Welcome to Beyond the Sandbox 2025
You — yes, you — are exclusively invited.
There are enough boring networking events out there. This is something different.
Join us on January 29th - 30th, 2025, for a breath-of-fresh-air event that will transform your understanding of our industry in a single day. Exclusive customer insights for brokers, contemporary strategy and research, and a keynote address from one of our industry’s best — this isn’t your everyday seminar — because you’re not the everyday broker.
Don't miss out on all the fun by securing your spot HERE by Friday, December 20th, 2024.
What can you expect?
Keynote Presentation
We can’t tell you who yet — we’re building suspense. But you can bet that an expert on all things customer experience will be live and in-person to remind you why this job has extraordinary, real-life value to customers, and how you can connect with them even more deeply.
Customer Spotlights
Real stories from real policyholders about the kinds of support and solutions they needed most during difficult times. Hear directly from the “other side”, and learn how keeping things delightfully simple leads to the best outcomes for all.
Customer Obsession Workshop
Yes, that’s right, we said “obsession.” Think customers aren’t obsessed with you? Think again — and find out how to become obsessed with them, too. Get exclusive insights into customers’ needs, wants, and desires with our proprietary research.
Networking Dinner
OK, we admit the word “networking” isn’t that fun. But dinner, drinks, getting to know you better, and finding out you’re surrounded by other awesome brokers who share your challenges and triumphs — is definitely fun. We'll even have a presentation on all things customer experience by Richard Bartrem, ready to discuss strategies for empowering frontline teams and cultivating a culture of exceptional service. Stick around for the evening, learn about how to embrace people-first customer service, and turn contacts into friends.
Want to see what your agenda would look like? Check out the full details below!
Agenda
Day 1: Wednesday, January 29 - Remai Modern Galleria Room
All guests are to arrive in Saskatoon by 5 PM
6:30 – 8:30 PM – Welcome Reception with light appetizers and drinks
Day 2: Thursday, January 30 - Alt Hotel Indigo Room
8:00 – 9:00 AM – Meet the Underwriters Breakfast
9:15 – 9:30 AM – Morning Remarks
9:30 – 11:15 AM – Broker Advisory Council Meeting
11:30 AM – Lunch at Bar Stella
1:00 – 1:15 PM – Afternoon Remarks
1:15 – 2:15 PM – Sandbox Keynote Address
2:15 – 3:00 PM – Customer Spotlight
3:00 – 3:15 PM – Break
3:15 – 4:30 PM – Customer Obsession Workshop
4:30 – 4:45 PM – Closing Remarks
6 PM – Cocktails
6:30 – 9:00 PM – Networking Dinner
**Please note, this schedule is subject to change
It’s all in the details
Stay in comfort
Register for the event, and we'll handle your hotel booking at the Alt Hotel. That's right - once you're registered, we'll reserve your room and cover all the costs. So, why not lounge like a king right on the same street where all the fun is happening?
Travel in style
Did you hear that Sandbox is helping book flights, too? Yuh-huh! Once you're registered, our travel agent, Annette Frey, will reach out to coordinate your flights to and from YXE! If you prefer to hit the road instead of take to the skies, we have your mileage covered! After Beyond the Sandbox concludes, our team will work with you to send payment to your brokerage, so you can enjoy the journey and your stay either way!
Make a weekend of it
As proud Saskatoonians, we know all the best spots around town. Explore for a few days with some of our staff’s best recos:
Attractions
Enjoy a delicious brunch with breathtaking views at the Saskatoon Berry Barn, followed by a browse through their local gift shop.
Seeking a bit of activity? Crush some 10-pin bowling, play immersive video games and even the classic ones in the arcade, or if you're feeling ultra-adventurous, there's indoor ziplining. Everything can be done in one place—the Stoked Centre. Also, the restaurant and lounge are pretty good, too, if we do say so ourselves. Psst — and if you've got a little bit of a green thumb, it's directly next to Wilson's Greenhouse, too. And if you want a little bit of relaxation after all that ziplining, next door is the Landmark movie theatre.
Sport your love of hockey with a Saskatoon Blades game happening on January 31st.
Indoors Farmer's Market? We got it all at the Saskatoon Farmer's Market, open on Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternoons.
Got time to kill and want to get some shopping done? A vast selection of retailers is all at the Midtown.
Go back in time to the pioneers of the prairie provinces with admission to the Western Development Museum.
Hungry? Here are our Sandbox staff's local restaurant recommendations
Hearth Restaurant: located on the bottom floor of the Remai Modern, there's no dining experience more convenient and luxurious than this one!
Filosophi Wise Cuisine: This one is worth the drive. Located 10 minutes from downtown, it's where prairie food meets West Coast cuisine, using all fresh ingredients. Don't forget to get a dessert at the end, too!
Las Palapas Resort Grill: Taco-bout a great time! Escape from the cold with Las Palapas Resort Grill's authentic Mexican food.
Bistro on B: A new pop-up in Saskatoon that is rising to internet fame regionally, and raving reviews to back it up.
Odla: This place is the very definition of farm-to-table because that's egg-xactly what they do! Everything served at this restaurant was purchased from local farmers and vendors.
Little Grouse on the Prairie: There isn't a more Saskatchewan title than this one! Check out this upscale dining experience if you get a chance.
D'Lish by Tish Café: Located in the most beautiful historic neighbourhood in the whole city, D'Lish by Tish Café delights customers with their specialty coffees, cakes, and soups made from scratch.
Thirteen Pies Pizza + Bar: Best local pizza in town! Located downtown, Thirteen Pies Pizza + Bar is a go-to for Saskatoonians. Don't forget to add a side of truffle honey to your pizza.
Cohen's Beer Republic: A spot to unwind, grab a local craft beer, and enjoy a good burger.
House of Hakka: Enjoy a handcrafted cocktail with traditional Asian fusion food and the best Hakka cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
And, to answer some of those questions you might be having off the bat...
"When should I arrive?"
We kindly ask that all invitees arrive at their seats 15 minutes before any of the events.
"What should I wear?"
At Sandbox, we keep things simple, and that means no formal attire here (unless you want to). The dress code for all these events is business casual!
And the most important question of all – "Will there be snacks?"
Refreshments, snacks, and lunch will be provided throughout the day.
Is your question missing here? We've got your back! Simply please reach out to [email protected] and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.