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Communicating on the World Stage: Positioning Canada Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

May 21 @ 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
White background featuring the logos of APEX PR and IABC/Toronto in the top right corner. The headline reads “Communicating on the World Stage and “Positioning Canada Ahead of” highlighted in orange and “FIFA World Cup 2026” in teal colour. On the left side is a soft fading gradient featuring speaker photos from left to right: Russell Baker from the City of Toronto, Kathy Motton from Destination Toronto, Nitish Bissonauth from Hyundai Canada, Jennifer Stein from APEX PR and Gabrielle Totesau from Weber Shandwick. Below it is a teal colour banner, on the left side of the banner is a photo of Amie Silverwood, SCMP, President of IABC/Toronto who is the moderator. Event details appear on the right that reads: “Thursday, May 21, 5:30 to 8 p.m., APEX PR, 160 Bloor St. E., Suite 600, Toronto.”

Thursday, May 21, 2026, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
APEX PR, 160 Bloor St. E., Suite 600, Toronto 

Join IABC/Toronto for an in-person leadership discussion on how strategic communications, tourism, sponsorship and storytelling can position Canada on the global stage ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

As Canada prepares to welcome the world, communications leaders across tourism, aviation, brands and agencies will explore how organizations can leverage one of the world’s biggest sporting events to drive engagement and long-term impact.

Moderated by Amie Silverwood, President, IABC/Toronto, the evening will feature two panel discussions:

6:15 – 6:40 p.m.
Building the Stage – City, Tourism and Readiness

Russell Baker, Director, Media Relations and Issues Management, City of Toronto
Insights on city readiness, issues management and communicating major global events at scale.

Kathy Motton, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, Destination Toronto
Destination storytelling and how Toronto is positioning itself ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

6:40 – 7:05 p.m.
Leveraging the Moment – Brands, Sponsorship and Storytelling

Nitish Bissonauth, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, Hyundai Canada
How global brands can leverage sponsorships and storytelling during major sporting moments.

Jennifer Stein, Executive Vice President, APEX PR
How brands can authentically connect with audiences through culture, fandom and sport.

Gabrielle Totesau, Vice President, Earned Media Strategy, Weber Shandwick, Canada
Integrated media strategy and building cultural relevance during global events.

7:05 – 7:15 p.m.
Audience Q&A

7:20 – 8:00 p.m.
Networking Session

The session will also include networking opportunities with communications professionals and industry leaders from across Toronto.

Refreshments will be provided.

Fees:

• $20: IABC Members ($22.60 with HST)

• $30: Lite members ($33.90 with HST)

• $50: Non-members ($56.50 with HST)

Register now and secure your spot

Details

Venue

  • APEX PR
  • 160, Bloor Street East, suite 600
    Toronto, ON M4W 0A2 Canada     + Google Map