A few days before fall, an exciting industry event is set to launch alongside the Toronto International Film Festival: the Access Canada Summit. Running from September 8 to 10, 2025, at Toronto’s historic Omni King Edward Hotel, the summit will spotlight Canada’s growing role in the global media and entertainment landscape.
Produced by Access Canada, the team behind The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Canada event and presented in partnership with The Hollywood Reporter, the summit will bring together top creatives, business leaders, and decision-makers.
Featuring keynote speakers, panels, curated pitch markets, and extensive networking opportunities, the event is designed to foster collaboration, spark innovation, and elevate Canadian stories to new heights.
Why the Access Canada Summit Matters
The Access Canada Summit isn’t just another industry event; it’s a strategic move to position Canada as a global content leader. As the demand for diverse, original storytelling grows worldwide, Canada’s creative sector is stepping into the spotlight with fresh perspectives and world-class talent.
This summit is designed to bridge the gap between creators and decision-makers, giving Canadian stories the support and visibility they need to travel far beyond our borders. With participation from top funders, buyers, platforms, and studios, it offers a rare opportunity for both emerging and established professionals to make meaningful connections and turn ideas into action.
By combining thought leadership, curated business opportunities, and a focus on Canadian identity and innovation, the Access Canada Summit aims to energize the screen industries and help shape the future of content, both at home and on the world stage.
Program Overview
The Access Canada Summit promises a well-rounded, high-impact program tailored to the evolving needs of the screen industries. Over three days, attendees will have access to a curated mix of presentations, networking, and dealmaking opportunities, all set within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
Key elements of the program include:
- Keynote Presentations: Industry leaders and visionaries will share insights on the future of content, audience trends, and the changing business of media.
- Panel Discussions: Diverse voices from across the Canadian and international entertainment landscapes will tackle timely topics, from financing and distribution to inclusion, innovation, and creative leadership.
- Interactive Workshops & Roundtables: Expert-led sessions will provide practical tools, case studies, and skill-building opportunities in smaller, focused settings.
- Curated Pitch Markets & Small-Group Meetings: Attendees will have the chance to pitch their projects directly to buyers, funders, platforms, and studio execs, making it a valuable space for real business development.
- Networking Opportunities: From informal gatherings to structured meetups, the summit is designed to spark new relationships and creative partnerships across the industry.
Keynote Highlight: Evan Shapiro
One of the most anticipated moments of the summit will be the keynote presentation by Evan Shapiro, a renowned media strategist known for his sharp insights and bold predictions. Often referred to as “The Cartographer of the Media Universe,” Shapiro is celebrated for his visually striking infographics and clear-eyed analysis of an industry in flux.
With a background that includes executive roles at NBCUniversal and Participant Media, Shapiro brings both creative and commercial expertise to the stage. His keynote will map out the current state of the media ecosystem and offer a candid, data-driven look at where it’s headed next, from shifting audience behaviours to platform wars and monetization models.
For attendees seeking clarity amid industry uncertainty, Shapiro’s session promises to be engaging, provocative, and deeply informative, a must-attend for anyone invested in the future of storytelling and screen-based content.
Who Should Attend?
The Access Canada Summit is designed for a broad cross-section of professionals working across the screen industries, whether you’re building your first pitch deck or managing a global content slate.
This event is ideal for:
- Emerging producers looking to connect with funders, platforms, and collaborators
- Established creators and executives seeking insight into future trends and opportunities
- Financiers and distributors scouting new projects and talent
- Streaming platforms, brands, and studios interested in Canadian content
- Media professionals and consultants tracking the pulse of the industry
Ticket Information
Tickets for the Access Canada Summit are now available, with an early Tier 2 price of $699. This ticket grants full access to the entire three-day program, including:
- All keynote speeches and panel discussions
- Interactive workshops and expert-led roundtables
- Curated pitch markets and small-group meetings
- Extensive networking events with industry leaders, buyers, and funders
Wrapping Up
The Access Canada Summit is more than just a conference; it’s a bold step toward strengthening Canada’s position as a vibrant hub for storytelling and screen content. By bringing together creatives, business leaders, and industry influencers during the buzz of TIFF, the summit promises to be a catalyst for new ideas, partnerships, and opportunities.
