About the Canadian Innovation Conference

The Canadian Innovation Conference, (brought to you by the PCMA Canada East Chapter), is designed to meet the needs of meeting and event professionals and suppliers whose organizations are engaged in providing services related to the conduct and operation of meetings, conventions, seminars, exhibits and trade shows.

Experience the high calibre of educational content that PCMA is renowned for in an environment customized to the Canadian market. You can earn Clock Hours of Continuing Education and expand your peer network as you invest your time in attending this 2 1/2 day conference.

Here is why you should attend:

• Receive innovative and superior Canadian-focused education
• Earn CEU credits toward your designation
• Connect with Canadian industry decision-makers
• Learn about the latest technology trends to increase efficiency and productivity within your organization
• Create lasting connections in a smaller, more intimate environment

Current Site:

Saint John Trade and Convention Centre

Saint John, New Brunswick

Future Sites:

November 17-19, 2024

TCU Place, Delta Hotels Bessborough and Delta Hotels Saskatoon Downtown

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

2025 – TBA

November 22-24, 2026

Edmonton Convention Centre, the Westin Edmonton and the Chateau Lacombe Hotel

Edmonton, Alberta

• Meeting planners (corporate, government, association, independent)
• Incentive travel + special event planners
• Executive/administrative assistants
• Event industry suppliers (hotels, venues, AV, décor, transportation, caterers, photographers, registration platform providers, event app providers, etc.)
• DMOs/CVBs

There are several compelling reasons why you should attend:

• Community Connection: Engaging with a community of individuals who share your interests and passions can be inspiring and lead to valuable connections.
• Building relationships and boosting your network: Events are great for networking, allowing you to meet professionals and experts in your field. By connecting with others, you can build meaningful relationships that may lead to future collaborations, partnerships, or career opportunities.
• Education from experts and leaders: The event offers the chance to learn from industry experts and leaders. Their insights and experiences can provide valuable knowledge and guidance, helping you stay informed about the latest trends and advancements in your field.
• Expanding knowledge and developing skills: Immerse yourself in an environment dedicated to learning; you can acquire new knowledge and gain practical skills that can enhance your professional growth.
• Insights into the latest trends: Staying ahead of trends is crucial for professional success, and attending this event will give you a competitive edge by keeping you informed about the latest developments.
• Collaboration and idea brainstorming: Facilitated collaboration with peers, allowing you to exchange ideas, engage in discussions, and brainstorm new concepts. Collaborating with others can spark creativity and lead to innovative solutions or projects.
• Earning CEUs for designations: Attend and earn CEUs to obtain/maintain your industry designations.
• Having fun: CIC features enjoyable activities, entertainment, and social gatherings, providing a well-rounded experience that combines learning with enjoyment.

HOST A PLANNER CHALLENGE IS BACK

Do you want to connect with Planners in a different way?
Are you a planner looking to attend CIC, but don’t have the budget?
Check out the NEW & IMPROVED Host a Planner Challenge!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Embracing Inclusion and Diversity – in all its forms – is at the heart of who we are at the PCMA Canada East Chapter. We provide respectful, welcoming and legendary experiences for all of our colleagues, including all gender identities or expressions.

Registration is now open! Secure your spot and register now!

To receive email updates about the conference: contact [email protected]

In addition to stellar speakers and captivating connections, we are thrilled to offer more exclusive experiences.

Just added to the pre-conference program: INDIGENOUS STORYTELLING WALK

Discover the local history of the Wolastoq and Mi’kmaq peoples from a unique Indigenous point of view while meandering along the harbor and the Beautiful River – Wolastoq. Become acquainted with the timeless wisdom of our ancestors and learn how stewardship of the earth should look like in a modern world while respecting and celebrating the traditions of the past. (Registration link is available in the conference registration process.)

Welcome Reception – Sunday, November 19, 2023 – 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Saint John City Market
Sponsored by Tourism New Brunswick

Join us in the heart of uptown Saint John at the historic Saint John City Market – the oldest continuing farmers market in Canada. Discover the heritage of this National Historic Site alongside the modern amenities that make it the beating heart of our urban core. Experience the best New Brunswick has to offer, including food, drink and entertainment!

