Placer Mining in the Klondike

David Millar, Owner/Operator, Goldbottom Mine Tours

Join David Millar, the owner of Goldbottom Mine Tours for this exciting presentation covering the gold rush to modern day mining.

David a second-generation placer miner and has been running his own operation since 1982. He started the tour company around 1993, with the main focus of taking people out and showing them modern-day placer mining techniques and a modern-day mine.

Over the years, David has been very involved in local boards and committees helping promote tourism and placer mining in the Yukon.

David and his wife Lorraine also travel widely to compete in the World Gold Panning Championships, which are held in a different World Gold Panning Association member country each year. When you see him at TIAC’s Manufacturer and Distributor Reception on August 13, he will be freshly back from Spain where this year’s championship is being held.

Woolly Mammoths and Frozen Ice Age Animals from the Yukon

Frozen fossils of woolly mammoths, cave lions, giant bears and other incredible Ice Age animals have been unearthed from the Yukon permafrost by gold miners for over a century. These fossils provide evidence of how populations of ancient animals responded to past periods of climate change and how present-day ecosystems were established in the North. This presentation will discuss the relationships between Klondike gold miners, First Nations communities and scientists in the collection, study and interpretation of internationally significant, Ice Age fossils from the Yukon. Recently uncovered, permafrost preserved mummified bodies of ancient animals will be highlighted for their role in how palaeontology is leading reconciliation efforts with Yukon First Nations.

Grant Zazula, Paleontology Program, Government of Yukon

Grant Zazula has managed research, collections, and educational outreach programs with the Government of Yukon Paleontology Program since 2006. Grant’s research aims to understand the role of climate change in the history of Yukon’s mammals and vegetation during the Ice Age and into present day. Grant earned a PhD in Biological Sciences in from Simon Fraser University in 2005 after studying permafrost preserved nests of Ice Age arctic ground squirrels in the Yukon. Grant lives in Whitehorse with his partner Victoria, son Roman and two dogs Sofia and Diego.

Visit the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre in Whitehorse to see some of Yukon’s most significant fossils of Ice Age mammals and to learn more about the role of Beringia as a Crossroads of the Continents in shaping the biological and cultural history of the Yukon.

www.beringia.com

Workplace Safety: Protecting Good People from Bad Decisions

Simple strategies for mitigating the universal human factors of distraction, complacency, and familiarity.

High demands and constant distraction define the modern workplace. As employees grow desensitized to hazards and complacent about dangers, it is easy for safety rule adherence to lapse. Even the most well-intentioned individuals and highly-experienced teams can fall prey to biases and heuristics — mental shortcuts that speed operations but unwittingly increase risk exposure as well.

Having successfully lead teams through volatile and dangerous wilderness environments for three decades, Bruce Kirkby has first-hand experience with these tricky-yet-universal blind spots. Using examples ranging from avalanches and grizzly bears to Himalayan mountaineering and African rafting, he outlines the seven most common mental lapses affecting the workplace / jobsite environments, leaving audiences with a series of simple and easy-to-implement mitigation strategies, designed to keep them safe, day after day, year after year.

Bruce Kirkby Acclaimed Explorer | Writer | Photographer

Bruce Kirkby lives life on the edge. An acclaimed explorer, travel writer and television host (with a degree in engineering physics), Kirkby’s travels have taken him from the world’s highest mountains to the wildest rivers and driest deserts. He draws on these experiences to provide real-world, practical lessons on resilience, risk management, workplace safety, and change leadership, helping individuals and organizations confront fears, embrace change, and find lasting success.

With journeys spanning more than 80 countries and 2000 days, Kirkby’s accomplishments include the first modern crossing of Arabia’s Empty Quarter by camel, a raft descent of Ethiopia’s Blue Nile Gorge by raft, sea kayak traverse of Borneo’s northern coast, and a coast-to-coast Icelandic trek. The former host of CBC’s No Opportunity Wasted, Kirkby recently spent six months travelling to and living in a Himalayan Buddhist monastery with his young family — an experience chronicled on Travel Channel’s Big Crazy Family Adventure.

Kirby is the author of three bestselling books. A columnist for The Globe and Mail, and a National Magazine Award winner, Kirkby’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, EnRoute, and Canadian Geographic. His photography was selected by National Geographic as among “the most compelling adventure images of the decade.”

