Bio - 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!

Bio - 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.

Topic: Update on KunEn: Advancing Thermal Wood Conditioning

- We’ve been developing KunEn, our thermal wood conditioning technology, into a full commercial-scale system. To date, the system has undergone 11 test runs, each one carefully monitored and adjusted based on the results. Every run has brought new insights, leading to continuous improvements in the design and performance.

- This has been a highly iterative process—testing, learning, refining—and we’re now at a point where we can begin to see the true potential of this technology. In this update, I’d like to share what we’ve learned so far, where the system currently stands, and what we can expect in the next phase of development.

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Bio - 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.

Topic: Reinventing the Log Building Sector Through Collaboration and Competence

- In this session, Andrus Prangli from Hobbiton OÜ will provide a concise overview of recent developments in Estonia’s timber construction industry, including updates to the Estonian Woodhouse Association’s strategy and the sector’s growing focus on education as a driver of change - “If we don’t lead the change ourselves, the field will remain stagnant.” One such initiative is the Woodhouse academy, a platform that aims to elevate professional training in the sector.

- Second half of the session will introduce a bold international proposal: the launch of an International Professional Log Building Championship. Drawing on Estonia’s successful experience organizing a national championship, the goal is to create a high-level competition where log builders from across the world can benchmark their skills, share techniques, and learn from each other in a real, hands-on environment.

- Why does this matter? Because the sector needs more than conferences and whitepapers—it needs action. International championships would serve as a qualitative leap forward for the profession. They are not merely symbolic events but powerful learning arenas, where tradition meets innovation and where international cooperation can take root through practical, shared experience.

- This session is a call to action: for educators, associations, and industry leaders to come together and co-develop this international platform. Estonia is ready to take the lead—but lasting impact will require global collaboration.

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Bio - Andrus Prangli is a board member of Hobbiton OÜ, one of the largest producers of handcrafted log houses in Europe. Hobbiton has become a key player in preserving traditional log building while also driving innovation.

With decades of experience, the company has built a strong reputation not only for the quality of its structures but also for its deep commitment to sustaining the craft. Hobbiton has invested significantly in education and skills development. Through initiatives like Estonia’s National Log Building Championship, the company has helped shape a new generation of log builders and keep the tradition alive in a rapidly evolving construction landscape.

Topic: Log Homeowner Program - A Value Add for Your Business & Clients

- This session will highlight how a log homeowner insurance program can add value to your business by offering specialized coverage to your clients. Attendees will learn key benefits, program details, and how to access this tailored solution.

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Topic: Cyber Risk Walkthrough

- This Cyber training will serve to remind us all of how Cyber threats are evolving and how to stay ahead of these changes to protect your business.

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Bio - 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 joined Axis Insurance Managers Inc. through Woodsure/Core Insurance acquisition in Dec. 2023 and was appointed the SVP Manufacturing Wood Products Practice Group and the Mass Timber Program, tasked to bring the best in class in wood products insurance solutions to the industry.

Bio - Lloyd (AKA The Moose) first began log construction in the fall of 1977 and started Moose Mountain Log Homes Inc. in the fall of 1978. In 1979 he joined the International Log Builders’ Association (ILBA), then known as the Canadian Log Builders Association (CLBA) and attended his first conference in Nakusp B.C. in October of 1979. He hasn’t missed an AGM conference that was held at any location, no matter where since then. Linda Bourdage joined Moose Mountain in 1986 and has been a cornerstone of the Moose Mountain operation ever since. There are few builders who have seen as much change in log construction as Lloyd and Linda have. Going through several recessions great and small and building for many very interesting people even a US presidential candidate, Lloyd would like to share his insights into the importance of log construction performance, along with business success and survival strategies and what he loves most about being a log home builder continuously for 48 years.

Topic: Commercial Mass Timber Project - Risk & Reward

- Why log builders and timber framers should consider taking on Mass Timber installs & managing risks