The opening day of CSE Live 2026 is a full-day, immersive retreat for event and marketing professionals who want to create experiences that truly resonate. This is where creativity and strategy collide, where engagement, storytelling, and innovation are reimagined from the inside out.

Kick off CSE Live 2026 in true 007 style with an evening of glamour, intrigue, and high-stakes fun at the Great Canadian Casino Resort. Enjoy dazzling cocktails, indulgent bites, and Bond-worthy entertainment, shaken, not stirred.

Join us for breakfast, opening remarks and a powerhouse keynote to kick off  One Amazing Day at EventFest. Then dive into a full day of learning, discovery, and entertainment, where inspiration flows seamlessly between the Main Stage and the buzzing exhibit floor.

Let’s get REAL about pricing, profit, and financial power in our industry. We’re talking about models, margins, and mindsets, so you can stop apologizing for your rates and start building work that sustains you.

Dive into how to design experiences that feel like full worlds, not just rooms, from entrance choreography and sensory cues to narrative arcs that pull guests through the space with intention (and Instagrammable moments that don’t feel try-hard).

Learn how to use AI as a practical teammate for brainstorming concepts, building agendas, drafting scripts, mapping show flows, and generating templates so you can move faster without losing your creative fingerprint.

This session shows entrepreneurs, agencies, and event pros how to use AI as a force multiplier in your marketing, from content and campaigns to sales funnels and follow-up. You’ll see how to turn one idea into a month of assets, keep your pipeline warm while you’re in delivery mode, and support real revenue growth without burning out your team (or yourself).

From global conflicts and contentious leadership, to climate emergencies, economic whiplash and culture wars, we’re designing events amid constant volatility. This panel explores what it means to create gatherings that are safe, grounded, and meaningful when the world feels anything but.

Experience the excitement as the CSELive show floor comes to life! Explore innovative exhibits, sample fabulous catering by Toronto’s top chefs and pop-ups, network with industry pros, and discover game-changing solutions to elevate your event success. 

Coming soon, our keynote speaker announcement

At CSE Live 2025, the event industry came together for an honest conversation that struck a nerve. One year later, The Blueprint 2.0 takes the next step, going beyond talk and into tangible solutions. This extended, interactive session reflects on what’s been achieved, explores what’s next, and continues the movement toward a stronger, more respected, and sustainable industry.

Step into a simulated control room and run through real-time “what could go wrong” scenarios — AV failures, talent delays, weather, VIP drama — and practice communicating, rerouting, and protecting the guest experience under pressure.

A fast-paced crash course to help you learn how to influence decisions, rally teams, and drive change even when you’re not the most senior person in the room.

Coming soon, our keynote speaker announcement

Dig into the realities of leading humans in high-pressure environments. From mental health and psychological safety to recognition and feedback so your teams feel protected, seen, and willing to go the distance with you.

Transform this year’s biggest ideas into bold, unforgettable experiences that captivate your audience.

Explore how to design events as strategic levers for culture, brand, and business transformation — not just “one-off experiences” and how to articulate that impact to stakeholders who only see line items.

That’s a wrap on another fantastic CSE Live! Eventfest. But is it? There’s always an after-party somewhere… ask at the CSE booth on the show floor for this year’s private pop-up party location. Don’t forget that Panels & Power Talks continue on Wednesday morning.