The Access Canada Summit is set to make its debut this September, right in the heart of Toronto during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Running from September 8 to 10, 2025, this exciting new event brings together the brightest minds in Canada’s media and entertainment industry, creators, decision-makers, and industry leaders, all under one roof.
With keynote speakers, panel discussions, curated meetings, and networking opportunities, the Summit promises to be the place where Canadian stories are shaped, amplified, and launched onto the global stage. Whether you’re a filmmaker, producer, or content strategist, Access Canada Summit offers a front-row seat to the ideas, trends, and collaborations driving the future of entertainment in Canada.
About Access Canada Summit
The Access Canada Summit is a fresh addition to Canada’s entertainment calendar, produced by Access Canada in partnership with The Hollywood Reporter. The team behind the Summit already has experience creating high-profile industry events, including the Women in Entertainment Canada event, now in its second year.
According to Shirley Halperin and Maer Roshan, co-editors-in-chief of The Hollywood Reporter, the Summit is designed to bring “fresh ideas and thought leadership among the industry insiders who create, distribute, stream, release and invest in content” across Canada (quote from hollywoodreporter.com).
Ferne Cohen, president of Access Canada, emphasizes that the event is about connecting creators with decision-makers, learning from influential leaders, and strategically amplifying Canadian stories. With this mission, the Summit promises to be a hub for meaningful conversations, strategic deals, and opportunities to shape the Canadian entertainment landscape.
Summit Highlights
The Access Canada Summit is packed with programming designed to inspire, inform, and connect the country’s media and entertainment leaders. Here’s a look at what attendees can expect:
Keynote Presentations
One of the Summit’s standout moments is the keynote from Evan Shapiro, known as “The Cartographer of the Media Universe.” Shapiro doesn’t just track the evolving media landscape; he maps it, analyzes trends, and forecasts the future of entertainment.
Attendees will get firsthand insights into where media is headed, what’s beyond the next digital horizon, and how Canadian content fits on the global stage.
For a select few, there’s an exciting chance to win a private breakfast with Evan Shapiro, offering an intimate setting to ask questions, discuss forecasts, and explore opportunities directly with one of the industry’s most influential voices.
Panels and Workshops
The Summit features dynamic panels and workshops covering key aspects of the industry:
- Canadian Decision Makers: Learn what drives commissioning and content investment today, from changing audience habits to platform-specific priorities.
- Spotlight on BBC Comedy: Discover how Canadian creators can collaborate with one of the world’s most iconic comedy brands and gain insights into financing, creative strategies, and cross-border partnerships.
- The Future of Distribution: Hear from industry leaders about the evolving distribution landscape, exploring rights, revenue models, and the global reach of content.
Beyond panels, attendees can participate in curated meetings, workshops, and networking lounges, providing ample opportunities to build connections and explore collaborations.
Agenda Overview
The Access Canada Summit spans three days, offering a mix of keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to give attendees a comprehensive view of Canada’s media and entertainment landscape.
Day 1 – September 8
- Registration and welcome
- Opening Remarks and “Inside the Industry with The Hollywood Reporter” panel
- Feature interviews and The Canada 25: Top Deal and Decision Makers recognition
- Opening Reception to connect with fellow attendees
Day 2 – September 9
- Full day of programming with In Conversation With Netflix and the Future of Distribution session
- Live taping of Awards Chatter podcast featuring William H. Macy
- Focus on Unscripted content and conversation with Kevin Beggs, Chair & Chief Creative Officer, Lionsgate Television Group
- Spotlight on BBC Comedy and Lights. Camera. Canada sessions
- Evening Cocktail Reception
Day 3 – September 10
- Sessions with Canadian Decision Makers and The CW Network
- Financing 2.0: The New Capital Behind Content
- Conversation with Conquering Lion Pictures on story, legacy, and impact
- Keynote Presentation: Mapping Media’s New Normal
- Closing with Celebrating The Canadian Entertainment Industry: Cocktail Reception
Each day is carefully curated to balance thought leadership, industry insights, and networking opportunities, ensuring attendees leave inspired and connected.
Industry Participation & Why Attend
The Access Canada Summit attracts some of the biggest names in Canadian and global entertainment. Top streamers, broadcasters, and production companies, including Prime Video, YouTube, Fifth Season, Corus, and Netflix, will be participating, alongside leading Canadian producers and content executives.
Attending the Summit offers unparalleled opportunities to:
- Gain exclusive market access through curated roundtable discussions and one-to-one pitch meetings.
- Learn from high-profile keynotes and panels on the trends shaping the future of media.
- Network with the decision-makers who can help move your projects forward.
Whether you’re a creator, producer, or media executive, the Summit provides a front-row seat to strategic insights, collaborations, and industry connections that can elevate your work and expand your reach on both a national and global scale.
Wrapping Up
The Access Canada Summit is shaping up to be Canada’s must-attend media and entertainment event of the year. From September 8 to 10, 2025, at the Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto, attendees will gain exclusive access to keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities with the leaders driving Canada’s content industry.
Whether you’re looking to explore emerging trends, connect with top decision-makers, or amplify your own Canadian stories, the Summit offers the perfect platform to learn, collaborate, and celebrate the future of entertainment. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting launch. Mark your calendar and join the conversation at Access Canada Summit!