Why should you be involved as a SPONSOR?

Network with over 400 Guidance and Career Educators across Ontario and connect with an additional 800 members online!

We invite you to be part of this year’s OSCA/ACOSO Conference, themed “Creating a Culture of Excellence – Guiding with Purpose.” Join us at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale on:

• Sunday, November 8 | 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Monday, November 9 | 7:30 a.m. – 2:35 p.m.

This dynamic event brings together a diverse network of Guidance Teacher-Counsellors, Career Educators, Student Success Teachers, Board Leads, and SHSM/Experiential Education Teachers committed to supporting students in their academic, emotional, and social growth. As educators, we are passionate about preparing students for evolving industries and career opportunities while fostering wellness and resilience in every aspect of their lives.

At OSCA/ACOSO, we prioritize high-quality, relevant, and engaging professional development—and to achieve this, we need YOU! Conferences like this rely on the invaluable contributions of sponsors, whose support ensures that educators can access innovative programs, resources, and tools to enrich student success.

By becoming a conference sponsor, you directly contribute to advancing education in Ontario. Your organization will have the opportunity to showcase your products, services, and resources, helping educators navigate ongoing changes in curriculum and career pathway planning.

We anticipate a strong turnout again this year, including many new Guidance Teacher-Counsellors who are eager to learn and grow. Their enthusiasm for discovering new programs is overwhelming—and your sponsorship plays a vital role in meeting that demand.  Join us and make a lasting impact. Let’s inspire change and empower the next generation together!

Sunday, November 8th

Monday, November 9th

The following regulations become binding between the applicant (hereinafter known as the “Sponsor”, their employees, and the Ontario School Counsellors’ Association (hereinafter known as the “Association”) upon approval of the application by the Association.  Additions or amendments that are not covered will be at the discretion of the Association.

General Information

The Sponsor agrees to abide by all the rules and regulations adopted by the Association and Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale in the best interests of the Conference and agrees that the Association shall have the final decision in adopting any rule or regulation deemed necessary prior to, during or after the Conference.  The Association maintains a fragrance-free environment.

Sponsor Attendees 

Sponsors are provided with TWO attendees included in the sponsor fee.  These people receive all the benefits of other attendees – complimentary meals, keynote, workshops, parking, social and one swag bag per organization.   Sponsors may purchase additional spots (if available) for the same price as for our subscribers, $450+HST per person.  

Sponsors must register all the details of their attendees when purchasing their booth.  If changes or additions need to be made later, please contact the Conference Planner, Cathy Chapman at  cathylihou@gmail.com.  

Media Release

The OSCA/ACOSO Conference is taking place in a public facility at which photos are allowed to be taken.  This event is too large for us to be able to ensure that attendees are not included in photos.  By registering for this conference, you acknowledge that you will be in a public place and that your photo may be taken and used for marketing purposes.  

Keynote Address

Sponsors are encouraged to attend the keynote session in the plenary.  Join Olympian, Sarah Wells, as she inspires us to create cultures of excellence every day!  ABSOLUTELY NO BOOTHS ARE TO BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS DURING THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Travel, Accommodation, Parking and Meals

Travel and accommodation expenses and arrangements are the sole responsibility of the Sponsor.  Sponsors can access the discount conference accommodation rates at the hotel by pasting the following link into your browser: 2026 OSCA ACOSO Conference Hotel Booking Link  

DEADLINE for the hotel conference discount rate is OCTOBER 16, 2026.

The Association room block is limited and Sponsors are encouraged to arrange for accommodation early to have access to the special rate associated with this room block.  

• Parking is complimentary for all conference participants (approximate value of $16)
• All meals and refreshments are included in the Sponsor registration fee.

Door Prize Donations

Door prize donations are GREATLY APPRECIATED as they add to the celebratory mood of the conference.  Sponsors who are contributing door prizes must hand these in to the registration desk by 10 a.m. on Sunday, November 8th.

Sponsor Booth Location and Terms

Premium Booth Location with High Visibility
Once the Sponsor has completed payment through the website, they will be contacted by the Conference Planner, cathylihou@gmail.com to confirm the booth location.  Sponsor booths are located in a premium location nearest registration, the Keynote speakers, and meals/nutrition breaks.  Specific locations will be offered to Sponsors on a first come and approved first served basis. 

Booth Size, Chairs and Skirting
All booths will be provided with one (1) six-foot table and up to two (2) chairs.  Please email the Conference Planner (cathylihou@gmail.com) if you require only one chair or require special accommodations before October 23, 2026.  The hotel will provide table skirting/tablecloths and if a Sponsor prefers to provide their own table skirting, it MUST be fire retardant and have a fire-resistance rating in accordance with the Ontario Fire Code. 

