Events

AGM & Convention

The Canadian Chamber Network's must-attend event of the year.

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October 28 & 29, 2026
Victoria Conference Centre | 720 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC

Our AGM & Convention is the flagship gathering of the Chamber Network, bringing together chamber executives and business leaders from across the country to explore the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping Canadian business today.

This is where ideas turn into action: through dynamic discussions, policy debates and meaningful connections, members help shape our advocacy agenda for the year ahead. Join us to gain insight, have your voice heard and connect with peers from coast to coast to coast.

Registration


Ticket Type Price (pre-taxes and service fees)
Very Early Bird Rate
(May 1 to June 30)
$525
Early Bird Rate
(July 1 to October 9)
$625
Regular Rate
(October 10 to 28)
$725

Agenda


The agenda is subject to change.

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Registration & Information
11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Chamber Expo
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Networking Reception in Chamber Expo
12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.Opening Ceremonies & Remarks
Speaker: Daniel Caramori, VP, Chamber Network Engagement, Canadian Chamber of Commerce 
12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.Building a More Competitive & Connected Canada: A Conversation with Provincial Leaders (To be confirmed)
Canada’s economy shouldn’t stop at provincial and territorial borders. Hear directly from Premiers as they explore how governments can work together to reduce barriers, strengthen economic connections and unlock greater movement of goods, services, workers and investment across the country. From trade and infrastructure to productivity and investment, discover what it will take to build a more competitive and connected Canada. 
12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.Lunch
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.Business Data Lab
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Annual Meeting of Members
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Break in Chamber Expo
3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.Policy Resolution Debates

Moderator: Hon. Don Boudria, PC, Senior Advisor, Sandstone Group
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.Social Evening Hosted by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, October 29, 2026

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Registration & Information
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Chamber Expo
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.The Future-Ready Mind: Three Ways to Rethink Leadership in an Ever-Changing World
As burnout, disconnection and disruption continue to reshape our workplaces and communities, leaders must develop new capabilities to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Drawing on the latest neuroscience and behavioural research, renowned psychiatrist, neuroscientist and bestselling author Dr. Shimi Kang explores three essential future-ready skills that are innate to us all: calm for resilience, connection for community and creativity for adaptability and innovation. 
 
In this engaging presentation, Dr. Kang will share practical, science-backed strategies that help individuals and organizations strengthen well-being, build meaningful relationships and unlock greater innovation and performance. Attendees will leave with simple yet powerful tools to cultivate healthier habits, foster stronger connections and embrace a more creative mindset in both their professional and personal lives. 
 
Following her presentation, Dr. Kang will join Candace Laing, President & CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and Launi Skinner CEO of Tru Cooperative Bank for a fireside chat on how today’s leaders are putting these principles into practice to build resilient organizations, navigate change and prepare for the future.

Speakers:
Dr. Shimi Kang, Award-winning, Harvard-educated, Psychiatrist, Bestselling Author & Speaker

Launi Skinner, CEO, Tru Cooperative Bank

Moderator:
Candace Laing, President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce 
9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.Break in Chamber Expo
9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.The Future of Advocacy, Chamber Relevance & Next-Generation Leadership
Canada’s business community is entering a period of profound transition. With roughly three-quarters of small business owners expected to exit their businesses over the next decade, a massive wave of ownership transfer is reshaping who will own Canada’s Main Streets, lead local economies and advocate on behalf of business communities. At the same time, technological disruption, changing expectations around leadership and evolving trust in institutions are transforming how people engage with advocacy, networking and civic participation. 
 
As entrepreneurs, successors and emerging leaders step into ownership and leadership roles, chambers must rethink how they create value, foster belonging and mobilize collective action. This session explores how chambers can evolve their advocacy models, member engagement strategies and leadership approaches to remain the trusted voice of business for the next generation. 

Speakers:
James Gatsi, Chief Growth Officer, Tecnet Canada & Chair, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

Jodi Kovitz, Managing Director, Digital Small Business, Tangerine

Meagan Conn, Director, Public Affairs, NATIONAL PR
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.The Future of AI & SME Adoption
Artificial intelligence is poised to transform productivity, competitiveness and business growth, yet many small and medium-sized enterprises risk being left behind. Attendees will learn how chambers can help businesses build foundational AI literacy, identify practical use cases and accelerate adoption. The session will also explore AI’s growing impact on Canada’s economy and the opportunities it presents for entrepreneurs and business communities. 

Speakers:
Natasha Walji, Managing Director, Google Canada
11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Break in Chamber Expo
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Pan-Canadian Chamber Forum: The Future of Canada’s Competitiveness
Beyond Potential: Turning Canada’s Advantages into Growth & a Better Life for All

Canada has many of the assets the world increasingly values — from political stability and strong alliances to abundant natural resources, clean power and world-class research capacity. At the same time, significant opportunities are emerging across energy, mining, defence and security, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, and agri-food. 
 
