This year’s Summit exemplified the power of a connected community.
Gatherings like this show that inclusive business is smart business—and we’re proud to be the place where it all comes together. With nearly 400 attendees from across Canada and around the world, the two-day event in Toronto was full of high energy conversations around innovative ideas.
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Mark Rupert (More Content)
Built for connection and growth
“I met three times more people than I expected to meet, and each one of those people has something new, innovative, and creative to share.”
— Peter Hawkins, Managing Director, MELLOHAWK Logistics |
Director, MELLOHAWK Logistics International Training Center
Whether folks came to lead, learn, or listen, the energy in the room was authentic and full of people showing up as their true selves, ready to connect and collaborate.
Our new session, Braindate, let folks submit a topic and then host or join peer-led discussions. With more than 60 sessions, these conversations covered everything from 1-on-1 mentorship to niche industry chats and gave small business owners a chance to build connections with industry leaders and Corporate Partners.
A space to show up fully
What set this year apart? A strong sense of presence and authenticity. The conversations weren’t just about business growth—they were about representation, resilience, and showing up as yourself.
During his session Beyond the Badge, Ryan MacDonald truly highlighted what it means to be an allied business through the Rainbow Registered program all year around.
“Inclusion isn’t a side project; it’s the work of leadership. When we do this with intention, with humility and with heart, we will lift up the stories that haven’t been told, not just to create a safer business, but to create stronger communities for all.”
— Ryan MacDonald, VP of Revenue Management
& E-Commerce, Manga Hotel Group
Please join us in celebrating the award winners from our 2025 Summit! 
- Akasha Art Projects Inc.: Community Builder of the Year
- Ben Liegey (BetterTable): Emerging Exporter of the Year
- Lindsay Swanson (EY): Supplier Diversity Ambassador of the Year
- Pascale Joëlle (Hello Gender): CGLCC Certified Supplier of the Year
- Ben Liegey (BetterTable): EY/CGLCC Pitch Competition Winner
- Harc Creative: CGLCC Regional Diverse Supplier of the Year (West)
- Nancy Shadlock (NancyShadlock.com): CGLCC Innovative Supplier of the Year (West)
- Studio Whippy: CGLCC Regional Diverse Supplier of the Year (Central)
- Digital Seniority: CGLCC Innovative Supplier of the Year (Central)
- Ops Machine: CGLCC Regional Diverse Supplier of the Year (Quebec/North)
- Recrute Action: CGLCC Innovative Supplier of the Year (Quebec/North)
- Vanessa Burns Consulting: CGLCC Regional Diverse Supplier of the Year (Atlantic)
Here are some of our favourite moments from the Summit! 
If you would like to share your own memories, please send photos, stories, or favourite moments to communications@cglcc.ca. Plus, check out #2SLGBTQIBusinessSummit on social media to see highlights from the community and tag us @theCGLCC so we can keep up with you.
This Summit wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors. Thank you for helping us create space for our communities to connect!
If you are interested in being a sponsor for our future events, please contact sabrina.uwase@cglcc.ca.
