CAREER & NETWORKING FAIR 2026 - PANEL DISCUSSION
Future of Business Analysis
Future of Business Analysis is a forward-looking panel discussion exploring how the profession is evolving and what business analysts may need to adapt to in the years ahead. Drawing on perspectives from recruitment, consulting, academia, and change leadership, the conversation will look at where the profession is heading and what that could mean for practitioners, consultants, and those wanting to enter the field.
The panel brings together voices from different parts of the profession, including a recruiter’s view of contracting and hiring, an instructor’s perspective on how business analysis is being taught and redefined, and insights from consulting work in government.
What to expect
This session will offer a thoughtful discussion on the trends, pressures, and opportunities shaping the future of business analysis. Panelists will share what they are seeing from their own vantage points, with room to explore how the role may continue to evolve in practice and time for audience questions
When: 3:00–3:45 PM
Format: Panel discussion + open audience Q&A
Meet the panelists
PATRICK VAN ABBEMA, MBA, CMC, PMP, CBAP
Executive Management Consultant, AltNexus Corporation
Patrick van Abbema is an accomplished senior project executive and AI strategist, recognized for his extensive expertise in leading large-scale digital and business-driven transformations across the government and private sectors. With over 30 years of professional experience, Patrick excels at aligning artificial intelligence initiatives with strategic business goals to deliver measurable, sustainable outcomes.
His distinguished career includes successfully steering complex, high-stakes projects and organizational change initiatives. Patrick specializes in integrating AI strategies with robust governance frameworks, effectively managing risks, optimizing operational processes, and mentoring executive teams through transformational change.
As a recognized thought leader, Patrick’s approach combines strategic vision with tactical execution, breaking down organizational silos to achieve cross-functional alignment and measurable ROI. He is exceptionally skilled at translating complex AI insights into practical leadership guidance, empowering executives and organizations to leverage AI responsibly and effectively.
Patrick currently serves as senior instructor at both the Schulich School of Business at York University and the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University. In these roles, he teaches executive-level programs on AI strategy, business transformation, and project leadership, drawing on decades of experience advising senior leaders on scaling innovation through governance, trust, and clarity.
Patrick holds an MBA with a specialization in Management Consulting, as well as advanced certifications as a Certified Management Consultant (CMC), a Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP). His unique blend of technical acumen, strategic leadership, and practical industry experience provides clients with relevant, real-world insights to successfully lead and manage AI-driven projects and organizational transformations.
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/pvanabbema/
LIAM KAVANAGH, Onboarding Coach and Senior Technical Recruiter
TEKsystems Canada
Liam Kavanagh is an Onboarding Coach and Senior Technical Recruiter at TEKsystems based in Ottawa, Ontario, with over years of experience supporting technical recruitment, candidate onboarding, and talent advisory services across IT, digital, and public‑sector environments. In his role, he partners closely with candidates, hiring managers, and delivery teams to ensure strong alignment between client needs and technical skillsets while delivering a smooth, professional onboarding experience, and he is also responsible for training and mentoring new recruiters on recruitment best practices, onboarding standards, and candidate engagement approaches to ensure consistency and quality across delivery teams.
THOMAS DOYLE III
President/CEO, PMI Ottawa Valley Outaouais Chapter, PMI NAAG Change Advisor
Thomas Doyle III helps organizations answer a frustrating but common question: “Everyone did their job… so why did it still fail?”
As Head of Digital Services within the Canadian Armed Forces and President/CEO of the Project Management Institute Ottawa Valley Outaouais Chapter, Thomas has spent over two decades working in complex, high-accountability environments where success depends on more than just doing the work; it depends on making it make sense.
His experience spans business analysis, project delivery, and change enablement, with a focus on how these disciplines intersect and often break down in real-world settings. Through his work as a Change Advisor supporting PMI’s North American Advisory Group, he continues to contribute to the evolution of how organizations deliver value in an increasingly complex landscape.
Known for his practical, no-nonsense approach, Thomas helps professionals move beyond roles and silos to understand how alignment, coordination, and adoption come together to drive meaningful outcomes.Facilitator
HELEN RACETTE, PEng, CBAP, P2P, BRMP, L6SBB
Deputy Project Manager, National Defence
With a background that bridges technical expertise and business insight, Helen brings a strong ability to translate complexity into action. She is also passionate about applying business analysis and Lean 6 Sigma techniques to strategic thinking, goal setting, and continuous improvement, reflecting a commitment to both professional excellence and personal growth.
Helen is an engaged contributor to the business analysis profession and values community, learning, and knowledge sharing. Her work reflects a belief that strong analysis, clear communication, and thoughtful collaboration can create meaningful impact across organizations and teams.