In just three weeks, an all-star cast of speakers and guests will gather in Whistler to experience a weekend like none other.

This year's event will feature many experiences, learning, and networking. Here are three we want to share today:

Sessions in the Sky

One of the most unique features of SponsorshipX Whistler is our Peak 2 Peak Gondola sessions. Travelling between Whistler and Blackcomb, you will experience a unique discussion held 1,400 feet above the ground. Talk about an opportunity for blue-sky thinking!

Peddle Power

On July 27th, we want you to experience the conference going in an entirely new way as we saddle up to travel to our conference venues in and around the Village. Follow our crew as we go for a morning fitness ride, then head to Black's for Breakfast with Brand Champions, then to Spruce Grove to hear from Andrew Greenlaw and Eliot Jackson, and enjoy some lunch before heading back to the Village for afternoon plenary sessions at Maury Young Arts Centre. Then get ready to go from riding to watching the world's best riders at the Red Bull Joyride!

Dinner. Dinner. Dinner.

Every day of SponsorshipX Whistler, we have a fantastic networking dinner for you. On July 25th, we will eat on the Slopedeck at the Vancouver Whitecaps Opening Dinner. On July 26th, we are at the top of the mountain at the Roundhouse for the Summer Feast Presented by Primaris. On July 27th, we will close the PNE Dinner Party at Portobello in Fairmont. You are guaranteed to leave with a full stomach, a warm heart, and new friends every night. 

Register today, as we have an incredible lineup of speakers waiting for you:

• Jacquie Sestito, Director of Brand Marketing at RBC

• Rachel MacAdam, VP of Marketing at SkipTheDishes

• Johanne Brousseau, Director, Donations, Sponsorships and Experiential Marketing at Desjardins

• Andrew Greenlaw, Vice President, Sponsorship, Community & Brand, CIBC

• Marco Biasiotto, Vice President - Retail & Digital Strategy, Primaris REIT

• James Temple, Chief Sustainability Officer & Philanthropic Advisory Services Leader at PwC Canada

• Derrick Emsley, Co-Founder & CEO at tentree

• Heather Odendaal, Founder & CEO at WNORTH

• Sandy Ward – Indigenous Women Outdoors

• Zaileen Janmohamed, President & CEO of Bay Area Host Committee 

• Shelly Walia, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Sony 

• Steve Levy, COO at Ipsos Canada

• RJ Kraus, Head of Sponsorship Intelligence at KORE Software

• Stefan Wyman, Head of Sports Marketing at Canyon Bicycles GmbH

• Scott Moore, CEO of Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025

• Megan MacKay, Director of Partnership Development at Oak View Group

• Tom Pistore, President of Oak View Group

• Ryan Hughes, CSO & Head of Client Success at Humanity

• Eliot Jackson, Founder & Executive Chairman at Grow Cycling Foundation

• Darren Kinnaird, Managing Partner at Crankworx

• Kristina Koprivica, VP of Corporate Marketing and Strategy at Kruger Products

• John Pierce, Partner at Player 2

• Jennifer Scott, VP of Community & Social Impact at Vancouver Whitecaps FC

• Mark Harrison, Founder, SponsorshipX

A Playbook for Cultivating Brand Champions

RJ Kraus, Head of Sponsorship Intelligence, KORE Software

Stefan Wyman, Head of Sports Marketing, Canyon Bicycles

Ready to revolutionize your sponsorship marketing strategy by using data and insights to cultivate athletes into brand champions? Join Stefan Wyman, Head of Sports Marketing, Canyon Bicycles and RJ Kraus, Head of Sponsorship Intelligence, KORE Software for an in-depth exploration of the Canyon playbook. This innovative session will feature Canyon’s four key steps to managing a portfolio of brand champions: identifying the right champions for your brand, activating your champions in the right way, justifying value, and making data-driven decisions. Leave this discussion with a more nuanced understanding of how to cultivate and manage brand champions using tools, data and insights to drive value.

Championing Change for a Better Tomorrow

Johanne Brousseau, Director, Donations, Sponsorships and Experiential Marketing, Desjardins Financial Group

Kristina Koprivica, VP, Corporate Marketing & Strategy, Kruger Products

Jennifer Scott, Vice President, Community & Social Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps FC

In today's socially conscious world, consumers are increasingly looking to support companies that align with their values and make a positive impact. Join Johanne Brousseau, Director, Donations, Sponsorships and Experiential Marketing, Desjardins Financial Group, Jennifer Scott, Vice President, Community & Social Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Kristina Koprivica, VP, Corporate Marketing & Strategy, Kruger Products for an inspiring session as we delve into the strategies and initiatives of brands championing change for a better tomorrow. In this session, we'll explore how forward-thinking brands are leveraging their influence and resources to drive positive social and environmental impact. From sustainability initiatives to youth support programs to empowering women and girls through sport, our panel of experts will share their insights, experiences, and best practices for creating meaningful change. Whether you're a brand leader, marketer, or sustainability advocate, this session offers valuable lessons and inspiration for making a difference in the world. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders who are leading the charge toward a brighter future.

