Upcoming CanSPEP events

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• Event Technology: The Elephant In The Meeting Room

  • When
    May 07, 2025
  •  
    13:00 - 14:30
  • Location
    Virtual

  Register

  Event Technology: 
  The Elephant In The Meeting Room

  Wednesday, May 7, 2025
  1:00 - 2:30 ET

  Open to CanSPEP Planner Members only

  Updated:  We have just confirmed the lawyer for this session who will help us better understand:

  1. How does the Competition Law Act in Canada protect us in this context (i.e. associations and event planners being required to use the audio visual and internet supplier designated by an event venue – otherwise we face outrageous and impossible ‘additional fees’ to bring in an outside supplier)
  2. What recourse do we have?

  
  

  Event Planners, join a webinar made just for you! A safe space for you to discuss, listen and learn with your peers.

  There’s nothing discrete about the rising and surprising costs related to AV, internet, power etc. at events. This panel brings together event planners, contract professionals and AV experts to tackle this critical issue head-on.

  We’ll discuss rights and duties of both parties when planning and navigating agreements, explore strategies for fostering fair partnerships, and share tools for advocating transparency and equitable pricing.

  Join us for this event planner exclusive event that will open a candid and collaborative conversation resulting in actionable insights to protect your event budgets while fostering a more equitable vendor landscape.

  Learning outcomes:

  1. Planning/RFP strategies to maximize technology within budget
  2. Post-contract options to navigate surprise costs
  3. Big-picture ideas to advocate for future transparency and equity

  Speakers:

  Robert Thompson, Vice President, Sales
  AV Canada

  Heather Reid, CEO & Founder
  Planner Protect Inc.

  Stephanie Lockhart, President
  Cardinal AMC & Events

  Denes Rothschild
  Partner, Competition/Antitrust and Foreign Investment, BLG

  
  

  Registration:

  CanSPEP Member - $25
  
  

  Thank You to Our Education Series partner

  

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• CanSPEP Connections May - Document Management Tips & Tricks - What's in Your Toolbox?

  • When
    May 14, 2025
  •  
    13:00 - 14:00

  Register

  
  

  We’re shaking things up and bringing fresh energy to our CanSPEP Connections Calls! These monthly conversations are now 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

  In May we will begin the conversation with:  Document Management Tips & Tricks - What's in Your Toolbox?

  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.

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• CanSPEP West Coast Meet and Greet

  • When
    June 05, 2025
  •  
    17:30 - 19:30
  • Location
    Richmond Olympic Oval, Richmond BC

  Register

  CanSPEP West Coast Meet and Greet

  Thursday, June 5, 2025
  5:30 - 7:30 pm PT
  Olympic Oval, Richmond, BC

  Celebrate Connection & Community with CanSPEP!

  You're invited to the CanSPEP West Coast Meet & Greet on June 5th at the legendary Olympic Oval in Richmond from 5:30–7:30 PM! It’s an evening designed to bring our vibrant community of independent event professionals together for meaningful connections and a whole lot of fun.

  Come for the networking, stay for the interactive games, tasty bites, and amazing prizes.

  Whether you’re a longtime member or new to CanSPEP, this is the perfect chance to build your network, share ideas, and ignite new opportunities.
  And great news — you don’t need to be a member to attend! All independent planners are welcome.

  Let’s come together to celebrate the people who make events unforgettable — YOU!

  Generously sponsored by:

  
  

  
  

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• CanSPEP Connections June - Food and Beverage Planning for Energy and Wellness

  • When
    June 11, 2025
  •  
    13:00 - 14:00

  Register

  
  

  We’re shaking things up and bringing fresh energy to our CanSPEP Connections Calls! These monthly conversations are now 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

  In June we will begin the conversation with:  Food and Beverage Planning for Energy and Wellness

  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.

  Show details
• 2025 CanSPEP National Conference

  • Start
    June 23, 2025
  •  
    15:00
  • End
    June 26, 2025
  •  
    15:00
  • Location
    Marriott Kingston, Kingston, Ontario

  Register

  

