CanSPEP - Business Associate Category

For more information, contact: info@canspep.ca

Category Definition Terms

Each year, the Board of Directors will agree to the number of business associates to accept for the upcoming year. As a base, in 2023 the Board agreed to keep the % ratio of planners to suppliers at 60:40. As the CanSPEP planner membership increases in number, so will the Business Associate category increase.
Open to any supplier interested in doing business with CanSPEP members and potential members (up to a maximum 50 associates in Year 3, January 1 to December 31, 2026).
Must comply with the Business Associate Code of Conduct detailed below.
Approved to attend CanSPEP events at a preferred rate.
Receive advance access for exhibitor and sponsor opportunities.
Approved to sponsor CanSPEP events at a preferred rate.
Will be listed in a Business Associate Directory on the CanSPEP website.
May apply to participate in the Business Associate Advisory Council.
Opportunity to provide promotions and incentives to CanSPEP members (through the members only section of the CanSPEP website).
May host, at their own cost, educational webinars or events which may be of interest to CanSPEP members.
Approved to attend CanSPEP member and Business Associate only networking opportunities throughout the year.

What is a CanSPEP Business Associate?

A Business Associate is a valued industry partner—hotel, destination, venue, service provider, or supplier—who supports and engages directly with Canada’s leading independent event professionals.

By becoming a Business Associate, your organization gains:

Direct access to a national network of planners and event agency owners
Visibility and positioning as a trusted partner to top-tier professionals
Opportunities to grow your business through targeted engagement

This is more than a membership—it's a seat at the table where Canada's top event entrepreneurs gather, share, and source.

To be eligible, you must:

Provide products or services relevant to the events industry
Demonstrate a strong understanding of the independent planner business model
Uphold CanSPEP’s Code of Conduct and ethical standards
Respect the planner-only nature of our community, acting as a collaborator—not a competitor

Please note: CanSPEP maintains a 60:40 ratio of planners to business associates to preserve the integrity and focus of our network. All Business Associate applications are reviewed by our Board of Directors for fit and alignment.

Note: The Business Associate Category is assigned to an organization. An individual from that organization will be identified as the primary administrator.

Code of Conduct

CanSPEP is a leading voice in the event industry and is the only association in Canada that offers exclusive membership and a wealth of benefits specifically tailored to independent event planner entrepreneurs.

Each Business Associate Undertakes And Agrees To:

Conduct themselves in a manner that supports the mission of CanSPEP:
Avoid taking an unfair advantage of another person or entity through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair-dealing practice.
Protect confidential information including after provision of service (e.g., committee participation) has ended.
Disclose confidential information only with written authorization by the CanSPEP Board or when required by law.
Create an environment where the interaction among volunteers, suppliers, and clients is conducted fairly. Discrimination, harassment or abuse of any sort will not be tolerated.
Embrace and foster an inclusive business climate of respect for all peoples regardless of national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, age, colour, sexual orientation, or disability.
Exhibit professional conduct that is a credit to their profession, their employer and themselves.
Ensure all contractual dealings are conducted fairly and in compliance with the law.
Advance, support and promote the professional association of CanSPEP and event management through word and action.
Comply with the written codes of conduct of all organizations with which they are associated.
Confirm that the Business Associate has not been found guilty in any criminal or similar proceeding of fraud, market manipulation, fraudulent misrepresentation, insider trading or other similar offence.
Confirm that (i) CanSPEP has the discretion to refuse the relationship of a business associate in CanSPEP to any person, and to revoke the CanSPEP business associate term of any person, in appropriate circumstances, and (ii) that CanSPEP has neither the mandate nor the capacity to independently investigate and adjudicate allegations of misconduct. If a finding by a court, regulatory, administrative or self-regulatory body for conduct, or other such similar body, finds misconduct on the part of a CanSPEP Business Associate or proposed business associate, CanSPEP will consider what action, if any, (including cancellation of business associate relationship) is appropriate in the circumstances. If cancellation occurs, the Business Associate fees will not be returned.

December 2023