Canadians are in the midst of some of the most complex and confusing months in memory. The winds have kicked up, but we’re re-setting our sails! Canada’s population of 41.5 million citizens are exuding passion, free will and embarking on strategies to stand tall and drive Canadian interests.
For NAB Show in early April, our company was compelled to choose the disappointing hedge of sending two representatives – joining 55,000 people from 160 Countries – versus staging The Great Canadian Suite (our annual gathering of 350 – 400+ Canadian, American and global attendees). It’s our showcase and celebration of doing business in Canada and Canadian excellence abroad.
Given the current backdrop, pre-flight to attend a trade show south of the border was not concern-free. In the end, NAB Show proved to be excellent for timely discussions of Canadian markets and attributes. It’s empowering and confidence-building to converse with leaders of multinational media and tech companies from Germany, the U.S., Australia, Korea, Vancouver, Hackett’s Cove, and Montreal.
Another highlight was meeting with Momentum Media partners Coleman Insights and Radioplayer Worldwide. At one table we had the wisdom and POV’s of representatives from Norway, France, the U.K., U.S. and Canada!
My much-needed takeaway is perspective – a broader view of the forest versus a 360 degree view of trees! This bigger-picture perspective is likely enhanced by the book I’m reading now, Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens, the “thrilling account of the insignificant beginnings of humankind to rulers of the world.”
Sapiens traces our earliest beginnings, from being foragers to the agricultural revolution and the movement of people, trade, ideas and technology. The continuum continues and amongst the factors we cannot control are many things we can.
Cue the clichés, but many Canadian companies will evolve business plans, iterate, change course, invent and expand within Canada, Europe, Asia and elsewhere. I can envision there’ll be positive outcomes for many Canadian businesses in the months and years ahead. How many people and companies will look back and refer to the “silver linings” of the uncertainty and upheaval?
Along with the support of our sponsors and attendees, we’ll again plan to showcase and celebrate Canadian excellence at NAB Show 2026 @ The Great Canadian Suite!
P.S. Every conversation I had with Americans over four days was friendly and positively thought-provoking!
