Schedule

9:00 am

Registration Opens

Description

Join us for networking before the program begins!

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
Traci Melchor
Senior Correspondent
Etalk
Lainey Lui
Lainey Lui
Senior Correspondent
Etalk
Shirley Halperin
Shirley Halperin
Co-Editor-in-Chief
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
Valerie Creighton, C.M., S.O.M.
President & CEO
Canada Media Fund (CMF)
Michela Di Mondo
Michela Di Mondo
EVP Distribution, Canada, International
Fremantle
Carlyn Klebuc
Carlyn Klebuc
General Manager, Original Programming
Bell Media
Katrina Kowalski
Kat Kowalski
Senior Vice President, International Content Programming and Acquisitions
Pluto TV
Anita Lee
Anita Lee
Chief Programming Officer
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Kerry Swanson
Kerry Swanson
Chief Executive Officer
Indigenous Screen Office (ISO)

Moderator

Kirstine Stewart
Kirstine Stewart
Global Media and Tech Leader

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
Karen Thorne-Stone
President & CEO
Ontario Creates
Francesca Accinelli
Francesca Accinelli
Senior Vice President, Program Strategy and Industry Development
Telefilm Canada
Michelle, a brown gal with long black hair in a floral top, poses in her power chair in front of a metal art piece featuring a slate and film reel.
Michelle Asgarali
Creative Producer and Writer
Karen Brochu
Karen Brochu
Publisher
House of Anansi Press
Allison Brough
Allison Brough
Senior Vice President of Unscripted Television
Blink 49 Studios
Jennifer Dodge
Jennifer Dodge
President
Spin Master Entertainment
Ebonnie Rowe
Ebonnie Rowe
Founder & Executive Director
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
Heather Conkie
Executive Producer, Writer
Alexandra Clarke
Alexandra Clarke
Co-Showrunner, Executive Producer, Writer
THE WAY HOME
Gail Harvey
Gail Harvey
Television and Film Director and Producer
Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe
Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe
Director & Actor

Moderator

Amber Dowling
Amber Dowling
TV critic and entertainment writer
12:30 pm

Lunch

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
Jeanne Beker
IMPACT Award Honouree

Moderator

Suzanne Boyd
Suzanne Boyd
Editor-in-Chief & Publisher
ZOOMER Magazine

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

Get ready for an afternoon of impactful sessions and conversations, hosted by Canadian comedian, actor and YouTube creator, Julie Nolke

Speakers

Julie Nolke
Julie Nolke
Actor, Writer, Filmmaker, and YouTube Creator

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
Holly Dale
Director
Zoe Leigh Hopkins
Zoe Leigh Hopkins
Writer, Director
Fawzia Mirza
Fawzia Mirza
Film & Television Writer and Director
Patricia Rozema
Patricia Rozema
Film & Television Director, Writer, Producer
Aleysa Young
Aleysa Young
Director

Moderator

Teri Hart
Teri Hart
Television and Radio host/producer

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
Julie Adam
President & CEO
Universal Music Canada
Jully Black
Jully Black
Canada's Queen of R&B and Soul
Keziah Myers
Keziah Myers
Executive Director
ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective
Meg Symsyk
Meg Symsyk
President and CEO
FACTOR
Patti-Anne Tarlton
Patti-Anne Tarlton
Vice-Chair
Live Nation Concerts Canada

Moderator

Karen Bliss
Karen Bliss
Music Trade Journalist

Description

Get ready for the 2025 Tribute Awards! Enjoy a refreshemnt and snack courtesty of Paramount + while we capture the 2025 Honourees on the Gold Carpet. Then take your seat for what promises to be a fantastic show!

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

Amazon MGM Studios      Cinespace Studios

Equity in Entertainment Award Sponsored By

Glass Ceiling Award Sponsored By

Breakthrough Award Sponsored By

 

Speakers

Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood
ICON Award Honouree
Tantoo Cardinal
Tantoo Cardinal
Equity in Entertainment Honouree
Jeanne Beker
Jeanne Beker
IMPACT Award Honouree
Christina Jennings
Christina Jennings
Glass Ceiling Award Honouree
Amrit Kaur
Amrit Kaur
Breakthrough Award Honouree

Description

Celebrate the The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada in style at the Amazon MGM Studios Cocktail Reception! Cap off the day with new connections, inspiring honourees, great food, and live music.