Welcome to Beyond the Sandbox 2026
Celebrating Successes. Growing the Future Together.
There are enough boring networking events out there. This is something different.
Goodbye, boring conferences and predictable panels — this is your all-access pass to connection, creativity, and future thinking in the world of insurance. Beyond the Sandbox 2026 is where fresh ideas meet real conversations, where ideas spark action and the future of insurance takes shape.
Secure your spot in the Sandbox!
Don't miss out on all the fun by securing your spot HERE by Friday, November 28, 2025.
What can you expect?
Authentic Connections
From meaningful conversations to moments that inspire, Beyond the Sandbox is all about connection. You’ll experience an atmosphere that blends insights with celebration, leaving you energized, engaged, and excited for what’s next.
The Future is Now: AI in the Insurance Industry
Join Briana Brownell as she explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we think, work, and connect with customers. You’ll dig into real-world examples of AI tools that are available to help brokers better support their clients.
Celebrating a Milestone (and What’s Next)
Sandbox President & CEO, Rob Jones, takes us through a look back at how far we’ve come and gives us a glimpse ahead at Sandbox’s next five years of growth, innovation, and customer experience.
Programs and Partnerships: Growing Together
Hosted by Chelsa Materi, Sandbox’s Chief Growth Officer, this session dives into how Sandbox’s evolving appetite is creating new opportunities to strengthen relationships and support broker success.
Building the Seattle Kraken Brand
Get inspired by Todd Humphrey, former SVP of Digital Innovation & Fan Experience with the Seattle Kraken, as he shares how they built a fan-first brand from the ground up, baking the customer experience into every decision.
Customer Experience Workshop
Get ready to roll up your sleeves in an interactive workshop focused on customer experience. Together, with our partners at zu, we’ll explore fresh ideas and practical strategies to create moments that truly matter for your clients.
Want to see what your agenda would look like? Check out the full details below!
Agenda
Day 1: Wednesday, January 21
Evening - Check-in to James Hotel
6:30 – 8:30 PM – Optional Welcome Dinner at Cut Casual Steak & Tap
For guests who arrive in Saskatoon by 6:00 PM
Day 2: Thursday, January 22
7:30 - 8:30 AM – Breakfast available at the James Hotel
8:30 AM – Transportation to Crossmount Cider Company (from the James Hotel)
9:00 – 9:15 AM – Welcome to Beyond the Sandbox
9:15 – 10:15 AM – The Future is Now: AI in the Insurance Industry
10:15 – 10:35 AM – Break
10:35 – 11:30 AM – Celebrating a Milestone (and What’s Next)
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM – Programs and Partnerships: Growing Together
12:00 - 1:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 – 1:10 PM – Afternoon Remarks
1:10 – 2:10 PM – Building the Seattle Kraken Brand
2:10 – 2:30 PM – Break
2:30 – 4:00 PM – Customer Experience Workshop
4:00 – 4:15 PM – Closing Remarks
4:15 PM – Depart for the James Hotel
6:30 - 8:30 PM – Evening Reception at the Remai Modern
Uber Codes Available
**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 James Hotel. That's right - once you're registered, we'll reserve your room and cover all the hotel costs. So, why not lounge like a king or queen in one of Saskatoon's best hotels?
You get yourself here — we’ll take it from there
You’ll be in charge of booking your own travel to Saskatoon (whether you’re flying in or hitting the highway). Once you’ve arrived, Sandbox has you covered — from your hotel stay to all event activities and meals. Just get here safely, and we’ll handle the rest so you can relax, connect, and enjoy the full Beyond the Sandbox experience.
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. 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 23rd.
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 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.
Loqui: Loqui brings people together through global flavours, local ingredients, and a dining experience that’s as open and inviting as the conversations it inspires.
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.
Primal: Celebrate the art of handmade pasta and rustic Italian cooking, while being served soulful dishes that connect people to food, tradition, and each other.
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.