Dates
Crafting Your Company’s Story: A Workshop on Pitching & Media Training
Co-hosted by BioNext and Western Research Parks
Every business has a unique story. How you tell it can open doors to opportunities, attract investors, and build public interest.
Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll actively craft your company’s narrative, build confidence in pitching, and learn how to effectively engage with the media. This is not just a presentation—participants will shape their own story, develop a written pitch, and practice delivering it in a supportive environment.
This interactive session, led by Kari Cuss, Communications at BioNext, will provide tools and practical experience to help companies:
- Craft and share compelling stories
- Develop strong written pitches
- Build confidence for media interviews and investor presentations
Whether you’re preparing for your next big pitch or looking to get noticed in the media, this workshop will give you the practical skills to share your story effectively.
Date & Time: February 25, 2025, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Connector Suites, Convergence Centre (999 Collip Circle), Western Research Parks
Who Should Attend:
This workshop is ideal for company spokespersons and decision-makers who are responsible for shaping and communicating their company's narrative. If you're looking to elevate your communication strategy, improve your media presence, and refine your pitch for investors or the media, this session is for you.
What You’ll Learn:
By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with:
- A template for crafting media releases
- A guide on how to pitch your story to the media effectively
- An understanding of how to consider and structure your pitch timeline
- A checklist of the essential components of a successful media pitch
Agenda:
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Telling Your Story & Earned Media 101
- Shaping Your Story
- Crafting Your Written Pitch
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Complimentary Lunch Provided
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
- Pitching to the Room
- Wrap-Up & Next Steps
About the Speaker:
Kari Cuss, Communications, BioNext
Kari is a public affairs and communications expert serving over 25 years in pivotal roles across the health and seniors, public and private sectors in Canada.
A trusted advisor to senior leaders, and one herself, Kari’s time at the Ontario Retirement Communities Association, Ontario Medical Association, Ontario Dental Association, in government and subsequent roles ensure a finely honed mastery of skills such as:
- issues management,
- communications,
- media relations,
- stakeholder relations,
- government relations and
- association governance.
Kari has an undergraduate degree in History and Politics from Mount Allison University (Go Mounties!) and a Master of Arts in Journalism from Western University (Go Mustangs!) A lifelong learner, Kari received a fellowship to attend Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health to study Applied Risk Communication for the 20th Century and attended the Harvard Kennedy School to study the Application of Behavioural Insights to the Design of Public Policy. Additionally, Kari has rounded out her skillset by participating in the Rotman School of Management’s ICD Not-For-Profit Governance Essentials Program.
Kari is the Founder of Cuss & Company Consulting and is a strategic partner of the Barnes Management Group.
When time permits, Kari enjoys contributing to the community as a part-time professor at the University of Guelph-Humber, a volunteer basketball coach, and a political campaigner.
RSVP:
Please RSVP by February 23, 2025. Spots are limited—secure your place now!
About the Co-Hosts:
Western Research Parks: Western Research Parks is a dynamic innovation hub bridging the gap between research and industry, offering cutting-edge labs, coworking spaces, and flexible office rentals. Businesses benefit from access to Western University’s research expertise, a diverse talent pool, and a thriving ecosystem of entrepreneurs and established companies.
BioNext: A MedTech incubator dedicated to accelerating the translation of early-stage ideas into commercial innovations. BioNext supports entrepreneurs with access to infrastructure and a network of facilities for prototype manufacturing, testing, validation, and preclinical and clinical development services.
Photography:
Please be advised that photographs and video may be taken at Western Research Parks events for use on Western Research Parks' web, print and social properties. We won’t sell your photo, but we may share it with media and/or partner organizations. By attending this and any Western Research Parks event, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed, and to your image or likeness being used at Western Research Parks' discretion.
