The highly anticipated Canadian Gaming Summit is fast approaching, promising an exciting lineup of events. In addition to an innovative exhibition floor, insightful panels and expert speakers, industry delegates will have a valuable opportunity to delve into the essential pillars of prosperous business decision-making through the dedicated conference track called ‘Leadership & Growth’.

Taking place on the last day of the event (Thursday, 15th June) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the ‘Leadership & Growth’ conference track will provide delegates with a diverse collection of insightful discussions on topics such as Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority’s (SIGA) unique business model and how socially responsible gaming practices can be utilized to drive growth. Additionally, there will be a variety of exclusive roundtable discussions on regulatory and market developments, the intricacies of several Canadian provinces and the work of First Nations-led businesses and sports teams.

With a wealth of talent and ideas emerging in Canada, embodying strong leadership and innovative growth strategies, industry startups will get the opportunity to compete at the inaugural Canadian Gaming Summit ‘First Pitch’ competition, which shines a light on the best and brightest of the region.

Whittling the extensive list of applications down to just five, the finalists will present their product in front of a live audience and judging panel consisting of Benjie Cherniak (Principal, Avenue H Capital), Scott Secord, (Partner, Cardinal Sports Capital), Emily Mcllquham (Investment Analyst, Relay Ventures), Mohit Kansal (Managing Director, Clarivest) and Dani Lipkin (Managing Director Global Innovation, TMX Group)

The ‘Responsible gaming as a foundation for growth’ panel, will explore the importance of social responsibility in the Canadian gambling market. The industry-led panel will explore the benefits of incorporating social responsibilities and how player protection can drive growth through improved relationships with players and provincial regulators.

The panel will consist of Nav Sandhawalia (Chief Compliance & Risk Officer, Niagara Casinos), Aaron GlynWilliams (Director, Social Responsibility, OLG), Shelley White (CEO, Responsible Gaming Council), Dan Spencer (Director of Safer Gambling, EPIC Risk Management) and Jacob Coin (Executive Advisor to Chairman, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians), with Martin Lycka (SVP American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling, Entain) moderating the panel.

Closing the conference agenda is the panel ‘Social responsibility & ESG: Championing from within’, which will highlight the necessity of meaningful ESG implementation as the gaming industry continues to grow. Canada is built upon its heterogeneous society and environmental values and therefore it is imperative for operators and regulators to encompass diversity, inclusion and sustainability to ensure survival and longevity.

The expert-led panel will consist of Paul Pellizzari (VP Global Social Responsibility, Hard Rock), Catherine Meade (VP Community, Sustainability & Social Responsibility, OLG), Chuck Keeling (Executive Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement, Community and Social Responsibility, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation) and Anna Eleazer (Head of Diversity & Inclusion, BetMGM), with Russell Mifsud (Director & Gaming Lead, KPMG) moderating the panel.

Across the event, attendees will have the opportunity to partake in a diverse selection of other conference tracks around Payment & Compliance, iGaming, Sports betting as well as exclusive industry roundtables.