Global entrepreneurship conference lands in Calgary this October

The Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) Conference is landing at the University of Calgary this October, solidifying Calgary’s entrepreneurial reach worldwide. 

GCEC is the world’s premier gathering of university-based entrepreneurship programs, drawing more than 500 leaders, educators, and innovators from across the globe to share insights, spark collaborations, and shape the future of entrepreneurial thinking.

With UCalgary at the centre of it all, the conference will spotlight the university’s growing role as a driver of innovation and entrepreneurial education in Canada and beyond.

UCalgary faculty and leaders will not only be welcoming guests from around the world, but also actively leading discussions, sharing research, and showcasing the impact of entrepreneurial thinking across various disciplines.

Entrepreneurial thinking at UCalgary and beyond

The Oct. 2-4 event will be hosted by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking. 

As one of the country’s top startup creators and Canada’s youngest top research university, UCalgary is dedicated to becoming Canada’s most entrepreneurial university. The Hunter Hub plays an important role in bringing this vision to life, empowering students, graduates, faculty, and alumni to “start something” and spark change. 

This event is an opportunity for UCalgary to step into the spotlight, deepen global partnerships, and showcase the impact of entrepreneurial thinking for students and larger communities.

What’s happening at GCEC

During the event, attendees will get the chance to explore all that Calgary has to offer, even beyond the conference.  

Whether you’re exploring Drumheller, taking in the mountain views in Banff, or exploring Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre, the event is the perfect way to get acquainted with Canada's Blue Sky City. 

The event will feature sessions led by UCalgary faculty and leaders:

The Power of Place: Introducing Street Challenge, an OER for Place-Based Innovation in Entrepreneurship Education  

• Alice de Koning, University of Calgary

Building Founder Resilience by Design: Integrating Mental Health Supports into Accelerator Programs 

• Chantal Palmer, Innovate Calgary

The Virtuous Circles of Entrepreneurship

• Guy Levesque, University of Calgary

The New Makers: Entrepreneurship Through No-Code and AI Coding

• Mohammad Keyhani, University of Calgary

Ask Me Anything: Social Innovation in Entrepreneurship  

• Audrey Taylor, University of Calgary

Beyond the Classroom: How a Student-Run Venture Fund is Developing the Next Generation of Startup Investors

• Pete Santosham, Innovate Calgary/University of Calgary

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Offerings  and Ecosystem Development

• Erick Mueller featuring Phil Davidson, Haskayne/University of Colorado

Check out the full event schedule here.

This year’s keynote speakers 

During the conference, we’re excited to welcome three esteemed guests as keynote speakers. 

Paul Brandt

A Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer and the most awarded male Canadian country artist in history, Paul Brandt’s impact reaches far beyond the stage. From his early days as a registered nurse to a chart-topping music career and powerful humanitarian work, he’s built a career on bold pivots and purpose-driven work.

During his keynote, attendees will hear how he’s mastered the art of the pivot — right here in the city where it all began.

Hayley Wickenheiser

A four-time Olympic gold medalist, Hockey Hall of Famer, and Canada’s all-time leading scorer, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, BKin’13, MSc’16, Hons. LLD ’18, MD’21, has redefined what it means to lead — on and off the ice. A proud University of Calgary alum, she’s built an inspiring career that spans Olympic victories, a medical degree, and her current role in player development with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

During her keynote, attendees will hear her story.

Lara Murphy

Lara Murphy is the CEO of Calgary Wild FC and founder of Ryan Murphy Construction. From breaking barriers for women in construction to launching Alberta’s first professional women’s soccer team, she’s dedicated to building spaces and opportunities where people can thrive. 

In a special fireside chat, Lara will share her journey of empowerment, belonging, and inspiring the next generation to dream big.

Volunteer with GCEC

The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking is now welcoming applications for volunteers.

Volunteers will have the chance to experience the conference first-hand, connect with global leaders, and be part of a pivotal moment for UCalgary.

If you would like to volunteer for GCEC, you can sign up here.