Speakers & Celebrities

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October 23-26, 2025

Vancouver Convention Centre - West Building

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2024 SLEEP COUNTRY MAIN STAGE PRESENTERS:

Bryan Baeumler From Bryan’s All In, streaming on STACKTV

Friday at 6pm & Saturday at 2pm

Bryan Baeumler From Bryan’s All In, streaming on STACKTV

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. His legacy of hit shows includes Disaster DIY, Canada’s Handyman Challenge, Leave it to Bryan, House of Bryan, Bryan Inc., Island of Bryan, Renovation Resort, and most recently Bryan’s All In – all available to stream now on STACKTV. 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 headed towards a career in 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. Bryan’s next adventure has him and wife Sarah tackling new challenges in Building Baeumler, premiering in 2025. For more information about Bryan, visit bryanbaeumler.com.

Virginia Chamlee Big Thrift Energy

Saturday at 4pm & Sunday at 2pm

Virginia Chamlee Big Thrift Energy

Virginia Chamlee is a lifelong vintage collector, a writer for People magazine, and the author of the best-selling book Big Thrift Energy. As a longtime antiques dealer and secondhand shopping expert, Virginia is an expert at finding incredible things (like Christian Dior capes at Goodwill, or $10,000 Goyard trunks for less than $100 at consignment shops). After sourcing vintage for A-list celebrities and designers for years, she compiled all her tips in her book, which has been featured on NBC News, The Economist, Architectural Digest, and was named one of Elle Magazine's 50 Most Stylish Coffee Table Books.

Andy Friesen Su Casa Design

Friday at 2pm & Saturday at 5pm

Andy Friesen Su Casa Design

Andy Friesen’s mission is to help people love where they live. From childhood sketches to studying Drafting Technology at the University of the Fraser Valley, Andy’s journey in home design has always been driven by passion. His early career at a small architectural start-up quickly showcased his innovative approach and earned him recognition from friends and colleagues.

In 2005, Andy launched Su Casa Design to meet the growing demand for his unique vision. This boutique firm specializes in bespoke custom homes, each reflecting the individuality of its owner. For over 20 years, Su Casa has crafted award-winning homes across Canada and the U.S., celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship and personalized design.

Under Andy's leadership, Su Casa safeguards one of the largest investments a family can make: creating their family home. The firm believes that thoughtful design can transform lives, combining timeless beauty with practical functionality. This philosophy has positioned Su Casa at the forefront of the industry, continually redefining home design standards.

Every project at Su Casa benefits from Andy’s meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for the client's vision. His unwavering commitment ensures each home is both beautiful and practical, enhancing everyday living.

Graeme Huguet My House Design/Build Team

Graeme is the Owner of My House Design/Build Team; a multi-award-winning Renovator & Custom Home Builder. To date, they have received over 100 industry related awards, including being the BC Georgie finalist for “Custom Home Builder of the Year”, “Best Customer Satisfaction”, and "Renovator of the Year" for 7 consecutive years.

Certified Built Green, Net Zero, and Passive House, his team of designers and construction personnel take personal pride in guiding clients through the design/build process to create beautiful, functional, and healthy homes. His team is most noted for taking a holistic approach to all their projects, no matter the size, " Creating Great Living Spaces’.

Karl Lohnes Contributing Editor, Style At Home Magazine

Saturday at 12pm & Sunday at 12pm

Karl Lohnes Contributing Editor, Style At Home Magazine

Design Expert Karl Lohnes has been solving decorating dilemmas by giving advice for almost 30 years. His national magazine column in Style At Home magazine, appearances on television and radio has made him the most trusted decorating expert in the country. Got a home decorating question? Karl’s got the answer! Follow Karl on Instagram: karl_lohnes

Join Karl Lohnes on the main stage Saturday and Sunday at 11am for an interactive presentation ‘Answers To The Top 5 Decorating Mistakes Everyone Makes”. ALSO, between 12:30 and 4:30pm visit Karl at our Ask Us Live! Booth presented by Style At Home for free one-on-one decorating advice (one question per visit).

Jamie Banfield Jamie Banfield Design

Saturday at 11am

Jamie Banfield Jamie Banfield Design

A creative force in the design industry and an award-winning residential designer, Jamie Banfield specializes in transforming spaces into well-edited and timeless creations. Inspired by the West Coast’s beauty, Banfield integrates detailed millwork, unique textures, and natural elements into each of his designs. He often uses reclaimed materials to create sustainable designs that showcase his unique perspective and love for carefully thought-out functionality in his finished spaces. Formally trained in design, with a complementary background in manufacturing, construction, and custom millwork, Banfield leads his team with his intrinsic understanding of the total design process for both renovation and new build projects. From inspiration to completion, Banfield’s knowledge, attention to detail, and ability to listen to his client's needs results in aesthetically functional rooms that truly reflect the people who live there.

