
Back by Popular Demand: The Innovation Exchange Retreat Returns
Join Innovators Alliance for our second annual retreat at the iconic Pillar and Post in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake.
This year’s theme: Smarter, Faster, Further: Scaling in a Changing World
In a world of constant change, the most successful companies move with purpose—not just speed. Smarter, Faster, Further brings together the full strength of the Innovators Alliance network for a high-impact exchange of ideas, insights, and strategies to help Canadian businesses scale with clarity and confidence.
Through open dialogue, expert insights, and peer-to-peer learning, members will explore emerging trends in AI, trade diversification, and productivity—and leave equipped with tangible tools to grow and compete.
Space is limited. Register now to secure your spot.
Start: November 12, 2025 at 5:00 pm
End: November 13, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Where: The Pillar and Post, 48 John Street, Niagara on the Lake
Contact Information
Stefanie Ince
Executive Director
416-951-7915
[email protected]
Innovation Exchange “What’s Next” Agenda
November 12, 2025
Time | Event |
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Regional Chapter Meetings Gather with your local chapter to connect, reflect, and share insights ahead of the full retreat kickoff. |
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Hotel Check In | |
IA Networking Reception Join fellow members for drinks, light bites, and a warm welcome as we kick off this year’s retreat. |
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Networking Dinner Enjoy a relaxed dinner followed by casual connections and conversations that go beyond business. |
Start: November 12, 2025 at 5:00 pm
End: November 13, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Where: The Pillar and Post, 48 John Street, Niagara on the Lake
Contact Information
Stefanie Ince
Executive Director
416-951-7915
[email protected]
Innovation Exchange - Smarter, Faster, Further: Scaling in a Changing World
November 13, 2025
Pilar and Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Time | Event |
---|---|
8:00 – 9:00 AM | Networking Breakfast Start your day with coffee, conversation, and connection. |
9:00 – 10:30 AM | The AI Leadership Challenge Get ready for a high-energy, hands-on session designed to stretch your thinking and explore what it takes to lead through disruption. |
10:30 – 11:00 AM | Networking + Bio Break Refuel and connect with new peers before the keynote. |
11:00 – 12:30 PM | Keynote with Peter Hall Insights from one of Canada’s leading economic voices on scaling smart in an unpredictable world |
12:30 – 1:45 PM | Networking Lunch Join fellow members for great food and even better conversation |
1:45 – 4:30 PM | Breakout Sessions Choose from a curated selection of sessions on AI, productivity, trade, and leadership. These interactive sessions offer deep dives and peer-driven learning. |
4:30 – 5:30 PM | The Exchange Reception Close the day with a celebratory drink, more connections, and the kind of conversation that only happens at IA. |
Start: November 12, 2025 at 5:00 pm
End: November 13, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Where: The Pillar and Post, 48 John Street, Niagara on the Lake
Contact Information
Stefanie Ince
Executive Director
416-951-7915
[email protected]
Peter Hall
Peter Hall is CEO of econosphere inc., a boutique business strategy advisory firm. In this capacity he is involved in advising leading Canadian industry associations and corporations, advising and promoting international initiatives, and conducting ad hoc project work. Mr. Hall is a special advisor to both Martinrea International and Elevate Export Finance, is a Fellow-In-Residence at the C.D. Howe Institute, writes a regular column in the Financial Post, comments in various other media channels and speaks at conferences and with senior executive teams in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Until recently, he was chief economist at Export Development Canada, heading up a large team of economists and country risk analysts that provided model-driven forecasting for internal and external business strategy purposes, transaction risk analysis for over 160 countries, analytical modeling, and data systems support. In addition to advising EDCs executive team and board of directors, Mr. Hall personally delivered dozens of presentations annually to a wide variety of business, government and academic audiences in Canada, the United States and internationally. He also authored EDCs widely-circulated Weekly Commentary. Prior to his work at EDC, Mr. Hall directed the economic forecasting activities of the Conference Board of Canada. He has served as the president of the Canadian Association for Business Economics, a 600+ member organization of professional economists, and also its largest local chapter, the Ottawa Economics Association. He has served on the board and as an advisor to multiple Ottawa-area charities.
Mr. Hall has degrees in economics from the University of Toronto and Carleton University.
Shelby Grassick
Shelby Grassick is a dynamic professional with a rich and diverse background spanning academia, nonprofits, government, private corporations, and franchising. With formal education rooted in both the sciences and the arts, Shelby brings a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and innovation. Her career journey has taken her from project coordination in the nonprofit sector to strategic roles in government and private corporations, where she honed her skills in digital marketing, graphic design, and business development.
Since December 2022, Shelby has been at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into business processes, leading to transformative outcomes in the organizations she serves. As the leader of the AI council for Alliance Franchise Brands, Shelby spearheads initiatives that leverage AI to optimize operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive growth across the company’s vast network of over 550 locations in North America.
Currently, Shelby serves as the Franchise Development Marketing Manager at Alliance Franchise Brands, where she combines her expertise in marketing and AI to attract top-tier franchise candidates. Her passion for blending analytical and creative solutions has made her a respected voice in the industry. And, thanks to her AI expertise, she also knows how to craft an impressive-sounding bio—just like this one.
Start: November 12, 2025 at 5:00 pm
End: November 13, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Where: The Pillar and Post, 48 John Street, Niagara on the Lake
Contact Information
Stefanie Ince
Executive Director
416-951-7915
[email protected]
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