Skip the stress of dinner—it's on us! Join us for a FREE hot buffet meal with a delicious main dish, and dessert served by fullcupservice. Bring your student and enjoy a great meal before an inspiring night of learning and connection!

ESA Alumni Fireside Chat From ESA Halls to Universities, Colleges, Dorms, and Beyond. Join us for an intimate fireside chat with ESA Alumni as they share their experiences navigating university selection, student life, and the transition to independence. Hear firsthand what’s great about university, how to manage academics and social life, and tips for thriving on your own. Whether you’re choosing a school or preparing for the next step, this candid conversation will give you real-world insights from those who’ve been there! Hear honest takes on managing life, school, and independence Ask your burning questions about residence, workload, and social life Perfect for students planning their next steps—and for caregivers curious about how to support that leap.

Art Law: Interesting cases and controversies. Join Paul Bain, an art lawyer and author, as he explores the fascinating intersection of creativity and law. Learn about how the worlds of Art and Law intersect in Peter’s fascinating presentation. You will walk away with a better understanding of copyright, intellectual property, and contract law and their impacts on the people and organizations in the Art world. Learn how copyright, contracts, and intellectual property shape the art world Hear real-life examples that illustrate legal issues affecting artists and institutions Ideal for students interested in art, law, or business—and for families who want to understand how to protect and support creative work.

From RISD to Dragons' Den to Saving Lives with Design Gilad Shoham will share his journey from Art school to Product Designer to Inventor to Dragons’ Den Entrepreneur to leading teams developing high-tech medical products. In this highly informative and energetic workshop, learn how Gilad blends his passions for creativity with innovation and helping society. Discover how creative thinking becomes innovation in real-world product design Hear how failure, iteration, and startup life shaped a journey Inspiring for students who love building, making, and problem-solving—and for parents curious about where a creative mind can go.

Where Craft Meets Music If you loved the brilliant documentary short film called “The Repair Shop,” this presentation is for you. Like the passionate and skilled technicians featured in that heartwarming film, Megan Warren will share her journey in the field of music, from touring musician to piano technician at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Get a look under the lid of the piano Discover training pathways, career opportunities, and day-to-day realities of the job A must-attend for students interested in music, craftsmanship, or alternative careers in the arts—and for parents exploring fulfilling, lesser-known creative professions.

From ESA MT to Broadway Openings Think theatre is just about being on stage? Think again. In this eye-opening session, Tess Capern—Assistant General Manager at Mirvish Productions—shares her journey from the ESA Musical Theatre program to managing some of the biggest theatrical productions in Canada, including The Lion King, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and & Juliet. Tess will take you behind the scenes of Toronto’s commercial theatre world, offering insight into the roles, skills, and opportunities that support live performance—from production and management to marketing and logistics. Learn how backstage roles shape the success of major shows Hear what it takes to thrive in a career off the stage Perfect for students who love the world of theatre—but may not see themselves in the spotlight—and for families curious about the full scope of careers in the performing arts.

Engineering & Change, One System at a Time Creativity is a crucial element in STEM fields, enabling innovation, problem-solving, and the development of new ideas and solutions. Dr. Magdalena Krol and Dr. Martin de Lasa will delve into the real-world impact of problem-solving careers. They will talk about their personal journeys, challenges they faced, and discuss the amazing opportunities for creativity in these growing areas. Learn how engineers help solve environmental challenges Discover how robotics and artificial intelligence are reshaping industries A must for students and families curious about STEM, design, and building the future.

An 18 year long tale of successes and failures in the entertainment business. Bruce William Harper will share his journey in cinematography and camera operating and how creative and technical professionals collaborate to create film and television. Learn how to build a creative career with hands-on skills and persistence Hear what it’s really like to work on set in the film and TV industry This candid session will provide you with insights on the opportunities, sacrifices and rewards of a career in film and television.

The Power of Voice, Curiosity & Connection George Stroumboulopoulos is an award winning Canadian broadcaster, producer, entrepreneur and cultural leader known as a conductor of meaningful conversations. From MuchMusic to CBC, CNN, and now Apple Music, he has spent decades talking to icons, leaders, and change-makers. In this live conversation, he reflects on storytelling, media, and how to lead a creative life with courage and purpose. Explore the evolution of a media career—and how to stay true to your voice Learn what makes a great interviewer, communicator, and listener This conversation is a must for anyone passionate about music, media, or making an impact—and for families ready to explore what a bold, unconventional path looks like.

