Registration Opens

Description
Let’s kick off the second annual The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada with our amazing Etalk hosts and some special guests!
Speakers

Traci Melchor
Etalk

Lainey Lui
Etalk

Shirley Halperin
The Hollywood Reporter
Description
Explore the dynamic landscape of leadership in the Canadian film and television industry through the lens of these inspiring women who have climbed the ranks, shattered glass ceilings, and carved out spaces for themselves and others. Delve into the strategies and philosophies that have guided these leaders to succes, and gain valuable insights into the challenges they’ve faced and the lessons they’ve learned along the way, as well as their visions for the future. Through candid conversation and thought-provoking discussions, ‘The Art of Leadership’ offers an opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s most influential voices.
Speakers

Valerie Creighton, C.M., S.O.M.
Canada Media Fund (CMF)

Michela Di Mondo
Fremantle

Carlyn Klebuc
Bell Media

Kat Kowalski
Pluto TV

Anita Lee
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

Kerry Swanson
Indigenous Screen Office (ISO)
Moderator

Kirstine Stewart
Description
Prepare to be inspired as we shine a spotlight on ‘Women to Watch’, showcasing women making waves in the world of entertainment. Hear firsthand the creativity, innovation, and fresh perspectives they bring to the industry. Join us to champion their dynamic voices and learn why they are “women to watch”.
Speakers

Karen Thorne-Stone
Ontario Creates

Francesca Accinelli
Telefilm Canada

Michelle Asgarali

Karen Brochu
House of Anansi Press

Allison Brough
Blink 49 Studios

Jennifer Dodge
Spin Master Entertainment

Ebonnie Rowe
PhemPhat Entertainment. Group & Producer, Honey Jam
More speakers coming soon!
Description
In an industry driven by bold ideas and big ambition, women in entertainment can still face unique barriers getting to “yes” — whether it’s for a greenlit project, a leadership role, or career transition within the industry. This dynamic panel brings together trailblazing Canadian women from across film and television to explore strategies, support systems, and empowering programs that have helped them break through and get to their “yes”.
Speakers

Heather Conkie

Alexandra Clarke
THE WAY HOME

Gail Harvey

Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe
Moderator

Amber Dowling
Lunch

Feature Interview with Impact Award Honouree Jeanne Beker

Description
Join iconic fashion and lifestyle journalist Jeanne Beker for an exciting Feature Interview. On the heels of the release of her new book Heart on My Sleeve: Stories from a Life Well Worn, Jeanne Beker will insipre as she shares how she cultivated the drive, resiliency and tenacity needed to fuelher incredible career, as well as the courage to face life’s challenges, while empowering the audience to do the same.
There will be an exclusive book signing for delegates following the Interview!
Speakers

Jeanne Beker
IMPACT Award Honouree
Moderator

Suzanne Boyd
ZOOMER Magazine
Jeanne Beker Book Signing

Description
Be one of the first 100 people to arrive at Women in Entertainment Canada and you’ll receive a complimentary copy of Jeanne Beker’s book. Heart on My Sleeve: Stories from a Life Well Worn. Join us at 1:30 pm in the Ballroom Foyer to have your copy signed by Jeanne herself!
Description
This discussion brings together some of Canada’s leading female voices in television and film direction to explore the evolving creative landscape and their growing influence in shaping it. These directors are not only telling diverse stories but redefining what it means to lead in the industry. The panel will unpack their creative processes, challenges they’ve faced, and the shifts they’re seeing — or pushing for — in representation, storytelling, and industry dynamics.
Speakers

Holly Dale

Zoe Leigh Hopkins

Fawzia Mirza

Patricia Rozema

Aleysa Young
Moderator

Teri Hart
Description
From boardrooms to backstage, women are redefining the Canadian music industry — and they’re doing it with vision and drive. This powerhouse panel brings together some of the most influential women in the Canadian music industry. These leaders are breaking barriers, setting standards, and amplifying the voices of others along the way. In a candid and inspiring conversation, they’ll share their personal journeys, the systemic challenges they’ve faced, and the bold moves that helped them rise. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, executive, or industry ally, this session offers a rare inside look at how women are transforming Canada’s music scene.
Speakers

Julie Adam
Universal Music Canada

Jully Black

Keziah Myers
ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective

Meg Symsyk
FACTOR

Patti-Anne Tarlton
Live Nation Concerts Canada
Moderator

Karen Bliss
Description
The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertaiment Canada is proud to present the second annual Tribute Awards where five exceptional honourees will be recognized for their contributions to the Canadian industry. There will also be a celebration of the 2025 The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada Power List and the first cohort of the WIE CAN Mentorship Program. You don’t want to miss it!
ICON Award Sponsored By
Equity in Entertainment Award Sponsored By
Glass Ceiling Award Sponsored By
Breakthrough Award Sponsored By
Speakers

Margaret Atwood
ICON Award Honouree

Tantoo Cardinal
Equity in Entertainment Honouree

Jeanne Beker
IMPACT Award Honouree

Christina Jennings
Glass Ceiling Award Honouree
