Community Connect 2026

ABOUT: Community Connect A monthly networking lunch hosted by Platform Calgary — designed to bring together the people building Calgary’s tech ecosystem. Originally created for Platform member companies to learn from one another, it has grown into a space where founders, program alumni, coaches, and partners come together to share insights, celebrate wins, and support each other’s growth. Whether you're part of the Calgary tech sector or just getting curious, we invite a limited number of non-members to join us, meet the community, and experience the momentum for yourself. COMING UP NEXT Two Platform Calgary events are colliding for one massive afternoon! 🚀 Community Connect × Pre-accelerator Studio Community Connect is Platform Calgary’s monthly networking lunch designed to bring together the people building Calgary’s tech ecosystem. Originally created for Platform member companies to learn from one another, it has grown into a space where founders, program alumni, coaches, and partners connect, share insights, celebrate wins, and support each other’s growth. This month, we are teaming up with Pre-accelerator Studio for a special edition session focused on GTM MAXXING: Founders’ journey from pivoting to regaining traction. We are stepping back to look at the big picture of a startup pivot. CEO and Co-Founder Mary Llaneta (Hoodo) and Co-Founder and COO Manvir Singh Grewal (The Reporting Hub) will share unfiltered, firsthand experiences on what it takes when your product or target market changes. From making the tough call to shift direction, to executing founder-led sales and creative customer acquisition campaigns, this session explores the overarching journey of finding momentum all over again. What’s Happening: 💡 Community Connect: GTM MAXXING Hear real stories on navigating pivots, executing product shifts, and closing deals. Bring your questions and leave with high-value tactics and connections. 🛠️ Pre-accelerator Studio: Live Demos Catch live product showcases in action! Early-stage founders are stepping up to demo what they are building and get direct, real-time feedback from potential customers, mentors, and peers. Whether you’re a founder ready to test your product, an investor or mentor looking for what’s next, or a non-member curious to experience Calgary's tech momentum over a good lunch—this is the room you need to be in. Event Details📅 Date: Wednesday, October 7 📍 Location: Platform Calgary (East Annex) ⏰ Schedule: • 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Community Connect Lunch, GTM Panel, Startup Demos & Networking • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Post-Event Networking (Pro tip: Stay as long as you can—the best collabs happen off-script after the main session!) ---- Note: This event is designed for Platform Calgary Member Companies to connect, network, learn, and celebrate wins to help startups drive impactful outcomes for their business. We’re offering limited registration for the general public, with a focus on fostering meaningful connections within the vibrant startup community. Please note that registration is mandatory for this event. We look forward to seeing you there! Have a tech startup in Calgary? Become a Platform Calgary Member today! A few helpful tips to prepare for the event: The main entrance to the Platform Innovation Centre (407 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2K7) is via the revolving doors on 9th avenue directly across the street from the Central Library. There is plenty of paid parking located at the Platform Innovation Centre parkade. Pay stations can be found on the main floor of the East or West entrance. We recommend you park on the East side for easy access to the event. Or you can make a payment through the Calgary Parking Authority app. For those biking, bike racks can be found on the west side of the building. Accessibility: If you require accessibility assistance during the event, please notify security or event staff upon arrival. Our team will work to accommodate your needs, including providing assistance with mobility, seating, or other support ------------------------------- By registering for this event, you acknowledge that Platform Calgary (the organization), as well as third-party organizations hosting activities in the shared public spaces of Platform Innovation Centre (the venue), may capture photos, audio, and video recordings. These materials may include your image or likeness and may be used for promotional purposes, including marketing, social media, and other communications by the respective organizations. Since the event is held in a public space with multiple users, complete exclusion from photography or recording cannot be guaranteed. The collection and use of personal information complies with Alberta’s PIPA and Canada’s PIPEDA. For more details on how we handle personal information, please see our Privacy Policy. If you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out to the team at communications@platformcalgary.com. ------------------------------- As a non-profit, Platform Calgary is dedicated to fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem. Proceeds generated through our programs and events directly support our mission, enabling us to enhance Calgary's standing as a premier destination for tech innovation and entrepreneurship. We appreciate your continued support!