As the #CyberFit partner of Acronis, the Proud Data Backup Partner of Calgary, it was a privilege to host an event at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Acronis is one of our top vendors in terms of cybersecurity and backup recovery, and we were honoured to have this partnership event alongside their team as well as legendary Calgary Flames Alumni.
“What an unforgettable night at the Scotiabank Saddledome! Expera IT, in partnership with Acronis and the Calgary Flames, hosted an exclusive event for our clients and business executives, bringing together the worlds of technology, business, and sport,” says our CEO and Founder, Vince Fung, “I had the privilege of leading a panel featuring hockey legends Mike Vernon and Jamie Macoun, where we explored the striking parallels between business and sports—from perseverance and teamwork to overcoming adversity. Their incredible insights, along with some legendary hockey stories, made for an inspiring and entertaining evening.”
Check out this blog for the full event recap!
Networking
The event kicked off with a networking session where attendees connected over refreshments (including the event’s signature beverage, the Phishing Lure). It was fantastic to see many of our valued guests and clients, as well as new faces in the crowd.
Insights from Dan Havens, Chief Growth Officer at Acronis
The event kicked off with a discussion from Dan Havens, Chief Growth Officer at Acronis, who discussed the current cybersecurity landscape, and what businesses need to do to stay ahead.
“I mean, when it comes to the cyber game, it’s not one thing,” Havens stated, “You’ve got to be able to detect ransom. You’ve got to be able to detect advanced threats. You’ve got to be able to do your security assessments (…) and when the spit hits the fan, you’ve got to have a backup or disaster recovery strategy in place.”
Panel Talk: Discussing Cyber Defense and Business with Dan Havens and Stephen Nichols
This informative panel highlighted a range of critical issues, from the initial breach to comprehensive disaster recovery and backup strategies.
Following this talk, Fung moderated a panel featuring Havens as well as Stephen Nichols, Country Manager, Canada about cybersecurity, business, and the importance of defense and disaster recovery.
After the panel, Nichols commented, “one of my favourite parts is we got to talk about security culture”, one of the key facets of preventing cyber attacks, because, as we’ve often highlighted, threat actors don’t just hack systems, they hack people. Havens noted that we discussed, “how do people to get in and what you do, basically beginning to end: everything from the security part to the disaster recovery and backup situations”.
This informative panel also elaborated on topics including:
- The importance of a security-first culture and cyber awareness training.
- Why smaller businesses need to stay protected: cybercriminals target companies of all sizes.
- The importance of a multi-layered approach to security including not only measures to prevent cyberattacks but being set up to recover effectively when you do experience a breach.
The discussion left a lasting impact, providing valuable insights into the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape and practical strategies to safeguard businesses. The panel reinforced that cybersecurity is not just about technology—it’s about people, culture, and preparedness. With expert insights and real-world applications, this discussion was an invaluable resource for any organization looking to stay ahead of cyber threats in 2025 and beyond.
Panel Talk: A Fireside Chat with Mike Vernon and Jamie Macoun
This discussion provided valuable insights into the parallels between professional sports and business, emphasizing how leadership, adaptability, and a strong team dynamic are crucial for success in any field.
After this initial panel, Flames Legends Jamie Macoun and Mike Vernon took the stage in a panel that focused on their experiences in professional sports and leadership. They shared personal stories from their time on and off the ice, illustrating how lessons learned in high-pressure game situations translate directly into the corporate world.
This engaging panel from these talented speakers was equal parts insightful for anyone interested in leadership and teamwork, as well as interesting and entertaining for any Calgary Flames fans.
Highlights and key points included:
- Building a winning culture and fostering team cohesion.
- Strategic changes and systems to gain a competitive edge.
- Mindset and focus in overcoming challenges.
In addition to sharing their thoughts, experiences, and anecdotes in the panel, Macoun and Vernon answered audience questions on a wide range of topics.
Attendees left with actionable insights, whether they were business leaders looking to inspire their teams or hockey fans eager for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a championship mindset.
The panel was a testament to the power of perseverance, strategy, and teamwork—values that define both great athletes and great leaders.
Saddledome Tour and Prize Draw
If you ask us, no one knows more about the Saddledome’s history than tour guide Rick Tulsie! Guests experienced an in-depth tour of the facility along with historical details and anecdotes: a one-of-a-kind opportunity that we’re even more grateful for as the Saddledome’s era will be ending in 2027.
The event was capped off with a fun prize draw for some Flames swag, as well as prizes graciously provided from the Acronis team.
Sign up for exclusive security tips and insights inspired by the event—stay ahead of the game when it comes to cyber protection!
Thank Yous!
The Expera IT team extends our gratitude to the amazing teams and guests who made this event possible. “A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this unique experience, and to our partners for making this event possible!” says Fung.
In addition to our amazing speakers, our all-star lineup of event partners and sponsors included:
- The Acronis team, including Mari Lee and Yvonne Bratton
- The Calgary Sports and Entertainment Facility team, including Haiden Bisson, Jennifer Kaytor, and Terra Broatch
- Our generous sponsors: Amplify Advisors, AvePoint, Evolution A/V, Elite Travel Management, and Van Helden Agencies
And finally, a huge thank you to our guests for coming out and bringing their enthusiasm and participation. We hope to catch you all at a future event!
