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With just a few weeks left until the Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP) Annual Conference, independent event planners across Canada are gearing up for one of the most important industry gatherings of the year. If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time—spots are filling fast, and this is your chance to connect, learn, and grow your event planning business in 2025.

Why Attend the CanSPEP Annual Conference?

CanSPEP’s conference is uniquely designed for entrepreneurial event planners who run their own businesses. This year’s event, hosted in the beautiful and historic city of Kingston, Ontario, promises a powerful lineup of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and industry insights tailored specifically for independent professionals.

• Cutting-Edge Education: Learn from top experts on topics like marketing strategies, technology innovations, sustainable event practices, and business growth.
• Valuable Networking: Meet fellow independent planners, share ideas, and form partnerships that can take your business to the next level.
• Exclusive Industry Access: Discover the latest products and services from trusted industry partners showcased at the conference.

A New Destination Every Year

The 2025 conference continues CanSPEP’s tradition of rotating locations throughout Ontario, allowing attendees to experience different vibrant cities each year. Kingston’s rich heritage and waterfront charm provide the perfect backdrop for inspiration and professional development.

Time Is Running Out — Secure Your Spot Today!

With only a few weeks remaining before the conference, registration is still open but spaces are limited. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this dynamic event that empowers independent event planners across Canada.

How to Register

Visit canspep.ca today to register and find all the details about the conference schedule, speakers, and venue. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your event planning journey, the CanSPEP Annual Conference is the must-attend event of the year.

About CanSPEP

The Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners is Canada’s leading association exclusively for independent event planners, offering education, community, and resources to help entrepreneurial professionals succeed.

Don’t wait—register now and join your peers in Kingston for a conference experience that will inspire, educate, and connect you with the best in the business.

Sustainability has become a defining priority in the event industry for 2025, with a clear shift toward eco-friendly practices and a strong emphasis on supporting local suppliers. As attendees' and stakeholders' expectations rise, event planners are increasingly adopting strategies that not only reduce environmental impact but also create lasting positive effects on local communities.

Sustainable event planning is no longer a trend—it’s an expectation. More than half of event planners now recognize sustainability as a core value, and a growing number are incorporating eco-conscious requirements into their RFPs. This movement is driven by environmental responsibility and the desire to leave a meaningful legacy in host communities.

Practical Steps Toward Sustainable Events

Set a Clear Sustainability Goal

The foundation of any sustainable event is clear, measurable objectives. Planners are advised to align their goals with United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (UN SDGs), such as reducing waste, minimizing carbon footprints, and maximizing local economic impact. Creating a dedicated team to track progress ensures these goals translate into real results.

Choose Green Venues and Partners

Selecting venues with green certifications (like LEED or ISO 20121) and strong sustainability programs can make a significant difference. These venues often feature energy-saving infrastructure, robust recycling programs, and easy access to public transportation, reducing the event’s overall environmental footprint.

Prioritize Local Sourcing

Supporting Canadian suppliers is a powerful way to boost sustainability. By sourcing food, beverages, décor, and materials locally, planners reduce transportation emissions and support the regional economy. For example, venues like Rogers Centre Ottawa highlight local craft breweries and wineries, and source dairy products from nearby producers, ensuring high-quality experiences while minimizing environmental impact.

Reduce and Repurpose Waste

Waste reduction is central to sustainable events. Initiatives include eliminating single-use plastics, providing reusable water bottles, setting up refill stations, and partnering with organizations like La Tablée des Chefs to redistribute surplus food to local charities—diverting waste from landfills and supporting community needs.

Collaborate for Greater Impact

Sustainability is a shared responsibility. Planners are encouraged to partner with eco-conscious suppliers, venues, and organizations to amplify their efforts. Even small, consistent actions—like using recycled signage or digital communications—can create a ripple effect, driving industry-wide change.

Canada is at the forefront of sustainable event management, with national programs like Destination Canada’s Business Events Sustainability Plan setting the standard for economic, social, and environmental enrichment. This plan not only addresses events' environmental impact but also measures their social and economic legacy, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainability.

Choosing local suppliers is about more than just logistics—it’s about community. By prioritizing Canadian products and services, event planners contribute to the local economy, foster regional pride, and deliver authentic experiences for attendees. This approach also helps mitigate supply chain disruptions and supports Canadian businesses, particularly during global uncertainty.

As sustainability continues to shape the future of events, planners who embrace eco-friendly practices and local sourcing will be seen as leaders in responsible event management. By setting clear goals, partnering with green venues, and supporting local communities, the Canadian event industry is not just keeping pace with global trends—it’s setting the standard for others to follow.

For event professionals, now is the time to make sustainability a central pillar of every gathering, ensuring that every event leaves a positive legacy for the environment and the communities that host them.

As 2025 unfolds, the event planning industry is experiencing a dynamic transformation, driven by shifting attendee expectations, technological advancements, and a renewed focus on well-being and sustainability. Recent articles and social media discussions share several key highlights that are redefining how events are designed and delivered, trends that are especially relevant for professionals attending this year’s CanSPEP Annual Conference.

1. Health and Wellness Take Center Stage

Wellness is no longer a fringe benefit but a core component of event design. Organizers are integrating features like mindfulness sessions, quiet zones, and healthy food options to create environments that support both mental and physical well-being. This shift is a response to growing awareness about stress and burnout in the industry, and it’s being embraced by planners who want to offer restorative, attendee-focused experiences. Expect to see sessions and networking breaks at leading conferences—including CanSPEP—that prioritize wellness, from yoga classes to nutritious catering.

2. Immersive and Experience-Centric Events

2025 is the year of the “phygital” event—where physical and digital experiences merge seamlessly. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are being used to create immersive environments that engage both in-person and remote participants, setting a new standard for interactivity and inclusivity. Event design is also leaning into bold aesthetics, interactive installations, and gamified engagement, ensuring that every attendee walks away with memorable, personalized moments. CanSPEP and other forward-thinking conferences incorporate these elements to deliver wow-factor experiences and deeper engagement.

3. The Evolution of Hybrid Event Formats

Hybrid events have evolved beyond simple live-streaming. In 2025, they are about creating unified, interactive experiences for both on-site and remote audiences. AI-driven translation services, automated captions, and real-time multilingual support make events more accessible and inclusive than ever. These innovations allow for seamless communication and global participation, while data analytics tools help organizers track engagement and tailor content to individual preferences.

4. Sustainability and Local Sourcing

Sustainability is now a standard expectation. Eco-friendly practices—such as digital ticketing, reusable materials, and partnerships with local suppliers—are front and center in event planning. Supporting Canadian suppliers reduces the event’s carbon footprint and strengthens the local economy, a value embraced by venues and organizers across the country. CanSPEP’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its choice of venues, catering, and conference materials.

5. Personalization and AI Integration

Artificial intelligence transforms the attendee experience by enabling hyper-personalized agendas, content recommendations, and real-time support via chatbots. This ensures every participant feels valued and engaged, whether they’re attending in person or online. Planners are using AI to analyze attendee data, optimize event flow, and deliver content that resonates on an individual level.

6. Budgeting, Agility, and Creative Solutions

With costs rising faster than budgets, planners are seeking creative ways to do more with less. This includes hosting events in second-tier cities, leveraging local partnerships, and collaborating with convention and visitor bureaus for added value. Many conferences embrace this by rotating locations throughout Ontario and offering innovative programming that maximizes impact without breaking the bank.

By embracing these trends, event professionals can deliver experiences that are not only memorable and engaging but also responsible and future-ready, making conferences like CanSPEP’s a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in 2025.