5-Minute Pitch
The 5 Minute Pitch, a congress favourite, is an intense hour and a half of sellers pitching and sponsors spending a mock $250,000 budget, followed by delegates asking all of their questions.
MODERATOR
CHRISTI CRUZ
President & CEO, BOLD Consultancy
Christi Cruz has held several community investment positions at TELUS, a global telecommunications and integrated data company. Recognized as a respectful disrupter, she is often asked to share her program development, social purpose, sponsorship and cause marketing experience at international conferences.
BRANDS/BUYERS
BRIAN GEISLINGER
Senior Vice-President of Corporate Relations and Community Engagement, Alberta Blue Cross
Brian Geislinger serves as Senior Vice-President of Corporate Relations and Community Engagement with Alberta Blue Cross. His role includes providing oversight to the Alberta Blue Cross Corporate Communications, Customer Services and Community Impact portfolios. Alberta Blue Cross invests upwards of $1 million annually into supporting the communities it serves in fulfillment of its social purpose and legislative mandate, through a combination of programs, partnerships and sponsorships.
DONNA ZAZULAK
Special Initiatives Director, Wolfe Pack Warriors
Bio coming soon…
JENNIFER BISHOP
Connect First Credit Union
Jennifer Bishop is a dynamic force in the partnerships landscape, bringing over a decade of experience across Canada’s private and public sectors. With a career spanning both property and brand management, Jennifer has honed her expertise in cultivating high-impact partnerships and driving strategic initiatives.
Currently, Jennifer excels in the Financial Services industry, where she leads partnership efforts for connectFirst Credit Union Enterprise Business Banking across Alberta. She is instrumental in orchestrating key programs such as Small Business Week in collaboration with Chambers of Commerce throughout the region.
JESSE MURPHY
Senior Advisor, Community Relations, Capital Power
Jesse Murphy has spent the last 14 years with Capital Power, managing community investment, sponsorships and corporate positioning activities. Prior to this, he spent time at TELUS executing corporate events, and at Skills Canada managing logistics and stakeholder relationships. Jesse is passionate about partnerships and is always eager to find innovative ways to create shared value.
SAMANTHA ALEXANDER
Senior Marketing Manager, MNP
Samantha is a marketing professional with over 15 years of experience in B2B marketing. As the Senior Marketing Manager at MNP, she leverages her extensive expertise in brand building and positioning to drive the company's marketing initiatives forward.
PROPERTIES/SELLERS
ADAM WATT
Managing Director of Event Partnerships, Event Partnerships
Adam Watt is the owner and Managing Director of Event Partnerships, a sponsorship sales and consulting agency. A lifelong Albertan, Adam founded Event Partnerships in December 2019 after spending the previous ten years working in sponsorship sales full time for various event and facility organizations.
Since its inception, Event Partnerships has represented the University of Alberta, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Explore Edmonton, Canada Day London, FC Edmonton, and Fort Edmonton Park among other event and facility properties.
BEN OOSTENBRINK
Director of Community Engagement, Citadel Theatre
Ben is an experienced professional in community engagement and development currently serving as Director of Community Engagement at the Citadel Theatre. He holds a wealth of experience from across the non-profit sector, with expertise in philanthropic giving, corporate partnerships and government relations. He's passionate about making an impact in his local community, and serves on the boards of Action For Healthy Communities and The King's University.
DENISE BROADBENT
Corporate Partnerships Coordinator, City of Leduc
Denise builds and manages sponsorship & advertising programs as well as manages lease & service contracts for City of Leduc Recreation Services. She is most passionate about developing mutually beneficial sponsorship agreements and activations where businesses and organizations achieve marketing, business, and social investment objectives while enhancing recreation experiences for Leduc’s citizens and visitors.