Converge Summit 26 - Stronger Together
About this Event
Where bold ideas become reality, together.
Converge Summit returns on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with one belief at its core: we go further when we build together. Hosted by the Chnge Mker Innovation Hub, Converge brings together Black and equity-deserving founders, innovators, creatives, and community builders for a full day of learning, connection, and celebration.
This year’s theme, Stronger Together, comes to life through five pillars:
Economic Empowerment: funding, financial literacy, credit building, and investment readiness, plus a live pitch challenge.
Health & Wellbeing: mental health, holistic care, and self-care for founders and families, with wellness activations on site.
Innovation & Technology: AI tools for small business, digital equity, and tech entrepreneurship, with live demos and mentorship speed rounds.
Arts & Culture: cultural entrepreneurship and Black creative expression, featuring live art and a pop-up cultural market.
Community Collaboration: cross-sector partnerships, youth development, and social enterprise, with partnership tables and a community pledge wall.
Whether you’re launching your first idea or scaling your next one, there’s a seat for you at Converge.
The summit will feature:
- Inspiring keynote speakers and panel discussions
- Conversations on business growth, funding, and economic empowerment
- Wellness and leadership sessions for entrepreneurs
- Youth innovation and creative arts showcase
- Entrepreneur Marketplace featuring local businesses
- Networking with founders, investors, partners, and community leaders
- Interactive experiences and community-building activities
Your General Admission ticket includes:
- Continental breakfast and lunch
- Coffee, tea, matcha, refreshments, and light snacks throughout the day
- Full access to all keynotes, panels, workshops, networking activities, and the Entrepreneur Marketplace
- An exclusive Converge Summit goody bag
Whether you’re launching your first business, scaling your venture, or supporting entrepreneurs, Converge Summit is a welcoming space to learn and grow. Come ready to discover new opportunities and leave with practical strategies, lasting connections, and the inspiration to move your business and our community forward.
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Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Doors Open: Registration, Networking Breakfast & Marketplace
Info: Check in, collect your name tag and goodie bag, and enjoy coffee, breakfast, and music while connecting with fellow attendees and exploring vendor tables.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
Welcome & Opening
Host: Agnes Appiah
Info: Join our emcee and the Converge team for a warm welcome, land acknowledgement, and recognition of special guests as we set the tone for a day of connection.
🕑: 10:20 AM - 10:40 AM
Keynote: Stronger Together
Host: Isaac Olowolafe Jr.
Info: Join Isaac Olowolafe Jr. for an inspiring keynote on the power of community, collaboration, and collective action to create opportunities and drive meaningful change.
🕑: 10:50 AM - 11:05 AM
Sponsor Recognition
Info: Meet the sponsors helping bring Converge to life and discover opportunities to connect with them at their tables throughout the day.
🕑: 10:50 AM - 12:05 PM
Panel 1: Economic Empowerment
Host: Drayton Mulindabigwi
Info: Explore pathways to economic opportunity through a moderated conversation on building stronger, more equitable communities, followed by audience Q&A.
🕑: 12:05 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch & Connector Tables
Info: Lunch, Connector Tables & Marketplace
🕑: 01:30 AM - 01:45 AM
Wellness Activity: Bachata Break
Host: Giselle Fernández
Info: Refresh your energy with a guided bachata dance break led by Giselle Fernandez, founder of De la Isla. Move, connect, and have fun—no dance experience needed.
🕑: 01:45 PM - 03:00 PM
Panel 2: Health & Wellbeing
Host: Naika Thomas
Info: Join a moderated conversation exploring individual and collective wellbeing, community care, and healthier futures, followed by audience Q&A.
🕑: 03:10 AM - 03:45 AM
Break & Marketplace
Info: Take a breather, reconnect with fellow attendees, and visit the second-floor marketplace to discover more from our vendors.
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:00 PM
Arts & Culture Panel
Host: Deluxson Yogarajah
Info: Explore creative expression a panel conversation highlighting the voices and stories within our community
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:15 PM
Closing Remarks & Thank-Yous
Host: Agnes Appiah
Info: Reflect on the day, recognize our sponsors, speakers, and volunteers, and come together for a group photo.
🕑: 04:15 PM - 05:00 PM
Stronger Together Celebration & Open Networking
Info: Celebrate new connections with partnership announcements, a pledge wall, and the Collective reveal. Continue conversations and explore possibilities for collaboration.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Event Ends
Info: Thank you for being part of Converge. Leave with fresh perspectives, meaningful connections, and inspiration to carry forward.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 60.34
