IWD 2026

In the Thick of It: The Messy Middle, the Milestones & Lessons Learned Along the Way

International Women’s Day at The GrandWay is presented by GRAS and hosted at The GrandWay Events Centre!

Careers don’t move in straight lines — and neither does life. This International Women’s Day, join us for an inspiring (and refreshingly honest) lunch-time panel that dives into the messy middle: the space between big milestones where growth, doubt, pivots, and perspective really happen.

Featuring four incredible women from different industries and stages of life, this conversation will explore what it looks like to navigate change, build resilience, and keep moving forward — even when the path isn’t clear. From wellness and entrepreneurship to agriculture, consulting, and horse racing, our panellists bring real stories, real lessons, and a few laughs along the way.

A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Centre Wellington Food Bank, and guests are welcome to bring physical or monetary donations if they wish to contribute further.

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EVENT DETAILS:

Friday, March 6, 2026
The GrandWay Events Centre, 7445 Wellington County Rd. 21, Elora

11:00 am Doors open
11:30 am Buffet available
12:30 pm Formal program begins
1:30 pm Wrap-up

Tickets = $50 per person +HST
A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to Centre Wellington Food Bank.
No refunds.

NO RESERVED SEATING. It is first-come, first-served seating for all single tickets. Purchase a table (8 tickets) to ensure you and your friends sit together!

BUFFET MENU:

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Served with Herbed Wild Rice & Roasted Vegetables
Chicken is gluten-friendly. Rice & Veggies are gluten-friendly & vegan.

Summer Berry Salad – Baby spring mix, spinach, strawberries, blueberries, green grapes, and goat cheese, with a honey lemon dressing – Gluten-friendly

House Salad – Baby spring mix, cherry tomato, cucumber, dried cranberry, watermelon radish, and apple chips, with a maple balsamic dressing – Gluten-friendly & Vegan

Orange Fennel Salad – Baby spring mix, frisse, shaved fennel, red pepper, shallot, and sliced apple, with a blood orange vinaigrette – Gluten-friendly & Vegan

Chocolate Torte – Rich chocolate cake with a ganache topping – Gluten-friendly

BRING A DONATION

Please consider donating food or funds to the Centre Wellington Food Bank. Their most needed items are listed at www.cwfoodbank.org/ways-to-help.

MEET THE PANELISTS!

Katie Pope

Certified Workplace Wellness Facilitator, Health & Wellness Coach, and multi-trade business owner

Katie Pope is a Certified Workplace Wellness Facilitator, Health & Wellness Coach, and multi-trade business owner with over 20 years of experience in the skilled trades. A mother of two teenage daughters and married to her high school sweetheart, she empowers women and teams with practical, real-world mindfulness and wellness tools.

Shelley Spies

Founder of WAARD Consulting

Shelley Spies is the founder of WAARD Consulting, whose multi-decade career is marked by national achievements, trusted long-time client and peer relationships, deep community impact and decades of guiding leaders and teams through meaningful change. Known for strengthening culture, elevating performance, and navigating complex transitions with clarity and compassion, Shelley also demonstrates deep ties to community service. Embodying the spirit of Women’s Day- she leads with strength, resilience and kindness while elevating others in every space she touches.

Janet Harrop

Owner of Harrcroft Acres Ltd.

Janet Harrop is the owner of Harrcroft Acres Ltd., a purebred Holstein herd near Fergus milking 110 cows that recently transitioned to milking with 3 Lely robots. While working in her farm business, she also worked as a Registered Nurse in Critical Care. Finding opportunities in both careers for leadership and educational advancement, as well as involvement in community groups have directly contributed to the farm business growth and success.

Jenna MacDonell

Grand River Raceway, Raceway Manager

Jenna MacDonell is the Raceway Manager at Grand River Raceway in Elora, Ontario, and the first woman to hold the role in the track’s history. A fourth-generation horsewoman and daughter of Canadian Harness Racing Hall of Fame driver Paul MacDonell, she grew up immersed in the sport. After building a successful career in real estate, Jenna returned to racing with strengthened business, marketing, and leadership skills. She now leads in a fast-paced, male-dominated industry while balancing her role as a single mom.

Louise Frost

Grand River Agricultural Society, Marketing Manager

Louise Frost is the Marketing Manager for Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS), The GrandWay Events Centre, and Grand River Raceway, bringing over 15 years of experience across a wide range of industries. Her career spans manufacturing, direct mail, accounting, financial services, personal training, freelance marketing, agriculture, events management, and standardbred horse racing. Known for her ability to connect people, ideas, and stories. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering with local charities, performing in community theatre, and travelling whenever possible.

BUY TICKETS!

Questions about the event? Please email bookings@thegrandway.com for assistance.