What started as a passion project has grown into one of the most exciting movements in grassroots sport. In this conversation, Connor Renton—founder of the Brodie League—is joined by special guests to explore the evolution of amateur athletics and why more adults are returning to play. From building community-driven leagues to removing barriers around access, […]
Pop music moves fast but great songwriting is what makes it stick. Behind every hook, chorus, and viral moment is a writer shaping how the world hears and feels a song. In this in-the-round session, Alicia Creti, Liam Benayon, Rêve, and Sophie Simmons come together to share their approach to writing music that connects at […]
Athlete endorsements are evolving fast. Today’s partnerships go beyond traditional sponsorship models, reflecting a deeper alignment between athletes, brands, and the causes they stand behind. As audiences demand authenticity and cultural relevance, the most effective collaborations are built on shared values, storytelling, and long-term vision—not just reach. This panel brings together leading voices from athlete […]
Behind every great film or series is a score that shapes how we feel, often before a single word is spoken. With standout work including Heated Rivalry, Peter Peter has built a reputation for crafting music that deepens narrative and defines tone across screen-based storytelling. In this masterclass, moderated by SOCAN's Mike Rocha, Peter Peter […]
This fireside chat brings together Stewart Johnston and CFL legend Michael "Pinball" Clemons for a conversation on how the league is evolving in a rapidly changing sports landscape. From shifting fan expectations and media consumption to global competition and new revenue opportunities, the discussion will explore how the CFL is adapting while staying true to […]
Step into the upstairs lobby at the Bluma Appel Theatre for an intimate Sound Break performance presented by TOLive. Designed as a close-up musical moment within the energy of Departure, this stripped-back set offers a rare opportunity to experience emerging and established artists in a more personal, immersive setting. With the audience just steps away, […]
On the opening night of the historic inaugural season of the Toronto Tempo, this landmark conversation brings together the driving forces behind one of the most important moments in Canadian sports. Global entertainer and cultural powerhouse Lilly Singh will be joined by members of the Tempo executive team to mark the arrival of the WNBA […]
K-pop isn’t just a genre—it’s one of the most influential forces in global music. This panel brings together the Canadian songwriters helping shape its sound from behind the scenes, offering a rare look into how the world’s biggest pop movement is built. Featuring hitmakers August Rigo, Sofia Kay, and Sophie Simmons, whose credits span artists […]
Featuring Rowan Barrett, this panel explores how Canada Basketball has evolved into a global contender, managing one of the deepest pools of NBA talent in the world. From building chemistry across elite players with competing schedules to preparing for the Olympics under intense pressure, this conversation goes inside the realities of modern team construction at […]
Join us as we kick off Departure’s inaugural Sports Summit, bringing together leaders from across sports, media, and culture for a day of conversation, insight, and connection. This opening moment sets the tone for a summit focused on the evolving role of sport in a rapidly changing landscape. From leagues and teams to media, technology, […]
Alan Cross is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the broadcasting and music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock and is also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music. He’s currently providing content consulting for […]
When Heated Rivalry premiered to critical acclaim, it wasn’t just the storytelling that resonated - it was the music. The emotional architecture of the series, shaped by composer Peter Peter and music supervisor Scotty Taylor, became inseparable from its cultural footprint. In this Departure conversation, director and co-creator Jacob Tierney joins Peter Peter and Scotty […]
