Agenda
Preliminary 2026 Sign Experience Canada Schedule
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor:
12:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Trade Show Set-Up (Hudson - Loft Room)
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Registration Opens (Hudson Foyer)
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Welcome Reception (Hudson Foyer)
Kick off your conference experience in the best way possible — surrounded by industry peers, great conversation, and the kind of connections that set the tone for an exceptional event. Our Welcome Reception is your first chance to meet new faces, reconnect with colleagues, and ease into the week with food, drinks, and a relaxed, social atmosphere. Join us and start the event on a high note.
Sponsored by:
Thursday, September 17 | Day 1
7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Registration Open (Hudson Foyer)
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Hot Breakfast
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Opening Keynote – Warren Macdonald (Room Flat)
Session Sponsor:
Resilience, Adaptability & Overcoming Adversity
Warren Macdonald takes the stage at Sign Experience Canada 2026 with a keynote you won’t want to miss. His story, insights, and strategies will challenge how you think about change, push you to rethink what’s possible, and equip you with practical tools to navigate an evolving sign industry. Expect bold ideas, realworld lessons, and a powerful message that will stay with you long after the session ends.
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Trade Show (Hudson - Loft Room)
Step onto the trade show floor and into the heart of the industry. This is where innovation comes alive, new ideas spark, and the tools that shape tomorrow’s signage world are right in front of you. Meet exhibitors, explore the latest technologies, and discover solutions that can elevate your business. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, the trade show floor is where you need to be.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Morning Concurrent Sessions
Session 1A - Room: Flat
Building the Next Generation: Leadership, Mentorship and the Future of the Sign Industry
This 60-minute panel discussion supports the Sec 2026 conference theme, Signs of Change, by exploring how the industry can develop future leaders through mentorship, knowledge transfer, and cross-generational collaboration.
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The discussion will be conversational rather than presentation-based, encouraging panelists to share experiences and engage with one another, followed by an audience Q&A.
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Attendees will leave with practical insights into career development, mentorship, leadership, succession planning, and strategies for developing the next generation of industry leaders.
Session 1B – Room: Loft
Crossing Borders. Pushing Boundaries. Breaking Barriers.
What are the signs of meaningful change in today’s workplace?
Join Jackie Munoz of Allanson, Lynda Jonas of EM Plastic, Somy Basakah of Galaxie Signs and Ping Xu of Piedmont Plastics for a candid and educational conversation about crossing cultural and professional borders, challenging traditional expectations, and removing barriers to opportunity.
Through personal experiences, practical workplace examples and audience participation, this session will explore belonging, leadership, self-advocacy, and allyship and what each of us can do to create positive change in our industry and our careers.
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Lunch Panel:
Changing Places: How Calgary’s Growth, Events, and Public Spaces Shape Signage Opportunities
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Calgary is changing quickly through events, development, tourism, construction, and public-space investment. For sign companies, that change is not just background noise: it shapes what clients need, how projects are planned, and where signage creates value. Find out what can sign companies can learn from the people shaping Calgary’s growth.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Trade Show (Hudson - Loft Room)
Explore. Connect. Discover. Visit the trade show floor to meet exhibitors, see new products, and experience the latest innovations shaping the sign industry.
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Afternoon Concurrent Sessions
Session 2A – Flat Room
Where Compliance Meets Experience - Reimagining Accessibility Signage Beyond the Code
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Accessibility is more than meeting regulations, it's about creating environments that are intuitive, inclusive, and functional for everyone. Through real-world projects, drawings, specifications, and installed examples, this panel will explore how compliance, design, manufacturing, and user experience intersect to create exceptional wayfinding systems.
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The audience won't simply learn the regulations; they'll gain insight into the decision-making process behind successful projects.
Session 2B – Loft Room
Experiential Design Panel
Perspectives on design, materials, fabrication and installation.
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Trade Show (Hudson - Loft Room)
Explore. Connect. Discover. Visit the trade show floor and connect with more exhibitors.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
BOCSIes & Best of Canada's Sign Industry Awards Reception – (Hudson Foyer)
Celebrate excellence, innovation, and the people who elevate Canada’s sign industry. The BOCSIes & Best of Canada’s Sign Industry Awards Reception brings the community together for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and standout achievements.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
BOCSIes & Best of Canada's Sign Industry Awards Gala – (Flat Room)
Join us as we honour the projects, teams, and leaders who set the benchmark for creativity, craftsmanship, and impact across the country. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, connect with industry peers, and be part of the celebration as we spotlight the very best our industry has to offer.
Sponsored by:
Friday, September 18 | Day 2
7:30 AM-12:30 PM
Registration Open (Hudson Foyer)
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Expand Your Network with CONNECT
Meet sign manufacturers and installers from across Canada at this exclusive speed networking event during Sign Experience Canada 2026.
Limited to 14 manufacturers and 14 installers, CONNECT is your chance for focused, highvalue conversations that spark lasting business relationships.
Separate ticketed event.
9:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Hot Breakfast on Trade Show Floor (Hudson - Loft Room)
Explore. Connect. Discover.
This is your last chance to visit the trade show and discover what our industry has to offer.
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Closing Keynote – Todd Hirsch (Room – Flat Room)
Session Sponsor:
Navigating Economic Disruption
Internationally renowned economist, author, and keynote speaker Todd Hirsch helps organizations understand and adapt to an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience analyzing economic trends and business transformation, Todd delivers engaging insights on adaptability, innovation, and resilience. His practical and thought-provoking presentations equip leaders with the tools needed to navigate uncertainty and prepare for the future.
12:15 PM - 12:30 PM
Closing Remarks (Hudson – Flat Room)
Join Conference Chair Susan Svotelis as she wraps up Sign Experience Canada with final reflections, key takeaways, and a look ahead at what’s next for our industry. Susan will highlight the ideas, conversations, and connections that shaped this year’s event and leave attendees with a clear sense of momentum moving forward. A thoughtful and inspiring close to an exceptional conference.
6:00 PM
Last Call Calgary - The OFFICIAL Sign Experience Canada Conference After-Party
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Celebrate the closure of an incredible conference with fellow attendees, exhibitors, speakers, and the SAC Board of Directors. Enjoy a final evening of music, drinks, and great company as we wrap up Sign Experience Canada on a high note.
Venue: TBC
Saturday, September 19th
9:00 AM
Mimosas & Memories: The SEC Farewell Brunch
Enjoy mimosas, great food, and warm company as attendees come together one last time to share highlights, reflect on the week, and toast to the year ahead. A perfect, feelgood finish to an exceptional event.
Venue: TBC