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Exclusive Event

Creators of Toronto: Inside The GIST’s Journey to Redefine Sports Media

The session offered an inside look at how The GIST grew from a weekly newsletter into one of North America’s fastest-rising sports media brands, as co-founders Ellen Hyslop and Jacie deHoop shared their journey of building a women-founded, community-first company that reshaped how fans experience sports.

  • BrainStation Toronto
  • Event Recap
  • Oct 22, 2025
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  • Ellen Hyslop

    Ellen Hyslop

    Co-Founder

    The Gist
  • Jacie deHoop

    Jacie deHoop

    Co-Founder

    The Gist

This session explored how The GIST grew from a grassroots newsletter into a leading sports media brand, as co-founders Ellen Hyslop and Jacie deHoop shared how authentic storytelling, community-first growth, and major partnerships with the Canadian Olympic Committee, NFL, and NWSL are redefining the future of sports media.

  • Ellen Hyslop

    Ellen Hyslop

    Co-Founder

    Ellen Hyslop is Co-Founder of The GIST, a women-led sports media company that delivers inclusive, accessible, and engaging coverage to millions of fans across North America. With a background in business strategy and a passion for equity in sports, Ellen focuses on shaping The GIST’s editorial voice and partnerships.

  • Jacie deHoop

    Jacie deHoop

    Co-Founder

    Jacie deHoop is Co-Founder of The GIST, where she leads growth, operations, and strategy. Jacie brings experience in consulting and scaling ventures to her role, helping The GIST grow from a single newsletter to a multi-channel media platform with major league partnerships and a loyal, growing community.

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Nov 19

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  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EST
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $25
  • Andrea Grand
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Discussion Topics:

  • From Feeling to Form
  • Purpose-Driven Positioning
  • Community as a Growth Engine
Nov 19
Creators of Toronto Building Brands That Break Through

Join us for a conversation with Andrea Grand, Co-Founder of Barbet, and Scott Currie, CEO of WakeWater Beverage Company, as they explore how to create brands that cut through the noise and leave lasting impressions.

  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EST
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $25
  • Andrea Grand
  • Scott Currie

Discussion Topics:

  • From Feeling to Form
  • Purpose-Driven Positioning
  • Community as a Growth Engine
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Nov 26

Corner Office TO

The Evolution of an Entrepreneur

Join us for a rare conversation with Allen Lau, Co-Founder and Former CEO of Wattpad, and Co-Founder and Operating Partner at Two Small Fish Ventures, as he shares lessons from building one of Canada’s most iconic tech companies.

  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EST
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $25
Allen Lau

Allen Lau

Co-Founder

Discussion Topics:

  • The Evolution of Wattpad Without an Exit Plan
  • Building Optionality Through Fundamentals
  • Lessons for Founders and Investors
Nov 26
Corner Office TO The Evolution of an Entrepreneur

Join us for a rare conversation with Allen Lau, Co-Founder and Former CEO of Wattpad, and Co-Founder and Operating Partner at Two Small Fish Ventures, as he shares lessons from building one of Canada’s most iconic tech companies.

  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EST
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $25
Allen Lau

Allen Lau

Co-Founder

Discussion Topics:

  • The Evolution of Wattpad Without an Exit Plan
  • Building Optionality Through Fundamentals
  • Lessons for Founders and Investors
View Event
Nov 27

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Growth Without Limits

Join us for an exclusive evening in partnership with Konrad, where global leaders will examine how AI is redefining the way brands grow, connect, and create lasting value.

  • 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $250
  • Presented in partnership with

  • Anna Baird
  • Sarah Chapman

Discussion Topics:

  • AI as a Catalyst for Brand Evolution
  • Growth in a Limitless Landscape
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Nov 27
AI + Brand Growth Without Limits

Join us for an exclusive evening in partnership with Konrad, where global leaders will examine how AI is redefining the way brands grow, connect, and create lasting value.

  • 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $250
  • Presented in partnership with

  • Anna Baird
  • Sarah Chapman

Discussion Topics:

  • AI as a Catalyst for Brand Evolution
  • Growth in a Limitless Landscape
  • Balancing Technology and Humanity
View Event
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