WR Women's Expo - Large Horitzonal - White Font

Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 11am-5pm | Marshall Hall, Bingemans

The Waterloo Region Women’s Expo is a vibrant celebration of connection, creativity, and community. Bringing together inspiring speakers, local women-led businesses, and interactive experiences, it’s a space to learn, shop, and grow. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, meaningful conversations, or a little inspiration, you’ll find it here. Come be part of a day that celebrates and empowers women across the region.

Don’t Miss These Perks:
Be one of the first 150 attendees and receive a free gift bag valued at over $100, filled with amazing products, a Conestoga Mall gift card, and exclusive promotions.
Enjoy complimentary bites from 6 culinary exhibitors who’ll keep you happily fueled throughout the day.
Explore over 80 carefully curated exhibitors and attend 5 inspiring mainstage sessions, including a featured keynote speaker.
Then, take part in our passport program for your chance to win a curated gift basket valued at over $500!

Buy your $5 ticket here!

View Mainstage Schedule

2026 Speakers & Event Line Up

Keynote Speaker

Kim Basler | Come As You Are: The Power of Self-Acceptance & Authenticity | 1:15pm

Kim Basler is a Women's Self-Trust & Empowerment Coach, Breathwork Facilitator, and Speaker for women who have spent years showing up for everyone else and are ready to choose themselves. Through coaching, breathwork and women's circles, she guides women to explore what's beneath the surface - addressing the root causes shaping their patterns and choices so they can rebuild self-trust and self-love. Kim's work is about helping women believe in themselves again and trust the wisdom that's been within them all along.

What if the reason you feel stuck isn’t because you need to change - but because you’ve been trying to?

So many women live in quiet self-correction mode: be more confident, more polished, more disciplined, more grateful. Fix the flaws. Close the gap. Get it together. And in the process, we slowly disconnect from who we actually are.

In this powerful and deeply honest keynote, Kim shares the moment she realized she could no longer abandon herself just to maintain an image. Through raw storytelling and sharp insight, she challenges the belief that you have to improve yourself before you’re allowed to fully show up in your own life.

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This isn’t another talk about hustle, reinvention, or becoming your “best self.”
It’s about breaking free from self-criticism.

It’s an invitation to drop the pressure.
To stop waiting until you’re further along.
To recognize that real growth doesn’t start with self-criticism — it starts with self-acceptance.

You don’t need to be more ready.
You don’t need to be more evolved.
You don’t need to be different.

You are allowed to begin exactly where you are.

Women will leave feeling seen, lighter, and powerfully reconnected - not because they’ve been told to change, but because they’ve been reminded they don’t have to in order to matter.

lessons on loot

Real Talk About Money | 3:30pm

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This dynamic panel brings together a lineup of experts to dive into the financial topics that shape real life - from insurance and mortgages to cohabitation agreements, estate planning, retirement, and even how to raise financially savvy kids.

Each segment is led by a specialist who sets the stage, breaks down what matters most, and sparks a thoughtful, engaging conversation. With a mix of perspectives and practical insights, the discussion connects the dots across life’s big financial decisions in a way that’s both approachable and relevant.

Jody Cleminson

Jody Cleminson is a trusted Financial Advisor with over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. She earned her B.B.A. from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1995 and spent 13 years in corporate leadership roles at Great-West Life before transitioning to the Advisor role.

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Known for her integrity, strategic insight, and client-first approach, Jody has helped individuals, families, and business owners navigate every stage of life—building, protecting, and transitioning wealth with clarity and confidence.

Her career has spanned multiple market cycles, regulatory shifts, and economic landscapes, giving her a deep understanding of both the technical and human sides of financial planning. From retirement readiness and investment strategy to tax efficiency and legacy planning, Jody delivers personalized, thoughtful solutions aligned with each client’s goals and values.

A strong advocate for financial literacy, she believes that empowering clients through education is just as important as managing their portfolios. Her calm, collaborative style and decades of experience make her a trusted partner in making sound financial decisions—both big and small.

As one of the Managing Partners at Loft Wealth Management Group, Jody takes pride in the client-focused, relationship-driven firm they’ve built—grounded in trust, transparency, and long-term commitment.

Outside of work, Jody enjoys hiking, golfing, and spending time with her husband Clem, as well as with her family and friends.

Mary Jo "MJ" Fedy

Mary Jo “MJ” Fedy is KPMG in Canada’s Chief Financial Officer and oversees a $3 Billion dollar firm. Prior to her CFO role, she was the Canadian Managing Partner for KPMG’s Private Business practice which represented half of KPMG’s revenue in Canada. She has over 35 years' experience focused on serving privately-held companies and owner-managed businesses.

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Mary Jo provides proactive, hands-on service to address her clients’ needs, which includes financing, budgeting, strategic and succession planning, and tax planning advice. In addition to volunteering within the community as a Board member of the KW Art Gallery, Grand River Hospital Foundation and Conestoga College, Mary Jo served as a member and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for KPMG in Canada. MJ is passionate about financial literacy for children and young adults.

Sarah Mumtaz

Sarah Mumtaz is the Founder and Principal Lawyer at Sarah Mumtaz Law Offices. Her practice focuses on estates, family, and corporate law, with a strong emphasis on estate planning, administration, and litigation.

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She is known for delivering practical, client-focused legal solutions and guiding individuals through complex and often sensitive matters with clarity and care. Sarah is passionate about educating individuals and families on the law, empowering them to make informed decisions with confidence.

