In a world of change and uncertainty, the only thing we truly know is now — and the people right in front of us. Compliments are the gateway to recognition, and recognition creates the moments that matter. Yet too often we hold back: we’re too busy, it feels awkward, or we forget. In this keynote, Canada’s Recognition Expert, Sarah McVanel, will show how the FROG Process (Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness™) helps us notice, name, and nurture greatness in ways that spark connection, build trust, and ripple through teams and organizations. With global stories and practical tools, Sarah will inspire you to create recognition-rich moments that multiply in any workplace, home base and community space. 

Key Takeaways

• Discover how to overcome barriers like busyness, awkwardness, and forgetting to create moments that matter.

• Learn how to use the FROG Process (Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness™) to notice, name, and nurture everyday greatness.

• Understand why compliments are the gateway to recognition and how to make them sincere, specific, and impactful.

• See how recognition ripples outward, multiplying trust, engagement, and belonging across teams and organizations.

• Leave with practical, everyday ways to spark recognition in the moment, even when time and certainty are in short supply.

Behind every thriving team is a culture of appreciation, and the data proves it. In this session, experts break down the latest research on recognition’s measurable impact on engagement, burnout prevention, and retention. You’ll gain actionable insights into how recognition frequency, timing, and method influence employee outcomes, and how to turn data into strategies that keep your workforce motivated and committed.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn evidence-based best practices for impactful recognition
• Identify recognition patterns that reduce burnout and improve retention
• Use data to refine and scale your recognition programs

First impressions shape the employee journey, and recognition can make those first moments unforgettable. In this session, HR leaders share how they’ve infused appreciation into onboarding to spark early engagement, build trust quickly, and reduce turnover. Learn how recognition, woven into training, team introductions, and milestone moments, sets the tone for a positive, productive experience that keeps new hires excited and committed from day one.

Key Takeaways:

• Integrate recognition touchpoints into onboarding to boost early engagement
• Reinforce core values and culture through early appreciation moments
• Build trust and connection with new hires to improve retention

Recognition doesn’t just reward great work—it drives it. In this session, leaders share how they connect recognition to performance goals, professional development, and career milestones. From peer-to-peer praise to leadership-driven acknowledgments, you’ll learn how to create a culture where recognition fuels motivation, builds skills, and supports long-term career growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Link recognition programs to performance metrics and growth milestones
• Encourage peer and leader recognition to sustain motivation
• Use appreciation as a driver for continuous learning and development