2026 CanSPEP Day

Connect. Create. Collaborate.
A day of meaningful connections, creative inspiration, and collaborative growth — where the future of events are built together.  

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
8:30 - 5:00 

STACKT market
28 Bathurst St., Toronto, Ontario, M5V 0C6

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:  Rethinking Where (and How) We Gather
Presented by:  Highbell Hospitality Group and Quell

Are traditional venues killing your networking vibe? Spaces & Faces explores the rise of third spaces—unexpected, community-driven environments that are redefining how people connect, collaborate, and experience events.

This session dives into why moving beyond conventional host venues can dramatically shift energy, engagement, and outcomes. We’ll unpack who your event is really for, where it should live, and how venue choice can either elevate or quietly sabotage the experience.

You’ll also learn how thoughtfully curated third-space events can drive regenerative tourism, support local ecosystems, and create lasting economic and social impact—while still delivering unforgettable guest experiences.

Through real-world examples from our own portfolio, we’ll show how activating non-traditional spaces leads to stronger connections, better storytelling, and more meaningful community integration.

12:15 pm – 1:30 pm - Lunch 

1:30 pm – 2:15 pm  - Education Session
Panel 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 Session
Member to Member Learning “Designing the Future of Events”
Facilitated by Jennifer Spear, Cleanslate Strategies
Learning Outcomes
Working with your colleagues and utilizing a case study as a guide, you will learn from each other and collaborate to build an attendee driven experience and unique program design. Incorporating key learnings from the day including collaboration, community, unique use of space, along with your own distinct experience, together you will design to spark curiosity and anticipation, maximize engagement, focusing on a ROI for both time and money invested, and ensuring repeat attendance.
You will leave inspired by the possibilities.

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm - Break

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm - Education Session
CONNECT Ask an Expert- Round Table Forum
Facilitated 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 - Dinner at Cassius on King
We have reserved tables at Cassius restaurant, 624 King St. West, Toronto.  Menu is a la carte and you will pay at the restaurant.

If you’re interested in signing up for the dinner, please indicate “YES” when you register for CanSPEP Day or email info@canspep.ca.