Join us for an inspiring day of bold ideas, meaningful connections, and transformative learning at the 2026 PEIBWA Symposium. Hosted by the Prince Edward Island Business Women’s Association, this signature event brings together entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, and leaders from across Prince Edward Island and beyond.
This year’s theme, Growth, explores the dynamic connection between personal and professional success. As businesses evolve, so do the people behind them. Through thought-provoking keynote presentations, engaging discussions, and powerful networking opportunities, attendees will gain fresh perspectives on what it takes to grow with confidence, resilience, and purpose.
2026 PEIBWA Symposium
Mark your calendar for September 25, 2026, as women entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders from across Prince Edward Island gather at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward in Charlottetown for a day of inspiration, learning, and meaningful connection.
This year's PEIBWA Symposium will be our most impactful yet, featuring a trilogy of events designed to help attendees connect, learn, celebrate, and grow.
The experience begins on the evening of September 24 with a special kick-off networking event in Charlottetown, setting the stage for an energizing and unforgettable Symposium experience. Participants will unwind and take a break from entrepreneurship for an evening of reflective conversation, quality relationship-building, and for light hor d'oeuvres.
On September 25, attendees will come together for a full day of engaging keynote presentations, practical learning opportunities, powerful stories, and valuable networking at the PEIBWA Symposium. Whether you're looking to gain fresh insights, spark new ideas, expand your network, or find inspiration for your next chapter, the PEIBWA Symposium offers something for every stage of your professional journey.
For the first time ever, PEIBWA is extending the experience with the debut of the CelebrateHER Social - an evening dedicated to celebrating the connections, community impact, and accomplishments of women in business. Inspired by PEIBWA's commitment to creating opportunities for women to thrive, this exciting new event offers a welcoming space to strengthen relationships, recognize achievements, and enjoy an evening of fun, community, and celebration.
Attend one event or immerse yourself in the full experience, all three events offer flexible ticket options to fit your schedule and interests.
Early Bird pricing is available until August 25. Secure your spot today and be part of a powerful celebration of women in business.
Symposium Highlights:
Participants will hear from inspiring keynote speakers who have made significant strides in their respective fields, sharing their journeys, challenges, and successes. Ready to dive a little deeper? Our afternoon breakout sessions dive deep into topics that matter most to your business - these are designed to provide practical skills, fresh ideas, and actionable insights to support your growth. Throughout the day, participants can take advantage of valuable networking opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, potential mentors, and industry professionals. Did you know that building meaningful relationships that can spark new collaborations and help move your business forward? What are you waiting for, scroll down to see the incredible speaker lineup further down the page.
CelebrateHER Social Highlights:
PEIBWA is excited to introduce the inaugural CelebrateHER Social, an inspiring evening event designed to cap off the Symposium experience. Join fellow members and women in business from across Prince Edward Island for a night of connection, celebration, and inspiration as we recognize the achievements, milestones, and impact of women entrepreneurs and business leaders in our province. The CelebrateHER Social includes a meal and offers the perfect chance to reflect on accomplishments, strengthen relationships, and leave energized to pursue your next business goal.
Why Attend?
Empowerment: Leave feeling inspired and empowered with new ideas and strategies to fuel your success.
Education: Gain practical knowledge and skills that you can immediately apply to your business.
Connection: Expand your network with valuable contacts who share your passion and drive for business excellence.
Support: Be in a room full of folks celebrating accomplishments, milestones and rooting for each other.
Growth: Discover new opportunities for personal and professional growth in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Opportunities for Members:
This unique event is more than just a symposium, it celebrates entrepreneurship, it is a platform for innovative ideas, and a catalyst for personal and professional growth. The PEIBWA Symposium is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share your experiences, and gain valuable insights from industry experts. Each year we are blown away by watching attendees network with each other and build business and personal connections. The positive energy during the event is unparalleled - trust us, this is a room you want to be in.
Interested in your participation having more of an impact? PEIBWA is pleased to provide table space at the registration area for members and participants to display trade show like promotional material - such as brochures, product samples, pens, notebooks, etc. Looking to go one step further: let's chat about potential for your product / service being part of our participant bag - reach out to rachelle@peibwa.org to learn more.
Registration Options:
For a limited time, PEIBWA is pleased to offer Early Bird Summer Savings on all 2026 Symposium registration options.
Register by August 25, 2026 to save on your registration. Don’t miss this opportunity to attend one of PEI’s most energizing events for women in business at an exclusively reduced rate!
Please note that Early Bird Pricing is an exclusive PEIBWA Member Benefit. Not yet a PEIBWA Member? Join today to save on Symposium registration.
