THE POWER OF THE INDUSTRY IN ONE ROOM: MORE SESSIONS ANNOUNCED

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada unveils more powerhouse speakers and dynamic conversations taking place at the 2026 Summit on May 28 at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto.

At the heart of this year’s event are bold, women-centred discussions designed to inspire, inform, and spark meaningful conversation. From creative leadership and industry influence to storytelling and innovation, these sessions explore the opportunities, challenges, and ideas shaping the future of entertainment.

Just announced:

THE ART OF LEADERSHIP

Explore the dynamic landscape of leadership in the Canadian entertainment 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 success, 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.

Francesca Accinelli
Chief Program Officer
Telefilm Canada
Neishaw Ali
Founding Partner, CEO, and Executive Producer
SPINVFX
Carlyn Klebuc
Carlyn Klebuc
General Manager, Original Programming
Bell Media
Laurie May
Laurie May
Co-Founder and Co-President
Elevation Pictures
Meg Symsyk
Meg Symsyk
President and CEO
FACTOR
Tonya Williams O.C.
Executive Director and Founder
Reelworld Screen Institute
Jennifer Valentyne
Radio & Television Host, Public Speaker & Content Creator

In Partnership With

FACTOR

CHANGING THE GAME: INSIDE SLO PITCH

Join the team behind the new Crave comedy series Slo Pitch for a conversation about bringing bold, offbeat storytelling to the screen. Adapted from the popular digital series, Slo Pitch follows a queer, beer-league slo pitch team that is messy, hilarious, and full of heart. It’s a sharp example of how community-driven storytelling can grow from grassroots success into premium television without losing its edge. This conversation will explore the growing demand for inclusive storytelling and how projects like Slo Pitch are helping redefine the future of Canadian comedy.

Gwenlyn Cumyn
Actor and Executive Producer
Slo Pitch
Sarah Fowlie
Head of Production, Original Programming
Bell Media
Paige Haight
Executive Producer
Slo Pitch
J Stevens
Executive Producer, Director
Slo Pitch
Moderator: Marci Ien
Journalist, Television Personality and Former Canadian Minister for Women and Gender Equality

In Partnership With

Shaftesbury

Canadian Women. Global Recognition.

We’re delighted to welcome back The Hollywood Reporter’s Deputy Editorial Director Jeanie Pyun to join the celebration and make a special presentation to The Hollywood Reporter Canadian Women of Power List honourees at this year’s event.

Jeanie Pyun
Jeanie Pyun
Deputy Editorial Director
The Hollywood Reporter

Get a Piece of Canadian History

As previously announced, the first 100 people to check-in on May 28 at The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada will receive a complimentary copy of 2026 Changemaker Award Honouree Rachel Reid’s bestselling book, Heated Rivalry.  

Following the In Conversation between Rachel Reid and Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney, Reid will be on hand for an exclusive book signing.  Don’t miss your opportunity to get a piece of Canadian history!

Rachel Reid
Changemaker Award Honouree
Photo credit: Caleb Latreille
Jacob Tierney
Creator
Heated Rivalry

Together with our previously announced programming now featured across the full AGENDA, this year’s Summit brings the industry’s most influential voices together for one extraordinary day — all leading to the highly anticipated Tribute Awards celebration honouring extraordinary Canadian women in entertainment.

Tickets are almost gone! Visit womeninentertainment.ca for more information and to secure your spot today.

To inquire about reserved tables or other partnership opportunities contact: [email protected].

Questions? Reach out to us at [email protected].

THANK YOU TO OUR VALUED PARTNERS

Diamond Partners

Bell Media
FACTOR

Gold Partners

Amazon MGM Studios
Blink49 Studios
Canada Media Fund (CMF)
Indigenous Screen Office (ISO)
Lionsgate
Netflix

Silver Partners

Cineplex
DGC-Ontario
My Reel World
Paramount Plus
Shaftesbury
Telefilm Canada
YouTube

Bronze Partners

iHeartRadio Canada

Supporting Partners

Bell Fund
CMPA
DGC-National
MPA Canada
Prime
RevolutionHER
Rocket Science
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Spin Master Entertainment
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