Companies and organizations from across North America to participate in hockey’s premier inclusion conference
Jan. 23, 2024
The Carnegie Initiative (The CI) announces a full lineup of major corporate and community partners who are supporting The CI Summit 2024 on January 30-31 in Toronto. The annual conference, taking place in advance of NHL All-Star Weekend, is themed “For the Love of the Game.” The two-day gathering convenes leaders and influencers from across the hockey world who come together for conversations centered around The CI’s mission to make the game more inclusive and welcoming to all.
More than two dozen partners will participate in The CI Summit 2024 in a variety of ways. Partner activation includes sponsorship of panel discussions in which several company representatives will actively engage in conversations as panelists.
“Herb’s Hall,” the largest exhibitor area in the Summit’s history, will be prominently located in the main foyer outside the meeting rooms. Partners will showcase their products and services and illustrate their love of the game and desire to make it more inclusive. “Herb’s Hall” will also be the location for athlete meet-and-greets and networking opportunities.
“It is with sincere appreciation that we applaud the support received from a great number of partners who align with the values we promote. We are able to host our annual Summit because of their backing,” The CI Chief Commercial Officer Ken Gelman stated. “The CI Summit 2024 unites a diverse group of individuals and organizations to celebrate meaningful progress and identify challenges that still exist. Together, we are working to grow the culture and make a lasting impact on this great game we love.”
Corporate and Collaborating Partners of The CI Summit 2024:
- Air Canada
- Canadian Hockey League (CHL)
- Canadian Tire Corporation
- Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
- CCM Hockey
- Designs of Collor
- Gitch Sportswear
- Hockey Hardware
- IG Wealth Management (IGWM)
- Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE)
- National Hockey League (NHL)
- Ninepoint Partners
- Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
- Skip
- Tim Hortons
Canadian Tire Corporation – The CI’s Founding Partner – is also the Official Networking Provider of The CI Summit 2024.
In addition, several community partners have provided support to The CI Summit 2024 including: Dr. Dean Barnes, Black Girl Hockey Club, Black Girl Hockey Club – Canada, Black in Sport Business, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame (CSHOF), Canadian Blind Hockey, Future of Hockey Lab, Hockey Equality, Hockey 4 Youth, Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network, Little Native Hockey League, MLSE LaunchPad, NHL Coaches’ Association, Pride Tape, REES Community, Relate Social Capital, Rise Integrated Sports & Entertainment, Seaside Hockey, and You Can Play.
Among the attendees who will be on hand at The CI Summit 2024 include community hockey leaders, corporate executives, media, governing bodies, academics, as well as representatives from the NHL, PWHL, and other leagues.
Topics will illuminate the joy many felt as kids, when skating, being active with friends, and playing or watching hockey. Discussions will focus on underrepresented identity experiences including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, Persons with Disabilities, Women, those facing financial barriers, and others who have felt unwelcome or unloved in hockey spaces or culture.
Hockey legend Angela James will be presented with The CI’s Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Air Canada, during a special ceremony on the first night of the Summit. That will be followed by a screening of the award-winning documentary “Beyond Their Years: The Incredible Legacies of Herb Carnegie and Buck O’Neil”presented by IG Wealth Management and a panel discussion talking about the issues raised in the film and more.