In-person Business Community

REKH Conference: Making a Life, Making a Living

Nov. 12, 2026 to Nov. 14, 2026

Matrix Hotel
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Hosted by the 2SLGBTQI+ (Rainbow) Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (REKH), Making a Life, Making a Living is a three-day bilingual conference in downtown Edmonton bringing together entrepreneurs, small business owners, community builders, and researchers. Designed to support inclusive economic growth, the event features three concurrent programming streams—Community-Led & Collective Initiatives, Public Sector & Business Engagement, and Academic & Research—alongside a local Vendor Hall. Beyond panels and practical workshops, the conference celebrates local talent with keynote speakers Jake Kimble and Shalini Sinha, live music by Emmett Michael, emcee Emmonia, and an evening Dinner Dance and Talent Show.

Programming is structured across three concurrent streams—Community-Led and Collective Initiatives, Public Sector and Business Engagement, and Academic and Research—featuring interactive workshops, panels, and keynotes by Jake Kimble and Shalini Sinha. Throughout the gathering, a dedicated Vendor Hall showcases local makers, community groups, and inclusive businesses (open Thursday evening, all day Friday, and Saturday morning).

Blending professional development with cultural celebration, the conference kicks off Thursday evening with a welcoming reception featuring opening speaker Chris Cochrane, emcee Emmonia, and live music by Emmett Michael. Friday night wraps up with a lively, separately ticketed Dinner Dance and Talent Show hosted by Emmonia, before concluding Saturday afternoon with closing remarks and a community social lunch.


Matrix Hotel

10640 100 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB, T5J 3N8