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AGM & Convention

AGM & Convention

October 17 -19, 2024 | Halifax | The Canadian Chamber Network's must-attend event of the year.

October 17 – 19, 2024 | Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel | Halifax, NS

Our AGM & Convention brings together chamber of commerce executives and community business leaders to discuss the economic and political issues affecting the prosperity of Canadian business and set our policy agenda for the upcoming year.

Pricing

TierPriceDeadline
General Admission$725.00September 7 – October 17

Can’t Attend in Person? Send a Proxy in Your Place

If you are unable to attend the 2024 AGM & Convention in person, you can still be represented at the policy debates and at the Annual Meeting.

For the policy debates, please fill out our voting authorization form. The deadline to submit this form is Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

For the Annual Meeting, please fill out our proxy form. The deadline to submit this form is Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. AT.

Agenda at a Glance

Day 1

Thursday, October 17, 2024

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. National Network Lunch: Celebrating Accreditation
Congratulations to the chambers that have achieved Accreditation and the chamber professionals who have earned their Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) designation!
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Health and Networking Break
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions for Chamber Staff and Volunteer Board Members

Stream A: Pan-Canadian Chamber Forum Inaugural Meeting
The inaugural meeting of the Pan-Canadian Chamber Forum marks a significant milestone in the advancement of the Chamber Network across Canada. This forum convenes leaders and decision-makers from chambers of commerce and boards of trade nationwide, both in-person and virtually, to identify crucial issues impacting the development and growth of local chambers and their communities and will encourage collaborative solutions to address these issues.

Stream B: Advocacy and Strategic Communications Interactive Panel Discussion
Join us for an engaging breakout session tailored for chamber staff, where we delve into crucial advocacy and strategic communications issues that impact the future of business success. This panel brings together seasoned corporate and chamber advocacy professionals to share their critical insights, strategies and best practices with chamber staff members.

Moderator:
Jessica Brandon-Jepp, Senior Director, Fiscal & Financial Services Policy, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Speakers:
The Hon. Geoff Regan, P.C., Senior Advisor, Sandstone Group

Lindsay Fernandes, Manager, Public Policy and Stakeholder Relations, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

Stream C: Mastering Board Governance
Join us for an insightful breakout session tailored for volunteer not-for-profit board members eager to elevate their governance skills. Led by Megan Wallace, a seasoned legal expert with experience in board leadership, this session delves into the crucial aspects of effective board governance for not-for-profit organizations.

Speaker:
Megan Wallace, Lawyer and Practical Lead, Not-for-Profit and Charity Law, Mann Lawyers
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.Evening Reception & Expo Opening with a Special Tribute to the Hon. Perrin Beatty
7:30 p.m. Enjoy an Evening in Halifax!

Day 2

Friday, October 18, 2024

8:00 a.m.Buffet Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Keynote Address by Rowena Chan, President, Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. & Senior Vice-President, Retail Advice & Solutions: Unleashing the Power of Creativity in Business

Discover the transformative power of creativity with Sun Life! With nearly 160 years of experience, Sun Life continues to redefine the financial sector, showing that creativity knows no bounds. Join Rowen Chan as she shares how creativity can drive sustainable growth and impact business. Gain actionable insights and strategies to propel your business forward and leverage the power of the Chamber Network. 

This will be followed by a fireside chat with the Canadian Chamber’s new President & CEO, Candace Laing.
9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Annual General Meeting

Consult the notice of the Annual Meeting and the items for discussion

Can’t attend? Assign a proxyholder.
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.Health and Networking Break in Chamber Expo
10:45 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. Keynote Address by Isabelle Hudon, President & CEO, BDC: The Changing Landscape of Entrepreneurship: Bold Strategies for Canada’s Economic Future

Isabelle Hudon, President & CEO of BDC, celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, will discuss the changing landscape of entrepreneurship in Canada and how the broader support ecosystem for small business has been evolving. Acknowledging there are still opportunities to do more, Ms. Hudon will argue in favour of bold and targeted efforts to meet the significant economic challenges Canada is facing. At the same time, she will stress the importance of better insights and intelligence about Canada’s next generation of entrepreneurs to ensure their success as the engine of the national economy.

This will be followed by a fireside chat with entrepreneurs.
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Panel Discussion with Chamber Leaders: Addressing the Productivity Conundrum (delivered entirely in French; simultaneous interpretation devices will be provided to all)

We will revisit Canada’s productivity conundrum with Chamber Network leaders to identify those critical issues that impact the future of business success in our country and how chambers can support businesses. This panel discussion with Chamber Network executives from across the country will be delivered entirely in French.

