2026 COCA National Conference: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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8:00am MDT

Breakfast

Tuesday June 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am MDT

Breakfast Menu

Signature Sunrise

Assorted Fruit Juices
Freshly Baked Breakfast Pastries
Carrot Waffles with Maple Syrup & Berry Compote (Dairy Free)
Poached Eggs on a Bed of Spinach (Gluten Free)
Thick-Cut Honey Ham (GF/DF)
Herb Roasted Red Skin Potatoes (D/F)
Assorted Breads & Preserves
Seasonal Fruit Medley

Tuesday June 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Capital B DoubleTree Regina

Meal

8:00am MDT

COCA Office Open

Tuesday June 16, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm MDT

Lobby

Presenters

Arlo Grundberg

Office Manager, COCA

Tuesday June 16, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm MDT
Lobby DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel 1975 Broad Street

General

9:00am MDT

Keynote Series 1

Tuesday June 16, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am MDT

Capital A

Avery Swartz - Drawing the Line: Making Choices in the Age of AI
Every campus professional is making AI decisions, often unknowingly. From drafting emails to analyzing surveys or editing photos, the questions are constant—and the answers unclear. In this keynote, Avery offers a practical framework using real campus examples to navigate the gray areas, helping attendees make confident, ethical AI choices in everyday work.

Wayne Lee - ACE Your Day Keynote: Creating High Performance On Demand
Creating unforgettable student experiences comes with constant pressure—balancing leadership, mental wellness, team dynamics, engagement challenges, tight budgets, and the demand to keep students connected in an increasingly distracted world. Wayne Lee delivers a high-energy keynote experience that combines psychology, comedy hypnosis, audience interaction, and practical performance strategies to help student leaders and campus programmers learn how to consistently show up at their best, lead with confidence, adapt under pressure. Through laughter-filled demonstrations, inspiring insights, and powerful takeaways, attendees will discover how mindset, focus, emotional state, and connection directly impact leadership, student engagement, teamwork, and the success of the experiences they create on campus.

Presenters

Avery Swartz

Keynote Speaker, Camp Tech

Avery Swartz is an acclaimed tech educator and best-selling author. She is the founder and CEO of Camp Tech, Canada’s most established provider of practical tech and AI skills training, and is co-lead of AI Skills Lab Canada, a national program bridging the AI gender adoption... Read More →

Wayne Lee

Speaker/Entertainer, Wayne Lee Enterprises Inc

For over 30 years, Wayne Lee has been a high-performance keynote speaker, entertainer, and self-trained hypnotist who has shown over 6000 global organizations how to perform at their best automatically, using the power of the subconscious.Wayne's fascination with performance began... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Education, Keynote Presentation

10:45am MDT

Leading with Confidence

Tuesday June 16, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Capital B

This session challenges what it means to be a confident leader - sometimes your confidence in what you can't do is more important than your confidence in what you can do. Jamie's experiences of navigating various leadership roles, both on and off campus, while living with bipolar disorder has shaped the way she looks at creating a culture in which teams can utilize their strengths, be confident in their weaknesses, and thrive in a holistic learning environment. This session aims to give attendees the tools to support themselves and their team through the complexities of the school year, focusing on leading by example, setting limits, delegating tasks, dreaming big, and handling burnout.

Note: This is a 60 minute session

Presenters

Jamie Hopkins

President, Cambrian Student Council

Tuesday June 16, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Capital B DoubleTree Regina

Education, ED Session Series 1

10:45am MDT

Beyond the Buzz: The Future of AI Adoption for Campus Professionals

Tuesday June 16, 2026 10:45am - 12:15pm MDT

Capital A

If the keynote asked “should we,” this shows “how.” A practical 2026 look at using generative AI in campus work: understanding tools, integrating them into workflows, and applying them to tasks like communications, notes, content, and data. It explores agentic AI and emerging media, clarifying what’s possible, useful, and trustworthy.

Presenters

Avery Swartz

Keynote Speaker, Camp Tech

Tuesday June 16, 2026 10:45am - 12:15pm MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Education, ED Session Series 1

10:45am MDT

The Ins and Outs of Esports

Tuesday June 16, 2026 10:45am - 12:15pm MDT

Qu'Appelle

Collegiate esports is rapidly shaping student life across North America. This session explores its growth, using St. Clair College’s varsity program as a model for balancing competition, leadership, and support. It highlights inclusive gaming trends and shows how low-cost initiatives like casual play spaces can build community, enhance wellness, and boost student engagement on any campus.

