espnW Summit Canada

Toronto

05.12.23

ABOUT

The espnW Summit Presented by Canadian Tire took place in Canada for the first time on May 12th. Global industry leaders, influencers, and disrupters came together in the heart of Toronto for this immersive one-day Summit to push boundaries, spark action, and effect change. It was a day full of engaging discussion and reflection into the advancements and opportunities for women in sport, leadership and business.

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Building on The espnW: Women + Sports Summit’s 14 years of inspiration, education, and impact, The espnW Summit Canada welcomed an international list of powerhouse delegates and speakers. Business leaders, athletes, and change-makers from across the world of sport took to the stage on May 12th.

Thank you to our incredible speakers!

Host & Speakers

Sarah Spain - HostespnW and ESPN TV Personality and Writer, ESPN

Keia Clarke Chief Executive Officer, New York Liberty

Stacey AllasterChief Executive, Professional Tennis and US Tournament Director, United States Tennis Association

Laurie KepronSenior Vice President, Integrated Marketing, NHL and President WISE Toronto

Lindsay Kagawa Colas Executive Vice President, Talent + The Collective, Wasserman

Jess Smith Head of Revenue, Angel City Football Club

Neda TabatabaieSenior Vice President, Business Analytics & Technology, San Jose Sharks

Thayer Lavielle Executive Vice President, The Collective, Wasserman

Meghan ChaykaCo-Founder and CEO, Stathletes

Sarah NurseOlympic and 2X World Champion, Team Canada

Karolina Wisniewska8 x Paralympic Medalist, Alpine Skiing, Athlete Mentor, and Co-Chef de Mission: 2023 Santiago ParaPanAm Games & 2024 Paris Paralympic Games

Cathy EngelbertCommissioner, WNBA

Natalie AchonwaTeam Canada Olympian and WNBA Power Forward, Minnesota Lynx

Rachel BradySports Reporter, The Globe and Mail

Don MayoGlobal Managing Partner, IMI International

Laura GentileExecutive Vice President, Commercial Marketing, Disney Networks & ESPN

Andrea Shaw Founder & Managing Partner, TTG Canada

Kate Beirness - ModeratorHost, TSN, Raptors, and CFL | Founder, Her Mark Canada

Jacquie RyanCEO, Canadian Olympic Foundation | Chief Brand and Commercial Officer, Canadian Olympic Committee

Shireen AhmedSenior Contributor, CBC Sports

Kayla Grey - ModeratorHost, The Shift, TSN

Ellen HyslopCo-Founder and Head of Content, The Gist

Jennifer Hedger - ModeratorAnchor, TSN

Diana MathesonCo-Founder and CEO, Project 8

Kara Wagland - Moderator Anchor, TSN

Tesla BeardSenior Manager, Content Strategy (Programming), TSN

Lisa NortonHead, High Net Worth Wealth Management, RBC

Agenda

Through a compelling series of keynotes, intimate interviews, panel discussions, and mind-stimulating movement, the Summit addressed a wide range of topics designed to be engaging, inspirational, and fun.

Hosted at Toronto's beautiful Evergreen Brick Works, the Summit mixed impactful content with sports and wellness activities creating opportunities to connect, collaborate, and create in an era of rapid evolution and exciting change.

May 12th

Purchase Tickets

8:15AM

Morning Wellness Fuelled by Gatorade Fit (Advanced Sign Up Required)

45 minutes

9:00AM

Registration and Breakfast

60 Minutes

10:00AM

espnW Summit Canada Welcome and OpeningSpeakers: Sarah Spain, Andrea Shaw, Laura Gentile

15 minutes

10:15AM

Champions of Change with Canadian TireSpeakers: Kim Saunders, Canadian Tire Corporation

Single-speaker talks featuring industry leaders in Canada making a tangible change for women in sport.

10 minutes

10:25AM

Panelist Session 1 – Women at the Helm Moderator: Sarah SpainSpeakers: Laurie Kepron, Stacey Allaster, Jess Smith

A conversation with leading executives in sport and business highlighting the power women have to grow the industry.

45 minutes

11:10AM

Panelist Session 2 – The Role of Data in Creating an Equitable Experience Moderator: Sarah SpainSpeakers: Neda Tabatabaie, Meghan Chayka, Don Mayo

A discussion on how the role of data and technology is redefining the fan experience, creating universally accessible spaces, and debunking common myths proving what is fact and what is fiction.

