In The Room Launch | Mentor & Mixer For Entrepreneurs With Carmelia Ray
About this Event
IN THE ROOM Launch | Mentor & Mixer for Entrepreneurs, Creators & AI Innovators
During Toronto Tech Week, thousands of people will attend events, exchange LinkedIn profiles, pitch ideas, and network.
But very few will build REAL relationships.
“IN THE ROOM” is not another surface-level networking event.
Hosted by Celebrity Matchmaker, Media Personality & Connection Strategist Carmelia Ray in collaboration with Venture X Etobicoke, this monthly mentor + mixer experience was created for entrepreneurs, founders, creators, executives, professionals, and curious minds who want to build meaningful relationships in business, life, and the evolving world of AI.
Whether you're:
• Building an AI company
• Curious about AI tools and innovation
• A creator, coach, consultant, or entrepreneur
• Looking to expand your network intentionally
• Tired of transactional networking
• Interested in improving your communication, confidence, and connection skills
…this room was designed for you.
Because what I've learned:
Most networking events feel performative.
People exchange business cards, add each other on LinkedIn, promise to “stay in touch”… and never speak again.
That’s not a connection.
That’s proximity without intention.
What if you could walk into any room, a pitch meeting, networking event, boardroom, investor conversation, podcast interview, collaboration meeting, or even a first date and know within 90 seconds whether someone is a R.E.A.L. connection or a F.A.K.E. one?
What if the skill that changed your business wasn’t another AI tool… but your ability to communicate, connect, read people, and build aligned relationships faster?
This launch event will feature:
✔️ High-level networking with entrepreneurs, creators & AI-curious professionals
✔️ Live mentorship and connection coaching from Carmelia Ray
✔️ Conversations around AI, communication, content, branding & collaboration
✔️ Strategic introductions and relationship-building opportunities
✔️ A curated room designed for intentional people — not random attendance
GUEST SPEAKERS:
- Brian Hickling
- Walter Barubek
- Aime Kamana & Tychon Carter
You’ll leave with:
• New connections
• Fresh ideas
• Expanded opportunities
• Practical insights
• And possibly the one conversation that changes your trajectory
⚠️ Capacity is intentionally limited to keep the room curated and interactive.
Toronto Tech Week brings thousands of ambitious people into the city, but only a small number will be IN THE ROOM.
Early registration is strongly recommended.
Wednesday June 24th, 2026
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Venture X Etobicoke
Come for the AI conversation. Stay for the human connection.
https://youtube.com/shorts/zjwyiEDcH2Q?si=e19VW2V2Xk-JrNE2
6:30–7:00 – Arrival & Intention Check-In
- Check-in + name tags coded by group/ticket type
- Soft networking and simple icebreakers guided by our team.
7:00–7:20 – Opening & “What Makes a Room Great”
- Welcome from Carmelia Ray & Venture X, and "Who's In The Room."
7:20–7:50 – R.E.A.L. vs F.A.K.E. Connections Mini-Workshop & Relationship Audit Score Card
R.E.A.L. Relationships framework
- R – Revenue
- E – Equity
- A – Alignment and Access
- L – Leverage
F.A.K.E
- F – Forced
- A - Annoying / Acrimonious
- K - Kryptonite
- E - Energy Vampire
7:50–8:20 – Spotlight Sessions (Ticket-tier share time)
Reserved for select attendees based on ticket type.
- VIP / “Spotlight” ticket holders each get 60–90 seconds on the mic.
- Prompt: “Who you are,” “The problem you solve or what you’re building” “What kind of connection you most want tonight (client, cofounder, collaborator, investor, mentor, romantic, etc.).”
8:20–8:50 – Facilitated Connections & Matchmaking Rounds
- Curated matchmaking and speed networking based on goals and industry
- GROUP Connections: “AI x Human” circle. Share how you're using AI in your work or life
8:50–9:20 – Group Debrief & Open Networking
- STUDIO TIME for SELECT ATTENDEES
- “Connection Coaching” Real-time role playing on how to connect and create a lasting impression.
9:20–9:30 – Open Networking & Soft Close
- Photo booth, prizes, recognition and take-aways
How to Get the Most Out of ‘IN THE ROOM’
- Come with one clear intention: Are you here for clients, collaborators, investors, mentors, or new friends? Choose a primary focus.
- Upgrade your 90-second story: Be ready to introduce yourself beyond your job title. Share where you are, what you’re building, and what kind of relationship you’re calling in.
- Arrive early, stay present: The best introductions are made in the first and last 30 minutes.
- Talk to people outside your usual pattern: The person who doesn’t look like your ‘type’ may be the most important connection you make.
- Follow up within 48 hours: This is where proximity turns into partnership, clients, collaborations, or lifelong friendships
Brian Hickling is the founder of Plan With Grace, an AI-powered guide that helps families navigate the administrative burden that follows a death. After losing his wife Karen to cancer, Brian found himself overwhelmed — not by grief alone, but by the sheer volume of paperwork, accounts, and decisions that no one prepares you for. He built Plan With Grace because he needed it, and because every family deserves a calm, clear guide through the hardest admin of their life. Brian is based in Hamilton, Canada and is currently building toward an alpha text user launch, and then a larger Beta launch in the fall of 2026, with early waitlist signups already coming in.
Walter Barubek is the managing partner of All Risks Insurance, a full-service insurance brokerage. Recognizing the online world as a source of potential clients, he amassed a $30,000 person group of followers. He then realized he needed to turn these online connections into real-world connections. Hence, he became a host of top events in the city. Collaborating with many of the city's event promoters. This way, he was able to invite his online World to meet him in the real world. What happened next was growth not only in business but in personal relationships—marketing and networking without the name, tags and pressure of selling myself. My guests not only get to meet other like-minded people, but they're also guaranteed a curated, fun event. [email protected]
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 35.80 to CAD 222.61
