CanSPEP Connections May 13: The Power of Protocol - Your Secret Weapon for Flawless Events

When
May 13, 2026
13:00 - 14:00
Location
zoom virtual meeting

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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.

The Power of Protocol - Your Secret Weapon for Flawless Events

Protocol can be one of the most intimidating—and overlooked—aspects of event planning, yet it is often the invisible thread that ensures everything runs seamlessly. In this practical and engaging webinar, you will gain a deeper understanding of how protocol shapes everything from seating arrangements and speaking order to flag placement and VIP management. Drawing on decades of experience at the highest levels of government and international events, CanSPEP member David Dunlop will demystify protocol and position it as a powerful tool to elevate professionalism, avoid missteps, and confidently navigate complex event environments.

Through real-world examples and behind-the-scenes insights, we’ll explore how to anticipate and manage protocol challenges before they become problems—from last-minute room set changes to sensitive cultural considerations and evolving expectations such as Indigenous protocols. Whether you’re planning corporate meetings, conferences, or high-profile events, this session will equip you with practical strategies, a sharper eye for detail, and the confidence to manage even the most nuanced logistics with precision and ease.

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.

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CanSPEP Connections June 10: F&B Planning for Wellness: The Story We Tell Through What We Serve

When
June 10, 2026
13:00 - 14:00

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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 Samantha Mele, CanSPEP Board Director, and Heidi Wilker, Past President, this month we will begin the conversation with: F&B Planning for Wellness: The Story We Tell Through What We Serve

At the core of it all is a simple truth:

If you feel good, you look good. If you look good, you play good. If you play good, they PAY good $$ (aka our clients)

Every menu tells a story. Not just of taste but of how we want people to feel, how we want them to show up, and how we carry them through an experience from start to finish.

In this Connections Call, we explore how food and beverage can be intentionally designed to support energy, focus, and overall wellbeing without falling into rigid or unrealistic “wellness” standards. Because the truth is, it is not about perfection. It is about awareness. Small, thoughtful shifts can completely change how an event is experienced.

Hosted by Samantha Mele, VP of Membership at CanSPEP and a passionate wellness advocate, this conversation is grounded in real experience. Through her own wellness journey, Samantha has seen firsthand how taking care of herself has transformed how she shows up and how her business performs.

We will chat about:

What we are seeing across the industry and what it is inspiring
Where the wellness conversation creates tension or pushback
How to move beyond all or nothing thinking
Simple ways to integrate meaningful changes into your F and B strategy (at home and in our events)

When we design with that in mind, we are not just feeding attendees. We are elevating performance, presence, and results.

Come ready to share, challenge perspectives, and rethink the role of food and beverage in your events.

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.

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Regina FAM Tour

Start
June 20, 2026
End
June 21, 2026
Location
Regina, Saskatchewan

REGINA FAM Tour
June 20-21, 2026

The Regina FAM Tour is now closed. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who applied. The level of interest was wonderful to see, and we wished we could accommodate all who expressed interest.

We have now confirmed the planners who will be joining us and have notified them. We hope to connect with many of you in future opportunities.

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2026 CanSPEP National Conference

Start
June 22, 2026
11:00
End
June 24, 2026
22:00
Location
The Hotel Saskatchewan

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2026 CanSPEP Annual Conference

Monday, June 22 - Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Regina, Saskatchewan

Registration Deadlines:
Regular: April 1 - April 30
Final: May 1 - June 22

REGINA FAM TOUR DETAILS

The CanSPEP programming committee knows that the best learning happens when we come together. Our conference is more than just an event—it’s a gathering of independent event entrepreneurs from across the country, where we share best practices, tackle challenges, and celebrate our wins. This year, our theme Runway to Success reflects what this experience truly is: a place where ideas take shape, confidence builds, and every conversation helps move our businesses forward.

New attendees often say they’ve found their “family” here, and it’s true—there’s no one quite like us. As business owners, we care deeply about each other and our clients, and this is where we support and uplift one another, helping each other move from where we are now to what’s next.

Come join your fellow independent event entrepreneurs and step onto your Runway to Success. Immerse yourself in meaningful conversations. You’ll walk away with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and renewed momentum to make your life and business better.

Program Details

The conference committee is busy constructing an amazing program to suit your education, networking and social needs. The program is continually updated, so watch your emails for updates and check back frequently to the website for program updates.