It was a privilege to have attended the first ever League1 Canada Converge Conference, this past weekend in Cambridge, ON. The two-day event brought together representatives from the four regional semi-pro soccer leagues across the country in a setting designed to give attendees actionable tools, strategic insights and meaningful connections. The aim of the conference: to foster a collaborative environment that promotes shared learning, growth and the elevation of club standards nationwide.
Converge 2025 featured three distinct programming streams (Marketing & Communications, Team Operations & Game Day Management, Executive & Strategic Leadership) with interactive sessions specific to each of those three streams, as well as panels and presentations designed for participants from all tracks.
I was selected to moderate three impactful sessions on the first day, beginning with a hands-on, resource-building lab on “Financial Leadership & Strategic Club Growth”. In the afternoon, I moderated a combined panel and toolkit lab entitled “The Activation Engine: Sponsorship Fulfillment & Broadcasting on a Budget”. My last session was a workshop and fireside chat on “Municipal Partnerships & Grant Strategy”.
It was a delight to renew acquaintances with many club coaches, executives and administrators that I’ve known for years, some who I’ve worked alongside in the past. And it was a pleasure to have met so many new individuals who are contributing to building the framework and the legacy of League1 and its affiliated clubs.
The networking opportunities between sessions were beneficial in solidifying existing partnerships and developing new working relationships.
Converge 2025 was a unique opportunity for clubs across Canada to share key insights and best practices with the ultimate objective of advancing Canadian semi-pro soccer.
It was an honour to have played a small part in empowering League1 clubs with tools and resources they can take back and use in their respective board rooms and in their planning strategies.
Thank you to League1 Ontario Operations Manager Chris Keem for the invitation to participate and to the entire League1 Ontario staff for putting on an outstanding conference.
Looking forward to an eventful 2026 League1 season!
ADB Creative Consulting 