BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//CQCC: Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:CQCC: Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://queerchamber.ca X-WR-CALDESC:Events for CQCC: Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Toronto BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Moncton BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0300 TZNAME:ADT DTSTART:20240310T060000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0300 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:AST DTSTART:20241103T050000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0300 TZNAME:ADT DTSTART:20250309T060000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0300 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:AST DTSTART:20251102T050000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0300 TZNAME:ADT DTSTART:20260308T060000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0300 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:AST DTSTART:20261101T050000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Vancouver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250904T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250904T150000 DTSTAMP:20260430T201558 CREATED:20250819T195550Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T183449Z UID:10002097-1756994400-1756998000@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:The Connection Café: Your monthly blend that brews networks\, and big ideas DESCRIPTION:Join us on Thursday\, September 4th from 2–3 PM ET for a vibrant hour of intentional networking\, authentic visibility\, and plenty of “omg\, same!” moments with fellow 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs and changemakers. This session will be hosted by the one and only Andrew ACE Edwards of DesignACE. \n\n\n\nExpand your horizons and connect with others in the CQCC network\, including certified suppliers\, corporate partners\, rainbow registered members & national associate members. This informal chat facilitates networking and brings together people from different memberships. \n\n\n\nWhether you’re coming to share a new idea\, find your next creative partner\, or just want to vibe in community\, this space is for you. Expect meaningful intros\, playful conversation starters\, and room to celebrate your wins and share what you’re working on. Think: the energy of speed networking with the depth of a heart-to-heart. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nWhat to expect:One-on-one speed networking: We’re keeping things lively with structured\, personal convos\, think real connections\, not small talk. We’ve scoped out a few fun\, interactive platforms for this (see the attached Toolkit!).Group “Ask & Offer” session: Bring your big ask to the group and offer up a resource\, skill\, or connection in return. It’s all about building a community that lifts while it climbs. URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/the-connection-cafe-your-monthly-blend-that-brews-networks-and-big-ideas-7-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/MAIN-TEMPLATE.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250911T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250911T150000 DTSTAMP:20260430T201558 CREATED:20250819T185352Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T183453Z UID:10002187-1757599200-1757602800@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:Webinar Wednesday: Small Business\, Big Advantage: Using IP to Create Competitive Advantage DESCRIPTION:Intellectual property (IP) isn’t only for big corporations. Small businesses can play smart and use IP to their advantage. This session aims to make IP relatable\, practical\, and useful for entrepreneurs. \n\n\n\nJoin Felix Yuen (he/him) from Fruba IP Law on the 11th of September\, 2-3 PM ET as he takes us through IP and why it is important. \n\n\n\nWe first go through together a few questions to uncover the intangibles that make your business unique. Some of these can be turned into legal rights. We will make those rights easy to understand and clear up some common misunderstandings about IP. We’ll also look at some hot IP issues for small businesses: using AI tools\, navigating social media content\, managing open‑source software and contents\, and protecting trade secrets when working with others. We will leave plenty of time for Q&A. \n\n\n\nKey Takeaways \n\n\n\n\nEasy pointers to make sense of IP in plain language.\n\n\n\n\n\nA checklist to help identify and assess your intangibles.\n\n\n\n\n\nInsights into current IP issues: AI\, social media\, open source\, and so on.