From Behind the Lens to Building a Movement Jamal Burger turned his passion for photography into a global creative career—while staying rooted in purpose and community. As an independent filmmaker and founder of the Kickback Foundation, Jamal empowers underserved youth through storytelling, mentorship, and opportunity. Explore how photography can become a tool for personal and community transformation Learn how Jamal built a creative business while launching a nonprofit Perfect for students who are passionate about art, social justice, or entrepreneurship—and for families inspired by purpose-driven careers.

Money Skills for Life, Not Just Math Class Financial literacy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making confident, informed choices that shape your future. Join Kevin Maynard, VP of the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education, for this informative, interactive, and energizing workshop This workshop will provide you with a unique experience exploring concepts outlined in CFEE’s “Money and Youth: Student Guide to Financial Literacy” and other related resources. Learn how to set financial goals and build your first budget Understand banking, credit, student loans, and money myths Perfect for students planning post-secondary paths—and for families who want to ensure they’re financially prepared for what comes next.

A Front-Row Seat to the World Former international journalist Wilf Dinnick takes you on a journey from high-pressure global newsrooms to building his own communications firm. He will share his journey which began with a passion for news and current events to a career in journalism to communications consulting. He will cover how to navigate high pressure environments, political sensitivities and fast-paced news cycles. Discover how media professionals can pivot into entrepreneurship and consulting An insightful session for students passionate about current events, writing, or media—and for families curious about the many directions a media career can take.

How Today’s Students Will Lead Tomorrow’s World What skills do students need to thrive in a world driven by AI, disruption, and rapid change? Future strategist and career coach Karena DeSouza will help you rethink success, purpose, and the evolving workplace. Whether it is leading a team, a choir, or our own family, or a country we are each called to lead at various moments in our lives. Learn how to embrace adaptability and uncertainty Explore how Gen Z values are reshaping education and careers A must for students and families navigating a world where the rules are constantly shifting—and opportunity belongs to the curious and courageous.

Turning Passion into Profession A career in the arts can offer an exciting range of opportunities for creativity, self-expression, and impact. However, navigating the arts & culture job market can sometimes be complex, with many potential paths. Where do you start? What roles even exist? Fortunately, Work in Culture (WIC) is here to help! Work in Culture serves as a platform for programming, resources, and insights for individuals seeking to build or advance their careers in the arts. Join WIC's Program Manager, Stephanie Draker, as she highlights some of WIC's offerings, including their popular Job Board. Discover Work in Culture’s career-building resources Learn how business and artistic skills intersect Perfect for students dreaming of a creative career and for caregivers who want to support that journey with confidence and clarity.

Science, Compassion, and the Career You Didn’t See Coming What if the path to your dream job isn’t a straight line? Dr. Sharon Guger a pediatric neuropsychologist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) will share how flexibility, curiosity, and the courage to pivot shaped her journey to one of the most meaningful roles in medicine. Understand what neuropsychologists do—and how they help children recover and thrive Hear what it takes to build a career around purpose, people, and science Ideal for students considering healthcare, psychology, or neuroscience—and for caregivers supporting teens who are still figuring it out.

From Script to Social Impact Noemi Weis is an award winning Writer, Director and Producer that has spent over 20-years telling stories on the big and small screens, from her worldwide advertising projects to her award winning documentaries. She will reflect on the challenges and rewards of a career in filmmaking and the power of story-driven documentaries to catalyze social change for equity and justice. Focusing on two recent feature documentaries, Milk and Connecting the Dots, Noemi will describe her approach to creating documentaries that seek broader social change, coalition building, and audience engagement. Discover how film can support advocacy, coalition building, and awareness Explore career paths in writing, directing, and producing social justice films A must-attend for aspiring filmmakers and storytellers—and for families excited to support young creatives with purpose.

Speaking to Be Heard, Performing to Be Believed Gain an insider’s perspective on what it takes to develop your craft and succeed in the theater world. Peter Bailey is an actor and playwright also working in voice and dialect work. Learn more about his playwriting experience and how his first play was produced and won a prestigious award. Hear how voice coaching intersects with acting and playwriting Discover the importance of process vs results and that craft takes time Great for students in drama or performance—and anyone curious about how voice shapes identity, storytelling, and confidence.

