Conference
Your launchpad to new ideas.
Push the boundaries of your future
An innovative new conference bridging music, art, comedy, and technology.
Each year, Departure brings together leaders in the creative industry for a groundbreaking conference highlighting the intersectionalities of artistic expression with exciting keynotes, panels, workshops, networking happy hours, and much more.
2026 Speakers
Our first wave of Conference speakers is full of the heavy hitters and the high-risers. No fluff, just the future.
Maggie Kang
Award-winning Creator, Co-director, Co-writer, KPop Demon Hunters
Russell Peters
Award-winning Comedian and DJ
Jenna Andrews
Grammy-nominated Songwriter, KPop Demon Hunters, Netflix’s Hitmakers
Amber Grimes
Executive Vice President and General Manager, LVRN Records
Kevin Lyman
Founder, Vans Warped Tour
Gus Canazio
SVP Booking, Rock World (Rock in Rio, The Town, Lollapalooza Brazil)
A more connected Departure
The city is your campus
New for 2026, the Departure Conference will move into the heart of downtown Toronto, with transit-accessible venues in a new walkable footprint.
Content Tracks
Departure unites creative industries for a unique gathering of global thought leaders.
Music
Live Events & Touring
Radio & Audio
Film & TV
Business & Marketing
Culture & Creativity
Tech & Innovation
Departure Rewind
Watch past conference sessions with industry leaders across music, art, comedy, and technology.
Frequently Asked
Is Departure the same as Canadian Music Week?
Departure is a reimagination of Canadian Music Week. Our audiences have grown alongside CMW for the past 42 years and have been integral to our success. By expanding our offerings, while staying true to our roots in music, Departure will create an inclusive and vibrant environment that will also attract international artists and creatives of the younger generation, allowing for a deeper, more diverse conversation and a better representation of the cultural hub that is Toronto. Departure honours where we’ve come from, and celebrates where we are going.