Registration is NOW OPEN!
November 22-24, 2026 | Edmonton, AB
CLICK HERE TO BEGIN YOUR REGISTRATION
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.
Host Venue:
Edmonton Convention Centre
9797 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 1N9
Accommodations:
A special thank you to our host hotels for supporting CIC2026 and providing exclusive room blocks for our attendees. Click the links below to book your room today and secure your stay!
The Westin Edmonton
Start Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
End Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:
- $191.00 CAD per night
- Last Day to Book: Monday, October 19, 2026
Click here to book your room today!
Chateau Lacombe Hotel
Start Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
End Date: Wednesday, November 25,2026
Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:
- $165 CAD per night
- Last day to book: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Click here to book your room today!
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
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CIC2025 Wrap Up Video
CIC 2026 Submissions for Abstracts is Now Closed.
Thank you to everyone who submitted!
Where Energy Flows
Edmonton, Alberta • November 22–24, 2026
Submissions Under Review! Programming will be announced soon.
Share Your Expertise. Shape Tomorrow’s Events.
PCMA Canada East seeks speakers who understand that great events channel energy—not drain it. We want facilitators who design experiences that move people and provide tools attendees can use within 30 days.
Conference Theme: Where Energy Flows
Our 2026 gathering celebrates human-centered design where:
- Technology serves people, not the other way around
- Inclusive environments allow everyone to thrive
- Community and connection drive meaningful outcomes
- Wellness and sustainability guide every decision
What We’re Looking For
Priority Topics
1. Operations Excellence
- RFPs, contracts, and supplier relationships that work
- Neuroinclusive room design and event flow
- Venue transparency and operational efficiency
2. People-First Technology
- AI that actually saves time (no hype, just results)
- Accessible tech for neurodivergent attendees
- Sustainability tools that make a difference
3. Community & Growth
- Growing Members: Building magnetic communities
- Supporting Neurodiversity: Designing for all minds
- Leading with Agility: Flexible, human-centered leadership
- Better Education: Creating learning cultures that last
4. Wellness & Inclusive Design
- Mental health and burnout prevention
- Cross-generational collaboration
- Inclusive networking formats
5. F&B Innovation
- Inclusive menus beyond “veg option”
- Low/no-sugar beverage programs
- Sustainable, culturally appropriate catering
6. Edmonton Experience Design
- Indigenous partnerships and storytelling
- River Valley and festival culture integration
- Walkability-first program design
Our Goals:
- Obtain accessible, affordable, high quality education content which is what PCMA is known for.
- Participate in intimate and interactive dialogues among Canadian peers
- Receive education customized for the Canadian marketplace
Our Attendees:
The CIC attendees are experienced event professionals looking for advanced-level education and professional development opportunities to enhance the value of their meetings and events. We have a strong representation of professional and supplier members, including meeting professionals, association executives, sales and marketing professionals, speakers, and tourism bureau representatives.
Abstract Management by:
Applications for CIC26 NOW OPEN!
Event Planner Bursary for the PCMA CE Canadian Innovation Conference
Are you passionate about event planning and eager to expand your skills and network?
We are thrilled to announce our Event Planner Bursary, designed to support dedicated
professionals in attending this prominent industry conference.
Successful applicants must meet the following criteria:
Membership: Be a current PCMA Canada East member or be willing to join PCMA to be eligible.
Testimonial: Share why attending the conference is important to you and/or how this bursary will benefit your career and personal development. Submissions can be either written or recorded.
Post-Conference Feedback: Provide a testimonial about your experience and the impact of the conference on your professional growth.
Committee Participation: Opportunity to join a volunteer committee of your choice, within 12 months.
Have Business opportunities (past or future) for 2027 Conference sponsors.
What the Bursary Covers:
✓ Conference registration including conference meals
✓ Two (2) night accommodation (room and tax) at conference host hotel
How to Apply:
Click here to submit your application.
Contact Us:
For information & inquiries, please contact the PCMA Canada East Secretariat ([email protected])
Apply today and seize the opportunity to enhance your expertise!
Available bursaries will be awarded on a first come first served basis.
PCMA CE Secretariat will inform applicants of application status within 2 weeks of receiving submission.
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 300 Chapter members and 300 Conference Participants (40% professional: 60% supplier).
The target audience includes meeting professionals, association executives, sales and marketing professionals, professional speakers, and tourism representatives.
2026 CIC Prospectus Coming Soon
Should you have questions regarding partnership, do not hesitate to contact our partnership team:
PCMA Canada East Chapter Secretariat
2140A Queen Street East #539
Toronto, ON M4E 3V7
Tel: 416-595-9615 | Email: [email protected]
Filomena Picciano
Director, Strategic Partnerships, PCMA Canada East Chapter
Tel: 1-514-643-4985| Email:[email protected]
MISSISSAUGA, ON 2025
SASKATOON, SK 2024
SAINT JOHN, NB 2023
NIAGARA FALLS, ON 2022
Click here to access the 2022 photos.
QUEBEC CITY, QC 2019
Click here to access the 2019 photos.
VICTORIA, BC 2018
Click here to access the 2018 photo.
NIAGARA FALLS 2017
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.
ST. JOHN’S 2016
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.
The closing event was memorable and if you didn’t kiss the cod, you missed something. When the lights went down, the street lit up, and the closing party began! Attendees got their fix of fish n’ chips and a Scuff and Swally with Alan Doyle and the Beautiful Gypsies featuring Kendel Carson (John Prine, Spirit of the West,The Paperboys and Elvis Costello), Cory Tetford (Crush), Todd Lumley (Hawksley Workman), Shehab Illyas (MIR) and Kris MacFarlane (GreatBig Sea). No night on George Street is complete without kissing the cod, a tradition that welcomes visitors to the island. The culture, entertainment, and nightlife helped make it an unforgettable night!
Thank you Destination St. John’s and Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism for hosting one memorable PCMA Canada East CIC!
Get a taste of PCMA Canada East CIC—here is a 3-minute 40-second recap! But like they say, YOU had to be there to experience it for yourself.
TORONTO 2015
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 2014
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.
Student Scholarship Opportunity
The PCMA Canada East Chapter is proud to offer a Student Scholarship to attend the 2026 Canadian Innovation Conference (CIC), taking place November 22–24, 2026, in Edmonton, Alberta.
This scholarship is designed to support and inspire the next generation of event industry leaders.
Scholarship Includes:
- Registration to the PCMA Canada East Canadian Innovation Conference
- Round‑trip airfare to and from Edmonton (within Canada)
- Hotel accommodations for 2 nights (room and tax) at the official CIC host hotel
- Conference meals
- Hands‑on experience through an active role in planning the event with the 2026 CIC Volunteer Committee
- Volunteer opportunities to expand your professional network
- A meaningful, immersive educational experience
Please note: This scholarship has no cash value and cannot be exchanged for cash.
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must:
- Be an active member of the PCMA Canada East Student Chapter (good news—it’s free to join!)
- Be enrolled in at least the second year of an Event Planning, Event Management, or Hospitality Management diploma or bachelor’s degree program
Application Process
- March 20, 2026 – Applications open
- April 10, 2026 (5:00 PM EST) – Applications close (late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted)
- Applications reviewed by the PCMA Canada East Committee
- April 20, 2026 – Scholarship recipient announced and introduced to the CIC Organizing Committee
What You’ll Need to Apply
To complete your application, please have the following ready:
- A PDF copy of your current resume or CV
- A link to your LinkedIn profile
Ready to take the next step?
Click here to apply for the 2026 Student Scholarship
You may save your progress and return to your application at any time.