Charting the Course: TIAC’s Role in an Evolving Industry Landscape

Learn how TIAC is responding to market pressures, supporting workforce development, and advocating for mechanical insulation’s role in a low-carbon economy.

Join Tristan Bertram, TIAC’s Director of Industry Affairs, for an inside look at “Building MI Sustainable Future,” TIAC’s training initiative supported by the Alberta Industry Skills (AIS) Grant. Discover how this innovative program is addressing the Insulator (Heat and Frost) workforce shortage while creating long-term training capacity nationwide. Tristan will also share updates on TIAC’s latest initiatives—from digital transformation to national advocacy—and how they’re positioning the industry for growth and excellence.

NIA Then and Now Association Strong – 70 Years

NIA’s theme for 2025 is Association Strong – 70 years. This presentation will dove tail off of last year’s theme, Stronger Together, and will review the accomplishments and goals of NIA from a historic perfective and look to the future. You will learn about the current NIA initiatives as well as the education and training opportunities. The session will conclude with a live audience poll.

Jack Bittner, Past President, National Insulation Association

Jack Bittner is a Senior Product Manager at Johns Manville Industrial and the 2024-2025 NIA President. Bittner has been in the insulation industry for more than 45 years, starting as an insulator with Brown & Root then moving to Thorpe Products Company, an industrial insulation distributor in Houston.  He began in customer service and over the next 12 years advanced to an outside sales role, as well as Branch Manager for the Beaumont, TX and Gonzales, LA locations. Bittner relocated to Denver, CO and Jack began his career with Johns Manville in 1991. Through Jack’s tenure at JM, he has been a Sales Territory Manager, Market Manager, Vice President of Marketing with Industrial Insulation Group, a Johns Manville/Calsilite joint venture, and Senior Product Manager for High Temperature Industrial Products. Bittner holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Houston and holds an MBA from Lamar University.

Optimized Thermal Insulation Systems Today – GHG Emissions Reduction Tomorrow

Join National Specifications Manager, Scott Sinclair, as he discusses the following:

• Why the focus on carbon footprint and sustainability?
• Commonly utilized solutions and their challenges
• How can mechanical insulation contribute?
  • Emissions reduction
  • Cost savings / ROI
  • Benefits NOW

Scott Sinclair, National Specification Manager | Industrial Insulation, Johns Manville

Scott Sinclair has worked in industrial insulation for over twenty years and has been the National Specification Manager for Johns Manville’s Industrial Insulation team since joining JM in June 2019.  Prior to joining the insulation industry, he had 20+ years of experience in various technical, operations and sales/product management positions within the semiconductor and telecommunications industries.  Mr. Sinclair has a BSEE in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech.

Scott represents JM and the mechanical insulation industry on various Association for Materials Performance & Protection (AMPP), American Petroleum Institute (API), National Insulation Association (NIA) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) committees.  He is a NIA Certified Thermal Insulation Inspector and Insulation Energy Appraiser, and an instructor for both of these NIA certification classes.

Understanding Passive Fire Protection and the Growth Impacts to the Insulation Industry

One of the least understood technical concepts, yet potentially the most impactful opportunity for organic growth of the mechanical insulation industry is passive fire protection per API 521. Engineers and asset owners can realize significant benefits in terms of safety, reliability, environmental compliance, operational efficiency and compounding savings on energy inputs and insurance expenses. Manufacturers, distributors and contractors can benefit from installing insulation and metal jacketing on assets within industrial plants that may have never been insulated.

David Shong, President, Thermal Pipe Shields

David Shong has spent his 31-year entire career in the construction materials industry. He developed an early passion for thermal insulation and became an evangelist for its myriad benefits to asset owners. His experience includes working for several insulation manufacturers, a material distributor and a contracting firm. He draws from this broad base of knowledge to understand and promote the best interests of each stakeholder. David has spent the last 7 years as the president of Thermal Pipe Shields (TPS), a material supplier owned by a fourth-generation mechanical insulation family.