Recognized by the National Kitchen and Bath Association as one of the industry’s top “30 Under 30” in North America, “One to Watch” by Western Living Magazine, and a Finalist for the Robert Ledingham Memorial “Emerging Designer of The Year Award,” Jamie’s work can be seen in private residences and public spaces throughout Canada. He has appeared on TV outlets and Lifestyle talk shows such as Global TV, CTV, Vancouver, CTV Edmonton, CTV Calgary, That Talk Show, and The Marc + Mandy Show. Jamie frequently shares his style advice as an international speaker on stages such as the Vancouver Fall Home Show, International KBIS, BC Home + Garden Show, Vancouver Home + Design Show, Edmonton Renovation Show, Edmonton Home + Garden Show, Edmonton Fall Home Show, Calgary Home + Design Show, Calgary Renovation Show, and Tacoma Home + Garden Show.

Keith Hankins Tri-City Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

Thursday at 6pm

Keith Hankins Tri-City Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

Keith Hankins was born into plumbing, and Tri-City Plumbing is still today a family run business. However, his vast experience ranges from housing to complex commercial projects.

If there’s a problem, he can solve it. His personal motto “Treat every job as if it were your own property” is what has taken Tri-City Plumbing from a mom-and-pop operation to highly trusted name across the Lower Mainland and Greater Vancouver.

Presentation Topic: Regular Maintenance on your homes waterworks, and how to keep those investments lasting for years to come.

Elizabeth Bull Get Styled.ca

Thursday at 5pm & Friday at 4pm

Elizabeth Bull Get Styled.ca

Elizabeth Bull is the founder and lead stylist at Get Styled.ca, a body-positive fashion styling service that specializes in helping women in midlife blossom into their chicest and most confident selves. She trained at London College of Fashion in the UK and before that was a Fashion Editor in Scandinavia. When not styling people to perfection, she teaches Fashion Styling at Blanche Macdonald Centre. She lives in Vancouver with her partner and two senior cats. She brings a wealth of expertise to help you create an effortless wardrobe that reflects your unique personality and lifestyle.

2024 COOKING STAGE PRESENTERS

Bruno Feldeisen Judge - CBC’s “The Great Canadian Baking Show”

Friday at 3pm, Saturday at 3pm

Red Wine Braised Beef Shortribs | Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake Mousse

Bruno Feldeisen Judge - CBC’s “The Great Canadian Baking Show”

A passionate and energetic Chef, known for crafting unique cooking experiences, Bruno Feldeisen brings nearly three decades of culinary experience to his role as Judge on the CBC’s The Great Canadian Baking Show.

Bruno Feldeisen was born in the small French town of Clermont-Ferrand. He began his career as an apprentice at one of France's most renowned chocolate shops in Moulin: Les Palets d'Or. He graduated from his apprenticeship with an almost-perfect score.

After working as a chocolatier at Hotel de Paris in Monaco, Feldeisen moved to the U.S. in 1988, working in several prestigious restaurants in California. In 1994, he became the executive pastry chef at the Four Seasons Hotel in New York. Feldeisen's culinary journey continued when opened Soléa, an American-French restaurant in San Francisco; he later became a pastry chef instructor at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver and the executive pastry chef at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver.

Feldeisen was named one of the Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America by Chocolatier Magazine two years in a row and has been nominated twice for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef. His delicious works have appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Gourmet Magazine, Bon Appetit Magazine and New York Magazine.

Feldeisen is a passionate and energetic chef, known for crafting unique cooking experiences. A supporter of the local food movement, he's committed to food sustainability and supports ethical farming and fishing.

Chef Feldeisen is a committed supporter of Anxiety Canada, partnering with the organization to promote awareness for a society where mental health is prioritized and free of stigma and prejudice. He also spearheads fundraising efforts for Growing Veterans, Vancouver Opera and many other organizations.

He is a super-dad to his wonderful son, Sergio.

Chef Heat Laliberte Head Chef - Friendship Catering

Saturday at 6pm

Bison & its importance to Indigenous culture and cooking

Chef Heat Laliberte Head Chef - Friendship Catering

Déne - Métis Chef Heat Laliberte brings an extensive culinary background and love of feeding the community to his role as Head Chef at Friendship Catering. He has honed his expertise for over 20 years working in professional kitchens and attaining his Red Seal designation while being mentored by Vancouver’s top chefs.

