More Than an Expo: A Night of Support and Inspiration for Calgary’s Ostomy Community

Calgary Ostomy Society’s November 18 Ostomy Expo at Inglewood Community Hall welcomed about 50 attendees for an inspiring exhibitor night featuring talks by Hannah Martin-Spencer and Patrick Belton, plus a screening of Stuck sponsored by Ostomy Canada.

On November 18, 2025, the Calgary Ostomy Society hosted a special Ostomy Expo at the Inglewood Community Hall, welcoming approximately 50 members of the ostomy community, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and supporters.

This year, the event took on a slightly different format. Due to being unable to reserve the community hall for the Society’s traditional October awareness walk, the decision was made to host a special exhibitor night instead. The result was an engaging and meaningful evening that offered education, connection, and community in a new way.

The expo provided a welcoming space for attendees to connect with others who share similar experiences, ask questions, and learn more about living well with an ostomy. The strong sense of community throughout the evening highlighted the importance of having opportunities to come together, share stories, and support one another.

The event featured two special guest speakers and ostomy advocates, Hannah Martin-Spencer (@hans_colitisjourney) and Patrick Belton (@theOstomyAthlete). Both speakers shared personal experiences, practical insights, and messages of resilience, reminding attendees that life with an ostomy can be active, fulfilling, and empowering. If you missed our event, be sure to watch our latest YouTube upload featuring our amazing local Ostomy Influencers!

Special Viewing of Short Film STUCK

A special highlight of the evening was the screening of the short film Stuck, sponsored by Ostomy Canada. The film offered a thoughtful and emotional perspective on the realities of living with an ostomy and encouraged meaningful reflection and conversation among attendees.

The film is expected to be released to the public via various platforms, including the Ostomy Canada YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe!

Exhibitors Support the Calgary Ostomy Community

The exhibitor area allowed attendees to explore products, ask questions, and connect directly with manufacturers and local businesses, many of whom are national partners of Ostomy Canada, as well as supporters of our chapter. We extend our sincere thanks to the following vendors and manufacturers for attending and setting up booths:

Pete with Convatec

Special thanks go to CB Medical, Coloplast, and Hollister for sponsoring the event and generously covering the cost of the venue and refreshments. Their support played a key role in making this special exhibitor night possible.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the November Ostomy Expo a meaningful success. The Calgary Ostomy Society looks forward to continuing to host events that educate, connect, and strengthen our local ostomy community.

Ostomy Expo 2025 Event Gallery

Special thanks to our photographer, Sean Currie, for capturing the evening!

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