry.

Wabanakis by his roots, town crier for 39 years; representing the National Capital Region of Ottawa-Gatineau and the only Provincial Crier in Canada, that of Ontario, he is also a storyteller, actor, master of ceremonies and former history teacher. Sharing through the word is his passion, his pleasure and his happiness.

As a Town Crier he has gained an international reputation in his field since 1981. He has won numerous titles such as Ontario, North American, International Champion and the title of World's Most Elegant Town Crier. It adds a historical and human color to a multitude of artistic, sporting, social or romantic events that attract the eye and impose silence.

He has been Master of Ceremonies for events across Canada as well as the United States, Panama, France, Belgium and England. He has done many congresses and a multitude of parties and festivals. One of his proudest contracts was being chosen to be Master of Ceremonies at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games and at the “Les Oreilles en Pointes” Festival in Ondaine, France.

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Finally an actor by trade, he has made numerous theatrical tours and acted on television and in the cinema here and elsewhere for Canadian, American and German productions.