2026 COCA National Conference

2026 COCA National Conference

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

9:00am MDT

Keynote Series 1

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

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

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

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

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

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 →

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

Education, ED Session Series 1

1:15pm MDT

Lecture Showcase

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

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

Student Group Resources & Communications Roundtable

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

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

5:00pm MDT

Regional Meeting Central

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

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

9:00am MDT

Keynote Series 2

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT

Jacqueline Hurlbert - Instilling Pride in Rider Nation

Greg Stewart - Championing Vulnerability
We often see success, and love as these tangible, external objects. The money, the cars, the houses, all of these materials are what we often see as a result of success. But were success and love actually lie are in the vulnerable discomforts, the places of challenge, and failure. Educating and guiding people to see their true selves, only brings more love and success within, bringing more outwards.

Presenters

Jacqueline Hurlbert

Director, Marketing & Fan Engagement, Saskatchewan Roughriders

A true citizen of the world, Jacqueline Hurlbert has crafted a unique understanding not only of the sports industry but also of the vast and rapidly shifting landscape of the global marketplace, thanks to her time spent in nearly every corner of the globe.

Placing the label of “home” on destinations such as Scarborough, Ontario, Phoenix, Arizona, Calgary, Alberta, Nanaimo BC, and even Sydney, Australia — Jacqui possesses uncommon insight into sports marketing, which she has harnessed and applied to management and marketing at... Read More →

Greg Stewart

Keynote Speaker, Talent Bureau

Greg Stewart is a two-time Paralympic Champion in shot put. He competed in the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Born without a left arm below the elbow, Greg overcame many challenges to become a top athlete. After the 2020 Tokyo Games, Greg retired from competitive sport... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Education, Keynote Presentation

10:30am MDT

Belonging Starts Within

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

This one-hour workshop builds upon Greg Stewart’s keynote presentation by exploring how our relationship with ourselves influences our relationships with others. Through guided reflection and discussion, participants will examine self-awareness, ownership, belonging, and personal growth. By developing a deeper understanding of who they are and how they show up in the world, participants will discover how authentic connection with others begins with an authentic connection to themselves.

Presenters

Greg Stewart

Keynote Speaker, Talent Bureau

Greg Stewart is a two-time Paralympic Champion in shot put. He competed in the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Born without a left arm below the elbow, Greg overcame many challenges to become a top athlete. After the 2020 Tokyo Games, Greg retired from competitive sport... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Education, ED Session Series 3

12:30pm MDT

Singer Songwriter Showcase

Wednesday June 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm MDT

Singer Songwriter Showcase

1. Drea Lake
2. Jessie T Music
3. Ayola
4. Sydney Mae

Artists

Andrea Peloso

Artist, Drea Lake

Drea Lake is a genre-bending folk artist from Elora, Ontario. Her debut album A Call from Somewhere Else was named among 2025’s best in Canada and abroad by the International Americana Show. Blending inventive arrangements with memorable hooks, her soaring voice draws comparisons... Read More →

Ayola

Artist, Abdullah Abubakre

Ayola is a Nigerian Afrosoul singer-songwriter blending reflective lyricism with raw storytelling. Moving between Nigeria and Canada, her music explores identity, migration, and connection. Influenced by artists like King Sunny Ade and Skeeter Davis, she balances a scientific background... Read More →

Jessie T

Artist, Jessie T Music

Jessie T is a country singer-songwriter whose sound blends country roots with a 90's pop-rock edge. A four-time Country Music Association of Ontario nominee, she has performed most notably at Boots and Hearts (opening for Stephen Wilson Jr and Hardy) and KW Oktoberfest (headlining... Read More →

Sydney Mae

Agent, Carla Hackman, Fame Group Agency

Sydney Mae is an award-winning Folk/Americana/Alt Country artist based in Toronto, known for her powerful voice and compelling storytelling. Her debut single “Feet First” reached #1 on Stingray Music and gained over 500K streams, with features on Netflix’s Love Is Blind. She... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Showcase

2:15pm MDT

Regional Meeting Central

Wednesday June 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

Regional Meeting - Central Schools

Agenda File Attached

Presenters

Crystal Benn

Manager, Facilities Building Operations, St Clair Student Representative Council

COCA Board Chair 2024-2026

Wednesday June 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Regional Meeting, Central Membership

3:30pm MDT

Wellness Events on Campus

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT

Wellness doesn’t happen by accident. Join us as we share the programs, events, and initiatives that have helped create a thriving culture of wellness across multiple campuses. Leave with ideas and inspiration to support wellness at your own campuses! There will also be an opportunity at the end for attendees to collaborate and brainstorm new ideas for supporting student well-being.