Welcome to the Yukon wilderness! Experience 12+ iconic Yukon species spread over 350 acres on a 5km loop. This guided tour will take you past open grasslands, forest, wetlands and cliffs. There will be lots of stops for closer viewing and photos!

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve’s knowledgeable wildlife interpreters will give you a greater appreciation of Yukon’s incredible wildlife. Will you see all of their animals? Check out the list here – https://yukonwildlife.ca/learn/yukon-wildlife/.

The package includes:

• Guided bus tour

$10 discount offered for children under 18 years.

Slide into the hot springs and soak away your aches and worries! The Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs Ritual combines thermotherapy with the benefits of a soaking in mineral hot spring waters. The sense of vitality and well-being generated by the hot/cold/relax therapy cycle is enhanced by the volcanically heated, mineral rich water of the hot spring pools, which are known to diminish muscle pain and positively affect a score of common health complaints. The result is a fusion made in heaven – designed to promote unique state of restful, peaceful relaxation and invigoration.

19+ activity.

The package includes access to:

• The pools
• The relax rooms
• The saunas and steam rooms

Step into Whitehorse’s “happiness factory”! The Lumel Studio hot shop will amaze you. The seemingly endless colour options. The intensity of the heat from the kilns. Awaken the creative side of your brain and bend molten glass to your will!

No experience needed!

Meet Lu and learn about the Studio’s sustainability practices https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2my0MP27vk.

The package includes:

• One creation: flower, ornament, pillow bowl, heart or paperweight.

Enjoy the scenic drive to Little Atlin Lake, keeping your eyes peeled for roadside wildlife. Arrive at the boat launch and embark on your motorboat for your guided fishing trip. Head out onto the lake and cast your rod. Little Atlin Lake is home to Northern Pike, Lake trout and Whitefish.

The package includes:

• Half day of fishing on a motorboat with a knowledgeable guide
• Fishing rod, tackle, lures & safety equipment
• Snacks & refreshments

Not included:

• Fishing license (license will need to be obtained from https://env.eservices.gov.yk.ca/WebUI/)

NOTE: We will have four boats and will limit participation to 5 people per boat so that everyone can fish. Maximum of 20 people can participate in each of the morning and afternoon excursions.

Canoe down the historic Yukon River and enjoy the peaceful scenery, while keeping your eyes out for eagles and other wildlife. Begin your paddle right from downtown Whitehorse and continue your scenic paddle for 20 kms to the confluence of the Takhini River. A great day trip for beginner paddlers.

The package includes:

• Half day guided trip down the Yukon River from our downtown location to Takhini river Bridge
• Safety equipment (pfds, bailer, sponge, throw bag)
• Knowledgeable guide
• Canoe rental (based on 1 canoe for 2 to 3 people)
• Snacks & refreshments

Enjoy the scenic drive with photo opportunities at both Miles Canyon lookout and Yukon’s famous Emerald Lake. Continue to the picturesque community of Carcross. Enjoy free time to enjoy the Carcross Commons shops and coffee shop, grab an ice cream or relax on the beach of Bennett Lake.

Did you know that Carcross is also the home of the smallest desert in the world? Before we head back to Whitehorse, you will get the chance to walk among the dunes and take in the incredible surroundings.

The package includes:

• Carcross and area tour including Carcross Commons (local product boutique shopping and coffee shop), World’s smallest desert and Emerald Lake
• Photo stop at Miles Canyon viewpoint
• Snacks & refreshments

The MacBride Museum offers a comprehensive view of the resilient people and ground-breaking events that have shaped the territory’s history. Home to 40,000 objects, its galleries illustrate stories from Yukon First Nations, the natural world, the Klondike Gold Rush and more.

MacBride is also home to incredible art pieces, including a Ted Harrison collection and the Northern Lights icicles, created in partnership with Lumel Studio.

Yukon stories live here!

The package includes:

• Two-hour guided tour of the museum
• Gold panning experience
• Waterfront Trolly ride

$15 discount offered for children under 12 years.

The following contests are available:

• Biggest fish (morning or afternoon)
• Smallest fish (morning or afternoon)
• Most elusive catch (morning or afternoon)

This year’s program includes a lot of outdoor activities and, with almost 16 hours of daylight every day, here are some great ideas for you to help everyone keep their skin healthy and bodies hydrated.

