• SEPTEMBER 2026 • 101 PPPC Communiqué | Community PPPC’s Women’s Empowerment Event Returns This Fall WEE is a celebration of the women whose leadership continues to strengthen Canada’s branded merchandise industry and the next generation preparing to shape its future. By Margaret Williamson Batuszkin THE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT Professionals of Canada is bringing back one of its most anticipated leadership events as the Women’s Empowerment Event returns October 26-27 in historic Burlington, Ontario. Recognized as one of the branded merchandise industry’s premier gatherings for women, WEE celebrates the achievements of today’s leaders while inspiring and equipping the next generation through two days of thoughtprovoking speakers, peer-to-peer panel discussions, leadership development and solid connections. Set against the picturesque backdrop of The Pearle Hotel & Spa on the shores of Lake Ontario, WEE brings together suppliers, multi-line representatives, distributors and associates from across Canada. It provides an opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday business and invest in themselves through meaningful networking, professional development and authentic conversations that have high impact. The event’s mission is to empower women at every stage of their careers. Whether attendees are seasoned industry veterans or rising professionals, WEE creates an environment where experiences are shared, new perspectives are gained and lasting relationships are formed. It’s where conversations continue well after the event. A highlight of this year’s program is keynote speaker Claire Masikewich, a respected marketing and communications professional, entrepreneur and founder of the Strong Like Sloane Foundation. Her story is one of remarkable resilience. After helping launch a company during the pandemic while managing lifelong anxiety, her life changed dramatically when her 5-year-old daughter was diagnosed with high-risk Stage 4 neuroblastoma. Putting her career on hold, Masikewich founded the Strong Like Sloane Foundation during her daughter’s treatment, raising more than $387,000 in just two years to support pediatric cancer research and families facing similar journeys. Her keynote, “Shift Happens: How To Thrive Through Hard Times,” will deliver an inspiring and practical message centered on resilience, leadership and the power of focusing on what we can control. Through her foundational pillars of thoughts, actions and community, Masikewich will share actionable strategies for navigating adversity with courage, clarity and purpose. Tailored specifically for the PPPC WEE event, her presentation will encourage attendees to lead with intention, embrace vulnerability, build strong support networks and develop the mindset needed to thrive through both professional and personal challenges. The event will also feature peer-topeer panel discussions and leadership exchanges, as well as additional keynote speakers. The return of WEE is made possible through the generous support of sponsors. PPPC proudly recognizes SAGE and ASI as this year’s Gold Sponsors, Facilisgroup as the Social Night Sponsor, and, at press time, commonsku as the Silver Sponsor. Their commitment reflects a shared belief in investing in leadership development and creating opportunities for women to connect, grow and inspire one another. This year’s WEE programming was built by the PPPC WEE Committee, which created a modern program that will help to both inform and inspire attendees while providing some unique and fun experiences along the way. WEE promises to once again leave attendees empowered, connected and ready to lead with confidence. For more information on WEE 2026 visit: https://pppc.ca/events/wee/ Batuszkin is the marketing and communications manager at PPPC.
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