By Mark Harrison

When did you last have a “what was I thinking moment?” Or better yet, what was I not thinking?

That was my last Friday night when a friendly Air Canada agent told me I was NOT getting on my plane to France. Not until I had a new passport that expired at least three months from my day of departure.

Stunned like a wounded boxer in the ring, I stammered why not? Quickly, I learned that valid travel documents to Europe meant a passport that did not expire for ninety days. Mine was coming due September 9. Do the math.

The gate agent empathetically told me that this happens every day to her. People like me (aka know-it-alls) don’t understand the details of their travel documents to know that every country you traverse has different rules. The French government, nary the EU, care two craps about what my Canadian passport reads. They are not letting you in.

My panicked mind raced. Today was August 2; I was to land on August 3. My conference starts on August 7. I must be there on August 6, or my colleague Matt must slide down the fire pole responding to the 911 call and grab the mic as our new emcee. He would have done a great job, but needless to say, the personal credibility loss and the lifetime of self-loathing I would endure was not landing well with me.

The options raced through my mind. Ontario having a Civic Holiday could cost me a day. How does one get a passport if the government is not open? I searched online for emergency passport offices, but they are there to help people who land in Canada. My wife found a number with Global Affairs to call. I got through on the first ring, and they kindly walked me through the process and sent a follow-up email with action steps.

That night, I got photos at 10:30 PM, and until midnight, I was in my office typing out a new passport application form. Of course, this would happen the week of our office move, so no printer has been installed yet. I will solve that later. I collected names and numbers of people who could be my references all this time. Thankfully, I didn’t need them to sign anything.

I woke up angry on Saturday but restrained as I knew my family wanted the dog to be alive when they returned. More calls and emails to the passport emergency duty office to plead; to neighbours and friends to print the form. I kept the house/cat/dog sitter on standby. Several flights were under consideration, based on many contingencies, including the date of a new passport issue (wishfully thinking), departure city, and my budget tolerance to spend my way out of this mess. Legally.

9:16 AM. The emergency passport duty officer calls. They were unbelievably helpful. Next thing I know, I am heading to Mississauga for a noon appointment. The interview went fine. Then, I went off to sit in the mall and fidget while the government called my references and checked my file for speeding infractions and unpaid bills. A couple I met at the passport office with their travel issues wandered over for a chat.

12:45 The passport officer comes out and calls both our names. The couple go first. They have relieved smiles. Then I am up. I can barely walk, let alone breathe.

With a new passport in hand, I gleefully requested a ride to the airport and just fifteen hours later, I cleared customs in France.

The SPX Show will go on!

LA28: Redefining the Future of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements

August 9 | 9am - 11pm Sessions @ Canada Olympic House

The LA28 Games will be a landmark event for Los Angeles, marking its third time hosting the Olympic Games and its first as a host for the Paralympic Games. Join Danny Koblin, Chief Operating Officer of LA28/U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Properties, as he shares the overarching vision and mission for LA28 and how they aim to set new standards for future Games. Discover the strategic goals and innovations driving LA28, including the introduction of new sports to the Olympic Sport Program and their innovative partnership model. Be part of this transformative journey as we explore how LA28 is not just preparing for an extraordinary Games, but also redefining the future of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

Beyond Borders: Partnerships for Stronger Communities

August 8 | 9am - 11pm Sessions @ Canada Olympic House

In today's interconnected world, businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of building strong communities to drive growth and foster loyalty. Join Jennifer DelVecchio, Senior Director, Global Brand, Content & Culture, McDonald’s, Denis Steffens, Head of Partnerships & Marketing, SGP Germany GmbH, and Bjorn Poels, CCO of Bundeling Group to explore the role global partnerships play in creating vibrant, engaged communities. Gain insights into B2B (Business-to-Business) and B2C (Business-to- Consumer) strategies for fostering connections that transcend borders and drive mutual success. Discover how companies leverage global partnerships to drive innovation, expand market reach, and enhance customer experiences. Take advantage of this opportunity to delve into the strategies, challenges, and opportunities of forming and maintaining successful global partnerships in both B2B and B2C contexts.

lululemon x Team Canada Pop Up Tour

August 8 | 9am - 11pm Sessions @ Canada Olympic House

As the official outfitter of Team Canada, lululemon is excited to present the Team Canada x lululemon Pop-Up Store. Join Lauren Kipp, Senior Manager of Global Partnerships at lululemon, for an exclusive tour and discover how lululemon is uniquely bringing the space to life. Explore official Team Canada products, including exclusive styles available only at Canada Olympic House, and learn about lululemon's activations at the Games. Don't miss this chance to experience lululemon's innovative approach and see firsthand how they support and celebrate Team Canada.