The Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) is expanding into Canada with the formation of EDPA Canada, the association’s 12th chapter and its first chapter representing Canada on a national level.
The new chapter will bring together exhibit houses, agencies, producers, fabricators, creative and technology partners, suppliers, and independent professionals from across Canada’s experiential industry. EDPA Canada plans to provide a national platform for networking, education, advocacy, community involvement, and collaboration.
The chapter’s inaugural Canadian board has been formed, with Carissa Stewart of wonderMakr serving as president and Kim Davies of beMatrix Canada as vice president. Vickie Veliji serves as treasurer, and Katie Raftis serves as secretary. Additional programming, membership opportunities, and ways for industry professionals to participate will be announced as the chapter develops.
Connecting Canada’s Experiential Industry
EDPA Canada will organize its work around four areas: Connect, Educate, Advocate, and Give Back.
“Our goal is to build a board that represents a cross-section of the Canadian experiential, exhibit, and events industry from across the country, and we’ve already begun reaching out to additional prospective board members. We’re excited about the interest we’ve received so far and look forward to sharing more as the founding board comes together,” Stewart said in EDPA’s July newsletter.
The Connect initiative will focus on building relationships among professionals across Canada’s regions and industry disciplines. Meanwhile, Educate will create opportunities for members to share expertise and learn from peers as the experiential industry evolves.
Advocacy efforts will focus on increasing recognition and understanding of the economic impact and broader contribution of Canada’s experiential, exhibit, and live events industry.
The fourth area, Give Back, will operate through EDPA’s Good Works program. The chapter plans to use the industry’s creative, technical, and production resources to support Canadian communities.
Cross-Border Collaboration
The chapter also plans to strengthen ties between experiential professionals in Canada and the United States.
Through EDPA’s existing network, the Canadian chapter aims to create more opportunities for cross-border partnerships, professional connections, and the exchange of industry knowledge. It will also provide a forum for Canadian members to discuss common challenges and share experiences across regional markets.
As the organization develops, EDPA Canada plans to involve professionals from across the country in shaping its priorities and programming.
Industry professionals interested in EDPA Canada can contact Stewart or Davies for more information about the chapter and participation opportunities.
For more information about EDPA Canada or to get involved, contact Chapter President Carissa Stewart of wonderMakr or Chapter Vice President Kim Davies of bematrix.
The Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) represents professionals and companies involved in experiential environments and the tradeshow industry. For more information, visit EDPA.com.