From ESA Halls to Universities, Colleges, Dorms, and Beyond Join us for an intimate fireside chat with ESA Alumni as they share their experiences navigating post secondary selection, student life, and the transition to independence. Hear firsthand what’s great after high school, how to manage academics and social life, and tips for thriving on your own. Whether you’re choosing a school or preparing for the next step, this candid conversation will give you real-world insights from those who’ve been there! Hear honest takes on managing life, school, and independence Ask your burning questions about residence, workload, and social life Perfect for students planning their next steps—and for caregivers curious about how to support that leap.

Art Law: Interesting cases and controversies Join Paul Bain, an art lawyer and author, as he explores the fascinating intersection of creativity and law. Learn about how the worlds of Art and Law intersect in Paul’s fascinating presentation. You will walk away with a better understanding of copyright, intellectual property, and contract law and their impacts on the people and organizations in the Art world. Learn how copyright, contracts, and intellectual property shape the art world Hear real-life examples that illustrate legal issues affecting artists and institutions Ideal for students interested in art, law, or business—and for families who want to understand how to protect and support creative work.

From RISD to Dragons' Den to Saving Lives with Design Gilad Shoham will share his journey from art school to product designer to inventor to Dragons’ Den entrepreneur to leading teams developing high-tech medical products. In this highly informative and energetic workshop, learn how Gilad blends his passions for creativity with innovation and helping society. Discover how creative thinking becomes innovation in real-world product design Hear how failure, iteration, and startup life shaped a journey Inspiring for students who love building, making, and problem-solving—and for parents curious about where a creative mind can go.

Where Craft Meets Music If you loved the brilliant documentary short film called “The Repair Shop,” this presentation is for you. Like the passionate and skilled technicians featured in that heartwarming film, Megan Warren will share her journey in the field of music, from touring musician to piano technician at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Get a look under the lid of the piano Discover training pathways, career opportunities, and day-to-day realities of the job A must-attend for students interested in music, craftsmanship, or alternative careers in the arts—and for parents exploring fulfilling lesser-known creative professions.

From ESA MT to Broadway Openings Think theatre is just about being on stage? Think again. In this eye-opening session, Tess Capern—Assistant General Manager at Mirvish Productions—shares her journey from the ESA Musical Theatre program to managing some of the biggest theatrical productions in Canada, including The Lion King, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and & Juliet. Tess will take you behind the scenes of Toronto’s commercial theatre world, offering insight into the roles, skills, and opportunities that support live performance—from production and management to marketing and logistics. Learn how backstage roles shape the success of major shows Hear what it takes to thrive in a career off the stage Perfect for students who love the world of theatre—but may not see themselves in the spotlight—and for families curious about the full scope of careers in the performing arts.

Engineering & Change, One System at a Time Creativity is a crucial element in STEM fields, enabling innovation, problem-solving, and the development of new ideas and solutions. Dr. Magdalena Krol and Dr. Martin de Lasa will delve into the real-world impact of problem-solving careers. They will talk about their personal journeys, challenges they faced, and discuss the amazing opportunities for creativity in these growing areas. Learn how engineers help solve environmental challenges Discover how robotics and artificial intelligence are reshaping industries A must for students and families curious about STEM, design, and building the future.

An 18-year-long tale of successes and failures in the entertainment business. Bruce William Harper will share his journey in cinematography and camera operating and how creative and technical professionals collaborate to create film and television. Learn how to build a creative career with hands-on skills and persistence Hear what it’s really like to work on set in the film and TV industry This candid session will provide you with insights on the opportunities, sacrifices and rewards of a career in film and television.

The Power of Voice, Curiosity & Connection George Stroumboulopoulos is an award winning Canadian broadcaster, producer, entrepreneur and cultural leader known as a conductor of meaningful conversations. From MuchMusic to CBC, CNN, and now Apple Music, he has spent decades talking to icons, leaders, and change-makers. In this live conversation, he reflects on storytelling, media, and how to lead a creative life with courage and purpose. Explore the evolution of a media career—and how to stay true to your voice Learn what makes a great interviewer, communicator, and listener This conversation is a must for anyone passionate about music, media, or making an impact—and for families ready to explore what a bold, unconventional path looks like.

