2026 P2 Palooza

The IAP2 Wild Rose P2 Palooza is Alberta’s premier gathering for public participation (P2) professionals, bringing together practitioners from the public sector, consulting, non-profit, and related fields for a full day of learning, connection, and inspiration. The day will combine the Wild Rose Chapter AGM with engaging professional development sessions designed to support real-world P2 practice. Full information at https://iap2wildrose.ca/p2-palooza

P2 Palooza Social

Thursday, May 21: The Grindstone Comedy Theatre & Bistro

Join us at the Grindstone Comedy Theatre & Bistro (10019 81 Ave NW) for an evening of networking and improv theatre!

Public engagement and improv theatre have lots in common – they turn passive observers into active participants, build strong collaborative communication, and show that connection can, and should, be meaningful and fun! To kick-off the 2026 P2-Palooza, IAP2 Canada Wild Rose is hosting a special improv show: Public Engagement Edition! Join us for an evening of top-tier comedy featuring the city's best improvisers, performing hilarious, unscripted scenes based on your wildest suggestions. Expect guaranteed laughs, plenty of interactive moments, and some of the sharpest comedy around. Stop by ahead of time for a unique engagement-themed cocktail and networking opportunity. Registration includes a ticket to the show and a free drink ticket. 

Networking: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p,m.

Show Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

2026 P2 Palooza

Welcome to the 2026 P2 Palooza at the Matrix Hotel

The Matrix Hotel (10640 100 Ave NW, Edmonton) is naturally inspired, and was designed to be an environment where positive experiences are developed. The modern décor blends clean minimalist lines with sleek and textural natural stone and wood for a stunning and smoothing atmosphere.  Interesting objet d’arts and paintings punctuate warm hues of silver,  pewter and platinum throughout the hotel’s public spaces. 

Tentative Schedule

8:00 a.m. Registration and Coffee
8:30 a.m. Welcoming Address and Land Acknowledgement

9:00 a.m. Walking Alongside: Practical Allyship in Engagement with Indigenous Communities with Margaux Bruno

Engagement with Indigenous communities is often approached with good intentions—but too often remains transactional, extractive, or disconnected from community realities.

• Move beyond consultation toward relationship-based engagement

• Understand their role as non-Indigenous practitioners

• Avoid common pitfalls that undermine trust

• Support processes that respect community knowledge, priorities, and jurisdiction

• Approach this work with humility, accountability, and a commitment to “walking alongside”

This session offers a practical, experience-based perspective on how to engage differently. Presented from the standpoint of a non-Indigenous practitioner working alongside First Nations communities, it explores how allyship can be meaningfully applied in engagement practice. Drawing on applied experience and lessons learned, it highlights what respectful, relationship-based engagement looks like in practice—and where common approaches fall short.

Participants will gain practical guidance on how to:

This session is intended for consultants, public servants, and others seeking to strengthen their engagement with First Nations and Indigenous communities in a meaningful and practical way.

Margaux Bruno, MA, is a community engagement specialist at Pimohtêw Insights ᐱᒧᐦᑌᐤ. Margaux’s research work focuses on Indigenous healthcare and allyship. Her master's thesis and subsequent research, including the 2025 article "What Does it Mean to be an Ally in Indigenous Healthcare?" published in the Canadian Medical Education Journal, investigated the concept of allyship with healthcare providers in the Edmonton area to understand how to move beyond passive education and training modalities to include opportunities for real life interactions and the development of reciprocal relationships with Indigenous patients. Connect with Margauz through LinkedIn. 

10:00 a.m.  Coffee Break

10:15 a.m. IAP2 Wild Rose Annual General Meeting

10:45 a.m. Navigating Misinformation in Public Engagement: Foundations, Tools, and Trust with Candice Denison

Misinformation is no longer a background issue in public engagement. It is showing up in real time, shaping who participates, how conversations unfold, and whether trust holds or breaks down. For many practitioners, this looks like meetings going off track, competing narratives taking hold, and increasing pressure to respond in the moment.

Most engagement plans are not designed for this reality.

This session offers a practical, non-partisan approach to navigating misinformation within engagement processes. Drawing on municipal experience and applied research, Candace will unpack how misinformation moves through systems, why common responses often escalate conflict, and what to do instead.

Participants will leave with a clear, usable framework to identify misinformation early, assess risk in real time, and respond in ways that stabilize conversations and protect trust, especially in high-conflict or politically sensitive environments.

Candace Denison, MA, APR is a municipal executive and misinformation strategist specializing in high-conflict public engagement environments. As Director of Strategic Services for the City of Chestermere, she leads governance, communications, and engagement strategy in politically complex settings where public trust and narrative risk are constant pressures. Her graduate research examined how municipal systems can strengthen their capacity to respond to misinformation. Recognized as one of Canada’s leading voices on misinformation response and trust-building in public institutions, Candace has delivered training to municipalities and public sector teams across North America, including at the IAP2 North American Conference. Her work equips engagement professionals with practical tools to navigate polarization, reduce escalation, and protect public trust. Connect with Candice through LinkedIn or Denison Solutions.

