Tuesday, July 14, 2026
6PM - 9:30-ish
The Great Hall - 1087 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Hosted by Jam Gamble
Join author Jess Janz and speaker Jam Gamble for the official hometown launch of Jess’ book, The Table Where We Meet.
you’re invited to welcome this book home.
For nearly a decade, Toronto has been the city where Dinner With Strangers grew from a tiny experiment into a movement — where thousands of strangers gathered around tables to share stories, ask better questions, and remember what it means to belong. It feels only fitting to celebrate the launch of this book here, surrounded by the community that helped shape it.
this is not your average book event.
Part conversation, part community gathering, this interactive experience is designed to bring people together through meaningful questions, storytelling, small-group discussions, and creative participation.
Throughout the evening, you'll hear Jess in conversation with Jam Gamble about belonging, friendship, identity, and what thousands of conversations with strangers have taught her about being human.
Together, we'll explore what it means to gather with intention—and create a little space for connection along the way.
your ticket includes:
A live conversation between Jess Janz and Jam Gamble
Guided small-group discussions and interactive reflection prompts
Conversation corners designed to help strangers connect
Interactive installations, including an activation wall and postcard station
Audience Q&A
Book signing following the event
An opportunity to connect with thoughtful humans from across the Toronto community
Whether you arrive with friends or come on your own, you are welcome here.
Please note: Seating is extremely limited!
tiered ticketing to get you in the room.
In the spirit of making these gatherings as accessible as possible, tickets are offered on a tiered basis. Every ticket includes the same experience—please choose the option that feels right for you.
Community Ticket — $25
A lower-cost option intended to make the event accessible to a wider range of guests.
Gather Ticket — $35
The standard ticket price and the true cost of attending the event.
Set the Table Ticket — $50
For those who are able to contribute a little extra. This ticket helps support the broader work of With Strangers, allowing these conversations and gatherings to continue reaching new communities while supporting the independent production of this book tour.
All guests will receive the same experience regardless of ticket type. Thank you for helping us create spaces where strangers can become friends.
powered by Type Books
Jess is excited to have Type Books on site to sell books at this event — you can skip the line and bundle a signed copy of The Table Where We Meet if you haven’t already pre-ordered your copy!
about The Table Where We Meet:
In her debut book, Jess Janz explores belonging, friendship, identity, and the art of gathering through stories collected over nearly a decade of hosting dinners for strangers. Part memoir, part invitation, The Table Where We Meet asks what becomes possible when we choose to show up for one another—and ourselves—with greater curiosity and courage.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
6PM - 9:30-ish
The Great Hall - 1087 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Hosted by Jam Gamble
Join author Jess Janz and speaker Jam Gamble for the official hometown launch of Jess’ book, The Table Where We Meet.
you’re invited to welcome this book home.
For nearly a decade, Toronto has been the city where Dinner With Strangers grew from a tiny experiment into a movement — where thousands of strangers gathered around tables to share stories, ask better questions, and remember what it means to belong. It feels only fitting to celebrate the launch of this book here, surrounded by the community that helped shape it.
this is not your average book event.
Part conversation, part community gathering, this interactive experience is designed to bring people together through meaningful questions, storytelling, small-group discussions, and creative participation.
Throughout the evening, you'll hear Jess in conversation with Jam Gamble about belonging, friendship, identity, and what thousands of conversations with strangers have taught her about being human.
Together, we'll explore what it means to gather with intention—and create a little space for connection along the way.
your ticket includes:
A live conversation between Jess Janz and Jam Gamble
Guided small-group discussions and interactive reflection prompts
Conversation corners designed to help strangers connect
Interactive installations, including an activation wall and postcard station
Audience Q&A
Book signing following the event
An opportunity to connect with thoughtful humans from across the Toronto community
Whether you arrive with friends or come on your own, you are welcome here.
Please note: Seating is extremely limited!
tiered ticketing to get you in the room.
In the spirit of making these gatherings as accessible as possible, tickets are offered on a tiered basis. Every ticket includes the same experience—please choose the option that feels right for you.
Community Ticket — $25
A lower-cost option intended to make the event accessible to a wider range of guests.
Gather Ticket — $35
The standard ticket price and the true cost of attending the event.
Set the Table Ticket — $50
For those who are able to contribute a little extra. This ticket helps support the broader work of With Strangers, allowing these conversations and gatherings to continue reaching new communities while supporting the independent production of this book tour.
All guests will receive the same experience regardless of ticket type. Thank you for helping us create spaces where strangers can become friends.
powered by Type Books
Jess is excited to have Type Books on site to sell books at this event — you can skip the line and bundle a signed copy of The Table Where We Meet if you haven’t already pre-ordered your copy!
about The Table Where We Meet:
In her debut book, Jess Janz explores belonging, friendship, identity, and the art of gathering through stories collected over nearly a decade of hosting dinners for strangers. Part memoir, part invitation, The Table Where We Meet asks what becomes possible when we choose to show up for one another—and ourselves—with greater curiosity and courage.
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