Outside Contractors
Should the Sponsor elect to utilize outside contractors on Hotel premises during the conference, the Sponsor must notify the Hotel at least thirty (30) days in advance of the Conference. The Hotel may require that the Sponsor’s outside contractors sign a hold harmless, indemnification and insurance agreement in the form currently in use at the Hotel for similar outside contractors, and provide proof of insurance in amounts acceptable to the Hotel (amounts and types of insurance to be determined in Hotel’s sole discretion based on the type of services the outside contractor will be providing) before the outside contractor will be allowed to provide services on the Hotel’s Hotel premises. In some instances, despite the Sponsor’s use of an outside contractor, Hotel may be required, pursuant to obligations imposed on the Hotel by labor unions or collective bargaining agreements, to utilize the Hotel labor to provide certain services, and Sponsor agrees to pay the fees and/or charges associated with these services. Upon request by the Sponsor, the Hotel will disclose prior to the Event those services that are required to be performed by Hotel labor (if any) as well as the potential fees and charges associated with such Hotel labor usage.

Maintenance & Security
Sponsors agree to confine their presentation within the assigned space allocated and to always maintain staff at their booth during the Sponsor / Exhibitor Showcase hours.  Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale is NOT guaranteed to be secured at night. The Sponsor is responsible for all loss or damages to personal property and equipment. Avoid leaving valuables in your exhibit area.

Sponsors agree to adhere to the policies and procedures required by Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale, as outlined in this contract, for delivery, set-up, maintenance and dismantling of their booth.  Sponsors are responsible for maintaining their own material within their booth. 

Displays and Decorations
Sponsor’s Property: The Sponsor may, at the Sponsor’s option, purchase insurance to cover the Sponsor’s personal property, including decorations, special objects and other property. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Hotel is not responsible for any loss or damage to property belonging to the Sponsor or Sponsor’s attendees, and the Hotel does not maintain insurance covering such personal property. All displays and/or decorations will be subject to Hotel’s prior written approval and Hotel reserves the right to contract and charge the Sponsor for Hotel staff to provide the labor for any installations or removals of such. The hotel can advise the Sponsor of such potential charges upon request.

The Association reserves the right to alter or remove exhibits or part thereof, and to expel Sponsors or their personnel if, in the Association’s opinion, their conduct or presentation is objectionable to the Conference participants.

Safety
The Sponsor assumes responsibility for compliance with local and provincial ordinances and regulations covering fire, safety and health with respect to their booth and materials.

Booth Installation and Removal
Sponsors agree to be entirely responsible for the moving in, assembly, maintenance, disassembly, and removal of their exhibits, equipment, and appurtenances to and from the Sponsor/Exhibitor area, or in the event of failure to do so, the Sponsor agrees to pay for such additional costs as may be incurred.

Sponsors may SET-UP their booths the morning of the start of the conference between  9:00 a.m. and 10:30  a.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026.  Neither the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale nor the Association will be responsible for the safety and security of materials/booths left unattended.  You may wish to remove your materials Sunday night and then set up your booth again Monday morning.  If you choose to leave your booth set up, neither the Hilton nor OSCA/ACOSO will be responsible for any lost or damaged materials.  In addition, Sponsors may set up their booths between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026. ALL BOOTHS MUST BE READY BY SUNDAY, November 8th at 10:30 am and again on MONDAY, November 9th at 7:30 a.m.

Sponsors may REMOVE booth materials starting at 2:20 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026. Sponsors are responsible for all the removal of all booth materials from the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale by 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026.

Booth Materials / Shipping / Handling
Sponsors are encouraged to bring all of their materials to use in their booths on the day of the conference.  Transportation and storage of these materials, including promotional materials, is the responsibility of the Sponsors.

If a Sponsor chooses to ship items to the hotel, all packages arriving at the hotel should be clearly marked with the following information, for example: 

All material shipped to the hotel by Sponsors MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE HOTEL BETWEEN WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2026 during these hours.  

Freight Elevator / Loading Dock / Truck Deliveries – The hotel has 1 large freight elevator, which is located behind/under Graydon Hall.  The size of the freight elevator is 22’ 9” long by 9’ 4” wide and 9’ 6” high.   The freight elevator is ground level.  All heavy equipment needs to be delivered on trucks which have a lift gate or come with a forklift.  The maximum weight our freight elevator can carry is 4,545 kg.  Access it from our underground parking lot (Century Avenue entrance).  Please make sure the elevator is booked during your load-in and load-out times.  For move in and out, we require notice so that the freight elevator can be made available to Sponsors with one of our designated operators.  A charge of $25.00 per hour will apply, minimum 4 hours.  Ideally, trucks should be cube vans or delivery size vans.  Transport trucks will find it difficult to maneuver in our underground parking lot. NOTE: 53’, or longer, transport trucks cannot be accommodated.  Please note that the hotel does not supply a lift, trolley or dolly for client’s use.

Storage / Handling / Fees for Boxes – Please note that the hotel has limited storage space for boxes and materials. Local Sponsors who are physically bringing their own boxes are responsible for unloading and transporting their materials to the designated meeting room:  North Studio 7 located on the 2nd Floor, North Tower. Sponsors must bring their own trolley or dolly, as hotel equipment will not be available for this purpose. To coordinate the drop-off of materials and boxes, please notify Conference Planner: Cathy Lihou (cathylihou@gmail.com) and Hilton Catering & Events Manager: Irish Balingit (irish.balingit@hilton.com). Advance notice is required to ensure a smooth delivery process.

Charges for box handling:

1. Conference packages requiring hotel services to move boxes to the function room are charged to the individual Sponsor at $5.00 per box, $8.00 per oversized box, or $25.00 per hour, minimum 4 hours for skids.
2. Outgoing packages – The guest needs to have their own courier company and account number for a waybill which they need to complete.
3. The hotel charges $5.00 per box, or $8.00 per oversized box to deliver said boxes to our loading dock for courier pickup.

Outside Food and Beverage:
Due to applicable law, Sponsors may not bring alcoholic beverages into the Hotel for this event. Sponsors must obtain Hotel’s prior approval before Sponsors bring any food or non-alcoholic beverages from outside sources into the hotel. If approval is granted by Hotel, Sponsors may be required to sign a hold harmless and indemnification agreement in the form currently in use at the hotel if the food or beverage products are not purchased by Hotel but served by Hotel staff are brought in for consumption by the Sponsor’s attendees. Service fees will apply to any outside food or beverage served in Hotel’s function space, regardless whether hotel labor is required.

Electrical, Internet, and Technological Needs
The Association is paying for WiFi for all attendees, Sponsors, and Exhibitors (5 Mbps per device) but if this is not sufficient speed, you will need to make arrangements and pay for this with Encore Global.  The hotel provides complimentary WiFi in hotel rooms and the lobby only, and the speed is slow.

Sponsors will not be allowed to use their own power cords or power sources, nor will they be allowed to plug into any outlets you find in the spaces we use.  Sponsors must arrange for their electrical and technological needs with Ashley Caesar at Encore Global ( Ashley.Caesar@encoreglobal.com ), as required by Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale.  The Association strongly encourages Sponsors to download any material they need onto the hard drive of their electronic device.  

Delegate Bag Inserts – Shipping and Packages

All Sponsors receive complimentary participation in the delegate bag insert program.  Sponsors are responsible for covering any costs associated with receiving these items at the hotel.  Please send 500 pieces to arrive at the hotel no earlier than Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and no later than Friday, November 6, 2026.   

Make sure to label materials with:

• Name of Organization: College of XYZ
• Name of Organization Representative Name: Your Attendee’s Name
• Attention: Irish Balingit, Catering and Events Manager
• Name of Function: OSCA/ACOSO Conference
• Date of Function: November 8-9, 2026
• Function Contact: Cathy Chapman (Delegate Bag Insert Program)

Sarah Wells

Olympian | Expert on Individual and Organizational Excellence

Olympian Sarah Wells inspires audiences to embrace excellence without limits. Her philosophy centres on the idea that excellence isn’t about perfection — it’s about breaking free from limiting beliefs and constantly striving to outperform who you were yesterday. Renowned for her practical strategies, compelling storytelling, and high energy delivery, Wells empowers audiences to find their own excellence, transform challenges into opportunities for growth, and achieve lasting success.

Wells doesn’t just talk about overcoming adversity, she hurdled it on the world’s biggest stage. An Olympic hurdler for Team Canada, Wells made her Olympic debut at the London 2012 Games. She had remarkably qualified for the Games after being sidelined for nine months with
a stress fracture in her left femur. She went on to compete at the 2013 Summer Universiade, winning silver in the 4x400m relay. After being out for another six months with a reoccurrence of the stress fracture, she came back to capture her fourth Canadian title in 2015 and win a pair of medals at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto.