Early Bird Pricing (Valid to August 25, 2026):
Symposium All Access Pass: Includes Kick-Off Networking Event, PEIBWA Symposium, and CelebrateHer Social
PEIBWA Members: $250 plus tax
Symposium Pass: Includes Kick-Off Networking Event and PEIBWA Symposium
PEIBWA Members: $150 plus tax
Symposium Individual Ticket:
PEIBWA Members: $125 plus tax
Kick-Off Networking Event Individual Ticket:
PEIBWA Members: $35 plus tax
CelebrateHER Social (not applicable for early bird discounts)
PEIBWA Members: $100 plus tax
Regular Pricing (After August 25, 2026):
Symposium All Access Pass: Includes Kick-Off Networking Event, PEIBWA Symposium, and CelebrateHer Social
PEIBWA Members: $275 plus tax
Non-Members: $400 plus tax
Full Symposium Pass: Includes Kick-Off Networking Event and PEIBWA Symposium
PEIBWA Members: $175 plus tax
Non-Members: $250 plus tax
Symposium Individual Ticket:
PEIBWA Members: $150 plus tax
Non-Members: $210 plus tax
Kick-Off Individual Ticket:
PEIBWA Members: $40 plus tax
Non-Members: $55 plus tax
CelebrateHER Social
PEIBWA Members: $100 plus tax
Non-Members: $150 plus tax
We're also excited to be offering 15% off of Symposium Registration for organization/business groups of 3 or more (must all be employed by the same organization/business and purchased at the same time). This promo is only valid between August 25, 2026 - September 25, 2026. Please email office@peibwa.org for promo code.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity— register today and be part of an unforgettable experience!
Speakers
Sarah Bennetto O'Brien - Morning Keynote Still Building: A Dozen Years of Colouring Outside the Lines Sarah Bennetto O'Brien is the Founder and CEO of the Handpie Company, a Prince Edward Island-based food manufacturing business dedicated to bringing chef-crafted, restaurant-quality convenience food to Canadians. What began in 2014 as a search for meaningful work in rural PEI has grown into a thriving company built on innovation, sustainability, and the conviction that rural communities deserve ambitious businesses too. Over the past twelve years, Sarah has navigated the realities of entrepreneurship without a traditional business background. Building a company, leading a growing team, scaling manufacturing operations, and learning countless lessons through experience, perseverance, and curiosity. Known for her practical leadership style, candid storytelling, and willingness to colour outside the lines, Sarah shares honest insights on growth, resilience, and building something worth believing in. She lives in Prince Edward Island and remains, by her own admission, still building. Connect with Sarah and The Handpie Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and online at www.handpie.ca |
|
Eleanor Beaton - Morning KeynoteWhy Your Revenue Isn't Compounding, Even When Demand Is High Eleanor Beaton is the Founder and CEO of SAFI, where she built the JEWEL Business System, the sales and scaling operating system installed inside women-owned service businesses to move them from founder-dependent revenue to enterprise-grade infrastructure. Since 2016, Eleanor has worked directly with more than 1,000 women-led businesses representing over $350M in collective revenue. Her frameworks have reached more than 25,000 companies globally and been adopted by national women's entrepreneurship organizations and economic development institutions. Leading institutions such as the Aspen Institute, Pivotal Ventures and Onside have engaged her work on women's enterprise growth as a structural economic priority. Her podcast, Woman Owned ranks in the top 0.5% worldwide. Connect with Eleanor on LinkedIn and online at https://eleanorbeaton.com/. |
|
Kerry Anne MacDougall - Afternoon Breakout Session Kerry Anne MacDougall is a growth partner for driven leaders who knows firsthand that ambition can build a business, but clarity and alignment is what sustains it. In 2009, she founded Insight Studio from her living room and grew it into a seven-figure marketing and branding agency. Over 15 years, Kerry Anne led the scale of the business, built and guided teams, and worked with clients across the country as they navigated growth of their own. When cancer forced her to examine the pace and direction of her life, she began to see growth through a different lens. She made bold decisions, transitioned out of the agency she had built, and started a new chapter from the ground up. Today, Kerry Anne helps driven leaders find clarity through growth, stay aligned with what matters most, and move forward with greater confidence, intention, and purpose. Connect with Kerry Anne on LinkedIn, and online at www.kamacdougall.com. Breakout Session Description: |
|
Finding Clarity in Growth - Starting a business is one thing; leading a business through growth is something entirely different. As success brings more opportunity, leaders often find themselves carrying more decisions, more competing priorities, and more complexity than ever before. It's easy to become reactive, lose confidence in your own judgment, or drift away from the vision and values that made the business successful in the first place.
This interactive workshop is designed to help participants recognize where growth is draining their energy, help them reconnect with what matters most, make clearer decisions, and strengthen the vision and values that guide their leadership. Through discussion, reflection, and practical exercises participants will leave with tools they can immediately apply to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and intention.
