Frequently Asked Questions

  • Tom Marazzo is a retired Canadian Army Officer, author, speaker, and civic innovator with twenty-five years of military service and extensive experience in leadership, planning, operations, and crisis management.

    Drawing on his military background and training in structured operational planning, Tom teaches civilians how to prepare for emergencies with clarity, discipline, and confidence. His approach is not based on fear or extreme “prepper” thinking. It is based on helping ordinary families, community leaders, and organizations create practical written plans before a crisis occurs.

    Tom is the author of The Emergency Act and The People’s Emergency Plan: A Civilian Guide to Structured Emergency Planning, a step-by-step framework that adapts military planning principles for civilian emergency preparedness. His work helps people analyze risks, identify priorities, assign responsibilities, prepare resources, and make better decisions under pressure.

    Today, Tom continues to write, speak, and teach on emergency preparedness, civic responsibility, leadership, and personal accountability. He also leads the development of Toto, a civic engagement platform designed to help citizens communicate with elected representatives and organize local initiatives.

    Through his training, writing, and public work, Tom’s mission is to give ordinary people the tools, confidence, and structure they need to take meaningful action in their own homes, communities, and country.

    • General Admission — Includes:

      • Admission ticket;

      • Copy of Tom's book.

    • VIP Bundle — Includes:

      • Admission ticket;

      • Premium seating;

      • Plated hot lunch;

      • Copy of Tom's book;

      • Exclusive book signing with Tom.

  • DATE: Saturday, October 17th, 2026
    TIME: 10:00AM - 6:00PM

    Event will be followed by an optional networking session where you can mingle with members of our community. Full service bar ($$) available on-site.

  • Ottawa Police Association
    141 Catherine Street, Ottawa ON K2P 1C3

    Please note the training session will be held upstairs on the top floor.

  • Free parking is available directly across the street. Parking spots are limited, we encourage you to arrive early and carpool if you are attending with others.

    Alternatively, street parking is available around the area. Please ensure you make note of the parking rules where you choose to park.

  • Please plan to arrive 15-30 minutes in advance to ensure you have time to register.

    The event will start on time at 10:00AM sharp. We appreciate your collaboration in arriving on time to avoid any disruptions.

  • The event is scheduled to end at 6:00PM. There is an optional networking event once the workshop ends to mingle and network with other participants.

  • The cheapest way to register is to purchase your tickets directly on our website.

    If you prefer sending an Email Money Transfer (EMT), please send us an email at info@theGCexperience.com to make special arrangements.

    Alternatively you can purchase tickets on EventBrite, however this option is more expensive as the platform charges fees.

  • No, you don’t have to print it the confirmation however you are encouraged to bring an electronic confirmation and a piece of photo ID (just in case).

    You will be asked to provide your full name at the registration table. Our team works hard to ensure your registration experience will be easy and seamless.

  • This event is non-refundable.

    We understand that life happens. If you cannot attend for whatever reason, we can transfer your ticket to someone else who will attend on your behalf.

    If you need to transfer your ticket, please contact us at your earliest convenience at info@theGCexperience.com to make arrangements.

  • Casual. Although there is no dress code, we encourage you to dress comfortably in layers. Since participants will be sitting most of the day, we encourage comfortable, non restrictive clothing and footwear. Although the room will be kept at a comfortable room temperature, everyone is different therefore dressing in layers ensures you can adapt to the room and your personal preference.

  • Yes. This is a family-friendly event for anyone over the age of 17.

    Since participants need to be actively listening and engaged, its best to leave children at home to ensure there is no disruptions during the workshop.

    • Lunch must be ordered and paid in advance with your ticket.

    • You cannot order the food on-site. This ensures that the catering company knows exactly how much food to make.

    • A full-service bar is available on-site to purchase drinks ($$ not included in ticket price).

    • Participants have the option to bring their own lunch/snacks.

    • Pitchers of water will be available at each table (free).

  • You are invited to bring:

    • Pen and paper to take notes

    • Your personal item (purse)

    • Lunch/snacks (regular tickets)

    • Water bottle.

    Prohibited Items:

    • Absolutely NO recording devices.

  • Pictures and videos will be prohibited during the event.

    You are free to take personal pictures of yourself and other participants (with their permission) during the networking hour after the workshop is completed.

  • Yes. Participants that purchased a regular admission ticket can bring their own lunch. A microwave will be available.

    On-site food will NOT be available. You must pre-order your lunch with your ticket.

    Please avoid bringing food that has a strong smell/odor, or shellfish due to risk of severe allergies.

  • Absolutely! If you’re purchasing your tickets separately, we ask that you indicate your friend(s) name at the checkout form so we can ensure that you are sitting at the same table.

  • Book signing with Tom Marazzo is strictly limited to VIP ticket holders.

    All participants will have the opportunity to meet Tom during the networking event, however the book signing is only available to VIP ticket holders.