Gala Dinner 6:00 - 10:00pm
OBEC Presents…
OBEC Awards
- Anthony A. Woods Award (The Beckie)
- Distinction for Design Award
- Distinction for Materials Award
Keynote Speaker
Simon B. Cotter
Award-Winning Corporate Comedian
A humourless workplace is nothing to laugh at. Much more than the “knock knock” jokes of your childhood, humour is an effective tool for enhancing relationships, calming conflict, and increasing workplace happiness. Whether entertaining audiences with his unique brand of clean storytelling and razor-sharp wit, or delivering funny, informative business sessions on the advantages of humour within the workplace, Cotter always delights.
After achieving success as a real-estate executive, rapidly ascending the corporate ladder from top sales person to top management person, Cotter set his sights on his true passion of comedy. Before long, he was among the most popular and highly requested comics on the college circuit. He entertained over 50,000 students a year (for four years straight) across the country, with his original jokes and anecdotes.
Inevitably, given his immense popularity within the college market, Cotter also became a success in the conference industry. His popularity with corporations and associations came, in part, with his rejection of the “cheap laugh” based on vulgarity, race, or gender. Instead, he’s a storyteller who delights audiences with his unique take on life’s day-to-day events and absurdities.
Cotter has performed and presented worldwide, receiving rave reviews at every turn. He has been featured on The Comedy Network, on an Evening at the Improv, and at the Just for Laughs comedy festival, and he has enjoyed guest appearances on Open Mike with Mike Bullard, and CBC's Comics.
