Come visit me at the 2026 Waterloo Region Women's Expo!
- tammyleehauser
- 7 days ago
- 7 min read
The Waterloo Region Women’s Expo is a vibrant celebration of connection, creativity, and community. Bringing together inspiring speakers, local women-led businesses, and interactive experiences, it’s a space to learn, shop, and grow. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, meaningful conversations, or a little inspiration, you’ll find it here. Come be part of a day that celebrates and empowers women across the region.
Don’t Miss These Perks:
Be one of the first 150 attendees and receive a free gift bag valued at over $100, filled with amazing products, a Conestoga Mall gift card, and exclusive promotions.
Enjoy complimentary bites from 6 culinary exhibitors who’ll keep you happily fueled throughout the day.
Explore over 80 carefully curated exhibitors and attend 5 inspiring mainstage sessions, including a featured keynote speaker.
Then, take part in our passport program for your chance to win a curated gift basket valued at over $500! I will be offering a 1-hour FREE Declutter session in this gift basket!!! - LIGHT HAUS LIVING
2026 Speakers & Event Line Up
Keynote Speaker
Kim Basler | Come As You Are: The Power of Self-Acceptance & Authenticity | 1:15pm
Kim Basler is a Women's Self-Trust & Empowerment Coach, Breathwork Facilitator, and Speaker for women who have spent years showing up for everyone else and are ready to choose themselves. Through coaching, breathwork and women's circles, she guides women to explore what's beneath the surface - addressing the root causes shaping their patterns and choices so they can rebuild self-trust and self-love. Kim's work is about helping women believe in themselves again and trust the wisdom that's been within them all along.
What if the reason you feel stuck isn’t because you need to change - but because you’ve been trying to?
So many women live in quiet self-correction mode: be more confident, more polished, more disciplined, more grateful. Fix the flaws. Close the gap. Get it together. And in the process, we slowly disconnect from who we actually are.
In this powerful and deeply honest keynote, Kim shares the moment she realized she could no longer abandon herself just to maintain an image. Through raw storytelling and sharp insight, she challenges the belief that you have to improve yourself before you’re allowed to fully show up in your own life.
Real Talk About Money | 3:30pm
This dynamic panel brings together a lineup of experts to dive into the financial topics that shape real life - from insurance and mortgages to cohabitation agreements, estate planning, retirement, and even how to raise financially savvy kids.
Each segment is led by a specialist who sets the stage, breaks down what matters most, and sparks a thoughtful, engaging conversation. With a mix of perspectives and practical insights, the discussion connects the dots across life’s big financial decisions in a way that’s both approachable and relevant.
Jody Cleminson
Jody Cleminson is a trusted Financial Advisor with over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. She earned her B.B.A. from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1995 and spent 13 years in corporate leadership roles at Great-West Life before transitioning to the Advisor role.
Mary Jo "MJ" Fedy
Mary Jo “MJ” Fedy is KPMG in Canada’s Chief Financial Officer and oversees a $3 Billion dollar firm. Prior to her CFO role, she was the Canadian Managing Partner for KPMG’s Private Business practice which represented half of KPMG’s revenue in Canada. She has over 35 years' experience focused on serving privately-held companies and owner-managed businesses.
Sarah Mumtaz
Sarah Mumtaz is the Founder and Principal Lawyer at Sarah Mumtaz Law Offices. Her practice focuses on estates, family, and corporate law, with a strong emphasis on estate planning, administration, and litigation.
Moderated by: Tracy Van Kalsbeek
Tracy Van Kalsbeek is the Executive Director of K-W Oktoberfest, a role she has held since July 2023. She previously served for over five years as Executive Director of the Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area (BIA) and earlier as Executive Director of the Stratford Perth Community Foundation, after holding roles in philanthropy, marketing, and community programming with Manulife, the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, and Junior Achievement. An active community volunteer, Tracy continues to support regional tourism, mentorship, and community development through board and committee work.
Session Hosts
Womiye Ojo | 11:30AM | Unboxed and Booked: From Personal Expression to Paid Opportunities
Womiye Ojo is a community-driven storyteller with a passion for connecting people, ideas, and histories across borders. Her work in community and stakeholder engagement, female empowerment, and international development reflects a deep commitment to creating meaningful impact, grounded in cultural understanding and collaboration.A dedicated traveler (27 countries and counting) with a strong interest in history, she brings a global perspective shaped by firsthand experiences in diverse places and contexts and had coined herself as a historical traveler. More recently, she has embraced content creation as a creative outlet, using it to capture stories, share insights, and amplify voices in an engaging and authentic way.
The Daily Well | 12:15PM | Finding Your People in Your 30s & 40s
Megan and Amy are the co-founders of The Daily Well, a modern lifestyle and wellness brand women who want to build a life that feels aligned in the season they’re actually in. Through candid conversations, thoughtful content, and community-centred experiences, they explore topics around everyday wellness, relationships, personal growth, and intentional living. As best friends, moms, and founders, Meg and Amy bring a relatable and refreshing perspective to the evolving conversations women are having about how they live, connect, and grow.
Tammy Lee Hauser | 2:30PM | Release & Rise: Letting Go of Clutter during Life Transitions
Tammy Lee Hauser is the founder of Light Haus Living, an organizing business centered on
simplicity, functionality, and transformation. Inspired by her experiences with ADHD, motherhood, and life transitions, her work reflects a deep understanding of how environments impact well-being, focus, and daily life, helping individuals and families create practical, sustainable systems that reduce overwhelm.
With a compassionate, judgment-free approach, Tammy Lee supports client's navigating busy households, major changes, or mental overload, guiding them toward spaces that feel calm and aligned. What began as a personal need for clarity has grown into a purpose-driven business rooted in helping others feel more in control and move forward with greater ease, clarity, and confidence.
Culinary Exhibitors
Indulge in a variety of flavors as our culinary exhibitors showcase their signature dishes with appetizer-sized tastings. Explore new tastes, discover local favorites, and enjoy a culinary journey - all complimentary for attendees.*
At the same booth as Petite Patties
At the same booth as The Dessert Artist
Floral Bouquet-Making Workshop with Ainsley Poirier from Harp and Fin
Join us for a hands-on floral experience led by Ainsley, owner and founder of Harp & Fin.
In this guided 30-minute workshop, guests will create their own petite hand-tied bouquet (valued at $60) while learning the art of floral design in a fun and approachable setting.
Using a curated selection of seasonal blooms, Ainsley will guide you through:
Building a balanced and beautiful bouquet Floral design principles including shape, movement, and texture Professional flower care and conditioning tips Wrapping and finishing your bouquet in our signature bloom bar carry wrap to take home
While guided step-by-step, this workshop leaves room for creativity, allowing you to choose your own stems and create something uniquely yours. Designed for beginners and flower lovers alike, this experience is equal parts creative workshop, floral education, and an empowering moment to make something beautiful with your own hands.
Time Slots: 11:00am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pmCost: $40+HST
Please note: Admission to the Waterloo Region Women's Expo is required to attend this workshop and must be purchased separately. Spots are limited and advance booking is recommended.
Exhibitors
Explore a vibrant marketplace of exhibitors featuring local artisans, delicious food creators, wellness experts, and inspiring services. Discover handcrafted goods, fashion and beauty finds, home décor, art, and unique gifts alongside culinary treats from bakers, caterers, and specialty food makers. You’ll also meet professionals in health, fitness, personal development, and community organizations offering resources, inspiration, and new experiences.
Whether you're looking to shop local, sample tasty bites, connect with wellness experts, or discover something completely new, our exhibitor marketplace has something for everyone.
Thank You to our Sponsors
Decor and Floral Sponsor
Future Leaders Sponsor
Photo Wall Sponsor
Gift Bag Sponsor
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Proudly operated by K-W Oktoberfest Inc.
Shared content from womenoftheyear.ca/expo
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