From Behind the Lens to Building a Movement Jamal Burger turned his passion for photography into a global creative career—while staying rooted in purpose and community. As an independent filmmaker and founder of the Kickback Foundation, Jamal empowers underserved youth through storytelling, mentorship, and opportunity. Explore how photography can become a tool for personal and community transformation Learn how Jamal built a creative business while launching a nonprofit Perfect for students who are passionate about art, social justice, or entrepreneurship—and for families inspired by purpose-driven careers.

Money Skills for Life, Not Just Math Class Financial literacy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making confident, informed choices that shape your future. Join Kevin Maynard, VP of the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education, for this informative, interactive, and energizing workshop This workshop will provide you with a unique experience exploring concepts outlined in CFEE’s “Money and Youth: Student Guide to Financial Literacy” and other related resources. Learn how to set financial goals and build your first budget Understand banking, credit, student loans, and money myths Perfect for students planning post-secondary paths—and for families who want to ensure they’re financially prepared for what comes next.

A Front-Row Seat to the World Former international journalist Wilf Dinnick takes you on a journey from high-pressure global newsrooms to building his own communications firm. He will share his journey which began with a passion for news and current events to a career in journalism to communications consulting. He will cover how to navigate high-pressure environments, political sensitivities, and fast-paced news cycles. Discover how media professionals can pivot into entrepreneurship and consulting An insightful session for students passionate about current events, writing, or media—and for families curious about the many directions a media career can take.

How Today’s Students Will Lead Tomorrow’s World What skills do students need to thrive in a world driven by AI, disruption, and rapid change? Future strategist and career coach Karena DeSouza will help you rethink success, purpose, and the evolving workplace. Whether it is leading a team, a choir, or our own family, or a country we are each called to lead at various moments in our lives. Learn how to embrace adaptability and uncertainty Explore how Gen Z values are reshaping education and careers A must for students and families navigating a world where the rules are constantly shifting—and opportunity belongs to the curious and courageous.

Turning Passion into Profession A career in the arts can offer an exciting range of opportunities for creativity, self-expression, and impact. However, navigating the arts & culture job market can sometimes be complex, with many potential paths. Where do you start? What roles even exist? Fortunately, Work in Culture (WIC) is here to help! Work in Culture serves as a platform for programming, resources, and insights for individuals seeking to build or advance their careers in the arts. Join WIC's Program Manager, Stephanie Draker, as she highlights some of WIC's offerings,including their popular Job Board. Discover Work in Culture’s career-building resources Learn how business and artistic skills intersect Perfect for students dreaming of a creative career and for caregivers who want to support that journey with confidence and clarity.

Science, Compassion, and the Career You Didn’t See Coming What if the path to your dream job isn’t a straight line? Dr. Sharon Guger a pediatric neuropsychologist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) will share how flexibility, curiosity, and the courage to pivot shaped her journey to one of the most meaningful roles in medicine. Understand what neuropsychologists do—and how they help children recover and thrive Hear what it takes to build a career around purpose, people, and science Ideal for students considering healthcare, psychology, or neuroscience—and for caregivers supporting teens who are still figuring it out.

From Script to Social Impact Noemi Weis is an award winning Writer, Director and Producer that has spent over 20-years telling stories on the big and small screens, from her worldwide advertising projects to her award winning documentaries. She will reflect on the challenges and rewards of a career in filmmaking and the power of story-driven documentaries to catalyze social change for equity and justice. Focusing on two recent feature documentaries, Milk and Connecting the Dots, Noemi will describe her approach to creating documentaries that seek broader social change, coalition building, and audience engagement. Discover how film can support advocacy, coalition building, and awareness Explore career paths in writing, directing, and producing social justice films A must-attend for aspiring filmmakers and storytellers—and for families excited to support young creatives with purpose.

Speaking to Be Heard, Performing to Be Believed Gain an insider’s perspective on what it takes to develop your craft and succeed in the theater world. Peter Bailey is an actor and playwright also working in voice and dialect work. Learn more about his playwrighting experience and how his first play was produced and won a prestigious award. Hear how voice coaching intersects with acting and playwriting Discover the importance of process vs results and that craft takes time Great for students in drama or performance—and anyone curious about how voice shapes identity, storytelling, and confidence. .