Social Events & Giving Back
Welcome Reception
Hyatt Regency Calgary | Thomsons Kitchen & Bar
Thursday, November 19, 2026
4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EST
Complimentary with Conference registration
Prepare to kick off the conference at our Opening Welcome Reception. Enjoy light appetizers and refreshments, mingle with fellow attendees, and gear up for engaging conversations and a productive event. We can’t wait to welcome you!
PLUS…
Crafted Connections Market
Join us on November 19 during the Welcome Reception (4:30-7:00 p.m.) for the Crafted Connections Market, a curated artisan marketplace featured as part of the conference opening reception. Showcasing handmade goods from local artisans and small businesses, the market offers attendees the opportunity to browse and connect in a relaxed, community-focused setting while enjoying an evening of networking.
From handcrafted art and jewelry to specialty products and creative gifts, this space highlights talented makers and provides a meaningful opportunity to support and engage with them throughout the event.
Our vendor list is currently being finalized and will be added soon. Please check back for updates.
Winter Clothing Donation Drive
CSAM-SMCA is proud to once again host a Winter Clothing Donation Drive as part of the 2026 Scientific Conference, supporting both Alpha House and the Calgary Drop-In Centre. Conference attendees are encouraged to bring new or gently used winter clothing items, including coats, hats, gloves, scarves, socks, and other cold-weather essentials. These donations will help provide warmth, comfort, and dignity to individuals experiencing homelessness or facing challenges related to substance use and housing instability during Calgary’s winter months.
Through their Shelter, Detox, Housing, and Outreach programs, Alpha House supports individuals whose lives are affected by alcohol and other drug dependencies, helping create pathways toward stability and improved well-being. The Calgary Drop-In Centre works collaboratively with community partners to provide emergency shelter, health services, and housing support for adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Together, these organizations make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable community members, and we are grateful for your support in helping us give back to the Calgary community.
Get Your Professional Headshot Onsite!
Boost your professional image with a high-quality headshot taken during the conference! For just $50, you’ll receive 1–3 expertly captured photos—perfect for LinkedIn, professional profiles, or personal branding. Sessions focus on headshots and portraits using a studio-style lighting setup, rather than full-body lifestyle shots.
Photographer: Nicolas Abou — Learn more at www.lifebynico.com
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time: TBA
Spots are limited — reserve your session today.
Lunch-Hour Tour: Inside Rond-Point — A One-Stop Perinatal, Family, and Addiction Program
Join us for a guided lunch-hour tour of the Rond-Point Perinatal Addiction Program. Since 2014, this unique program has been offering a wide range of clinical and community services in one location. The program supports pregnant individuals, parents, and families with children aged 0 to 5 who are experiencing, or have experienced, issues related to substance, alcohol, or medication use. We especially welcome healthcare professionals in perinatal care to visit Rond-Point and take part in discussions on current challenges in perinatal addiction care in Canada.
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 12:10pm-2:00pm (Departure from the Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel: 12:10pm; Return to the conference at 2:00pm)
Space is limited to 20 participants per session — register early to secure your spot!
Make a Local Impact: Coat Drive for Montreal’s Winter
As part of our commitment to supporting the local community, CSAM-SMCA will be partnering with Welcome Hall Mission to collect winter coats for those in need. Donations can be made on Thursday, October 16, and the morning of Friday, October 17. A donation box will be located in the registration area.
Message from the Organization:
Many of us take our winter coats for granted—sometimes complaining when they don’t match our outfit or take up too much space in our closet. Yet for many Montrealers, a coat is a luxury they simply cannot afford.
A winter coat can truly save a life. With Montreal’s harsh winters, people experiencing homelessness often face dangerous and even life-threatening conditions without proper winter clothing.
At our emergency shelter, individuals who use our services often arrive without any winter attire, let alone a winter coat. Help us provide warmth ahead of this winter by giving a new winter coat to someone who needs it.
If you’re unable to bring a coat, there are other ways to contribute to this initiative – follow this link to donate: https://missionbonaccueil.com/types-de-dons/
The Book Nook
This welcoming space is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the authors within our community. If you’ve published a book and would like to share it with your peers, the Book Nook is the perfect place to do so. The Book Nook will be available throughout the conference in the 4th floor foyer, outside Ballroom W-C.
Attendees will be able to browse displayed books, learn more about them, and connect with the authors behind the work. Authors are welcome to bring a single copy or multiple copies of their book. A sign-in sheet will be available to record book titles and contact information, making it easy for attendees to follow up or purchase a copy.
We invite you to stop by the Book Nook to discover, celebrate, and support the creativity and expertise that thrive within our community.
Please note that CSAM-SMCA is not responsible for the content or views expressed in the books, nor for any damage to materials during the event.
