Annual Conference Highlights
These monthly conversations are curated to spark inspiration, foster connection, and deliver real value. Each session will feature lively, guided discussions spanning personal growth, event trends, and business insights, ensuring something for everyone.
Co-Hosted by Heidi Wilker and a CanSPEP Board Member
This month we will begin the conversation with: Sustainability in Events - Honest Convos
With Heidi’s signature warmth and valuable insights from a board member, these calls create a balance of structure, connection, and meaningful takeaways.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, collaboration, or simply a friendly space to share ideas, these sessions bring the charm of spontaneous water cooler conversations—just like we’re all in the same office together.
CanSPEP Connections will, in general, be held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1:00 ET for one hour.
Register today and mark your calendars.
This is a CanSPEP Planner Members only event and there is no cost to attend.
Connect. Create. Collaborate. A day of meaningful connections, creative inspiration, and collaborative growth — where the future of events are built together.
STACKT market 28 Bathurst St., Toronto, Ontario, M5V 0C6
Early Bird Registration Deadline: December 31, 2025 (a savings of at least $30)
Let’s think BIG and get empowered together! Join us for an inspiring day to learn the strategies, skills, and mindset needed to successfully scale an event business. Throughout the day, you’ll gain insights from guest speakers, network with peers and participate in meaningful conversations.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready for the next phase of growth, don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge, enhance your business, and embrace a growth mindset!
There is a block of rooms for CanSPEP at the 1Hotel Toronto, 550 Wellington Street West, Toronto for January 18 - 21, 2026
Booking Link: 1 Hotel Toronto x CanSPEP
AGENDA(access speaker bios here)
8:00 am – 9:00 am - Registration and Continental Breakfast, with option STACKT market tour
9:00 am – 9:45 am – Welcome and Opening Remarks Emcee, Jennifer Spear, Clean Slate Strategies 9:45 am – 10:45 am – Speed Networking: How Can We Collaborate?Facilitated by Jennifer Spear & Michelle Planche A lively, structured networking session designed to foster partnerships, share expertise, and explore collaboration opportunities
10:45 am – 11:15 am - Break
11:15 am – 12:15 pm - Spaces & Faces How you're killing your networking vibes & the ultra emergence of third spacesPresented by: Trevor Lui, Highbell Hospitality Group
* discuss the use of unique third spaces for social events and the importance of removing these settings from your traditional host venue* who, where and how to stop killing your event* how your third space event drives regenerative tourism impact* illustrate some examples that we are doing
12:15 pm – 1:30 pm - Lunch
1:30 pm – 2:15 pm - Education SessionPanel Discussion -Building Community In Your Events
Panelists: Rachel Wong, Co-Founder, Monday Girl; Marsha Druker, Founder, F***up Nights Toronto; Disha Bobby, Founder, Brains and Barstools; Danny Desatnik, Founder, Playlist Storytellers
2:15 pm – 3:00 pm - Education SessionMember to Member Learning “Designing the Future of Events” Facilitated by Jennifer Spear, Cleanslate Strategies Learning Outcomes
● Understand how to build strong attendee communities that foster loyalty, repeat participation, and long-term engagement.● Identify and apply emerging design and experience trends shaping the future of live, hybrid, and virtual events.● Develop attendee-driven experience and program designs that adapt to diverse learning styles and maximize engagement.● Leverage AI and innovative tech tools to enhance creativity, streamline planning, and push the boundaries of event design ● Use storytelling, influencer strategies, and content marketing to amplify events, attract new audiences, and convert attendees into advocates.
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm - Break
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm - Education Session CONNECT Ask an Expert- Round Table ForumFacilitated by Candice Gottschall, HappyTuesday
Join us for “Meet the Expert,” a fast-paced series of 20-minute micro-sessions where attendees rotate through three rounds of practical, high-impact learning with specialists across law, finance, HR, business growth, AI, safety, grants, and more. This interactive format gives planners direct access to expert insights, real-world advice, and actionable tips tailored to elevate their businesses and strengthen their professional toolkit.
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – STACKT market Social Hour- Choose your own adventure Unwind and connect with peers in a relaxed, social atmosphere featuring light bites, local beverages, and great conversation. Enjoy a variety of engaging activities. Spiniko Interactive Games and more.
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm - Dine AroundAn optional local dine-around experience that will showcase some of the area’s best restaurants and we can continue to network—more details to come as we finalize the venues and format.
If you’re interested in signing up for the dine around, please indicate “YES” when you register for CanSPEP Day or email info@canspep.ca.
This month we will begin the conversation with: Tracking Your Business Expenses
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 6:30 - 9:30
ReStay Ottawa - Sky Lounge 101 Queen Street, Ottawa, Ontario
Celebrate CanSPEP’s 30th Birthday in style during Ottawa Meet Week! Join us for some refreshments, connection, and community as we toast three decades of elevating Canada’s independent event professionals.
Please note this event is open to CanSPEP Members, non-member independent Event Planners and CanSPEP Business Associates only.
THANK YOU TO OUR SOCIAL EVENT PARTNER
Empowering Canadian event planning professionals through community, education, and excellence since 1996.
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