Breakfast With Brand Champions

Jacquie Sestito, Director, Brand Marketing, RBC

Shelly Walia, Director of Marketing & PR, Sony Interactive Entertainment

John Pierce, Managing Partner, Player 2

Ryan Hughes, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Client Success, Humanity

Looking for fresh approaches to boosting brand advocacy? By leveraging the power of partnerships, brands can build deeper connections with their audiences. Join Jacquie Sestito, Director, Brand Marketing, RBC, Shelly Walia, Director of Marketing & PR, Sony Interactive Entertainment, John Pierce, Managing Partner, Player 2, and Ryan Hughes, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Client Success, Humanity, for an interactive session to discover the power of partnerships in driving brand advocacy. Hear innovative strategies, participate in meaningful discussions, ask questions, and shape the discourse on effective strategies and exceptional partnerships. Don't miss the opportunity to gain inspiration and practical insights for enhancing brand advocacy through innovative approaches to sponsorship marketing.

Globally, women's sports are racing to new heights with sold football crows, the triumphant reemergence of professional ice hockey leagues, and pro basketball now having its moment on the heels of women's university basketball shaking up the collegiate landscape.

One of the critical lessons for all properties looking to grow internationally is collaboration. The NBA, WNBA, and USA Basketball have a unique approach to leveraging one another and bringing value to partners, players, and fans.

This unique key topic of discussion at SponsorshipX Paris will feature a unique plenary session on August 7th to provide some critical insights into this topic.

The session Global Growth: Strategies for Expanding Your Brand Internationally will explore essential strategies and insights to grow your brand's presence across international markets. Whether you're a startup looking to go global or an established business aiming to fortify your global footprint, this session offers practical guidance. Join Phil Cook, CMO, WNBA, and Julie Morris, SVP Commercial Development & Media, NBA, to learn about effective strategies for navigating global growth. Gain valuable insights into identifying lucrative international markets, leveraging strategic partnerships, and fostering innovation to amplify brand visibility and fan engagement globally. Don't miss this opportunity to equip yourself with actionable insights and best practices for achieving global brand growth

Mastering Global Sports Sponsorship: Strategies for Maximizing Value

As global events shift westward in the next decade, the number of sponsors from America and Western Europe is set to increase significantly. These public companies must demonstrate discipline in evaluating investments, measuring returns, and ensuring every dollar benefits their businesses. Join Ricardo Fort, Founder of Sport By Fort, for an insightful keynote session on strategies for maximizing sponsorship value in the years ahead. Drawing on best practices from diverse industries, Ricardo will delve into what it takes to thrive in the world of global sports. Discover practical tips on critical success factors and pitfalls to avoid, ensuring you optimize your return on investment. Take advantage of this opportunity to gain valuable insights and position your company for success in the evolving landscape of global sports sponsorship.

Unlocking Potential Through Sport – Preparing Athletes and Fans to Get Ready for The Best!

As one of the more recent TOP (The Olympic Programme) partners, Allianz officially launched an eight-year global partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic Movements in 2021, expanding their support for the Paralympic Movement, which began in 2006. Their work extends beyond insurance; they aim to inspire people, prepare athletes for competition, and create a positive impact worldwide. Join Ana Shapiro Queenan, Global Market Account Management, Olympic and Paralympic Team, Allianz, for an engaging session exploring Allianz’s mission to inspire people and prepare them for everything life has to offer. Discover how Allianz leverages the Olympic and Paralympic Games to help over 150 athletes around the world prepare for competition and inspire customers, fans and employees with stories of great effort and achievement. Gain insights into strategies and best practices for building consumer trust worldwide. Learn about Allianz’s commitment around the world to support diversity, raise awareness about important social issues, and get the next generation moving with their MoveNow Program. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how Allianz’s partnerships embody their values of integrity, care, excellence, and respect, and be inspired by their efforts to prepare people for all that life has to offer, making a positive impact worldwide.mes. Seize this exceptional opportunity to grasp the intricacies of forging emotional connections and uniting hearts through the unconquered human spirit.

Revolutionizing Hospitality: Global Innovations in Marketing and Partnerships

Accor, a global leader in the hospitality industry, boasts an impressive portfolio of partnerships with premier sporting events. Their collaborations include the iconic Tour de France, the prestigious Rugby World Cup 2023, and the renowned Roland-Garros tennis tournament. Additionally, Accor has served as a contractor for the FIFA World Cup and is an official partner of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Leveraging its extensive expertise in hosting major sporting events, Accor aims to introduce guests, locals, fans, and spectators worldwide to its innovative and unique approach to experience-based hospitality. Join Stuart Wareman, Global SVP of Sponsorship, Events & Experiences at Accor, to gain insights into the company's distinctive approach to marketing and partnerships worldwide. Discover how Accor navigates the customer journey, from creating top-of-mind awareness with bespoke activation programs for its hotel brands to engaging new and existing loyalty members within its ecosystem. Additionally, discover effective strategies for maximizing business returns by enhancing value propositions, evaluating sponsorships, and optimizing revenue potential through exploring various revenue streams. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn how Accor is enhancing experience-based hospitality on a global scale through its innovative marketing and partnership strategies.