CSB Proud Platinum Sponsor of Catalyst 2026

For the second year running, CSB joined PPPC’s Catalyst event as a Platinum Sponsor. From May 4th to 6th, the full CSB leadership team gathered in St. John’s, Newfoundland for three days of leadership development, industry conversation, and meaningful connection with colleagues in the promotional products space.

The program was built around a theme that resonated throughout every session: Leading Change. Sessions challenged the room to rethink the Canadian market, not as one economy but many, each moving at its own pace and demanding a different approach. Panel discussions brought that thinking to ground level, tackling data strategy, AI adoption, and what separates the most forward-thinking distributors and suppliers from those still playing catch-up. A hands-on leadership alignment session put every table to work in real time, and Craig Dowden brought a sharp, evidence-based look at self-awareness and empathy as the true foundation of high-performing teams.

“The conversations at Catalyst go beyond the sessions. Whether it’s a leadership discussion in the room or a conversation with a distributor over dinner, every interaction leaves you with something valuable” shared Josh Shaw, Director of Sales Recruiting, CSB.

Beyond the sessions, St. John’s delivered its own kind of magic. An evening social brought everyone to O’Reilly’s Pub for the Kitchen Party: a dinner buffet, live band, and a traditional Newfoundland screeching-in ceremony. The kind of experience that only happens in this province, and the kind of memory that follows you home.

Wednesday closed with a Leadership AI Exchange and final remarks that sent the room off with clarity and more to think about in equal measure.

“Catalyst for me is the opportunity to bring the Canadian industry leaders together, to talk about what’s impacting their branded merch businesses, what they see in the future, and for the leaders in the industry to support each other,” reflected Jonathan, President & CEO, PPPC. “We’re all about the community, and so Catalyst brings the community leaders together and gives them an opportunity to learn and grow from each other.”

The conversations, the connections, and the shared commitment to growing this industry together are what make Catalyst worth showing up for, year after year.

To learn more about Canadian Solutions for Business, visit www.canadianbus.com.