Presenters

Crystal Benn

Manager, Facilities Building Operations, St Clair Student Representative Council

COCA Board Chair 2024-2026

Tuesday June 16, 2026 10:45am - 12:15pm MDT
Qu'Appelle DoubleTree Regina

Education, ED Session Series 1

12:15pm MDT

Lunch

Tuesday June 16, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Capital B

Hot Lunch Buffet Menu

Taste of Saskatchewan

Caesar Salad
Tossed Salad (Gluten Free/Dairy Free)
Tri-Color Fusilli with Oven Roasted Grape Tomatoes, Green Beans, Spinach, Tossed in Pesto Mayo
Pan Roasted Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs (GF)
Maple Bourbon Glazed Roast Beef with Saskatoon Berry Demi Glaze (GF/DF)
Perogies with Caramelized Onion & Sour Cream (Vegetarian)
Perogies with Caramelized Onion, Bacon Jam & Sour Cream
Grilled Vegetables (GF/DF)
Mix Berry Crumble
Assorted Mini Desserts

Tuesday June 16, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Capital B DoubleTree Regina

Meal

1:15pm MDT

Lecture Showcase

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:15pm - 3:45pm MDT

Capital A

Lecture Showcase Artists

1. FreeQuency
2. Dave Kelly
3. Dr. Natasha Williams
BREAK
4. After Sex Ed with Sabrina
5. Ahmad Jabbir
6. Andrew Allen

Artists

Ahmad Jabbir

Artist, Ahmad Jabbir

Ahmad Jabbir is a TEDx and international speaker who has spoken in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. After struggling with his own mental health growing up, his life transformed when he began working on his mental fitness. That idea now drives everything he does... Read More →

Andrew Allen

Agent, Andrew Allen

Andrew Allen is a multi-platinum singer-songwriter and keynote speaker who blends live music, storytelling, and practical insights to inspire audiences. With 5 Top 10 hits, global tours, and collaborations with major artists, he empowers students and professionals to build resilience... Read More →

Dave Kelly

Professional Speaker, Trainer, Author, Coach and Consultant, Dave Kelly

Dave Kelly is a professional campus speaker, trainer, author, coach and consultant. With 20+ years of experience, he has spoken 700+ times on campuses and at 100+ conferences. A former student leader and award-winning advisor, Dave specializes in clubs and organizations, leadership... Read More →

Dr. Natasha Williams

Agent, United in Hyper Health & Wellness

Dr. Natasha Williams is a clinical psychologist who guides women from typical to radical self-care by redefining selfishness to improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being. With 15+ years of experience and as a founding Clinical Director of Allied Psychological Services, she... Read More →

FreeQuency

Agent, Libby Lee, Metropolis Management

FreeQuency is a Kenyan immigrant, queer storyteller, speaker, and 2018 Women of the World Poetry Slam Champion. A TEDWomen speaker and global performer, they blend art, education, and activism, centering Black, LGBTQ+, and reproductive justice. Founder of A Gate is Leaning and cofounder... Read More →

Sabrina Baldini

Artist, After Sex Ed with Sabrina

Sabrina Baldini is a nationally recognized sex educator and TEDx speaker known for transforming awkward conversations into meaningful ones. With 120,000+ followers, she’s built a loyal audience through her funny, warm, and informed approach. Speaking at conferences, companies, and... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Showcase

4:00pm MDT

Graphic Design Roundtable

Tuesday June 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Qu'Appelle

Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just getting started, this session is a space to talk all things graphic design! We’ll kick things off by hearing what you want to dive into, then focus on the most popular topics and shape the conversation together. Prepare for a collaborative session, with time to go deeper into ideas, tools and challenges as they come up.

Presenters

Annelies Sikkenga

Manager (Marketing, Events & Partnerships), University of Manitoba Students' Union

Tuesday June 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Qu'Appelle DoubleTree Regina

Education, Roundtables

4:00pm MDT

Low Cost No Cost Events Roundtable

Tuesday June 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Capital B

Let's talk about how to make a big impact without the big budget! Bring your best (and cheapest) event ideas to this roundtable and leave with a whole new list of creative, low-budget programming to try at your campus.

Presenters

Emma Doucette

Events and Communications Coordinator, Student Association of Holland College

Tuesday June 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Capital B DoubleTree Regina

Education, Roundtables

4:00pm MDT

Student Group Resources & Communications Roundtable

Tuesday June 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Capital A

Trade tips on training, toolkits, and communication channels that actually work. Be ready to not only discuss the challenges, but move forward into solutions and strategies you can take back to your campus community!

Presenters

Selen Erkut

Manager, Student Group Services, University of Alberta Students' Union

Hi, I’m Selen Erkut (seh-LEN ERR-koot), I use she/her pronouns, and I’m the Manager of Student Group Services at the University of Alberta Students’ Union. I’ve been working with student groups at the U of A for over 5 years, managing a team of up to 7 staff, and we supervise... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Education, Roundtables

4:00pm MDT

Volunteer Engagement Roundtable

Tuesday June 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Moose Jaw Room

Volunteer managers know that keeping volunteers motivated, informed, and coming back can real challenge. Join this discussion to swap strategies, war stories, and creative solutions for building a team that sticks around.

