The women of promo were back in town.

On Monday, Sept. 11, Promotional Products Professionals of Canada (PPPC) hosted the annual Women’s Empowerment Event (WEE) ahead of the organization’s National Convention at the International Centre in Toronto.

About 65 women from suppliers and distributors in both Canada and the U.S. gathered at the Hilton Toronto Airport for “WEE – Promo in the City” to reunite, network and laugh along with Kate Davis, a Canadian stand-up comedienne, speaker and actress who’s opened for heavy-hitters like President Bill Clinton and Barbara Walters.

Ahead of her comedy routine, Kate Davis (center) spent time with (left) Lisa Schurman, account manager at Innovatex Solutions (asi/231194), and (right) Ann Baiden, CEO and founder of Innovatex and a member of the WEE committee. (Credit: Ann Baiden)

Over signature WEE cocktails, attendees enjoyed a comedic performance by Davis who spoke about the challenges of work-life balance, family dynamics, vying for space in male-dominated industries and the importance of playfulness in both personal and professional settings.

“Don’t take yourself too seriously,” she told the audience. “That’s key to resiliency and adaptability. Be more present to your life as it is. And be generous – give to and support each other.”

Davis joked about the challenges of work-life balance and family dynamics. (Credit: Ann Baiden)

Afterward, audience members mingled while enjoying a buffet dinner, drinks and branded gifts – ceramic mugs with slide lids (DRK965-E) from Top 40 supplier NC Custom (asi/44900) and purse hangers (PHR-83P) from CNIJ (asi/43008).

Attendees received ceramic mugs from NC Custom and purse hangers from CNIJ.

“WEE – Promo in the City was the perfect way to kick off a busy few days at NATCON,” said Ann Baiden, CEO and founder of Innovatex Solutions Inc. (asi/231194) and a member of the WEE committee. “Kate kept the room laughing (and even snorting!) and helped break the ice for our newcomers with her playful games. The reality is that it’s impossible to laugh and not be in the moment. Laughter is a good tool to use in both business and life.”

Reps from supplier and distributor companies enjoyed conversation over food and drinks.

It was Laura Hansen’s second WEE – the president of Vancouver-based Image Group Inc. (asi/230059), which would go on to win an award as the top medium-sized distributor in Western Canada at the PPPC Image Awards the following night.

From left to right: Laura Hansen of Image Group, Mel Sibbitt of Two Crazy Ladies (asi/347888) and Heidi Reimer-Epp of Botanical Paperworks (asi/41273). (Credit: Carol de Ville)

“Although it was a reception rather than a weekend-long event, it was so great to reconnect with the wonderful women of our industry,” said Hansen. “A funny comedy routine and a signature cocktail, plus lots of food and great conversation, made it a perfect evening.”

Carol de Ville, owner of The Branding Company (asi/145376), Counselor’s 2020 Woman of Distinction and a member of the WEE committee, said plans are already in the works for the next event in May 2024. “It was great to see so many past attendees along with new faces this week,” she said. “We have so much momentum – it’s apparent when we walked the NATCON show floor and heard from business owners that they now want to encourage their team members to attend. Can’t wait for the amazing turnout next year.”