Closing Reception and Dinner – Tuesday, November 21, 2023 – 7:00pm – late
Marco Polo Cruise Terminal & Area 506 Waterfront Container Village
Sponsored by Port Saint John

Take in the stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Fundy at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal and Saint John’s newest waterfront experience, the Area 506 Waterfront Container Village. We’ll create the perfect vibe to change the tide with an evening of local live music, dancing and entertainment, unique tastes of the Saint John Region, and plenty of surprises along the way!

We look forward to welcoming you to Saint John for PCMA CIC in November 2023!

We look forward to welcoming you to the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre!

A block of rooms has been reserved at the following hotels. Click on the links to book your room online with the group rate.

Hilton Saint John

(174 CAD – 224 CAD per night)

Delta Hotels Saint John

(174 CAD – 324 CAD per night)

Please note that the group rate is available for rooms on Saturday, November 18th, and checking out by Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023. If you require additional guestroom nights, please get in touch with the in-house reservations at 1-888-236-2427.

We encourage you to make your reservation early, as rooms may sell out. The last day to book at the discount rate is Thursday, October 19th, 2023.

Included in your special rate:
*Complimentary wireless internet access

*Exempt from the $15.95 amenity fee

When booking your flight, make sure you are booking to Saint John, NB Airport – YSJ

We are happy to confirm that for the upcoming event, Canadian Innovation Conference, Air Canada offers for North America travel 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher. For International Travel 10% on standard fares & higher. You will need the discount code listed below to take advantage of this offer. Please visit the Air Canada website to make a booking online.

Applicable Rules

• The booking is to be made to the following city: Saint John, New Brunswick YSJ
• The travel period begins Sunday, November 12, 2023 and ends Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
• Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Promo Code:  HH9QYK21

2023 PCMACE CIC Partnership Prospectus

Why Partner?

It just makes financial sense!

Be recognized as an official partner of the Canadian Innovation Conference

Support the advancement of knowledge in the meetings industry

Gain from partnering with PCMA in building what we believe is Canada’s premier meetings industry association

Network and market your products and services to an audience of over 375 Chapter members and 400 Conference Participants (40% professional: 60% supplier).

The target audience includes meeting professionals, association executives, sales and marketing professionals, professional speakers and tourism representatives.

Should you have questions regarding partnership, do not hesitate to contact our partnership team:

Filomena Picciano
2022 Strategic Partnership Director, PCMA Canada East Chapter
Tel: 1-514-643-4985| Email:[email protected]

PCMA Canada East Chapter Secretariat
2140A Queen Street East #539
Toronto, ON M4E 3V7
Tel: 416-595-9615 | Email: [email protected]

NOW OPEN – HOST A PLANNER CHALLENGE 2023

FOR SUPPLIERS

Are you up for the Challenge?

Do you want to connect with Planners in a different way?

Host them as your guest at the CIC 2023, an experiential conference where they can learn from industry leaders, connect with peers and, as a bonus, they receive Clock Hours for participating in a variety of interactive educational sessions!

We are inviting you to participate in the 2023 CIC Host a Planner Challenge.

How to participate:

• Indicate your interest in inviting Planners to attend the 2023 Canadian Innovation Conference by contacting the Chapter Secretariat.
• You will receive an email with a discount code to provide to Planners you wish to invite. This will be for them to use when registering and will help us track your involvement.
• Don’t know any planners to invite? You can find Planners that have expressed an interest in attending the CIC by contacting the Chapter Secretariat.

What are the benefits?

• All Suppliers who participate in the Supplier Challenge will enjoy direct networking time with your sponsored Planners during Tuesday’s lunch; reserved seating will be arranged for you and those you sponsor.
• All Suppliers who participate will be listed on the 2023 Canadian Innovation Conference website for all members to see
• All Suppliers will receive stage mention during the 2023 CIC Tuesday lunch and inclusion in the sponsor loop on-site.
• All Suppliers will receive 25% off for each planner they invite.

In addition:

For every Planner you host at the CIC conference, your name will be entered into a draw. You will receive one ballot for each component you sponsor (conference registration, travel, and accommodation) so the more Planners you host and the more components you sponsor, the more ballots you will receive.

The winner of the draw will receive recognition including:

1. 1. Logo appearing in the Chapter weekly e-newsletter for the months of January and February, as well as when the Host a Planner Challenge is launched for CIC 2024.
   2. Logo appearing on the CIC website as the winner of the Supplier Challenge for 2023.
   3. One complimentary promotional item to be included in one chapter e-newsletter accompanied by promotion through all chapter social channels. (Timing of this promotion will be at the Supplier’s discretion in agreement with the Chapter).