She is actively involved in her community, providing pro bono services and educational seminars on estate planning. Sarah is also a member of the Waterloo Lawyers Association and contributes to the Divorce Coaches Association of Ontario.

Moderated by: Tracy Van Kalsbeek

Tracy Van Kalsbeek is the Executive Director of K-W Oktoberfest, a role she has held since July 2023. She previously served for over five years as Executive Director of the Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area (BIA) and earlier as Executive Director of the Stratford Perth Community Foundation, after holding roles in philanthropy, marketing, and community programming with Manulife, the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, and Junior Achievement. An active community volunteer, Tracy continues to support regional tourism, mentorship, and community development through board and committee work.

Session Hosts

Womiye Ojo | 11:30AM | Unboxed and Booked: From Personal Expression to Paid Opportunities

Womiye Ojo is a community-driven storyteller with a passion for connecting people, ideas, and histories across borders. Her work in community and stakeholder engagement, female empowerment, and international development reflects a deep commitment to creating meaningful impact, grounded in cultural understanding and collaboration.
A dedicated traveler (27 countries and counting) with a strong interest in history, she brings a global perspective shaped by firsthand experiences in diverse places and contexts and had coined herself as a historical traveler. More recently, she has embraced content creation as a creative outlet, using it to capture stories, share insights, and amplify voices in an engaging and authentic way.

The Daily Well | 12:15PM | Finding Your People in Your 30s & 40s

Megan and Amy are the co-founders of The Daily Well, a modern lifestyle and wellness brand women who want to build a life that feels aligned in the season they’re actually in. Through candid conversations, thoughtful content, and community-centred experiences, they explore topics around everyday wellness, relationships, personal growth, and intentional living. As best friends, moms, and founders, Meg and Amy bring a relatable and refreshing perspective to the evolving conversations women are having about how they live, connect, and grow.

Tammy Lee Hauser | 2:30PM | Release & Rise: Letting Go of Clutter during Life Transitions

Tammy Lee Hauser is the founder of Light Haus Living, an organizing business centered on simplicity, functionality, and transformation. Inspired by her experiences with ADHD, motherhood, and life transitions, her work reflects a deep understanding of how environments impact well-being, focus, and daily life, helping individuals and families create practical, sustainable systems that reduce overwhelm.

With a compassionate, judgment-free approach, Tammy supports clients navigating busy households, major changes, or mental overload, guiding them toward spaces that feel calm and aligned. What began as a personal need for clarity has grown into a purpose-driven business rooted in helping others feel more in control and move forward with greater ease, clarity, and confidence.

Culinary Exhibitors

Tickets on Sale now!

Indulge in a variety of flavors as our culinary exhibitors showcase their signature dishes with appetizer-sized tastings. Explore new tastes, discover local favorites, and enjoy a culinary journey - all complimentary for attendees.*

Bingemans Catering

ChefD Catering

The Dessert Artist

At the same booth as Petite Patties

Little Mushroom Catering

Oh Graze

Petite Patties

At the same booth as The Dessert Artist

Sweet Girl Bakes

*While supplies last. Products shown in images may differ from what is available at the event.

Floral Bouquet-Making Workshop with Ainsley Poirier from Harp and Fin

Join us for a hands-on floral experience led by Ainsley, owner and founder of Harp & Fin.

In this guided 30-minute workshop, guests will create their own petite hand-tied bouquet (valued at $60) while learning the art of floral design in a fun and approachable setting.

Using a curated selection of seasonal blooms, Ainsley will guide you through:

Building a balanced and beautiful bouquet
Floral design principles including shape, movement, and texture
Professional flower care and conditioning tips
Wrapping and finishing your bouquet in our signature bloom bar carry wrap to take home

While guided step-by-step, this workshop leaves room for creativity, allowing you to choose your own stems and create something uniquely yours. Designed for beginners and flower lovers alike, this experience is equal parts creative workshop, floral education, and an empowering moment to make something beautiful with your own hands.

Time Slots: 11:00am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm
Cost: $40+HST

Click here to purchase your tickets

Please note: Admission to the Waterloo Region Women's Expo is required to attend this workshop and must be purchased separately. Spots are limited and advance booking is recommended.

Exhibitors

Explore a vibrant marketplace of exhibitors featuring local artisans, delicious food creators, wellness experts, and inspiring services. Discover handcrafted goods, fashion and beauty finds, home décor, art, and unique gifts alongside culinary treats from bakers, caterers, and specialty food makers. You’ll also meet professionals in health, fitness, personal development, and community organizations offering resources, inspiration, and new experiences.

Whether you're looking to shop local, sample tasty bites, connect with wellness experts, or discover something completely new, our exhibitor marketplace has something for everyone.

Mom's Gone Mild - The Official Women's Expo Afterparty

Ladies, this one’s for you. Waterloo’s favourite early-night video dance party is back for another unforgettable evening at Maxwell’s Music House.

As the official afterparty of the Waterloo Region Women's Expo, Mom’s Gone Mild is the perfect way to keep the girls’ day going after the Women's Expo.

🎟️ General Admission tickets can be purchased here
🎶 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🔞 19+ Licensed
🪑 Standing room with limited side seating available

Hosted by Kat Callaghan with music from DJ Rob Da Selekta, expect throwback favourites, sing-along classics, themed cocktails, giveaways from Love Shop, and good vibes all night long.

Start early, dance lots, and still make it home at a reasonable hour. Grab your crew and hit the dance floor - you’ve earned it.