Converge Mental Health Coalition Summit 2025

Fail Forward: Transforming Setbacks into Progress in Mental Health
Date: Apr. 30-May 1, 2025
Location:  The Confluence (formally known as Fort Calgary).

750 9 Avenue SE, Calgary

Sponsored by The Dollar A Day Foundation

Why Fail Forward?

At last year's Converge Summit, we heard the call for more transparency in knowledge sharing and impact reporting. Attendees made it clear—they want to know what has worked AND what hasn’t. This year, we're embracing the full story by exploring how setbacks can become stepping stones to progress.

What to Expect:

Join us as we challenge the status quo by celebrating lessons learned from failures, missteps, and unexpected outcomes. Through candid discussions, we aim to spark innovation and drive change in the mental health landscape.

Speakers:

Day 1 Keynote Speaker: Samir Mourani— A digital creator, speaker (TED, Deloitte, York University), podcaster, and writer dedicated to driving systemic change in men’s mental health. As Host and Producer of Gent’s Talk, a top 5% globally ranked podcast, he challenges outdated narratives on masculinity and mental well-being. He is also the Editor of Gent’s Post, a premier men’s wellness publication. Featured on Cityline, Breakfast Television, and CBC, Samir’s advocacy goes beyond awareness, pushing for structural reform to improve how men and boys access and engage with mental health support.

‍Day 2 Closing Speaker: Baillie Aaron – A leading voice in systemic change, drawing parallels between the prison system and the entrepreneurial world to expose how both fail to support mental health. With two decades in prison reform, four TEDx talks, and experience exiting two ventures, she highlights the structural barriers that leave both incarcerated individuals and entrepreneurs without the support they need. A trained life coach and alumna of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers community, Baillie advocates for systemic reforms that foster resilience, well-being, and meaningful reintegration.

Panel Discussions: Hear from leaders who turned failures into game-changing breakthroughs.

• Financing Failures: Funder Panel
• Workplace Mental Health
• Missing Voices in Mental Health Service Delivery
• Mental Health & Education
• Technology & Mental Health 

Breakout Sessions: Collaborate on real-world challenges with peers who aren’t afraid to share the unpolished version of success.

• New Funding Models for Mental Health
• Workplace Mental Health Workshop
• Education Mental Health Standard Framework
• National Mental Health Datathon Follow-Up, including recommendations on mental health data management 

Networking Opportunities: Last year’s dinner was a fantastic success, filled with great conversations and delicious food. We’re excited to continue the tradition this year at The District! 

The District at Beltline: A Hub for Work, Dining & Community

Located in Calgary’s Tech and Design Hub, The District at Beltline is a vibrant urban space that blends work, dining, and leisure. Its Food Hall features six diverse eateries, showcasing Calgary’s rich culinary scene.

📅 Dinner: April 30, 6–9 PM (Lounge)
🍽️ Order from any Food Hall restaurant: https://thedistrictbeltline.com/food-and-drink/
🕕 Arrive between 6–6:30 PM | Welcome & introductions at 7 PM

We look forward to sharing a great evening together!

Advance registration is required as seats are limited. 

Pay for your dinner and beverages at the food hall.‍‍

Bring Your Stories – Warts and All!

We invite you to share your journey, including the missteps and the bloopers. By normalizing failure, we can foster a culture of learning and resilience, paving the way for meaningful progress.

Who Should Attend?

‍This summit is for:

• Mental health practitioners and advocates
• Policymakers and system leaders
• Researchers and data scientists
• Nonprofit and social sector professionals
• Anyone committed to transforming mental health through transparent, impactful storytelling

Register for the Summit Now!

https://www.showpass.com/converge-mental-health-coalition-2nd-annual-mental-health-summit/

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, unlearn, and grow together. Let’s transform setbacks into stepping stones.

For attendees coming from out of town, Converge is pleased to be offering special pricing for The Westley Calgary Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

630 4th Avenue SW

Calgary, Alberta T2P 0J9 Canada

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