Moderator:
Catherine Fortin LeFaivre, Vice President, Strategic Policy and Global Partnerships, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Panellists:
Caroline Lachapelle, Executive Director, Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce

Anthony Azard, CEO, Chambre de commerce Cap-Acadie

Hubert Rioux, Economic Advisor, Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ)
12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.Health and Networking Break in Chamber Expo
12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Buffet Lunch

Expert Panel Discussion:
The U.S. Election and the Bilateral Relationship


As one of the most closely watched events globally, the outcome of the U.S. election reverberates across borders, influencing economic policies, trade relations, and market dynamics.

Our esteemed panel of experts will analyze and debate how recent shifts in the United States have directly affected Canadian businesses of all sizes and sectors. From trade agreements and regulatory changes to market sentiment and investment patterns, our panelists will provide valuable insights into navigating the evolving U.S.-Canada economic relationship. A key question will be how the U.S. Election outcomes will influence Canadian economic stability and growth prospects.

Whether you’re a chamber leader, a staff member or a business owner, this panel offers a unique opportunity to gain strategic perspectives and actionable intelligence on navigating the complex intersection of U.S. politics and Canadian business interests.

Moderator:
Matthew Holmes, Senior Vice President, Policy & Government Relations, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Panellists:
James Rajotte, Alberta’s Senior Representative to the United States, Government of Alberta

Trevor Tombe, Director of Fiscal and Economic Policy, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary

Laura Dawson, Executive Director, Future Borders Coalition
1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Health and Networking Break in Chamber Expo
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Policy Resolution Debates (session 1 of 3)
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Enjoy Halifax!
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Social Evening Hosted by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce at the Alexander Keith’s Brewery

Day 3

Saturday, October 19, 2024

8:00 a.m.Buffet Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Policy Resolution Debates (session 2 of 3)
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Health and Networking Break in Chamber Expo
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Chief Economist Panel Discussion:
Economic Outlook for Small Business

With Small Business Week in Canada beginning the following week, please join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion on the current and future economic outlook for micro and small businesses in Canada. Our distinguished panel of experts will delve into key economic trends and strategic insights to navigate current challenges and seize opportunities in the evolving Canadian business landscape.

Moderator:
Stephen Tapp, Chief Economist, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Panellists:
David Chaundy, President and CEO, Atlantic Economic Council

Shaena Furlong, President and CEO, Richmond Chamber of Commerce

Marwa Abdou, Senior Research Director, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. Health and Networking Break in Chamber Expo
12:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Buffet Lunch

Inclusive Growth Awards Presentation
Presented during our AGM & Convention, the Inclusive Growth Awards recognize chambers of commerce, boards of trade and their members across the country that do exceptional work to remove barriers and create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive economy. These awards also recognize Indigenous and other underrepresented entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence in innovation and social impact.

Learn more!
1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Health and Networking Break in Chamber Expo
2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Business Data Lab Interactive Workshop
In today’s digital age, harnessing the power of data can be especially transformative for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as well as local Chambers. This interactive workshop dives into the Business Data Lab’s (BDL) data tools and insights, offering a practical roadmap to leverage BDL data more effectively in your daily operations.

Speakers:
Stephen Tapp, Chief Economist, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Patrick Gill, Senior Director, Operations & Partnerships, Business Data Lab, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Marwa Abdou, Senior Research Director, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Andrew DiCapua, Senior Economist, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Kaviraj Singh, Senior Data Scientist, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.Closing Ceremonies
Handoff to 2025 Host Chamber
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Policy Resolution Debates (session 3 of 3)
ONLY IF NECESSARY
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.Enjoy Halifax!
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Social Evening Hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce at The Cable Wharf

Accommodations

Halifax Marriott Harbourfront:

Limited rooms are available at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront: 1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5

Dates available are: October 17-19, 2024

Room Types (based on first come, first serve):

King Room $220 per night
Standard Doubles Room $220 per night

The Barrington Hotel:

Rooms are now available at The Barrington Hotel: 1875 Barrington Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3L6 (240 m from the Marriott)

Dates available are: October 14 – 20, 2024

Room Types (based on first come, first serve):

King Room $179 per night
Queen Room $179 per night
2 Double Room $179 per night
King Business Class $189 per night
Queen Business Class $189 per night

To book, call 1-833-357-8157 or email barrington-halifax-reservations@silverbirchhotels.com and reference Chamber of Commerce Overflow

Thank You to Our Sponsors

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