  2025 CanSPEP National Conference Kingston Marriott 285 King Street East Kingston, ON   K7L 3B1 Monday June, 23 - Thursday, June 26 Join your fellow event entrepreneurs in one of Canada’s most historic destinations, Kingston, Ontario 2025 Conference Partner            2025 Production Partner Early Registration Deadline:  May 3, 2024 Program Details _________________________________________________ PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 2025 CONFERENCE PARTNERSHIP PROSPECTUS __________________________________________ EVENT PLANNERS - DO YOU WANT TO VIA TO THE CONFERENCE? VIA Rail is offering CanSPEP planner members and non-member planners a complimentary one-way VIP train to Kingston on Monday, June 23 along with a 10% discount on the return trip for any fare except Escape Fare.  Join your Kingston team for some networking and fun as you travel to the conference.  This offer is limited to 35 event planners and is on a first come first serve basis.  So do not hesitate, register for the conference and click to sign up for the train.  This VIP train #644 departs from Union Station at 13:17 PM (1:17 PM) with 2 stops to pick up other CanSPEP members at both Guildwood (13:37 PM) and Oshawa (13:53 PM) stations.   Please arrive at the VIP Lounge at least 1 hour prior to your departure time, with more details to follow. BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS NOW Marriott Kingston The room block at the Kingston Marriott is full, however, we have secured a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Waterfront (just a short walk to the Marriott). $199 CAD per night - BOOK HERE _______________________________________________ TRAVELLING BY TRAIN VIA RAIL Promotion Code:  15748 Conference attendees can travel to the CanSPEP Annual Conference on VIA Rail  using the above promo code to receive the following discount: VALID: June 20 to June 30, 2025 TERRITORY: From all stations throughout the VIA system toKingston and return. RESTRICTIONS: Fare applies to a maximum of two passengers per booking. DISCOUNT: 10% off the best available fare in Economy, Economy Plus, Business, Business Plus, Sleeper class. "Subject to the conditions and restrictions of the fare plan to which the additional discount is being applied." EXCEPTION: Discount does not apply in any Escape fares and Prestige Class. IDENTIFICATION: Participants must enter the event’s VIA convention discount code 15748 as a Corporate code. TRAVELLING BY AIR AIR CANADA Promotion Code:  T9MZDQX1 Applicable Rules Conference attendees can enjoy flights to the CanSPEP Annual Conference on Air Canada using the above promo code to receive the following discount: 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher. For International Travel' 10% on standard fares & higher. This code is valid for travel to Toronto (all airports) between June 15, 2025 and July 4, 2025. WESTJET Promotion Code:  8I5H8FZ Members of CanSPEP can enjoy flights to the CanSPEP Annual Conference on Westjet using the above promo code to receive 5% off Econo* and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares for travel within Canada and 2% off Econo*, 5% off EconoFlex and 10% off Premium base fares for guests travelling Trans-border. No discount will apply to Ultra Basic or Business class bookings. This code is valid for travel to Toronto between June 16, 2025 and July 4, 2025.

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• Pricing Session - Part 2 (entrepreneurial event planners Only)

  • When
    August 26, 2025
  •  
    12:00 - 14:00
  • Location
    Virtual

  Register

  Pricing Session - Part 2
  (CanSPEP Members and Event Entrepreneurs only)

  Tuesday, August 26, 2025
  12:00 - 2:00 ET

  In Part 2 of the Pricing Session exclusively for CanSPEP members and entrepreneurs in the event industry, the focus shifts to fine-tuning your pricing strategy. This session helps entrepreneurs understand the value of your time, tiered pricing, packaging services, and creating customizable offerings to meet different client needs. Attendees will learn from each other if they have competitive rates, how to increase profitability and factor in costs, labor, and the value they provide. 

  Presented by:

  Michelle Planche, Paradigm Events
  Bettyanne Sherrer, CanPlan Events & Conference Services Inc.
  

  Registration:

  Early Bird Registration:  Deadline July 25, 2025 

  CanSPEP Member - $25
  Non Member Planner - $50
  

  Regular Registration

  CanSPEP Member - $35
  Non Member Planner - $75
  
  

  Thank You to Our Education Series partner

  

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• A-Z Planning: AI Tools for Event Planners

  • When
    September 17, 2025
  •  
    12:00 - 13:00
  • Location
    Virtual

  Register

  A-Z Planning:  AI Tools for Event Planners

  Wednesday, September 17, 2025
  12:00 - 1:00 ET

  Get ready to roll up your sleeves and discover how AI can transform the way you plan and execute events. This interactive, hands-on workshop is designed for event professionals who want to boost creativity, improve efficiency, and enhance the attendee experience. Learn how to use leading AI tools to save time, automate communications, streamline logistics, and spark fresh ideas. You’ll leave with practical skills and ready-to-use tools to apply at your next event.

  
  

   Emily Baillie

  Emily Baillie is an AI and digital marketing speaker, trainer, and professor with over 15 years of experience helping organizations across Canada stay ahead in a fast-changing digital landscape.

  Known for her engaging and down-to-earth delivery, Emily brings complex topics like artificial intelligence and digital marketing to life in a way that’s accessible, interactive, and relevant for event audiences. She teaches digital marketing at McMaster University and leads an AI micro-credential at Humber College, equipping professionals with the tools and confidence to use AI in real-world settings.

  With a human-first approach to AI, Emily delivers keynotes and hands-on workshops that are customized for conferences, industry events, and professional development sessions—leaving attendees inspired and ready to take action.

  Registration:

  Early Bird Registration Deadline:  August 8, 

  CanSPEP Member - $25
  Business Associate - $35
  Non Member Planner - $40
  Supplier - $50

  Regular Registration

  CanSPEP Member - $35
  Business Associate - $50
  Non Member Planner - $50
  Supplier - $75

  Thank You to Our Education Series partner

  

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