On Tuesday, July 7, Axis Connects hosted an afternoon of high-energy networking and community building at Calgary’s historic Deane House. With nearly 1,000 professionals, dignitaries, and community leaders in attendance, the 2026 Stampede Round-Up — presented by Suncor — put our community’s spirit into action, reinforcing our mission to be Calgary’s go-to destination for meaningful professional connections and networking opportunities.
Set against a backdrop of perfect summer weather, the event brought the business community together in a celebratory atmosphere that fully embraced the spirit of the Calgary Stampede.
“Moments like this remind me why Axis Connects exists. When nearly a thousand professionals — many of them Calgary’s top businesswomen — come together to build relationships and champion one another, you can feel the strength of this community. That’s the impact we’re here to create, Stampede season and every season.“— Nuvyn Peters, CEO of Axis Connects
High-Profile Engagement and Stampede Spirit
The Stampede Round-Up was packed with memorable moments, giving attendees the chance to connect directly with top provincial and municipal leaders, including Premier Danielle Smith, Minister Tanya Fir, and Mayor Jeromy Farkas. Speaking to the crowd, the Premier highlighted the importance of this growing community:
“It was once really hard to find female mentors, but the incredible turnout today shows there is an undeniable need for women to support women. Thank you for your leadership, and for helping the next generation find their pathway up the corporate ladder.”— Premier Danielle Smith
Setting the tone for the afternoon, local talent Alex Hughes delivered an exclusive live music performance, generously supported by our Entertainment Sponsor, Anthro AV. The festive atmosphere was further elevated by a special appearance from Calgary Stampede Royalty, as First Nations Princess Raegan and Calgary Stampede Princess Sarah graciously mingled with the crowd throughout the event.
Attendees also had the chance to shop exclusive merchandise from our signature podcast. Hosted by Nuvyn and Alex, Quiet Part Out Loud tackles bold, unfiltered leadership stories — and our merch matches that exact energy. Missed out? Shop the collection here and listen to the podcast.
A Special Thank You to Our Volunteers
An event of this scale and energy wouldn’t be possible without the hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication of our incredible on-site volunteers. From welcoming our guests to keeping the afternoon running smoothly, their support was instrumental in making this year’s Stampede Round-Up a massive success.
Looking Ahead: What’s Up Next?
Axis Connects has a robust lineup of programming designed to keep you at the forefront of your career journey.
Our highly anticipated Axis Connects Leadership Forum will be held on November 23, 2026. Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement regarding our exciting keynote speaker. Take advantage of early bird tickets, as this event will sell out.
Don’t miss our Fall Board Readiness Series. This program is designed to prepare leaders as they embark on their board journeys. Exclusive to Board Ready Women members, this series offers strategic insight and readiness training for those seeking a board position. To attend, join Board Ready Women today.