His well-rounded experience ranges from being a member of the culinary teams at the Fairmont Pacific Rim and the 2018/2016 Summer & Winter Olympic Games and founding the successful artisanal bacon business One Arrow. Seeking his next endeavor, he found his place in East Van at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre. VAFCS holds a special place in Heat’s heart as he has completed two programs offered to Indigenous peoples at VAFCS – the ACCESS Trades Culinary Apprenticeship Program & the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program which helped tremendously in forging the steppingstones to success. With his journey coming full circle Heat’s passion is to share his cooking experience with the community.

Joanna Tymkiw Plant-based Chef & Food Journalist

Sunday at 1pm

Cozy fall cooking…but make it plant based!

Chef Sarah Meconse Mierau Ancestor Café | Tradish Canada

Sunday at 3pm

Plant Medicine Lemonades and the Importance of Traditional Plant Medicines

Chef Sean Murray Executive Chef - Pan Pacific Vancouver

Friday at 1pm

Easy pickles. Simple, approachable recipes with many applications for bright and tasty dishes.

Chef Sean Murray Executive Chef - Pan Pacific Vancouver

Executive Chef Sean Murray brings a depth of experience and a passion for culinary innovation to the Pan Pacific Vancouver. Originally from Nanaimo, BC, Chef Murray has honed his exceptional skills in the vibrant kitchens of Vancouver, Costa Rica, and Chicago.

Chef Murray's culinary journey began during childhood. At just 12 years old, he embraced his family’s unique rule: if you stayed home sick from school, you had to bake something for dinner. This sparked his enduring passion for baking, with apple pie and Oreo cheesecake becoming his early specialties. At 15, Murray embarked on his professional path as a dishwasher at Nanaimo’s Wesley Street Café. This foundational experience led him to culinary school and a pivotal two-week stage at the Pan Pacific Vancouver. Driven to earn an apprenticeship, he worked tirelessly under the mentorship of Chef Ernst Dorfler, progressing from Saucier to Restaurant Chef at Chartwell, and Banquet Chef at Four Seasons over five transformative years.

In 2008, Murray achieved a career milestone by cooking for Canadian athletes at the Beijing Olympics. He then expanded his horizons as Senior Sous Chef and later Executive Sous Chef at Four Seasons Costa Rica, where he immersed himself in the local culture and abundant fresh seafood and produce.

Returning to Vancouver in 2011, Murray joined the rebranding team of YEW seafood + bar at Four Seasons Vancouver, where he infused his innovative touch into their modern seafood concept. He embraced his first Executive Chef role at Four Seasons Chicago Allium Restaurant, earning acclaim in the prestigious Gold Coast neighbourhood. Notable highlights from this period include hosting guest chef dinners with Michelin-Star Chef Carlos Gaytan and cooking alongside Chef Ned Bell at the James Beard House in New York City in 2017.

Chef William Lew Chinese Restaurant Awards / Pacific Reach Properties

Sunday at 11am

Exploring Westcoast X Contemporary Chinese Cuisine

Chef William Lew Chinese Restaurant Awards / Pacific Reach Properties

Chef Will Lew’s culinary journey is a testament to his passion for art, food, and sustainability. Initially aspiring to be an artist, he found his true calling in cooking, guided by his grandfather, a chef in Chinatown, who instilled in him a deep love for food and creativity. Despite pursuing an animal biology degree and playing the violin, Chef Will's path led him to the professional kitchen, where he started from washing dishes and eventually advanced to running restaurants for Glowbal Group.

His commitment to sustainability was evident when he established the Rawbar at Fairmont Pacific Rim, earning it the distinction of being Canada’s first 100% Ocean Wise sushi restaurant. Chef Will then became the Chef de Cuisine of Notch8 at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, continuing his advocacy for Ocean Wise. Following his role in opening Quanjude and earning a Michelin Star, he realized his dream of working for a non-profit as the Executive Chef of Ocean Wise Conservation Association.

At Club Versanté in Richmond, Chef Will took on the role of Executive Chef, leading three establishments—BRUNO, CASK Whiskey Vault, and Acre Through The Seasons— demonstrating his strong ambition and leadership in the kitchen. He has since moved on from Club Versanté to spearhead new culinary projects for Pacific Reach, which are anticipated to be among the most exciting developments in Vancouver's dining scene when they launch in 2025.

Additionally, Chef Will now serves as the ambassador for the Chinese Restaurant Awards and will co-lead the New Wave Discovery mentorship program, aimed at inspiring the next generation to embark on their culinary journeys.

2024 Speakers & Celebrities

2024 SLEEP COUNTRY MAIN STAGE PRESENTERS:

2024 COOKING STAGE PRESENTERS