Hundreds of hockey’s leaders and influencers to convene at The Carnegie Initiative’s 3rd annual conference that precedes NHL All-Star Weekend in Toronto
Jan. 10, 2023
The Carnegie Initiative (The CI) will hold The CI Summit 2024 on January 30-31, 2024 in Toronto. The third annual conference, themed “For the Love of the Game,” will take place at the Hilton Downtown in advance of the NHL All-Star Weekend.
“We have an amazing two days planned for our guests at The CI Summit. It’s such an exciting feeling to know that our organization is in contact with so many people who like to think a little out of the box,” The CI Co-Chair Bernice Carnegie shared. “They want to do something that’s meaningful in their lives. So, attending our summit is one of those ways in which they can share ideas that are so important to helping us move forward, not only in the sport of hockey, but in life itself.”
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.
“This year’s format lends itself to providing more opportunity for deeper discussions and individual engagement from all attendees,” The CI Co-Chair Bryant McBride stated. “We aim to create a safer space to hold meaningful, and often uncomfortable, conversations that are needed. In addition, we will focus on identifying actionable take-aways so we can leave this gathering and do the work needed to make lasting systemic change.”
The CI’s annual summit attracts hundreds of leaders and influencers, from grassroots to the pros, who come together to share progress, challenges, and insights necessary for the ongoing growth of hockey and its culture. Among those who will be on hand at The CI Summit 2024 include community hockey leaders, parents, and players; Professional Women’s Hockey League, NHL, NHL Club members and other leagues; Corporate Leaders, Media, and Influencers; Governing Bodies; and Hockey Event Organizers.
The CI Summit 2024 features an exhibitor area called “Herb’s Hall,” in addition to a full agenda of panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities.
A special evening event on the first day consists of a dinner during which the prestigious The Carnegie Initiative’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented. That will be followed by the screening of the award-winning documentary “Beyond Their Years” and a panel discussion talking about the issues raised in the film. The CI Summit 2024 also includes a bonus session for Coaches only.
Panel Topics:
The following panel discussions, not including breakout sessions, are:
- Hockey is For Everyone
- Business Case for Inclusion
- Women’s Hockey Sustainability: A Fireside Chat with Bernice Carnegie
- Building Effective Networks and Navigating Relationships to Secure the Seat
- Impact and Innovation in Competitive Youth Sports
- When Hockey Doesn’t Love You Back
- The Love of the Game: Update from the HCTA Winners
- The CI Grant Research Update
- Growing the Love of the Game – Year 2045
Speakers and Panelists:
Among the nearly 50 speakers who will participate include: David Amber (Sportsnet), Mark DeMontis (Sports Accessibility), Marco Di Buono (Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities), Brent Dodginghorse (Diversity Ambassador), Mark Fraser (MLSE), Marian Jacko (Hockey Canada, Little NHL), Rob Knesaurek (National Hockey League), Marsha-Gaye Knight (CBC/BSB); Richard Norman (The CI grant recipient; Researcher/ Lecturer/Futurist), Lindsay Pennal (NHL Coaches Association), Brett Petersen (Florida Panthers/Team USA), Christine Simpson (Sportsnet), Tara Slone (TV and podcast host/contributor), Anthony Stewart (Hockey Equality), Saroya Tinker (CBC, Black Girls Hockey Club – Canada), and Amy Walsh (Future of Hockey Lab).
Other participants include the inaugural Herbert Carnegie Trailblazer Award winners; and The CI Board members Dre Barone, Brian Burke, Renee Hess, Ted Nolan, and Karina Villegas.
A final schedule and full list of participating speakers will be posted on our website in the coming days.
Registration:
Pricing to attend The CI Summit is $249 CAD. In addition, portions of the two-day program will be made available to those who sign up to attend virtually. Registration is open through January 19, 2024. Register now!
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