Today, Wells is an in-demand keynote speaker. Through her Olympic journey, plus racing across deserts, mountains, and international airports on The Amazing Race, she has proven again and again that grit, adaptability, and a little bit of laughter go a long way. She believes that when you dare to break the blueprint, chase crazy ideas, and focus on doing the small things exceptionally well, excellence becomes contagious, elevating not just your life but those around
you.

The Sponsor agrees to adhere to the policies, contracts, and procedures required by Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale and the Association.

Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale Sponsor Responsibility Clause

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the person/legal entity described as “Sponsor” in this clause and in this Sponsor contract (regardless whether such person/legal entity is also described as “Sponsor” in this contract) hereby assumes full responsibility and agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale (“Hotel”) and Hotel’s owners, managers, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees and agents (collectively, “Hotel Parties”), as well as Ontario School Counsellors’ Association (“Group”), from and against any and all claims or expenses arising out of Sponsor’s use of the Hotel’s exhibition premises.  Sponsor agrees to obtain and maintain during the use of the exhibition premises, Comprehensive General Liability Insurance, including contractual liability covering the Sponsor’s indemnity obligations in this clause. Such insurance shall be in the amount of not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit for personal injury and property damage. The Hotel Parties and Sponsor shall be named as additional insureds on such policy, and the Sponsor shall supply the Hotel with a Certificate of Insurance at least 30 days prior to the use of the exhibition premises. The Sponsor understands that neither the OSCA/ACOSO nor the Hotel Parties maintain insurance covering the Sponsor’s property and it is the sole responsibility of the Sponsor to obtain such insurance.

Association Liability Clause

The Association reserves the right, as its sole discretion, with reasonable grounds, to change the date or dates upon which the Conference is to be held and shall not be liable in damages or otherwise by reason of any such change.  In addition, the Association shall not be liable in damages or otherwise for failure to carry out the terms of the agreement in whole or in part where caused directly or indirectly by or in consequence of fire, flood, storm, war, rebellion, insurrection, civil commotion, strike, or any cause whatever beyond the control of the Association, whether similar or dissimilar for the causes enumerated herein.

Payment, Cancellation and Refunds

Payment for Sponsors is due in full upon registration.  No refunds shall be given should cancellation be necessary, unless the conference is canceled by the Association, unless the Association finds and approves a replacement Sponsor, or unless the Association believes that the Sponsor is not appropriate for the conference. All communication regarding registration changes must be made by email to the Conference Planner, Cathy Chapman (cathylihou@gmail.com), and the Administration Coordinator, Jennifer Boston (oscadesk@gmail.com).

Sponsors are invited to submit content for our weekly digital OSCA News according to the level of sponsorship purchased, and according to the deadlines and specs outlined below.  Content must be emailed to Laura Ball at  l.ball190@gmail.com  by the first Friday of each month.  The first November submission is due by Friday, November 13th, 2026.   

Submission Dates

• PLATINUM SPONSORS: EIGHT submissions (Nov. to Jun.)
• GOLD SPONSORS: SIX submissions (Nov. to Apr.)
• SILVER SPONSORS: FOUR submissions (Nov. to Feb.)
• BRONZE SPONSORS: TWO submissions (Nov. to Dec.)
• Content needs to be submitted FRIDAY before the newsletter goes out. For example, if the newsletter is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, April 17th, all content needs to be submitted by Friday, April 12th.
• After Friday, the news coordinator no longer has access to the proof, and therefore cannot add any additional items.

Content Specifications

• Content should be no more than 250 words.
• Content may be edited without notice by OSCA/ACOSO.
• PDFs can only be uploaded as links, meaning readers will not see the content in the newsletter unless they click the link. It is best not to send PDFs if you want your content to be immediately visible.
• Word documents/Google Docs, or just text within an email are best, as they can be copied and pasted into Naylor easily. I cannot upload text from a PDF (see above).
• If you are trying to send a flyer, you must submit it as a PNG or JPG, but it will be posted as an image – clickable links embedded in the image will not work, so please provide the link separate from the image so it can be included.
• If you would like an image included, you must submit an image. See image specs below.
• There is only one font available on our system – specialized fonts in content cannot be included in the newsletter, but colours, and bolded/underlined/italicized text is fine.

Image Specifications

• Only PNG and JPG images can be used. Do not send PDFs or JPEGs.
• Thumbnail images cannot be larger than 200-250 px wide.
• Banners cannot be larger than 680 px wide.

Media Release

The OSCA/ACOSO Conference is taking place in a public facility at which photos are allowed to be taken.  This event is too large for us to be able to ensure that attendees are not included in photos.  By selecting yes during the registration process, you acknowledge that you will be in a public place and that your photo may be taken and used for marketing purposes.