THE SPORT OF BUILDING BRANDS

Where It Started.

January 22, 2026. Vaughan, Ontario.
The first-ever Sport of Building Brands event.

Big Ideas, Real Impact.

We didn't know exactly what to expect. Neither did the 150 people who showed up.

What happened was something we're still hearing about months later. A room full of CPG founders, operators, buyers, and builders — all in one place, all locked in, all day.

No fluff. No filler. Just the real stuff that matters when you're in the business of building brands.

Large group of people attending a conference or seminar, posing for a group photo in a conference room with a presentation screen behind them. Two women are standing in the front, smiling at the camera.

What People Are Saying

January 22, 2026 Event

“I had the opportunity to attend an incredible CPG-focused event yesterday called The Sport of Building Brands by The CPG Dept. , and I’m still energized by the insights, conversations, and connections that came out of it. The lineup of speakers and sessions touched every corner of what it takes to build, scale, and sustain a successful brand in today’s market..” Can't wait for the next event!

A young man in a black jacket and beige pants, wearing an earpiece and holding a tablet, stands in front of a large screen displaying the text 'By Showing Up You've Already Won.' The audience's heads are visible at the bottom of the image.
A young man in a black jacket and beige pants, wearing an earpiece and holding a tablet, stands in front of a large screen displaying the text 'By Showing Up You've Already Won.' The audience's heads are visible at the bottom of the image. 
Danielle Forsey-Chappel - Mavrick Sales / Beauty Strategist

“I had the pleasure of attending The CPG Dept. Sport of Building Brands event put on by Kyle Marsham and his team. I knew the event was going to be lit as soon as I saw Trevor because I had no idea he was going to be there!

The speakers, the vibe, the swag bag, the food/drinks, and insights were off the chain.”

Sanjay Padhiar - IMA Consulting
Two men standing side by side in front of a black backdrop with yellow and white text. One man is wearing a black jacket and white pants, smiling, and the other man is wearing a light grey shirt with glasses, also smiling.
Two men standing side by side in front of a black backdrop with yellow and white text. One man is wearing a black jacket and white pants, smiling, and the other man is wearing a light grey shirt with glasses, also smiling.

“Yesterday’s CPG Dept. event was a great reminder that building a brand really is a sport 💪

From Kyle Marsham’s opening message about training, putting in the reps, and surrounding yourself with people who sharpen your edge, the theme was clear. Strong brands are built with intention, discipline, and mindset.”

A large group of people gathered in a conference room, smiling for the camera. Two women in the front are standing close together, one in white pants and a black shirt, and the other in a plaid shirt and blue jeans. There are tables with black bags labeled 'THE CPG DEPT.' and a projector screen in the background displaying a presentation.
A large group of people gathered in a conference room, smiling for the camera. Two women in the front are standing close together, one in white pants and a black shirt, and the other in a plaid shirt and blue jeans. There are tables with black bags labeled 'THE CPG DEPT.' and a projector screen in the background displaying a presentation.

Brenda Gouin - Feild Agent

“The CPG Dept put on a fantastic day of leadership and networking yesterday in Vaughan. The day was filled with knowledgeable speakers providing ideas, strategies and everyday advice every founder (even service based 😀) can implement to make their life manageable! One speaker stands out for me, Dr. Cassidy Preston, talking about The Mental Playbook! So relatable for everyone! Well done Kyle, looking forward to the fall event!”

Dale Brum - Founder Demo Ninja
Two men standing in front of a black and yellow backdrop that reads 'The Sport of Building Brands 2026'. The man on the left has long red hair, glasses, and is wearing a black jacket with a name badge. The man on the right has short brown hair and is wearing a black jacket with white pants and a watch.
Two men standing in front of a black and yellow backdrop that reads 'The Sport of Building Brands 2026'. The man on the left has long red hair, glasses, and is wearing a black jacket with a name badge. The man on the right has short brown hair and is wearing a black jacket with white pants and a watch.

“Spent today at The Sport of Building Brands conference. A room full of founders, great speakers, and genuinely interactive sessions. Loved catching up with friends and making some new connections along the way. A worthwhile day all around.

Big thanks to Kyle Marsham for the invite.”

Leslie Ewing - Executive Director Plant Based Foods of Canada
Three people standing in front of a presentation screen that says, "By Showing Up You’ve already Won!" They are dressed professionally and smiling at the camera.
Three people standing in front of a presentation screen that says, "By Showing Up You’ve already Won!" They are dressed professionally and smiling at the camera.

“The Sport of Building Brands — reminded me why I’m so bullish on getting in the room. What made it valuable wasn’t “another conference. It was the cross-pollination: hearing how different builders think about growth, positioning, and what actually moves product off shelf.”

Huge thank you to Kyle Marsham for the invitation

Group of five women smiling at a conference, standing in front of a black background with gold and white text that reads "The CPG Dept" and "The Transport of Big Brands."
Group of five women smiling at a conference, standing in front of a black background with gold and white text that reads "The CPG Dept" and "The Transport of Big Brands." 
Cheryl Appleton - Founder Canadian Women in Food
LinkedIn post by Lauren Margules celebrating a successful event with supportive community, panels, and a sample of The Original Maverik.
Screenshot of a LinkedIn conversation with Charles Buhagiar and Kyle Marsham discussing an event, with comments and likes.
Screenshot of a LinkedIn post by Mohammed Zain, founder and CEO of MYFITNESS Foods, congratulating Kyle Marsham and his team for organizing a successful event in Canada's CPG space, expressing interest in participating in future events.
Comment section of a LinkedIn post with comments from Julie Booth and Kyle Marsham, expressing appreciation for a successful day.
Screenshot of a LinkedIn post by Randee Glassman expressing gratitude for attending an event, with a brief comment about the experience.
Screenshot of a LinkedIn comment thread. Amy Rempel, a founder, speaker, and consultant, shares her positive experience and gratitude after a successful event, thanking Kyle for his help. Kyle Marsham, an author and CPG builder, responds warmly, expressing gladness that Amy enjoyed the day.
Screenshot of a LinkedIn comment thanking for a valuable event and looking forward to the next one.
Screenshot of a social media comment from Daniel Schreiber, co-founder of Goldy's, praising a memorable gathering with a collection of people. The comment mentions an energetic and electric atmosphere, accompanied by rocket emojis.

January proved the concept.
November is the main event.

The Sport of Building Brands returns November 5, 2026 — bigger stage, more speakers, 350+ of the best people in Canadian CPG.

GET YOUR TICKETS