Sept. 18, 2025
Global entrepreneurship conference lands in Calgary this October
The Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) Conference is landing at the University of Calgary this October, solidifying Calgary鈥檚 entrepreneurial reach worldwide.
GCEC is the world鈥檚 premier gathering of university-based entrepreneurship programs, drawing more than 500 leaders, educators, and innovators from across the globe to share insights, spark collaborations, and shape the future of entrepreneurial thinking.
With 抖阴APP导航 at the centre of it all, the conference will spotlight the university鈥檚 growing role as a driver of innovation and entrepreneurial education in Canada and beyond.
抖阴APP导航 faculty and leaders will not only be welcoming guests from around the world, but also actively leading discussions, sharing research, and showcasing the impact of entrepreneurial thinking across various disciplines.
Entrepreneurial thinking at 抖阴APP导航 and beyond
The Oct. 2-4 event will be hosted by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking.
As one of the country鈥檚 top startup creators and Canada鈥檚 youngest top research university, 抖阴APP导航 is dedicated to becoming Canada鈥檚 most entrepreneurial university. The Hunter Hub plays an important role in bringing this vision to life, empowering students, graduates, faculty, and alumni to 鈥渟tart something鈥 and spark change.
This event is an opportunity for 抖阴APP导航 to step into the spotlight, deepen global partnerships, and showcase the impact of entrepreneurial thinking for students and larger communities.
What鈥檚 happening at GCEC
During the event, attendees will get the chance to explore all that Calgary has to offer, even beyond the conference.
Whether you鈥檙e exploring Drumheller, taking in the mountain views in Banff, or exploring Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre, the event is the perfect way to get acquainted with Canada's Blue Sky City.
The event will feature sessions led by 抖阴APP导航 faculty and leaders:
The Power of Place: Introducing Street Challenge, an OER for Place-Based Innovation in Entrepreneurship Education鈥冣
- Alice de Koning, University of Calgary
Building Founder Resilience by Design: Integrating Mental Health Supports into Accelerator Programs鈥
- Chantal Palmer, Innovate Calgary
The Virtuous Circles of Entrepreneurship
- Guy Levesque, University of Calgary
The New Makers: Entrepreneurship Through No-Code and AI Coding
- Mohammad Keyhani, University of Calgary
Ask Me Anything: Social Innovation in Entrepreneurship鈥鈥
- Audrey Taylor, University of Calgary
Beyond the Classroom: How a Student-Run Venture Fund is Developing the Next Generation of Startup Investors
- Pete Santosham, Innovate Calgary/University of Calgary
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Offerings and Ecosystem Development
- Erick Mueller featuring Phil Davidson, Haskayne/University of Colorado
Check out the full event schedule here.
This year鈥檚 keynote speakers
During the conference, we鈥檙e excited to welcome three esteemed guests as keynote speakers.
Paul Brandt
A Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer and the most awarded male Canadian country artist in history, Paul Brandt鈥檚 impact reaches far beyond the stage. From his early days as a registered nurse to a chart-topping music career and powerful humanitarian work, he鈥檚 built a career on bold pivots and purpose-driven work.
During his keynote, attendees will hear how he鈥檚 mastered the art of the pivot 鈥 right here in the city where it all began.
Hayley Wickenheiser
A four-time Olympic gold medalist, Hockey Hall of Famer, and Canada鈥檚 all-time leading scorer, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, BKin鈥13, MSc鈥16, Hons. LLD 鈥18, MD鈥21, has redefined what it means to lead 鈥 on and off the ice. A proud University of Calgary alum, she鈥檚 built an inspiring career that spans Olympic victories, a medical degree, and her current role in player development with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
During her keynote, attendees will hear her story.
Lara Murphy
Lara Murphy is the CEO of Calgary Wild FC and founder of Ryan Murphy Construction. From breaking barriers for women in construction to launching Alberta鈥檚 first professional women鈥檚 soccer team, she鈥檚 dedicated to building spaces and opportunities where people can thrive.
In a special fireside chat, Lara will share her journey of empowerment, belonging, and inspiring the next generation to dream big.
Volunteer with GCEC
The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking is now welcoming applications for volunteers.
Volunteers will have the chance to experience the conference first-hand, connect with global leaders, and be part of a pivotal moment for 抖阴APP导航.
If you would like to volunteer for GCEC, you can sign up here.