Inside the Hamilton Adventure Expo with Founder Breton Kennedy

This week, I sat down with Breton Kennedy, co-founder of the Hamilton Adventure Expo, to talk about how she turned her love of nature into one of Ontario’s most exciting outdoor events. We discussed how her dog-walking business led to full-blown expeditions, what it takes to plan a major expo, and why creating a space for outdoor lovers to connect matters more than ever.

Meet Breton Kennedy

Breton Kennedy is the co-founder and organizer of the Hamilton Adventure Expo—a wildly successful, community-driven celebration of outdoor adventure. A former corporate event planner turned nature enthusiast, Breton’s path into the outdoor world began when she launched “Walk and Roll,” a dog-hiking business in Hamilton. Her love of nature soon grew into a desire to create an inclusive and inspiring space for outdoor lovers to gather, learn, and connect. With her background in event planning and deep passion for exploration, Breton has built more than just a trade show—she’s sparked a local movement.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• Turning Passion into Purpose – Breton’s transition from corporate life to forest trails began through her business "Walk and Roll" where she took dogs for nature hikes—and eventually grew into a full-blown event that brought over 1,000 people through its doors on opening day.

• Sea Kayaking as a Gateway to Adventure – Breton’s passion lies in sea kayaking, giving her a unique entry into big-water expeditions and inspiring her to explore new forms of backcountry travel.

• Creating Community Through Events – With 96% of vendors returning, a new film festival, and plans for outdoor demos, the Hamilton Adventure Expo is becoming more than an event—it’s a community hub for adventurers of all levels.

Q&A Highlights

Q: What inspired the Hamilton Adventure Expo?

A: We just wanted to create the kind of show we would want to go to. Hamilton has so much access to nature but wasn’t being served in the outdoor space. So we decided to change that.

Q: What was your biggest challenge in year one?

A: Starting from scratch. We had no numbers, no track record—just an idea. Convincing vendors to take a leap of faith was the hardest part.

Q: What’s next for the expo?

A: We’re adding more buildings, introducing a Friday night film festival, and expanding the outdoor component with demos like hot tenting and (hopefully!) dog sledding.

Where to Listen & Connect

Catch the full episode on Spotify and follow Breton Kennedy and the Hamilton Adventure Expo at @hamiltonadventureexpo on Instagram.

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