By Chris Hogg, Co-Producer, mesh conference
Most conferences define themselves by industry. They gather people who already think alike, work alike, and speak the same language.
But real innovation doesn’t happen in silos. It happens when the unexpected comes together.
At the mesh conference, we don’t define attendees by job titles or industries — we define them through a shared value lens. It’s about what you can contribute and what you can take away.
We create spaces where industries converge so attendees gain new ideas, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections.
Why this moment matters
Canada is at a turning point, and if we want to lead, we need to act now. This is a call for all those who believe innovation happens when industries collide. This is a call for past, present, and future sponsors, attendees, and partners of the mesh conference to create shared value in Canada’s innovation ecosystem.
The world is more unpredictable than ever. Trade wars are reshaping industries. Economic uncertainty is growing. Innovation isn’t keeping pace with the problems we need to solve. From energy security, to AI governance, to supply chain resilience, to economic competitiveness, the biggest challenges of our time don’t fit neatly into one sector.
That’s why mesh exists — because the best solutions emerge at the intersections of industries, perspectives, and expertise. Canada has the talent and the ideas that lead to building a stronger, more competitive innovation economy.
But only if we work together.
And others agree.
“What makes Calgary uniquely positioned to lead in this data economy is what I call ‘cross-pollination intelligence’,” Jon Cornish, Chancellor of the University of Calgary recently said on LinkedIn. “Unlike established tech hubs that grew from a singular industry focus, Calgary brings together expertise from energy, agriculture, finance, the arts, healthcare, and even sports. This diversity of thought and experience creates fertile ground for innovation.”
Diversity, equitable discussion, and inclusion are not separate from innovation. They are the foundation of it. The best ideas do not come from people who think alike or have the same experiences. They come from different perspectives, from friction, and from voices that challenge the status quo.
As some back away from this work, we are doubling down. mesh has always been about breaking silos across industries, disciplines, and backgrounds. The future is not built by one kind of person with one kind of experience. It happens when we create space for all voices. That is not something we will ever compromise on.
Who comes to mesh
If you’re building something, you’ll meet people with a blueprint.
If you’re looking for solutions, someone at mesh has an answer you didn’t expect.
If you’re hiring or fundraising, the right conversations always happen in the hallways.
Unlike other events, mesh isn’t about fitting into a single category. The people who make the biggest difference wear many hats:
- Founder → Chief Dishwasher (handles everything, including the dirty work)
- Intrapreneur → Chief Plumber (fixes problems, keeps things running)
- Researcher → Chief Detective (digs for insights and uncovers the truth)
- Tech Leader → Chief Electrician (powers innovation and connects the system)
- Economic Developer → Chief Gardener (plants seeds and grows opportunities)
- Creative → Chief Magician (turns ideas into reality)
- Consultant → Chief Mapmaker (charts the best path forward)
We don’t put people into boxes. We bring them together as an ecosystem to create impact.
Why everything we do is about creating shared value
Michael Porter defines shared value as generating economic value in a way that also benefits society. That’s exactly what mesh does — not just in theory, but in practice.
At mesh, we create conditions for new ideas, partnerships, and talent to emerge. Over the past two years, we’ve welcomed more than 1,000 people through our doors to do just that.
Examples of shared value in action:
- We’ve built a platform for underrepresented founders to connect with investors and scale their businesses.
- We’ve facilitated matchmaking between entrepreneurs and companies, unlocking new opportunities.
- We’ve hosted curated networking events, dinners, and roundtables that have led to partnerships, hires, and funding.
- We’ve showcased companies solving real-world problems and connected them with decision-makers.
- We’ve helped people find their next hire, next job, or next big opportunity through cross-industry collaboration.
This isn’t about one event. It’s about building an ecosystem that lasts.
How mesh started and why we’re still growing
The mesh conference is produced by Sheri Moore and myself. By day, we run separate companies, but we dedicate ourselves to the mesh conference because we believe in what happens when people and ideas, well… mesh.
As part-time Calgarians, we are inspired by the city’s momentum and spirit of innovation. Founder-led, we moved the grassroots-turned-marquee mesh conference from Toronto to Calgary to create a space where industries could mesh and new ideas could take shape. And we’re committed to growing this platform.
Canada has long embraced the idea that its future is bigger than any one industry. The conference reflects that same belief — a space where energy, life sciences, media, agriculture, finance, technology, and more come together to create something new.
Why you should be at mesh
If you believe Canada needs a stronger, more connected innovation ecosystem, we need you at mesh.
Innovation thrives when people create shared value. The more you give, the more you take away.
What we want you to give:
- If you’ve scaled a company, sharing your lessons can help the next wave of founders.
- If you invest in ideas, your keen eye for opportunity can facilitate partnerships.
- If you’re a corporate leader, your insights can guide others.
- If you’re in policy or research, offering your expertise can shape future industries.
What we can give you in return:
- If you’re growing something, you’ll meet people who have been there before.
- If you’re hiring or fundraising, the right conversations happen (in sessions, hallways, and even after the event).
- If you’re navigating change, you’ll learn from other industries to help unlock solutions.
- If you’re looking for new ideas, mesh is where unexpected connections spark innovation.
How you can support mesh
Sheri Moore and I (Chris Hogg) chose Calgary to grow mesh, recognizing the opportunity to create something bigger. Now, we’re asking you to step up — again or for the first time.
- Buy a ticket. Join the conversation and be part of the movement.
- Bring your team. Invest in learning, collaboration, and new ideas.
- Sponsor the event. Support innovation, talent, and the future of Canada’s economy.
We do this because we believe in it. But we can’t do it alone.
Supporting mesh isn’t just about attending or sponsoring — it’s about creating the conditions where innovation thrives, where industries collide, and where Canada’s next big ideas take shape.
Let’s build something that lasts. Let’s create shared value. Let’s break down silos and unlock the full potential of Canada’s innovation ecosystem. It’s more important now than ever.
