About this Event
Join us for an in-person One Stop Business Workshop! This FREE two-day workshop will provide independent producers and content creators with practical information about the business and financing side of content creation. We especially want to connect with producers from from traditionally underrepresented groups in the media industry (Indigenous, Black, people of colour, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, and women) - however all producers and creators are welcome.
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DAY 1: Tuesday Nov 17, 2026 - One Stop Business Workshop Conference
A jam-packed day of expert panels designed to elevate your career! We'll dive deep into the essential skills you need to succeed, covering everything from foundational strategies and creative insights to solidifying your business foundations and honing your digital expertise. Get ready for practical advice you can implement immediately.
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DAY 2: Wednesday Nov 18, 2026 - Networking Marketplace
Don't miss the ultimate networking opportunity on Day Two! We've created a series of small, intimate roundtables pairing seasoned production companies with rising emerging producers. This format is specifically designed for deep discussion, and building valuable professional relationships. Details on how to reserve your spot and connect will be announced soon—stay tuned!
Roundtable will feature representatives from APTN, Bell Fund, CMPA, Manitoba Film and Music, OnScreen Manitoba, Indigenous Screen Office, Frantic Films, Independent Production Fund and so much more!
If you require ASL or have any accessible needs, please reach out to Audreanna Lartey () by Nov 1, 2026 with any questions.
Tuesday November 17, 2026
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration
CBC Welcome and Opening Remarks
Business Building Blocks
Info: Brilliant stories need a strong foundation to thrive. Look no further for a clear, down-to-earth breakdown of the business side of the industry. Learn the essential building blocks, key operational steps, and strategies to set your project up for real-world success. Featured panelists: Lisa Broadfoot: VP, Industry & Business Affairs - CMPA; Tracey Doyle: Manager, Policy - CAVCO; Brian Clasper: Director of Film Financing and Tax Credits - Manitoba Film and Music, Marcia Douglas: Executive Director, Bell Fund. Moderated by Lisa Clarkson: Executive Director, Business and Rights & Production Sustainability - CBC
Spotlight Manitoba: What CBC is Building Right Here
Info: Get the inside scope on CBC's regional footprint through our Creator Network and Absolutely Manitoba stream. Presented by CBC's very own Robin Summerfield
Decoding CBC Docs: What We Want and How to Deliver It
Info: Calling all producers - emerging, mid-level and experienced, want to know what it takes to get your documentary commissioned by CBC Docs? Join CBC commissioning editors and industry leaders as they pull back the curtain on what makes a pitch stand out in today’s landscape. Featured panelists: Michelle McCree: Senior Director of Documentaries - CBC
Decoding CBC Docs: A Case Study
Info: Now that you've heard what we're looking for, we're going to walk you through a real life case study on a commissioned documentary.
Through Our Lens: Elevating Indigenous Stories
Info: Indigenous creators are redefining how stories are told, owned, and shared across national platforms. Join leading Indigenous storytellers and industry professionals as they explore authentic narrative sovereignty, cultural protocols, and the practical paths to funding and distribution. Discover how to honor traditional perspectives while creating impactful, contemporary media that resonates with global audiences. Featured panelists: Sarah Simpson Yellowquill: Manager of Programs and Development - National Screen Institute; Connor Martin: Manager, Industry - Indigenous Screen Office; Tanya Brunel: Film Producer (White Bear Films) and CMPA Board Member. Moderated by Kris Clemens: Senior Advisor - CBC
Inside the Vault: Meet the Funders & Decision-Makers
Info: Get direct access to the agencies and organizations financing Canadian content. Learn how to navigate funding streams, meet application criteria, and stack your financial plan for long-term project success. Featured Panelist: Jon Taylor: CEO of the Independent Production Fund; Sam McLean, Grants Consultant - Winnipeg Arts Council; Brian Clasper, Director of Film Financing and Tax Credits - Manitoba Film and Music.
Closing Remarks
Wed November 18, 2026
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Sustainable Storytelling: Why Green Production Matters for Your Project
Info: Learn why sustainability matters for modern media projects and how to build eco-friendly practices into your workflow. Get practical tips on carbon tracking, green set logistics, and meeting sustainable production standards required by major funders and networks.
Tell Your Story: How to Shape and Sell Your Story
Info: Having a great story is only half the battle—knowing how to pitch it clearly and compellingly is what gets projects greenlit. Join seasoned producers and development executives as they break down the art and mechanics of pitching. Learn how to define your core hook, structure an engaging logline, build an eye-catching pitch deck, and deliver a presentation that leaves a lasting impression on decision-makers. Panelists: Samantha Morris Mastai, Director of Development, Comedy - CBC; Robin Summerfield, Executive Producer, Absolutely Canadian & Creator Network - CBC; Yasmine Abbasakoor, Executive in Charge of Development, Unscripted - CBC; Jamie Brown, CEO - Frantic Films; Kyle Irving, CEO - Eagle Vision Productions
Accessibility in Action: NSI’s Disabled Producer’s Lab
Info: Explore how NSI’s Disabled Producer’s Lab is driving systemic change and building accessible production models across Canada. Learn about the initiative's goals, key insights, and what's next for the producers shaping the future of Canadian media.
The Digital Shift: Building Stories for Screens of All Sizes
Info: Uncover what it takes to produce compelling, platform-ready content in today's digital landscape. Learn practical approaches to digital-first story structure, audience engagement, and distribution strategies for independent creators. The panel is joined by: Corrado Coia: CBC's YouTube Strategist; Andrew Friesen, Senior Producer - CBC Podcast; Lily Medynska and Josh Goosen from WPG Eats and Victoria Ptashnick, Producer - CBC. Moderated by Travis Pederson, Producer - CBC
Creators Marketplace and Roundtables
Closing Remarks and Vote of Thanks
Event venue & nearby stays
CBC Winnipeg, 541 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.