Twin Talks Calgary 2026
The People Behind the Industry: Cross-Sector Conversations for a Stronger Future
By Daniel Galle,
Director of Infrastructure Policy Advancement,
Canada, Bentley Systems
On March 12, 2026, Bentley Systems’ Infrastructure Policy Advancement team hosted its first Twin Talks event in Calgary, Alberta. Delivered in partnership with Building Transformations, a Canadian industry organization dedicated to advancing technology and innovation in the built environment, the event brought together leaders from across Western Canada’s infrastructure community.
Held at the iconic Ampersand—home to the Seequent Calgary office—the session convened professionals from a wide range of sectors to explore the people, processes, and technologies shaping the future of infrastructure. Moderated by Chris Little, Board Director at Building Transformations, the program featured short presentations followed by a dynamic panel discussion focused on how innovation can support a stronger, more resilient infrastructure landscape in Canada.
KEY PRESENTATIONS
Susan Keenliside, Senior Digital Product Manager, Digital Build Environment at the House of Commons, opened the session with a compelling look at the three paradigm shifts required for Canada to meaningfully advance its digital transformation in the infrastructure sector. Her presentation set the stage for a thoughtful conversation about the cultural, organizational, and technological changes needed nationwide.
Next, Josh Sellars, Project Geophysicist and Team Lead, Energy Civil Environment at Seequent, delivered The Dirt Behind Infrastructure. He highlighted the critical importance of understanding the subsurface and illustrated the cost and risk implications of inadequate geotechnical data versus the investment required to obtain it.
Keith Anthon, Digital Twin Lead and Technical Director, Rail & Transit at WSP, followed with insights into water and wastewater digital twins. Drawing on experience from multiple countries, he showcased Canadian and international examples, emphasizing best practices that could be adapted to strengthen Canadian infrastructure delivery.
Rounding out the presentations, Steve Rollo, National BIM/VDC Manager – Building Shared Services at Graham Construction, addressed the growing challenges of unclear data requirements, increasing project complexity, and evolving deliverable expectations. He referenced the well-known military “6 Ps” strategy as a reminder of the importance of preparation, clarity, and risk mitigation in achieving successful project outcomes.
PANEL DISCUSSION
All speakers then joined moderator Chris Little for an engaging panel discussion featuring rapid-fire questions and a deeper exploration of the barriers and opportunities surrounding digital adoption in Canada’s infrastructure sector. The conversation underscored both the progress made and the work still ahead as the industry continues its digital evolution.
The inaugural Twin Talks Calgary highlighted both the momentum and the urgency behind Canada’s digital infrastructure transformation. Through thoughtful presentations and an honest, forward‑looking dialogue, the event underscored a shared commitment across industry, government, and technology partners to build a more resilient, data‑driven future.
If you’re interested in continuing the dialogue, exploring digital twin initiatives, or participating in future Twin Talk events, we invite you to connect with the IPA team in Canada. Stay engaged, share your perspective, and help shape the next chapter of Canada’s infrastructure innovation.