Presenters

April Conkright

Student Engagement Coordinator, Assiniboine College Students' Association

Alyshia Kelbert

Executive Director, Assiniboine College Students' Association

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Education, Education Session

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

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

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

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

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 →

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

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

12:45pm MDT

Regional Elections Meeting Central

Thursday June 18, 2026 12:45pm - 1:15pm MDT

Regional Elections Meeting Central

Agenda File Attached

Presenters

Crystal Benn

Manager, Facilities Building Operations, St Clair Student Representative Council

COCA Board Chair 2024-2026

Thursday June 18, 2026 12:45pm - 1:15pm MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Regional Meeting, Central Membership

9:30am MDT

Mindful Movement Based Yin Yang + Hatha Yoga and Meditation

Friday June 19, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am MDT

Yoga session focused on cognitive function and nervous system regulation. Breathe work techniques and takeaways that can be incorporated daily for improved productivity and emotional regulation.

Presenters

Krisha Amin

Founder, WeForYou Wellness

Friday June 19, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Education, Workshop

10:45am MDT

The Art and Science of “Automatic Excellence” “How to Consistently Show Up As Your Best Self”

Friday June 19, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Following the powerful keynote experience of ACE Your Day, this interactive one-hour educational session, takes campus leaders and student organizers deeper into the practical strategies behind consistently performing at a high level—especially in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
Learn how focus, self-talk, beliefs, and mental conditioning influence confidence, leadership, communication, and performance.
Explore the hidden mental patterns that create stress, hesitation, burnout, self-doubt, procrastination, and performance anxiety.
Discover how emotional state, energy, and presence directly impact leadership, team dynamics, creativity, student engagement, and the atmosphere of an event.
At the end of this presentation you will have the tools to create the mental habits of high performance.

Presenters

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 →

Friday June 19, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Education, ED Session Series 1

12:00pm MDT

Get Involved with COCA

Friday June 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT

Curious about joining a committee or stepping into a leadership role with COCA? This casual conversation with COCA Chair Crystal Benn is your chance to find out more!

Presenters

Crystal Benn

Manager, Facilities Building Operations, St Clair Student Representative Council

COCA Board Chair 2024-2026

Friday June 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Education, Roundtables

2:15pm MDT

I've Got 99 Problems But Social Media Ain't One!

Friday June 19, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

Friday June 19, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

Education, Education Session

6:00pm MDT

Closing Ceremony Cocktail Hour

Friday June 19, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm MDT

Conference Closing Banquet & Awards Ceremony

Cocktail Hour
Dress to impress, enjoy the complimentary photo booth.

Apps Service
Butter Chicken Lollipop (Gluten Free)
Balsamic Glazed Vegetable Bruschetta
Artisan Cheese & Fruit Skewers
Chicken Parmesan Rolls

Dinner Buffet Platinum
Dinner Rolls with Butter
Chef's Premium Charcuterie Board (Gluten Free)
Fresh Vegetable with Yogurt Herb Dip (GF)
Pickles and Olives (Dairy Free/GF)
Caesar Salad
Spinach and Kale Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing (GF)
Roasted Beet and Kale Salad with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Goat Cheese and Citrus Sweet Onion Dressing (GF)
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Tomato, Peach and Basil Salad (GF)

Five Cheese Ravioli Tossed in Creamy Bechamel
Chicken Biryani with Raita
Grilled Flat Iron Steaks with Mushroom Demi
Mashed Potatoes (GF)

Mini Cheesecakes
Assorted Squares
Chocolate Mousse
Eclairs
Apple Pie
Wild Berry Vanilla Custard Torte
Sliced Tropical Fruit Medley

Friday June 19, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

General

7:00pm MDT

Awards Banquet & Closing Dinner

Friday June 19, 2026 7:00pm - 10:00pm MDT

COCA Annual Awards Night

Hosted By Savio Joseph

Welcome Savio Joseph

AWARDS Presentations

Comedian of The Year Presented by Randal Stockall

Emerging Act of the Year Presented by Sarman Bhullar

Speaker Showcase of the Year Presented by Michael Ouellet

Music Artist of the Year Presented by Delane Howie

Variety Act of the Year Presented by Alyshia Kelbert

Student Member of the Year Presented by Katie Treanor

COCA Associate of the Year Presented by Crystal Benn

Staff Member of the Year Presented by Jennifer Wanke

Norman E Taylor Founders Award Presented by Crystal Benn

2026 COCA Hall of Fame Inductee Presented by Alyshia Kelbert & Michael Ouellet

COCA Chair Award Presented by Jennifer Wanke

COCA Chair Final Words

Artists

Savio Joseph

Magician, Mentalist, Hypnotist, Savio Joseph Entertainment Inc.

Picture an entire room falling silent at the same second, then erupting, then leaning in for whatever comes next. That moment is what Savio Joseph builds, again and again, across a single hour of mentalism, magic, and hypnosis. He calls choices before they are made, names what a stranger... Read More →

Friday June 19, 2026 7:00pm - 10:00pm MDT
Capital A DoubleTree Regina

General