\n\n\n\n\nAn opportunity for a free follow-up consultation to discuss your IP questions. \n\n\n\n\n \n Our Team \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Felix Yuen (he/him) \n\n \n IP Lawyer u0026 Strategist \n \n \n \n Fruba IP Law u0026 Strategy \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Felix Yuen (he/him) \n\n \n IP Lawyer u0026 Strategist \n \n \n \n Fruba IP Law u0026 Strategy \n \n \n Felix specializes in innovations\, digital media\, and information technology. He has supported companies of all sizes in navigating through complex IP challenges and managing their IP portfolios.rnrnFelix’s practice spans the full spectrum of IP services\, including strategy development\, licensing and commercialization\, enforcement\, dispute resolution\, and public policy advisory. He also works as neutral arbitrator and mediator in IP\, licensing and commercial disputes. URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/webinar-wednesday-small-business-big-advantage-using-ip-to-create-competitive-advantage/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/20245-Webinar-Wednesdays-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250917T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250917T143000 DTSTAMP:20260430T201558 CREATED:20250204T234739Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T182940Z UID:10002146-1758101400-1758119400@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:CQCC Connect Hamilton DESCRIPTION:Join us in Hamilton for CQCC Connect\, an exciting event that brings together LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs\, corporate leaders\, and allies in an inclusive\, dynamic space. This event is the perfect opportunity to explore new business opportunities\, forge meaningful connections\, and engage in enriching conversations that promote lasting success. \n\n\n\nWhat to Expect\n\n\n\nExperience a day of thought-provoking panels\, powerful networking\, and tailored opportunities focused on advancing LGBTQ+ businesses and supporting supplier diversity. \n\n\n\n9:30 AM Registration opens10:00 AM – 10:30 AM  Opening Remarks10:30 AM – 11:15 AM  Panel Discussion11:15 AM – 12:15 PM  Hands-On Workshop12:15 PM – 1:15 PM    Lunch1:15 PM – 2:15 PM      Facilitated Networking2:15 PM – 2:30 PM      Closing & Wrap up \n\n\n\nWhy Attend?\n\n\n\nWhether you’re a seasoned business owner\, a corporate leader looking to diversify your supply chain\, or an ally supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives\, CQCC Connect Hamilton is designed to help you connect\, collaborate\, and grow. \n\n\n\nDon’t miss the chance to be part of an event that will empower the LGBTQ+ business community and foster impactful change. \n\n\n\nRegister below and join us for this transformative experience! \n\n\n\nLocation: Collective Arts Beerhall & Beergarden Hamilton\, 207 Burlington St E\, Hamilton\, ON L8L 4H2 \n\n\n\nEVENT HAS REACHED CAPACITY\, NO MORE SIGN UPS. URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/cglcc-connect-toronto-gta/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/CQCC-Connect-Hamilton-GTA.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Moncton:20250918T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Moncton:20250918T120000 DTSTAMP:20260430T201558 CREATED:20250726T010837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T183409Z UID:10002182-1758182400-1758196800@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:SDAC25 Moncton Matinee DESCRIPTION:Ready to grow but not getting picked? Supplier Diversity can put you in front of the right buyers!\n\n\n\nHosted by the Supplier Diversity Alliance of Canada (SDAC)\, in collaboration with CQCC and CAMSC. \n\n\n\nAre you an Indigenous\, Black\, racialized\, women\, 2SLGBTQI+\, newcomer\, person with a disability\, youth\, gender-diverse\, veteran\, or other equity-deserving entrepreneur looking for real opportunities to access supply chains? Curious how supplier diversity can connect you with corporate buyers\, government programs\, and a national network of peers? \n\n\n\nThis free\, half-day event is for you. \n\n\n\nJoin us in Moncton for a morning of community connection\, learning\, and actionable next steps to engage in supplier diversity across Canada. \n\n\n\n\nRegister below!\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nEvent details\n\n\n\n\nDate: September 18\, 2025\n\n\n\nTime: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM\n\n\n\nLocation: Hyatt Place Moncton Downtown | 1000 Main St\, Moncton\, NB E1C 1H5\n\n\n\nLanguage: English\, with bilingual participants\n\n\n\nCost: FREE — includes full breakfast\n\n\n\nParking: Available at the hotel. Street parking at Avenir Centre Parking Lot.\n\n\n\nTransit: Local bus routes along Main St.\n\n\n\nAccessibility: Ground-floor venue downtown\, with outdoor space across from the Avenir Centre.