2026 COCA National Conference: Full Schedule

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

arrow_back View All Dates

9:00am MDT

Keynote Series 3

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am MDT

Alick Mac
A bold new show about masculinity, misogyny, the manospehere and mental health — from award-winning rapper Alick Mac. Alick uses personal anecdotes and songs to offer reflections on misogyny, mental health and masculinity. His music offers insight into the male experience, tackling a wide range of issues including the complexities of male friendships. Delivering an urgent and timely message, “Boys’ Club” takes stock of a bleak present while also offering an aspirational vision of the future.

Laura Lawrence - The Power of Adaptability: Thriving in Change with Confidence and Clarity
In today’s high-stakes business world, change isn’t optional—it’s constant. But while disruption can feel overwhelming, it also holds the power to shape stronger leaders, more resilient teams, and a renewed sense of purpose.
In this moving and motivational keynote, Laura shares her deeply personal story—a journey from unexpected adversity to becoming an award-winning entrepreneur and philanthropist in the mental wellness space. What began as a life-altering challenge evolved into a mission to help others lead with courage, clarity, and conviction.
More than a talk on mindset, this keynote is a roadmap for transformation. With vulnerability, humor, and practical wisdom, Laura equips professionals and leaders with the tools to break through self-limiting beliefs, embrace change with confidence, and unlock their full leadership potential—especially in uncertain times.
Keynote Take-Aways:
• Mastering Change with Confidence: Shift from resistance to resilience with strategies for leading effectively through uncertainty and challenge.
• Building Resilient, Growth-Oriented Teams: Learn how to foster adaptability, psychological safety, and long-term success—no matter what comes next.
• Enhancing Focus & Productivity: Gain practical tools to eliminate distractions, optimize workflow, and sustain peak performance even during times of transition.

Presenters

Laura Lawrence

Keynote Speaker, Talent Bureau

Award-winning Entrepreneur | Best-Selling Author | Mental Health
Advocate

Laura Lawrence is an award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, educator, and mental
health advocate. With over a decade of experience working at the intersection of leadership,
mental health, and human perfo... Read More →

Artists

Alick Mac

Artist, Alick Mac

Alick Mac is a rapper, singer and songwriter based in the Comox Valley. His style is defined by his honest, vulnerable songwriting, evidenced by his award-winning single “Easier to Shout”, which tackles masculinity. Another distinguishing feature of Alick’s artistry is his versatility... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Education, Keynote Presentation

10:15am MDT

Beyond Attendance: Designing Campus Events That Help Students Connect

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am MDT

Qu'Appelle

Presenter: Linda Chan, Showpass

Student engagement is evolving, with campus teams doing more with fewer resources. This interactive peer session connects programmers, student leaders, advisors, and marketers to share successes, challenges, and ideas. Through rotating discussions, attendees will explore ways to improve event access, engagement, and connection, leaving with new contacts, actionable ideas, and fresh inspiration.

Presenters

Linda Chan

Head of Marketing, Showpass

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am MDT
Qu'Appelle DoubleTree Regina

Education, Ed Session Series 5

10:15am MDT

Events 102

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am MDT

Capital B

A follow-up to Events 101, this session builds on key event planning concepts and answers common questions about collaborating with event partners. Learn how enhancements like décor, live music, or larger venues can elevate experiences, and explore practical steps for scaling ideas into meaningful events and preparing for larger productions.

Presenters

Crystal Benn

Manager, Facilities Building Operations, St Clair Student Representative Council

COCA Board Chair 2024-2026

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am MDT
Capital B DoubleTree Regina

Education, Ed Session Series 5

10:15am MDT

Tech Distraction to Human Connection: Reclaiming Focus, Performance, and Wellbeing in a Hyper-Connected World

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am MDT

Capital A

This session explores technoference—the impact of constant digital interruptions on focus, productivity, and well-being. Blending humor, neuroscience, and real strategies, Laura helps participants build healthier tech habits, improve focus, and foster meaningful connection in a digital-first world—without going offline, but by being intentional.

Presenters

Laura Lawrence

Keynote Speaker, Talent Bureau

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Education, Ed Session Series 5

11:30am MDT

High Impact, Wellness-based, Mindful Leadership and Mentorship

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT

Capital A

This interactive session explores how leaders show up, make decisions, and reflect to shape team success. Designed for emerging leaders, it builds self-leadership, decision clarity, and communication skills using mindset, psychology, and yoga-based principles. Participants gain tools to strengthen teams, resolve conflict, and foster inclusive, high-performing environments.

Presenters

Krisha Amin

Founder, WeForYou Wellness

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Education, Ed Session Series 9

11:30am MDT

Social Media and Event Promotions Roundtable

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT

Capital B

So you’ve built an amazing event, but how do you move people from their screen to your scene? This discussion digs into how we use social media to turn attention into attendance. We'll cover everything from free to ticketed events. From drop in to register in advance. From targeting a subsection of your community to making your entire campus bump! Bring the posts that worked, the stories that flopped, the last-minute pushes that saved the day, and the tactics that move people from “interested” to “I’m there.”

Presenters

Sarman Bhullar

Manager, Programming, University of Alberta Students' Union

updog

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Capital B DoubleTree Regina

Education, Roundtables

11:30am MDT

When Student Ambition Outpaces Student Capacity: Building a Sustainable Club Leadership System

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT

Qu'Appelle

At Marianopolis College, a campus of roughly 2,200 students with over 150 student clubs and only two years for students to get involved before graduating, student ambition can grow faster than student capacity. This session explores the challenges that come with highly motivated student leaders trying to do too much, too quickly, and how a newly developed club system was designed to create more sustainable leadership, stronger club continuity, clearer expectations, and healthier long-term student involvement without crushing creativity or initiative.

Presenters

Adam Reider

Student Life Counsellor, Marianopolis College

Adam Reider is a Student Life Counsellor from Montreal, Quebec, with over 20 years of experience creating leadership, engagement, and community-building opportunities for young people. His work has spanned higher education, recreation, and community programming, where he is passionate... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Qu'Appelle DoubleTree Regina

Education, Education Session

9:00am MDT

10:15am MDT

10:15am MDT

10:15am MDT

11:30am MDT

11:30am MDT

11:30am MDT

Get help with the event