12:00 p.m. Lunch Break
1:00 p.m. Message from a Gold Partner Sponsor
1:05 p.m. Navigating Complexity: Courageous Conversations in Public Engagement with Kim Hyshka

Kim Hyshka, CP3, is a trailblazer in high-stakes, high-impact engagement and communication and the powerhouse behind Dialogue Partners, a boutique public engagement consultancy. She doesn’t just facilitate conversations, she transforms them. With a deep passion for navigating complexity, Kim helps organizations, teams, communities, and leaders push beyond the status quo to create real, lasting change. Her expertise has shaped multi-million-dollar projects, influenced policy, and brought diverse voices to the table in meaningful ways. 

As a speaker, trainer, and facilitator, Kim brings the principles of engagement and dialogue to life, inspiring participants to embrace bold, intentional conversations that matter. Whether tackling polarizing issues, navigating deep distrust or equipping leaders with the communication tools to strengthen relationships, Kim leaves participants energized, empowered, and ready to engage in dialogue that moves them (and their projects) forward. Connect with Kim through Instagram (@daringdialogue), her LinkedIn page, and the Dialogue Partners' LinkedIn page or website.

2:35 p.m. Message from our Silver Partner Sponsor

2:40 p.m. Career Pathways Panel with Lindsay Humber (CP3); Deanna Cambridge (CP3)

Public participation professionals take many different paths, across sectors, roles, and levels of practice. To support learning, reflection, and professional growth, we invite you to attend the Career Pathways in Public Participation session, a facilitated discussion featuring experienced practitioners from across the P2 field.

This panel will explore real‑world career journeys, lessons learned, and the evolving opportunities available within public participation, engagement, and consultation practice. We are pleased to welcome two accomplished CP3 professionals to the Career Panel, each bringing deep experience and distinct perspectives from across the public participation field. 

 Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Hear diverse career stories from public participation professionals working in consulting, government, community, and related fields
• Learn how practitioners have navigated career transitions, specialization, and leadership roles
• Gain insight into professional development options, including certifications, mentorship, and skills development
• Ask questions and engage in open conversation about career growth, challenges, and opportunities in the P2 profession

This session is designed for:

• Early‑, mid‑, and senior‑career public participation professionals
• Practitioners exploring career advancement, specialization, or leadership pathways
• Those curious about professional certification (such as CP3) and its role in career development
• Anyone interested in learning from peers and strengthening connections within the P2 community

Deanna Cambridge, RPP, MCIP, CP3 is a Registered Professional Planner and CP3 based in the Edmonton area, with extensive experience in the public sector. As a longtime land use planner, she has led a broad range of current and long‑range planning initiatives, working at the intersection of policy, community interests, and regulatory frameworks. Deanna brings a thoughtful, practical perspective on integrating public participation into complex planning processes. Connect with Deanna through LinkedIn.

Lindsay Humber, CP3 is a community engagement practitioner, facilitator, and consultant with over 15 years of experience supporting participatory decision‑making in complex public and community contexts. Her work spans diverse sectors and engagement environments, with a focus on inclusive processes, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue. Lindsay brings a practitioner‑driven lens to career development and the evolving practice of public participation. Connect with Lindsay through LinkedIn or Tilia Consulting. 

3:40 p.m. A National Update | Question Period with Rebecca Smith, Executive Director, IAP2 Canada

Rebecca Smith, MBA, is a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience driving strategic growth, stakeholder engagement, and transformative change in mission-driven organizations. Her career spans executive roles in non-profits, associations, and social enterprises, where she has championed inclusive decision-making, governance modernization, and community advocacy.

Throughout her dynamic career, Rebecca has held pivotal leadership positions with organizations such as the Canadian Women Voters Congress, the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce, and the Canadian Mental Health Association. She has a proven track record of fostering collaboration, diversifying funding models, and bridging gaps between policy and public participation—skills that align seamlessly with IAP2 Canada’s mission.

A proud Métis Citizen and dedicated community advocate, Rebecca has spearheaded initiatives in women’s rights, mental health awareness, and anti-bullying legislation, grounded in her belief that every voice matters. Her leadership blends strategic vision with hands-on experience in digital transformation, operational resilience, and equitable engagement. Connect with Rebecca at rebecca@iap2canada.ca.

4:10 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Open Networking

6:00 p.m. Informal Dinner 

Sign up for a small group dinner at different restaurants to connect with colleagues. All expenses borne by the participants.