Chris Hadfield Is Officially the Keynote Speaker!
The Montréal Wood Convention is thrilled to announce that Colonel Chris Hadfield will be the Keynote Speaker at the Luncheon on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Mr. Hadfield is an astronaut, business leader, hi-tech entrepreneur, five-time bestselling author, and a globally sought-after speaker on leadership, change, and navigating complexity. Best known as the former Commander of the International Space Station, he has led teams under the most demanding conditions imaginable.
In the video message included, Colonel Hadfield shares a surprising insight: wood has even been used in parts of spaceships. As he reminds us, innovation often comes from unexpected places — and the wood industry is no exception. His presence at MWC 2026 promises to bring a rare blend of inspiration, curiosity, and forward-thinking perspective.
Over more than three decades with the military, NASA, and the Canadian Space Agency, Chris Hadfield served as NASA’s Director of Operations in Russia, flew three space missions, helped build two space stations, performed spacewalks, and crewed both the Shuttle and Soyuz. His accomplishments earned him the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Cross (twice), and the Order of Canada.
Today, he advises leading space and tech companies such as SpaceX and Virgin Galactic and teaches as an adjunct professor at the University of Waterloo. He also chairs the Open Lunar Foundation, supports King Charles III’s Sustainable Markets Initiative, and co-founded CDL’s Space Stream, which has generated over $1.6B in new equity value. A five-time bestselling author and musician, his album Space Sessions became the first ever recorded in space.
Secure your spot and don’t miss this once in a lifetime chance to meet Chris Hadfield while learning about his journey filled with science and creativity while also imagining what the future might look like.
Register now and take advantage of the Early Bird rate availability until February 13, 2026!
We look forward to seeing you at the Montréal Wood Convention 2026!