45 minutes

11:55AM

Fireside Chat with Cathy Engelbert Moderator: Kate BeirnessSpeakers: Cathy Engelbert

Cathy Engelbert discusses the road to becoming the WNBA's first Commissioner, learnings in leadership, and the leagues future in Canada.

30 minutes

12:25PM

Lunch Presented by Canadian Olympic Committee

60 Minutes

1:30PM

Panelist Session 3 – The Power of Intentional Investment Moderator: Jennifer HedgerSpeakers: Keia Clarke, Jacquie Ryan, and Lisa Norton

A conversation on the business case and benefits of investing in women's sport and what is being done intentionally to create a new model that recognizes current value and long-term potential.

45 Minutes

2:15PM

Champions of Change with Marsha-Gaye KnightSpeakers: Marsha-Gaye Knight, Black in Sport Business

Single-speaker talks featuring industry leaders in Canada making a tangible change for women in sport.

10 Minutes

2:25PM

Fireside Chat 2 with Lindsay Kagawa Colas Presented By RBCModerator: Thayer LavielleSpeakers: Lindsay Kagawa Colas

Representing some of the worlds best female athletes, this one-on-one discussion provides an inside look at how Lindsay Kagawa Colas is changing the game for her players and what it means to be an"agent of change" in the industry.

30 Minutes

2:55PM

Refreshment and Movement Break

50 Minutes

3:45PM

Panelist Session 4 – The Role of Media in Changing the GameModerator: Kara WaglandSpeakers: Rachel Brady, Ellen Hyslop, Shireen Ahmed, and Tesla Beard

A focus on how different media channels can work together to move the needle, tell the right stories, and support the growth of women's sport.

40 Minutes

4:25PM

Champions of Change with Canadian Women & SportSpeakers: Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, Canadian Women in Sport

Single-speaker talks featuring industry leaders in Canada making a tangible change for women in sport.

10 Minutes

4:35PM

Panelist Session 5 – World Class AthletesModerator: Kayla GreySpeakers: Sarah Nurse, Natalie Achonwa, Diana Matheson, and Karolina Wisniewska

A conversation about the power of the athlete voice in creating a more equitable space and sustainable model and future for women’s sport.

40 Minutes

5:15PM

Closing Remarks Speakers: Sarah Spain, Andrea Shaw

15 Minutes

5:30PM

Cocktail Reception presented by IMI

90 Minutes

The total registration fee is $650 plus tax. This includes a day filled with immersive discussions, inspiring keynote speakers and holistic wellness. You'll also enjoy a deliciously healthy breakfast and lunch, along with an evening reception to continue the connections and conversations. Oh and don't forget an awesome, premium swag bag!

Yes, if you have a group of 5 or more people, please reach out to info@espnwsummitcanada.ca to learn about group pricing.

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you experience extenuating circumstances and are no longer able to attend, please email info@espnwsummitcanada.ca

The espnW Summit Canada will take place at Evergreen Brick Works, nestled in the heart of Toronto's ravine system and surrounded by nature. We can't wait to bring the Summit to life at one of Toronto's most sought after and sustainable venues.

The schedule will include keynote speakers and presentations, work sessions and interactive panel discussions, as well as wellness activities and an evening reception. Our day's programming will run from approximately 9am-5:30pm with a reception in the evening and an optional morning activity before registration.

People like you! Global industry leaders, influencers, and disrupters in the women in sport, leadership, and business sector.

The dress code for the Summit is casual, not business casual but truly casual. We want you to feel comfortable, so wear whatever that means to you. If that’s jeans, we love it. If it’s leggings, go for it!

Bring your ideas, your energy, and your enthusiasm!

You have two options for airports, you can fly into Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) which is just outside Toronto’s downtown core, in Mississauga, or you can fly into Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport that is in the heart of downtown. The commute is shorter from Billy Bishop, but the airline and flight options are more limited.

The Summit will be during the spring in Toronto which is typically mild, with temperatures averaging highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C at night. However, you should be prepared for a wide range of weather – such as rain, sun, clouds, and possibly snow! Best to check the weather leading up to the Summit as weather can be unpredictable and pack a rain jacket just in case.

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Location

Evergreen Brick Works, Suite 300
550 Bayview Ave
Toronto, ON, M4W 3X8

Nestled in the heart of Toronto's ravine system and surrounded by lush nature, Evergreen Brick Works offered a stunning retreat for The espnW Summit Canada.