The challenge is on!

The winner will be announced during the Tuesday lunch at the conference.

FOR PLANNERS

If you are interested in attending the PCMA Canada East Chapter’s 2023 Canadian Innovation Conference and are hoping to be invited by a Supplier, please submit your name here.

All Suppliers interested in hosting a Planner will have access to this list; however, signing up to this list is not a guarantee that you will be invited.

If a Supplier has not selected your name by the early bird deadline of September 29, 2023, we will honour the early bird rate for you for one week (until October 6, 2023) should you wish to register on your own.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Chapter Secretariat at [email protected]

Congratulations to Encore, the CIC 2022 Host A Planner Challenge Winner

Our Community Social Responsibility Initiative is Back!

We are excited to announce our partnership with Harbour Lights, an organization dedicated to coordinating fundraising efforts for 16 food banks in Southwestern New Brunswick, Canada, on an annual basis. Their mission is to disperse the funds raised to support these food banks.

To ensure widespread participation, we have created link and featuring a post about the activity in our newsletter and online platforms. This will allow everyone, including those who are unable to attend CIC in person this year, to join us and contribute to this cause.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

This year, PCMA Canada East chapter launched its Golden Hearts campaign, which embodies the spirit of kindness and compassion. Members have come together to share their heartwarming stories of paying it forward. These acts of benevolence range from spreading positivity through uplifting online messages, displaying simple gestures, to expressing care. We have been thrilled to feature these heartwarming tales on our social media channels, inspiring countless others to join in the movement.

In collaboration with Harbour Lights, we are taking the Golden Hearts initiative to new heights. This year, at CIC we will be creating a captivating and meaningful experience. A beautifully illuminated tree adorned with hearts (#heartstrings) takes center stage near the registration area of the convention center. During the conference, and the chapter’s other educational events, attendees will have the opportunity to participate by making a donation to the charity and adding their own heart to the tree. Alongside their contribution, they leave a heartfelt message to be shared with the food banks we will be supporting. As funds are raised, the tree glows brighter, visually showcasing the progress we are making together towards our shared goal. Your generous donations will play a crucial role in supporting local Food Banks that have a profound impact on our communities:

• Action Ministries of Grand Manan
• Campobello Island Community Food Bank
• Community Food Basket of Saint John
• Deer Island Safety Net- Hampton Food Basket Inc.
• Kennebecasis Valley Food Basket- Lakewood Headstart Association Inc.
• River Valley Food Bank Association- St. Andrews Open Door Program
• St. George & Area Food Bank
• Saint John East Food Bank
• Saint John North Food Bank Association
• The Sussex Sharing Club
• The Salvation Army Sussex Food Bank
• Volunteer Centre of Charlotte County
• West Side Food Bank Inc.

Click here to access the 2022 photos.

Click here to access the 2019 photos.

The PCMA Canada East Chapter’s 5th Anniversary Canadian Innovation Conference is true to its name! Each year, the committee sets out to think outside the box when creating the next experience. We envisioned a wholesome conference, one that engaged the mind, body and soul and invigorated you to get the edge.

With this goal in mind, PCMA Canada East CIC 2017 delivered a highly educational program, with lots of time to network, plenty of food, all with the backdrop of the magnificent Niagara Falls.

Our chapter’s annual Innovation conference is true to its name! Each year, the committee sets out to think outside the box when creating the next experience. We envisioned a wholesome conference, one that engaged the mind, body and soul and invigorated you to go far, far out. With this goal in mind, the PCMA Canada East CIC 2016 experience was designed to deliver a highly educational program coupled with innovative learning zones, space to get in touch with your playful side, and a wellness feature that provided much-needed relaxation.

The easygoing, welcoming and warm hospitality of St. John’s, Newfoundland influenced the vibe of the conference: it shone through the smiles of our 275 participants, who were open to play and learn.

Over 400 attendees came to Toronto Nov. 22-24, 2015 for innovative, engaging Canadian-focused education that would help to transform and elevated the way planners design meetings and events.

Montreal is a city whose passion, joie de vivre and rich cultural heritage are legendary. Montrealers greeted visitors and showed off their city’s charms, and were given a very warm welcome.