Counsellor Networking Day in Mississauga: Event Recap

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March 4th, 2025

This spring, we hosted our very first Counsellor Networking Day, ahead of the Study and Go Abroad / SchoolFinder Fair at the Mississauga Convention Centre. We hosted 40 registered guidance counsellors and educators for a day of networking, learning, and information sharing — and a nice lunch!

The day included an informative keynote presentation by Scott O’Neill, Director of Admissions and National Recruitment at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). This was followed by lively round table networking sessions.

After lunch, we held three panel discussions on studying in Ontario and Canada, studying outside Canada, and financing and scholarships.

Many Great Panelists

We hosted three panels, welcoming participants from schools in Canada and abroad, alongside student finance experts and scholarship administrators. Quick thanks to all our panelists:

  • Anna Holt, Study in UK
  • Carla Liberta, State of Kindness Scholarship Fund
  • Hilary Wilson, University of British Columbia
  • Jenika Heim, EducationUSA
  • June Le, Niagara College
  • Melissa D’Mello, Horatio Alger Association of Canada
  • Michael Walker, UNSW Sydney
  • Michelle Dittmer, Canadian Gap Year Association
  • Nathalie Dugo, University of Alberta
  • Roger Ragoonath, Ontario Tech University
  • Suzanne Tyson, Points for School

Plenty of Positive Feedback

“I really liked the morning presentation — it gave counsellors new information and insights on trends in post-secondary education. … I think building time in for the “fair” is needed.”

“Please bring Scott back to future events. His “peek behind the OUAC curtain” with data was fantastic. My only suggestion for an improvement was a bit more time for the networking part.”

“I think make the roundtable questions clearer, provide more time for icebreakers, and then less time for the discussion.”

“Location was great. Organization of day was excellent.”

Looking Ahead to Fall 2025

Based on participant feedback — and the fact that counsellors and educators play an important role in students’ post-secondary decisions — we’ll host another Counsellor Networking Day in Mississauga this Fall, and we’re adding a Vancouver event, too!

The Vancouver Counsellor Networking Day takes place on Friday, October 17, a day before the public fair on Saturday the 18th, both at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront.

The Mississauga Counsellor Networking Day takes place on Tuesday, October 28, ahead of the public fair on the same day at the Mississauga Convention Centre.

In addition to a keynote and panel discussions at each Counsellor Day event, we’ll offer more networking opportunities, and a counsellor ‘care package’ with material from participating exhibitors.

Here are the Fall 2025 Dates

  • Vancouver | Oct 17-18 – Counsellor Networking Day on Friday, October 17; public fair on Saturday, October 18 at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
  • Calgary | Oct 19 – TELUS Convention Centre on Sunday, October 19
  • Montréal | Oct 23-24 – In partnership with Salon National de l’Éducation; two-day event at the Montreal Convention Centre on Thursday, October 23 and Friday, October 24
  • Toronto | Oct 26 – Hart House at the downtown University of Toronto campus on Sunday, October 26
  • Mississauga | Oct 28 – Counsellor Networking Day and public fair, both at the Mississauga Convention Centre on Tuesday, October 28

Let us know if you’re interested in attending as an exhibitor, panelist, or a counsellor. Reach out to our team — we’d love to help you.

Book Your Spot Now
Or contact Max Hyland at max.hyland@schoolfindergroup.com.

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