Events
Join us for transformative leadership experiences that will equip you to navigate challenges with faith and wisdom.
"The storm does not define the leader. The leader's response to the storm defines everything."
HOPAP International Leadership Forum
Riding Out The Storm - International Leadership Forum 2026
Faith • Resilience • Leadership • Purpose
Date
July 31 – August 2, 2026
Venue - Banquet Hall
746 Barton Street E, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Host
House of Praise and Prayer
Status
Registration Open
About This Event
Join global leaders, senior professionals, and influencers for three transformative days at Riding Out the Storm.
This isn't just a conference—it's a space to be inspired, equipped, and strengthened in the face of life's toughest challenges. You'll hear stories from professionals, faith leaders, and change-makers who have faced setbacks, navigated crises, and emerged stronger—and gain insights and strategies to do the same.
Connect with social leaders, human rights advocates, business owners, government officers, and professionals from around the world. Walk away empowered, with renewed clarity, practical tools, and the confidence to face your own storms and rise stronger.
Global Convenor
Pastor Dr. Tinuola Babafemi Nakey
Inspired
Powerful stories and keynotes that reignite your purpose and passion for leadership
Equipped
Practical frameworks, strategies, and tools you can apply the moment you return home
Connected
Lasting relationships with leaders, advocates, and change-makers from across the globe
Who Should Attend?
Why This Conference?
There are hundreds of leadership events in the world. Here is what makes the HOPAP International Leadership Forum genuinely different — and why it matters to you personally.
"You must not shrink, you must rise to the storm..."
We live in a time of extraordinary pressure on leaders. The storms are real — political, economic, spiritual, relational. The question is not whether you will face them. The question is whether you are prepared.
A Truly Global Gathering
Leaders from across Africa, North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond come together under one roof. The diversity of voices, cultures, and experiences in the room creates a rare depth of conversation you cannot replicate online or in regional conferences.
Faith-Centred Leadership
Most leadership conferences focus on strategy and skills. This one goes deeper. Every session is designed to strengthen both your capacity and your character — equipping you to lead from the inside out.
Built for Uncertain Times
"Riding Out The Storm" is not just a theme. It is a direct response to the moment we are in. Every workshop, keynote, and conversation is designed for the pressures and opportunities of this specific season.
Relationships That Last
The connections you make here outlast the event. Past attendees consistently tell us that the friendships, partnerships, and collaborations formed at HOPAP forums continue to shape their work for years.
Practical Tools You Can Use
You will leave with frameworks, strategies, and resources you can apply the moment you return home. Our speakers are practitioners — people who lead organisations, communities, and movements in the real world.
A Platform for Your Voice
Whether through our paper presentation track, breakout discussions, or networking sessions, you have the opportunity to share your own insights with a global audience. Many past attendees have gone on to become featured speakers.
What Changes When You Attend
Leading in isolation
Connected to a global network of like-minded leaders
Overwhelmed by crisis
Equipped with resilience frameworks that actually work
Questions without answers
Clarity, purpose, and a renewed sense of direction
Inspired but stuck
Actionable plans and accountability partnerships
Is This Forum For You?
You belong here if any of the following resonates
You lead an organisation, community, or movement and feel the weight of the moment
You are a faith leader who wants to connect with global peers facing similar pressures
You are a professional whose work has a larger purpose and you want to sharpen that vision
You are a young leader ready to step into greater influence with wisdom and accountability
You are a researcher, educator, or author whose ideas deserve a global audience
You are tired of surface-level conferences and ready for something that goes deeper
You want to build real relationships with leaders from other countries and cultures
You are navigating a personal or professional storm and need both encouragement and tools
Meet the Speakers
World-class leaders, practitioners, and change-makers sharing real stories and practical wisdom.
Dr. Nikki Clarke
Award-Winning Media Executive, Author & Cultural Leader
Dr. Nikki Clarke is an award-winning media executive, author, educator, and cultural leader whose work has amplified Black voices and empowered communities across Canada and beyond. She founded The Nikki Clarke Show seventeen years ago, which has evolved into a trusted global media brand and recipient of the Canada Choice Awards 2026 for Media and Entertainment. A Fellow of the Institute of Information Management, she is also the founder of The Nikki Clarke Network and Navaan, an online women's fashion boutique. She is the celebrated author of The Paperclip Princess, the Black Canadian History Coloring Book, and I Can Care but Can't Carry.
Dr. Kola Olugbodi (OAK), FIIM
Chairman, OAKSPIRE Group | Founder & CEO, Background Check International
Dr. Kola Olugbodi (OAK) is a Nigerian entrepreneur, corporate leader, and internationally recognized authority in background screening, due diligence, and corporate integrity. He is widely acknowledged as Africa's leading background check expert and the pioneer of the background screening industry in Nigeria and West Africa. He is the Chairman of the OAKSPIRE Group and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Background Check International (BCI), a leading background screening and due diligence company providing services to organizations across Africa. Beyond his corporate leadership, Dr. Olugbodi is a passionate mentor, resilience advocate, author, and inspirational speaker committed to helping individuals and organizations overcome challenges and build resilient lives and institutions.
Vicky Wong
International Speaker, Ordained Minister & Humanitarian Leader
Vicky Wong is an international speaker, ordained minister, entrepreneur, author, and humanitarian leader. Born in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada at 23, she holds degrees in Education and Theology and has ministered across Canada, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. She is the founder of SEEDS, a registered Canadian charity, and International Teams Mission Toronto. A Child Sponsorship Ambassador for World Vision Canada and author of Evangelism Today, Vicky inspires leaders to live with purpose and bring hope to communities worldwide.
More Speakers
Additional world-class speakers are being confirmed. Stay tuned for announcements!
Follow for UpdatesConference Program Schedule
Three days of transformative learning and networking
Registration & Networking (Breakfast included)
Welcome by volunteers, distribution of kits, name badges
Opening Ceremony – Prayer, Welcome, Conference Overview
Pastor Dr. Tinuola Babafemi Nakey
Keynote: You Are Not Defined by the Storm
Global Leadership Consultant
Tea/Coffee Break
Plenary Session 1: Leadership in Crisis: Faith-Anchored Decision Making
Multiple Speakers
Lunch & Networking (Lunch included)
Panel: Navigating Personal & Professional Storms
Moderator: Pastor Dr. Tinuola Babafemi Nakey
Break
Faith Enrichment: The Power of Praying Parents
Interfaith Leader & Author
Reflection & Closing Prayer
Pastor Dr. Tinuola Babafemi Nakey
Registration Fees & Options
Choose the option that best fits your needs (All fees in CAD $)
Early Bird
Deadline: April 30, 2026
- Full access to all sessions
- Networking opportunities
- Awards ceremony access
- Daily breakfast included
- Daily lunch included
Regular
Deadline: June 30, 2026
- Full access to all sessions
- Networking opportunities
- Awards ceremony access
- Daily breakfast included
- Daily lunch included
VIP
Deadline: July 25, 2026
- All Regular benefits
- VIP seating
- Red-carpet access
- Networking with speakers
- Reserved dinner
- Daily breakfast & lunch included
Virtual
Deadline: July 29, 2026
- Online access to live-streamed sessions
- Digital resource materials
- Certificate of participation
Presenter Registration Options
For those wishing to present research or deliver a speech at the forum
Paper Presentation
CAD $850Deadline: June 15, 2026
- Full access to all sessions
- Present a research paper
- Daily breakfast & lunch included
- Publication opportunity
Speech Presentation
CAD $750Deadline: June 15, 2026
- Full access to all sessions
- Deliver a speech
- Daily breakfast & lunch included
- Certificate of participation
Leadership Ambassador
CAD $1,650Deadline: July 1, 2026
- All VIP benefits
- Recognition badge
- Exclusive networking events
- Media feature opportunity
- Daily breakfast & lunch included
Important Notes:
- Dinner, and accommodation costs are not included
- Payment at the event day is prohibited
- Visa issuance is at the consulate's discretion — approval is not guaranteed
- Payment accepted via E-Transfer or Wire Transfer only — credit/debit cards are not accepted
Payment Methods
We accept the following payment methods only
Credit cards and debit cards are NOT accepted. Payment at the event day is prohibited.
E-Transfer
Send E-Transfer to:
hopap23@gmail.com
Wire Transfer
For wire transfer banking details, please contact:
Wire transfer details will be provided upon request
After Payment – Next Steps
- 1Complete the online registration form
- 2Make payment via E-Transfer or Wire Transfer
- 3Email proof of payment to contact@hopapevents.com
- 4Receive confirmation email with ticket, session access, and optional visa support letter
Visa Support Letter
We're here to help international attendees with visa requirements
How to Request Visa Support
- 1Complete your event registration and payment
- 2Prepare required documents: passport copy + registration/payment proof
- 3Email your request to: contact@hopapevents.com
- 4Receive your official invitation letter within 7-14 business days
Important: Visa issuance depends on the participant's consulate. HOPAP cannot guarantee visa approval, but we will provide all necessary documentation to support your application. Please apply for your visa well in advance of the event date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about attending
What is included in the registration fee?
Registration includes access to all sessions and workshops, daily breakfast, networking lunch, resource materials, and a certificate of completion. VIP tickets also include red-carpet access, networking with speakers, and reserved dinner. Note: Dinner (except VIP), and accommodation costs are not included.
Is accommodation included?
Accommodation is not included in the registration fee. Attendees are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. We recommend booking early as the event is held at a Banquet Hall in the bubbly city of Hamilton, Ontario
Can I get a visa invitation letter?
Yes! International attendees can request an official invitation letter for visa purposes. Required documents: passport copy + registration/payment proof. Email: contact@hopapevents.com. Processing time: 7–14 business days. Please note: visa issuance is entirely at the consulate's discretion and HOPAP cannot influence or guarantee the outcome.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
Before 90 days: 50% refund. 60–89 days before event: 25% refund. Less than 60 days: No refund. All cancellations must be submitted via contact@hopapevents.com. Payment at the event day is prohibited.
Who can attend this forum?
The forum is open to global leaders, senior professionals, and influencers including: social leaders & activists, human rights advocates, faith leaders, women empowerment advocates, charity & NGO leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs, CEOs, government officers, teachers, professors, authors, journalists, media professionals, and professionals from public and private organizations.
What payment methods are accepted?
Payment is accepted via E-Transfer or Wire Transfer only. Credit and debit cards are NOT accepted. E-Transfer: hopap23@gmail.com. For wire transfer details, please click on 'Register Now' to find the details. After payment, submit proof to contact@hopapevents.com. You will receive a confirmation email with your ticket and session access details.
Are there special registration options for speakers or presenters?
Yes! We offer Paper Presentation registration (CAD $850) which includes full access plus the opportunity to present a research paper. Speech Presentation registration (CAD $750) includes full access plus the opportunity to deliver a speech. Both include daily breakfast and lunch.
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