\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat you’ll learn:\n\n\n\nAt this free in-person session\, you’ll walk away with: \n\n\n\n\nA better understanding of supplier diversity and how to access opportunities as a certified diverse supplier\n\n\n\nInsight into how major corporations are opening up their supply chains\n\n\n\nA clearer path to engaging with SDAC and other national networks that support equity-deserving entrepreneurs\n\n\n\nNetworking opportunities with buyers\, local partners\, and other local entrepreneurs\n\n\n\nActionable steps for getting certified as a diverse supplier\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWho it’s for:\n\n\n\nThis event is designed for: \n\n\n\n\nEntrepreneurs: Indigenous\, Black\, racialized\, women\, 2SLGBTQI+\, newcomers\, persons with disabilities\, youth\, gender-diverse\, veterans\, and other equity-deserving groups\n\n\n\nSmall business owners ready to explore new markets and contracts\n\n\n\nLocal ecosystem partners and community organizations looking to connect clients to supplier diversity\n\n\n\nProcurement professionals and corporate buyers committed to inclusive supply chains\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s on the agenda?\n\n\n\nJoin us for a dynamic morning of community-building\, practical learning\, and meaningful connections designed to support diverse entrepreneurs and advance inclusive procurement. \n\n\n\n8:00 – 9:00 AMRegistration & community networkingEnjoy a full breakfast and connect with fellow attendees.Browse our Local Vendor Market\, open throughout the morning. \n\n\n\n9:00 – 9:45 AMCorporate buyers panelA fireside chat with representatives from leading corporations discussing the value of supplier diversity and how inclusive supply chains drive innovation. \n\n\n\n9:45 – 10:00 AMBreak. \n\n\n\n10:00 – 10:30 AMSupplier Diversity Program panel discussionHear from certified diverse suppliers as they share real-world experiences and how supplier diversity programs have helped them grow. \n\n\n\n10:30 – 10:45 AMBreak. \n\n\n\n10:45 – 11:30 AMSpeed pitching & matchmaking hour Engage directly with buyers and procurement professionals in a fast-paced\, rotating table format. \n\n\n\n11:30 AM – 12:00 PMNetworking activity: Meet local connectorsWrap up the morning by connecting with ecosystem partners\, corporate reps\, and fellow diverse suppliers. Don’t miss the vendor market! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister here! URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/sdac25-moncton-matinee/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/SDAC-Event_V1-1200-x-627-px.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250924T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250924T150000 DTSTAMP:20260430T201558 CREATED:20250711T211541Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T183406Z UID:10002181-1758722400-1758726000@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:Webinar Wednesday: Navigating the changing Digital Marketing Landscape DESCRIPTION:Struggling to keep up with digital changes? This practical workshop is built for business owners and marketers who want real answers — and real results. \n\n\n\nIn this 50-minute session led by Jesse Ringer\, we’ll break down what’s changed in search\, content\, and online visibility — and what you can do about it. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how the digital landscape is shifting\, why SEO and paid ads work better together\, and 5 simple\, actionable steps you can implement right away to boost your online presence. \n\n\n\nWhether you’re new to digital marketing or looking to sharpen your strategy\, this workshop is designed to be jargon-free\, insight-rich\, and immediately useful. \n\n\n\nYou’ll learn: \n\n\n\n\nWhat’s changed in search\, social\, and online behaviour\n\n\n\nHow to get found locally without breaking the bank\n\n\n\n5 practical improvements you can make this week\n\n\n\n\nWalk away with a checklist\, clear priorities\, and confidence to compete online. Join Jesse to talk about everything search and paid ads\, and how you can safeguard your website and weather the digital marketing storm. \n\n\n\n\n \n Our Team \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jesse Ringer (he/him) \n\n \n Founder u0026 CEO \n \n \n \n Method + Metric \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Jesse Ringer (he/him) \n\n \n Founder u0026 CEO \n \n \n \n Method + Metric \n \n \n u003cdivu003eu003ciu003eJesse Ringer is the founder and CEO of Method + Metric. With over a decade of experience\, he has helped business owners\, entrepreneurs\, and marketing teams develop winning SEO strategies tailored to their goals.u003c/iu003eu003c/divu003ernu003cdivu003eu003c/divu003ernu003cdivu003eu003ciu003eDriven by a passion for progress\, data-informed creativity\, and the democratization of technology\, Jesse built Method + Metric to connect data and people in an ethical\, forward-thinking way. He is a creative problem solver\, marketer\, and entrepreneur known for building high-performing teams and delivering measurable results.u003c/iu003eu003c/divu003e URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/webinar-wednesday-navigating-the-changing-digital-marketing-landscape-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/20245-Webinar-Wednesdays-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250925T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250925T230000 DTSTAMP:20260430T201558 CREATED:20250617T171636Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T183238Z UID:10002173-1758816000-1758841200@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:CQCC's Night of Distinction: Illuminating Excellence DESCRIPTION:Where Business Belongs. Where Leaders Rise.