Presenters

Avery Teo (He/Him)

Graduate Coordinator, Orientation & Transition Programs, University of Alberta Students' Union / University of Alberta

Tuesday June 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Moose Jaw Room DoubleTree Regina

Education, Roundtables

5:00pm MDT

Regional Meeting Central

Tuesday June 16, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm MDT

Capital A

Regional Meeting - Central Schools

Agenda File Attached

Presenters

Crystal Benn

Manager, Facilities Building Operations, St Clair Student Representative Council

COCA Board Chair 2024-2026

Tuesday June 16, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Regional Meeting, Central Membership

5:00pm MDT

Regional Meeting Eastern

Tuesday June 16, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm MDT

Capital B

Regional Meeting 1 - Eastern Schools

Agenda File Attached

Presenters

Jennifer Wanke

Executive Director, Canadian Organization of Campus Activities

Tuesday June 16, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm MDT
Capital B DoubleTree Regina

Regional Meeting, Eastern Members

5:00pm MDT

Regional Meeting Western

Tuesday June 16, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm MDT

Moose Jaw Room

Regional Meeting - Western Schools

Agenda File Attached

Presenters

Alyshia Kelbert

Executive Director, Assiniboine College Students' Association

Michael Ouellet

Operations & Services Manager, Students' Union Okanagan of UBC

Tuesday June 16, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm MDT
Moose Jaw Room DoubleTree Regina

Regional Meeting, Western Membership

6:00pm MDT

Dinner (On Your Own)

Tuesday June 16, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm MDT

TBA

Enjoy dinning in Regina Saskatchewan

Tuesday June 16, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
TBA

Meal, ON YOUR OWN

7:00pm MDT

Travel to Rail Yard Saloon

Tuesday June 16, 2026 7:00pm - 7:30pm MDT

Lobby

Buses leave for Rail Yard Saloon
2301 Dewdney Ave Regina, SK

Tuesday June 16, 2026 7:00pm - 7:30pm MDT
Lobby DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel 1975 Broad Street

Travel

7:30pm MDT

Country Music Showcase

Tuesday June 16, 2026 7:30pm - 11:00pm MDT

Regina Rail Yard Saloon

Country Music Showcase

1. Sam Polley and The Old Tomorrows
2. Jordyn Pollard
3. Travis Dolter
4. Josh Stumpf
5. Brayden King

Artists

Brayden King

Artist, Tapper Entertainment

Brayden King is a 6’9” country-rock artist from Saskatchewan, now based in Alberta, known for his larger-than-life presence and electrifying live shows. Blending country roots with rock energy, he’s a relentless touring performer playing 100+ shows a year. His 2024 debut album... Read More →

Jordyn Pollard

Agent, Carla Hackman, Fame Group Agency

Jordyn Pollard is a Saskatchewan-born country-pop artist whose music reflects joy, love, and heartbreak. She gained early success with her chart-topping single “Back To Us” at 18 and records with Hall of Famer Bart McKay. Known for her quirky charm and strong work ethic, Jordyn... Read More →

Josh Stumpf

Agent, Chris Geoghegan, Paquin Artist Agency

Josh Stumpf is an award-winning Saskatchewan country artist known for his raw, soulful sound blending outlaw country, 80s two-step, and rock influences. The 2024 SCMA Emerging Artist of the Year, he’s a dynamic performer and co-founder of the Sunset Country Music Festival. Signed... Read More →

Sam Polley and the Old Tomorrow

Agent, Kay White, Trick or Treat Entertainment Inc.

Sam Polley, raised in a musical family, formed Sam Polley and The Old Tomorrows in 2017 with Toronto musicians. Their debut EP, EP in a Day led to touring with the Jim Cuddy Band and shows across Ontario. Blending rockabilly, country, and Motown, their energetic sound shines on their... Read More →

Travis Dolter

Agent, Carla Hackman, Fame Group Agency

Travis Dolter is an emerging Canadian country artist known for high-energy performances and strong storytelling. In 2025, he shared stages with top acts like Brett Kissel and The Washboard Union and performed at major events including Big Valley Jamboree and the Calgary Stampede... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 7:30pm - 11:00pm MDT
Regina Rail Yard Saloon 2301 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK S4R 1H3, Canada

Showcase

10:45pm MDT

Travel to Hotel

Tuesday June 16, 2026 10:45pm - 11:00pm MDT

Regina Rail Yard Saloon

Buses head to DoubleTree Regina

Tuesday June 16, 2026 10:45pm - 11:00pm MDT
Regina Rail Yard Saloon 2301 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK S4R 1H3, Canada

Travel

8:00am MDT

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10:45am MDT

10:45am MDT

12:15pm MDT

1:15pm MDT

4:00pm MDT

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4:00pm MDT

4:00pm MDT

5:00pm MDT

5:00pm MDT

5:00pm MDT

6:00pm MDT

7:00pm MDT

7:30pm MDT

10:45pm MDT

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