RATS Calgary Technical Sessions - Nov 2026

From Complexity to Capability: Building the Next Generation of STO Professionals

Ron Bettin helps organizations lead change, manage complexity, and improve execution in asset-intensive industries. With more than 25 years of experience in energy, operations, maintenance, projects, and shutdowns and turnarounds, Ron has led major initiatives across Canada and internationally. His work has included turnaround strategy and optimization, organizational transformation, leadership development, and complex project execution.

Ron is a long-time contributor to the maintenance and reliability profession and serves as Co-Chair of PEMAC’s Shutdown, Turnaround and Outage (STO) Committee. He has played a leading role in the development of PEMAC’s new Shutdown, Turnaround Management Professional (STMP) Program, created to strengthen the capabilities and professional development of people responsible for planning and executing STO events.

Ron is also a frequent industry speaker, facilitator, and advocate for turning practical experience into repeatable professional practices.

Shutdowns, Turnarounds, and Outages (STOs) bring together complex technical work, significant business risks, and tightly interconnected activities under demanding time constraints. Why do some STOs succeed while others struggle despite excellent technical expertise?

This presentation explores the challenges of STO management, common causes of underperformance, and the importance of integrated planning, leadership, and governance. It will also introduce PEMAC's developing six-course STMP Certification Program, designed to strengthen industry capabilities and advance professional standards in STO management.

These Technical Sessions are open to all people involved with the industrial rotating equipment industry, including (but not limited to): Engineers, technologists, specialists, technicians, millwrights, planners, managers, projects, students, retirees, vendors, and those in transition.

RATS' mission is to build community and comradery in the rotating equipment industry by sharing acquired knowledge, fostering education, and career development, through organized events with the support of industry sponsorship.

https://rotatingspecialist.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/rotating-and-turbomachinery-society/

At each Technical Sessions event, we will raffle off a door-prize, provided by the featured presenter. Each REGISTERED attendee will get (1) entry into the draw with the option to purchase additional entries for $5 each to increase your chances of winning. ALL funds raised will be split between the two chosen organizations (WIN House and Veterans Association Food Bank) at the end of the year.