\n\n\n\nWe’re excited to announce Night of Distinction\, CQCC’s inaugural celebration of corporate excellence and 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurship — an evening dedicated to recognition\, connection\, and impact in one of Canada’s most vibrant cities! \n\n\n\nRegister below for our inaugural celebration\, happening September 25 in the beautiful city of Vancouver! \n\n\n\nThis is CQCC’s flagship celebration\, a high-profile evening at the Vancouver Convention Centre recognizing outstanding corporate partners\, trailblazing entrepreneurs\, and the impact we’re all creating together.  \n\n\n\nWhat to Expect: \n\n\n\n\nDistinctions & RecognitionCelebrate trailblazing 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs who are driving change and redefining excellence.\n\n\n\n\n\nCurated Matchmaking DinnerEngage in meaningful conversations through strategic seating that connects diverse suppliers with corporate leaders.\n\n\n\n\n\nVendor ShowcaseDiscover and support 2SLGBTQI+ businesses in the region.\n\n\n\n\n\nInspiring Keynote & EntertainmentBe moved by stories of impact and energized by drag performances\, a live DJ\, and dancing to close out the night.\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you have any questions about this event\, please reach out to bd-national@queerchamber.ca.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsorship\n\n\n\nShine as a catalyst\, trailblazer\, or illuminator — be present as a sponsor and illuminate the future of inclusive commerce while putting your brand center stage. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiscover our Sponsorship OpportunitiesWe offer a range of sponsorship levels to suit your goals and budget. Each sponsorship level comes with unique benefits. \n\n\n\n> Access the Sponsorship Deck \n\n\n\n\n\nInterested in sponsorship opportunities for this event? Reach out to Merve Tosun\, our National Business Development Manager: \n\n\n\n\nBook a meeting\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAGENDA \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n4:00 – 8:30 PM | Registration & Photos4:30 – 5:30 PM | Workshop(s)5:30 – 6:30 PM | Reception / Networking6:30 – 6:45 PM | Ballroom Doors Open6:50 – 7:45 PM | Dinner & Dessert7:45 – 8:15 PM | Supplier Pitches & Distinctions8:15 – 9:15 PM | Matchmaking & Mingling9:15 PM | Dance Floor Opens / Closing Remarks10:00 PM | Event Ends \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE \n\n\n\nWe’re curating an intimate evening focused on quality networking and cross-sector connections. To ensure space for maximum diversity in the room\, we ask that organizations send no more than 2 representatives. Sponsors will receive additional reserved tickets. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Corporate\, Government\, Municipalities\, Academic Institution Attendee Registration Form\n \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest in attending CQCC’s Night of Distinction celebration in Vancouver. Due to overwhelming interest\, u003cstrongu003ewe are at capacityu003c/strongu003e\, but sometimes life happens and those who registered cannot attend. If a spot open up\, interested wait listers will be contacted in the order that their forms are received.rnrnu003cstrongu003ePlease fill out the waitlist form:u003c/strongu003e u003ca href=u0022https://forms.office.com/r/8gR1TPK23vu0022u003ehttps://forms.office.com/r/8gR1TPK23v u003c/au003e \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Diverse Supplier Attendee Registration Form\n \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest in attending CQCC’s Night of Distinction celebration in Vancouver. Due to overwhelming interest\, u003cstrongu003ewe are at capacityu003c/strongu003e\, but sometimes life happens and those who registered cannot attend. If a spot open up\, interested wait listers will be contacted in the order that their forms are received.rnrnu003cstrongu003ePlease fill out the waitlist form:u003c/strongu003e u003ca href=u0022https://forms.office.com/r/8gR1TPK23vu0022u003ehttps://forms.office.com/r/8gR1TPK23v u003c/au003e \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThank you to our sponsors\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlly \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChampion \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarketing \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDJ \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn-Kind URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/cglcc-night-of-distinction/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/Night-of-Distinction-NEW.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR