The App Collective Episode 63
Preparing for Toronto (including a checklist)
Hello! I’ve been seeing all of this fun content lately on TikTok about Type A and Type B people. I think after you read the content of this episode today, you will clearly figure out which Type I am, lol. Which one are you? No worries; I’ve made it easy for you to get organized as our time in Toronto is near.
Will you be there? What are your plans? Have we met before? If not, let’s change that.
I’ve attended every Shopify partner event since they started them in 2016. I will say my favorite parts without a shadow of a doubt are the spontaneous chance meetings with people. Whether we stood in line together, or we sat next to each other, or we passed each other in the hallway, or on the streets of Toronto, meeting new people and learning new things is the magic that happens at these partner events. So, don’t stress the details. You don’t have to go to every talk, attend every party, and be in 20 places simultaneously.
It’s all about the relationships you form along the way.
If you are either an introvert or an ambivert (like me), plan for downtime. The part no one factors in is the overstimulation, and let me tell you - that is a thing. It’s okay - a lot of us experience it. You’re allowed to have some downtime. Give yourself permission to do so, and plan ahead for pockets of time to reenergize and recoup. We’re not curing cancer during this week in Toronto.
Now, let’s get into the survival guide and how to prepare for the week.
✈️ Your Shopify Editions.dev Survival Guide
How to Plan, Network, and Win at the Biggest Developer Event of the Year
By Deborah Mecca – The App Collective
Shopify’s Editions.dev is more than a conference—it’s the annual pulse of the Shopify partner ecosystem. Held in Toronto, it’s two full days of technical talks, product previews, and networking with the brightest builders and thinkers in commerce. I’ve often referred to it as “summer camp.” If you’ve been to one, you probably just giggled or nodded in agreement.
Add to that TechTonic by Mantle, dozens of side events, late-night dinners, parties, and impromptu meetups—and you’ve got a jam-packed week where how you prepare can be the difference between blending in or breaking through.
Here’s how to make the most of it—whether you’re flying in with a team or coming solo with stickers and a dream.
🗓 Step 1: Plan Your Week (But Not Too Much)
Editions.dev runs for a day and a half, but the ecosystem energy kicks off earlier. Plan to arrive a few days ahead to catch:
TechTonic by Mantle (NOT TO BE MISSED - I promise you’ll regret it if you do)
Partner-hosted events, workshops, and social events
Time to settle in, explore, and scout the vibe - Toronto is a vibrant city!
📅 Pro tip: Use a shared Google Calendar or Notion doc to coordinate key sessions, downtime, and meetings. Leave buffer blocks for hallway convos and last-minute invites.
Fun fact: one of the best parts about Shopify Unite in San Francisco year 2 was when the power went out in the city. Shopify quickly pivoted to passing out drinks and giving people opportunities to socialize. Plans often change, or you won’t get somewhere because of Uber issues. It’s honestly okay.
👕 Step 2: Bring Merch, Cards, and a Killer One-Liner
You’ll meet dozens—maybe hundreds—of other builders, marketers, and agencies. Be ready.
Branded Merch: Stickers, T-shirts, or swag with personality. Functional + fun wins every time.
Business Cards: Include a QR code (to your app, site, or Calendly), a bold tagline, and a memorable design.
Pitch Polish: Can you explain clearly what your app does in 15 seconds? Practice a few versions for different crowds—devs, marketers, partners.
🧠 Bonus: Be clear on what you’re looking for—investors, beta testers, partnerships, feedback. OR maybe you’re just there to get inspired!
🤝 Step 3: Network Without Burning Out
The magic often happens between the talks.
Linger in the halls. Join spontaneous conversations.
Say yes to side quests: dinners, walks, coffees.
Stay active in the event Slack, WhatsApp, or X threads—these are hotbeds for off-the-record meetups.
✨ Not every room is for you. Gravitate toward your niche—app marketers, developers, or Shopify partners who understand what you do. It’ll be interesting to see how the schedule caters to these areas this year compared to last.
🧠 Step 4: Capture Insights in Real Time
Editions.dev is a firehose of inspiration. Don’t trust your brain to store it all.
Tweet or journal key takeaways during sessions
Snap photos of important slides or product launches
Record quick voice notes or debrief with your team at the end of each day
🔁 After the event:
Turn insights into roadmap updates or content
Follow up with every connection while the energy is still fresh
Consider writing your own recap (I’d love to feature it in The App Collective!)
🎒 What to Pack
Phone battery pack & charging cable
Comfortable shoes (non-negotiable)
Layered clothing (Toronto spring = unpredictable)
Business cards + branded swag
Hydration & snacks (fuel your brain)
✅ TL;DR: Your Editions.dev Checklist
Arrive early for TechTonic and pre-events
Prep a clear pitch and on-brand swag
Schedule your must-sees, but stay open to serendipity
Network with intention, but pace yourself
Capture key takeaways and follow up fast
Shopify Editions.dev is the once-a-year alignment moment for the app ecosystem.
Be there. Show up prepared. And build something unforgettable.
👉 If you're attending and want to connect or co-host a meetup (I have a client looking to partner on something), reply to this email or DM me on LinkedIn.
🧠 Want a downloadable checklist version of this? Let me know—I’ll send it out before the event.