Katie Muldrew - Afternoon Breakout Session Katie Muldrew is a facilitator, leadership coach, and founder of The Collective Knot, where she helps organizations, teams, and leaders move from confusion to clarity through collaboration, strategic thinking, and human-centred design. With a background in civil engineering and more than 15 years of experience across New Zealand and Canada, Katie has worked with government, industry, and community organizations to solve complex challenges, align teams, and turn ideas into action. Her workshops combine evidence-based facilitation with practical tools that help people think differently, communicate more effectively, and leave with clear next steps.Known for her energetic, engaging, and highly interactive facilitation style, Katie creates environments where people feel safe to contribute, challenge assumptions, and discover insights they can immediately apply in their work and lives. Connect with Katie on LinkedIn, Instagram and online www.collectiveknot.com.
|
|
As women leaders, we often spend more time focusing on what we haven't done than recognizing everything we've already accomplished. Over time, self-doubt, limiting beliefs, and our own inner critic can quietly undermine the confidence we need to take on new opportunities, lead boldly, and embrace growth.
This highly interactive workshop invites participants to explore what it would look like to coach themselves with the same encouragement, perspective, and belief they would offer others. Through a series of engaging individual, partner, and small-group activities, participants will challenge self-limiting narratives, uncover strengths they may overlook, receive meaningful feedback from peers, and develop practical strategies for accessing confidence when it matters most.
Rather than leaving with inspiration alone, participants will leave with tangible tools, renewed confidence, and a personalized resource they can draw on long after the symposium has ended.
Vanessa Smith - Afternoon Breakout Session Vanessa is a seasoned marketing professional with over 15 years of experience on both the client and agency sides of marketing. As the owner of Refy Agency, she works with clients on marketing strategy, campaign development, creative direction, and training in areas such as social media, branding, marketing, and customer service. In addition to her agency work, Vanessa is the host of the Business in the Open podcast where she interviews PEI entrepreneurs and business leaders, and is the creator of The Ref(y)nery Mini Mastermind pop-up events — intimate gatherings designed to connect entrepreneurs through honest conversations, shared experiences, and community-building. Beyond business, Vanessa is a member of the Reading Between the Wines book club and is embracing life as a mom to her 20-month-old daughter. Connect with Vanessa on Instagram, Facebook, and online refyagency.com. Breakout Session Description: |
|
Many service-based business owners deliver exceptional work, yet struggle to consistently attract new clients. They rely heavily on referrals, social media, or word of mouth, but often lack a clear strategy for increasing their visibility and becoming the first business people think of when they need a particular service.
This interactive workshop will help attendees shift from simply marketing their business to strategically building their reputation, visibility, and brand presence. Through practical exercises and real-world examples, participants will assess where they are currently showing up, identify missed opportunities, and create a personalized action plan to become more visible, memorable, and in demand.
Whether you're a photographer, consultant, realtor, designer, accountant, coach, wellness professional, or another service-based entrepreneur, this session will provide practical tools that can be implemented immediately.
Margot Williams - Afternoon Breakout Session
From Receipts to Results: Why You Need to Become Your Bookkeeper's Bestie Margot Williams of Margot Williams Bookkeeping is a bookkeeper and business systems analyst with 25 years of experience bridging the gap between numbers and strategy. Having worked across retail, trade, franchise, government, and non-profit sectors, she knows exactly what drives success and what holds businesses back. Margot uses thoughtful analysis and clear communication to help organizations optimize their systems and make sustainable decisions. Connect with Margot on Instagram. Breakout Session Description: Bookkeeping doesn't have to be intimidating, and your bookkeeper shouldn't feel like someone you only hear from at tax time. This interactive session will help both new and established solopreneurs understand how a strong partnership with their bookkeeper can save time, reduce stress, and provide valuable insights for making better business decisions. By the end of this session, participants will learn to: |
|
Understand the respective roles of the business owner and the bookkeeper, and build a strong service agreement. Implement simple booking routines that save time and improve accuracy. Know what information to provide to their bookkeeper and when. Read and understand financial reports with greater confidence. Use bookkeeping information to make informed business decisions. And avoid common bookkeeping mistakes that cost time and money.
Symposium Schedule - September 25 8:00 am: Venue Opens for Registration and Networking |
About the Venue Worried about where to park downtown? We've got you covered! This year's Symposium event on September 25th includes complimentary underground parking at the Delta. |
|
Cancellation Policy
Tickets are non-refundable, must be purchased in advance and have no cash value, but may be transferred up to 10 days before the event as long as PEIBWA is notified of any/all changes. Failure to attend this scheduled event will result in loss of event fees. If an event is rescheduled or canceled due to weather issues, participants will be contacted by email. If an event is canceled, refunds will be issued or participants rescheduled at no charge.
Thank you to our Sponsors |
|
|  |
|
Interested in Sponsorship? Put your brand at the heart of the conversation around supporting women in business. Sponsorship opportunities for PEIBWA's 2026 Symposium and CelebrateHer Social offer exceptional value, meaningful visibility, and exclusive ways to connect with a dynamic community of entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders from across Prince Edward Island. Showcase your organization's commitment to advancing women in business while positioning your brand front and centre amongst engaged attendees. From premium recognition opportunities to unique event experiences, there are sponsorship options designed to maximize your impact. To learn more about these exclusive opportunities, contact Krystal Bennett, PEIBWA's Business Growth Advisor, at krystal@peibwa.org. |