Have a different idea? Reach out! Let’s talk!

NOTE: The sponsor is responsible for design, production and shipping expenses.

Activity Gift Bag – SOLD

• Sponsor’s name and logo featured on gift bag distributed to all activity registrants. Suggest including items for outdoor activities such as sunscreen, lip chap, sunglasses, etc.

Hats – $350

• Sponsor’s name and logo featured on a hat distributed to all activity registrants.

Water Bottles – SOLD

• Sponsor’s name and logo featured on a reusable water bottle distributed to all activity registrants.

Applicability Rules:

• The booking is to be made to the following city: Whitehorse, YXY (CA)
• The travel period begins Wednesday, July 30, 2025 and ends Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

• 10% discount off the best GoYukon or Optimum fare available at the time of booking (taxes, fees and surcharges are extra). All fares are subject to change. Seat sale fares do not apply.

www.flyairnorth.com

Applicability Rules:

• The booking is to be made to the following city: Whitehorse, YXY (CA)
• The travel period begins Wednesday, August 06, 2025 and ends Saturday, August 23, 2025.
• For North America, 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher. For International Travel, 10% on standard fares & higher.

Applicability Rules:

• The booking is to be made to the following city: Whitehorse, YXY (CA)
• The travel period begins Wednesday, August 06, 2025 and ends Saturday, August 23, 2025.
• For travel within Canada, 5% off Econo* and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares. For guests travelling Trans-border, 2% off Econo*, 5% off EconoFlex and 10% off Premium base fares. No discount will apply to Ultra Basic or Business class bookings.

For more information, please visit: https://aeroflexusa.com/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeroflex-usa/

For more information, please visit: www.amityinsulation.com

LinkedIN: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/amity-insulation-group-inc-

As the inventor of flexible foam for equipment insulation and a leading provider of engineered foams, Armacell develops innovative and safe thermal and mechanical solutions that create sustainable value for its customers.

Armacell focuses on insulation materials for mechanical equipment, high-performance foams for acoustic and lightweight applications, recycled PET products, next-generation aerogel technology, and passive fire protection systems. Our vision is to be the global leader in providing innovative, mechanical insulation solutions and components to enhance energy efficiency and make a difference around the world.

For more information, please visit: https://www.armacell.com/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/armacell/

Twitter: @armacell_us

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmacellGroup/

For more information, please visit: https://crossroadsci.com/

For more information, please visit: https://dispro.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089005830744

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dispro-inc

For more information, please visit: https://idealproducts.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/idealproductsgroup/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideal-products/

Twitter: @Ideal_Products

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/IdealProducts1/featured

For more information, please visit: https://www.jm.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnsManville

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/johns-manville

Twitter: @JohnsManville

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnsmanville/

For more information, please visit: https://www.knaufnorthamerica.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnaufNA

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/knaufna/

Twitter: @knaufNA

Instagram: @KnaufNorthAmerica

For more information, please visit: www.lgsalesagency.ca

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lg-growth-strategy-consulting/

For more information, please visit: https://www.mabi.ch/en/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mabi-ag-isoliermaschinen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MABI.AG

Learn more at pointonemedia.com or subscribe to the TIAC Times at tiactimes.ca.

TIAC Times Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiactimes/

TIAC Times Twitter: @tiactimes

TIAC Times LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tiac-times/

The additional areas of business activity of PolR Enterprises consist of;

Artik/OEM for the design and manufacture of parts and sub-assemblies for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)

Mecart for the design, manufacture, and installation of controlled modular environments.

For more information, please visit: https://polrcorp.com/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pol-r-enterprises-inc-/

We provide our customers with an outstanding offering of professional-grade construction materials, and industrial and safety supplies from leading brands. Our experienced associates – the most knowledgeable in the industry – provide invaluable technical support. We are proud of our longstanding history of delivering exceptional value to our customers who rely on us to complete their jobs on time and on budget.

With over 65 locations across Canada, trust the White Cap Supply Canada team for your next project.

For more information, please visit: https://whitecapsupply.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitecapsupply/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whitecapsupply/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitecapsupply

Twitter: @whitecapsupply

For more information, please visit: https://yabimo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yabimocompany

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yabimo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YabimoCompany