But having the right ingredients is only the beginning. Canada’s ability to compete and translate its advantages into investment, growth and higher-value economic activity will depend on how effectively we execute. 
 
This conversation will examine where Canada is best positioned to compete, what is holding us back, and what businesses and investors are experiencing on the ground. Leaders will explore how competitiveness challenges and opportunities differ across regions, the role chambers can play in helping businesses seize opportunities in their own markets, and what these insights mean for a shared advocacy agenda for the Chamber Network.

Speakers:
Anita McOuat, National Managing Partner, Clients & Industries, PwC
12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.Fireside Chat with Federal Minister
1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.Break in Chamber Expo
1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.Chamber Future Builders Competition
Across Canada, chambers and boards of trade are testing new ideas, building bold partnerships and reimagining what’s possible for businesses and communities. In the Chamber Future Builders Competition, finalists will take the stage to pitch their projects to a panel of judges and a live audience, with voting helping to identify the most innovative and replicable initiatives that are building Canada’s future.  
 
More than a competition, this session invites you to engage directly with some of the most forward-thinking work in the Chamber Network. You’ll hear what’s working on the ground, exchange ideas with peers and take away practical inspiration to strengthen impact in your own community.

Moderator: Daniel Caramori, VP, Chamber Network Engagement, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Awards Presentation: David Rheault, VP, Government & Community Relations, Air Canada
2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Break in Chamber Expo
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Policy Resolution Debates

Moderator: Hon. Don Boudria, PC, Senior Advisor, Sandstone Group
5:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.Closing Remarks with Expo Passport Draw & 2027 Convention Presentation
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.Social Evening Hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Travel & Accommodation


Hotel

Fairmont Empress

Our room block at the Fairmont Empress (attached to the Victoria Conference Centre) is available until October 4. Our group rate is $269 + taxes for a Fairmont or Deluxe City View room.

To book a room, please call 250.834.8111 and identify yourself as being with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce group (block code CCCAG1026).

You can also book your room using this link: CCoC2026.

DoubleTree by Hilton

Our room block at the Fairmont is filling up quickly. If you’re unable to book at the Fairmont, you can stay at our secondary hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton (located 300 m from the Victoria Conference Centre). Our group rate is $269 + taxes for a Standard King Room. Our rate is available until 5:00 p.m. PT on October 4.

To book a room, please call 250.940.3106 and ask for the CCC AGM & Convention group rate.

You can also book your room using this link: CCC AGM & Convention.

Travel

Air Canada Discount Code

Air Canada has provided a discount code for up to 10% off on flights to Victoria (YYJ). Please use this promotion code when booking your flights at aircanada.com: LCGHG721.

WestJet Discount Code

WestJet has provided a discount code for 5% off Econo and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium base fares on flights to Victoria (YYJ). Please use this discount code when booking your flights at westjet.com: 2E2V9TT.

Tourism Information

Where land meets sea and cultures converge, Victoria is a city unlike any other. From boutique hotels fit for a queen to world-class attractions and exceptionally fresh, farm-to-table dining measured in metres—not miles—every experience feels both elevated and intimately local. Nestled between the tranquil waters of the Salish Sea and the lush, towering rainforests of Vancouver Island, Victoria offers a rare blend of natural beauty, refined charm, and vibrant coastal energy that makes it an unforgettable destination.

Make your trip to the West Coast memorable with local experiences including:

  • The world-famous Butchart Gardens and explore 55 acres of spectacular gardens.
  • Whale watching in the Salish Sea and experience the region’s incredible marine life.
  • Victoria’s downtown waterfront, just steps from this year’s Convention.
  • Local businesses, restaurants and attractions. Experience the community hosting the Chamber Network!

Policy Resolution Debates



The resolutions we debate and adopt will guide how we respond to current challenges and support Canadian businesses into the future.

Chamber Future Builders Competition


The Chamber Future Builders Competition brings together the most innovative chamber initiatives from across the country in a live pitch competition at the AGM & Convention.

Inspired by the three pillars of the Chamber 2027 Strategic Plan, initiatives are recognized in three categories:

Nation Builder: Initiatives that address regional, provincial, territorial or national challenges and contribute to Canada’s long-term prosperity.

Business Builder: Initiatives that help businesses grow, innovate, improve competitiveness or support entrepreneurship.

Community Builder: Initiatives that strengthen local leadership, partnerships and community capacity while creating meaningful local impact.

How It Works

  1. Submit your initiative by September 1.
  2. A judging committee will select finalists in each category.
  3. Finalists will be invited to present their initiative live at the AGM & Convention on October 29 in Victoria.
  4. Winners will be selected through a combination of judging panel evaluation and live audience voting.

#CCEC26


The Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada is holding its annual conference from October 27-28 at the Victoria Conference Centre. Consider arriving a day earlier to take part in this national professional development conference for chamber professionals.

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

Interested in elevating your brand and engaging with Canada’s leading business community? Explore our sponsorship opportunities and discover how your organization can get involved.

Thank You to Our Excellence Members