Affirming Media Conference

Friday, November 1 , 7pm - 9:30pm MT

Saturday, November 2, 9am - 4pm MT

(Conference registration includes BOTH days for in person registrants)

Location:

Calgary Central Library - Patricia Whelan Peformance Hall & Online

Join us for the inaugural Affirming Media Conference, a 2 day hybrid event. Focused on providing accessible training in marketing, social media, communications, and media literacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ and allied leaders, 2SLGBTQIA+ serving organizations, Affirming leaders and faith communities, non-profits, equity seeking organizations, and people of all kinds who want to develop these skills to create positive change, tell compelling stories, and break through misinformation.

SPEAKERS:

Our conference keynote is Kathryn LeBlanc! LeBlanc is a social impact communications expert and Principal Consultant at LeBlanc (& co.) Communications. Kathryn created LeBlanc (& co.) Communications to help organizations leverage strategic communications to power systemic change.

With a keynote and workshop from LeBlanc, workshops with media experts Mel Woods and Tyler Babiy, and an exclusive Opening Arts Night on Friday, this is truly a one-of-a-kind event, not to be missed!

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION is 30% OFF all ticket types! ENDS September 24 or after the first 30 tickets are sold.

TICKETS

Conference Registration: $75 - includes Friday night opening arts event, Saturday keynote and workshops, plus coffee/tea & lunch on Saturday

Subsidized Registration: $45 - includes Friday night opening arts event, Saturday keynote and workshops, plus coffee/tea & lunch on Saturday

(Subsidized registration is meant for students, seniors, and those with economic barriers)

Online only Registration: $30 - includes access to livestream of keynote & all workshops on Saturday. Does not include livestream of Opening Arts Night.

Recording Add-on: $20 - Exclusive access to recordings of keynote and all workshops for 7 days (Must be purchased with conference registration, not available separately)

SCHEDULE

(Subject to slight changes)

Friday, November 1, 7pm - 9:30pm MT - Opening Arts Night (in person only)

Saturday, November 2, 9am - 4pm MT - Conference Keynote, Workshops, and Networking + Good Food + Good People

(Conference registration includes BOTH days for in person registrants)

*We are committed to accessibility and provide sponsored tickets whenever possible. If finances are a barrier to your attendance, please contact us at miranda@affirmingconnections.com and we will assist you.

We are extremely grateful to Calgary Foundation for their support and sponsorship.

Keynote Speaker

Kathryn LeBlanc is a social impact communications expert and Principal Consultant at LeBlanc (& co.) Communications.

Kathryn has worked with journalists, alongside politicians, and has led communications to work with nonprofits and social purpose organizations on local, national, and international levels.

Kathryn created LeBlanc (& co.) Communications to help organizations leverage strategic communications to power systemic change.

Keynote Topic

Finding Your Voice to Advocate for 2SLGBTQI+ Human Rights: Using Messaging as a Powerful Tool

Kathryn LeBlanc

In a world where advocacy for 2SLGBTQI+ rights is more important than ever, community leaders have a critical role to play in driving change. This keynote will delve into the power of storytelling and persuasive messaging as tools to support 2SLGBTQI+ communities and advocate for human rights.

Kathryn LeBlanc will share messaging and storytelling strategies to help leaders become more effective advocates. Attendees will gain insights and inspiration to confidently speak out and make a lasting impact, all while ensuring alignment with community. At this critical time, faith and community leaders can (and should) play a unique and important role as advocates.

Workshop

Communications for Advocacy: How to Amplify Your Campaigning for 2SLGBTQI+ Human Rights

Kathryn LeBlanc

This interactive workshop is designed for leaders committed to advancing 2SLGBTQI+ rights and inclusion. Participants will learn how to craft powerful communications and media strategies to enhance their advocacy efforts. Guided by Kathryn LeBlanc, this session will provide practical tools and a Q&A period for personalized advice to help participants engage with the media confidently and persuasively in support of human rights.

Mel Woods (they/them)

Writer, Editor, and Content Creator

Mel Woods is currently the senior editor, audience engagement at Xtra Magazine where they focus on bringing Xtra's award-winning queer and trans journalism to as many people as possible through social media, newsletters, and video. Prior to joining Xtra, they were an editor for HuffPost Canada where they covered breaking news and Western Canada.

They hold a Master of Journalism from the University of British Columbia. Mel’s work has included everything from reporting features on Alberta separatism, to writing personal essays about queer pop culture, to hosting a weekly overnight punk rock radio show on CJSW 90.9 FM in Calgary.

Their writing and audio work has appeared in various outlets including The Walrus, The Globe and Mail, Slate, Vice, The Tyee, and the CBC. They grew up in Red Deer, Alberta, and now live in Vancouver with their partner and two beloved cats.

Tyler Babiy (he/they)

Queer Content Creator, Social Media Strategist

Owner/Creative Director of T Squared Social

Tyler is a queer content creator and social media strategist with over a decade of experience in digital media (yes, they're definitely over their screen time limit!).

With a background in fashion design, photography and art, they bring a discerning eye for image and style to everything they do.

Passionate about making the Prairies a more inclusive and connected place, Tyler is dedicated to creating impactful social media content that drives change—one post at a time.

Opening Night Artist Announced Soon!