"On the Northern Edge"

The 2026 North American Maple Syrup Council (NAMSC) Conference brings the maple syrup industry together in Northern Ontario for a landmark event celebrating innovation, research, and the future of maple production. Hosted by the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association (OMSPA) and the Algoma Maple Syrup Producers Association (AMSPA), with support from the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, this conference marks the first time NAMSC is held in Northern Ontario—one of Canada’s most promising areas for maple growth.

Welcoming 200+ participants from across North America, NAMSC 2026 will connect maple syrup producers, researchers, equipment manufacturers, Indigenous producers, students, and agri-food leaders for several days of learning, collaboration, and industry connection. Set against the backdrop of Algoma’s rich maple heritage and emerging innovation, the conference offers a unique opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen networks, and explore what’s next for the maple syrup sector.

The conference will be hosted at the Quattro Hotel & Conference Centre in Sault Ste. Marie. Attendees are responsible for booking their own accommodations, with a block of rooms reserved at Quattro—simply call (705) 942-2500 and mention the NAMSC 2026 Conference when making your reservation. If you wish to use this block of rooms, the deadline for booking is September 18, 2026.

Regional Maple Tours
Guided bus tour with visits to local operations, including Ontario’s largest maple syrup producer and other sugar bushes in the Algoma region, which is one of the top regions in Canada for future maple production growth.

Taste of Algoma Dinner
A signature culinary event at the Canadian Bush Plane Heritage Centre, featuring a locally inspired menu that celebrates flavours and producers from the Algoma region.

Speakers
Speakers will include leading maple syrup researchers, academics, and industry experts from across North America. Sessions will explore both current challenges and emerging opportunities in the maple sector, with topics expected to include forest management, syrup quality and food safety, climate adaptation, and best practices for sustainable and profitable production. The full speaker lineup and session details will be announced in the coming months.

Tradeshow
Showcases the latest maple production equipment, technology, and innovations, bringing together leading manufacturers, suppliers, researchers, and producers for hands-on demonstrations, product exploration, and industry networking.

Banquet
Brings delegates together for an evening of fine cuisine, networking, and celebration of excellence across the maple syrup industry.

Companion Bus Tours
Hop aboard a double decker bus for tours of the following:

• Soo Locks: Explore North America's largest waterway traffic system that connects Lake Superior and Huron.
• Old Stone House: Have lunch at a heritage site featuring two of the oldest surviving buildings in Northern Ontario: The Ermatinger Old Stone House (1814–1823) and The Clergue Blockhouse (1894). The tour tells the story of early settlement, the fur trade, and industrial history in Sault Ste. Marie.
• Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre: Join us for a Truth Walk on the former site of Shingwauk Indian Residential School, part of Canada’s broader residential school system that sought to assimilate Indigenous children. Today, the Shingwauk site is home to Algoma University.

The bus will depart from Quattro at 9AM and return at 4PM. Please note that these tours are not included in conference registration. They are intended for those who do not wish to attend the speakers.

Speakers
Speakers will include leading maple syrup researchers, academics, and industry experts from across North America. Sessions will explore both current challenges and emerging opportunities in the maple sector, with topics expected to include forest management, syrup quality and food safety, climate adaptation, and best practices for sustainable and profitable production. The full speaker lineup and session details will be announced in the coming months.

Tradeshow
Showcases the latest maple production equipment, technology, and innovations, bringing together leading manufacturers, suppliers, researchers, and producers for hands-on demonstrations, product exploration, and industry networking

International Grading School
Provides hands-on training in evaluating maple syrup quality, flavor, color, and defects using globally recognized standards. It prepares students to grade syrup accurately and consistently for trade, production, and quality assurance worldwide. Registration for this will be done separately.

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Host or Publisher Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN)