Black Engineers of Canada National Conference 2026: Build and Bridge
About this Event
A game-changing experience at the BEC National Conference 2026: Building the Future, Advancing Innovation, and Empowering Leadership and Talent. Black Engineers of Canada (BEC) is proud to invite you to the BEC National Conference 2026: Build & Bridge – Engineering Black Enterprise, our inaugural national gathering taking place on August 14 at Arcadian Court in Toronto.
This dynamic event will bring together Black and non-Black engineers, technology professionals, students, industry leaders, and strategic partners from across Canada and beyond for a purpose-driven experience centered on impact, innovation, and opportunity.
Guided by the theme, “What role will engineering talent play in building Canada’s future?”, the conference will explore how engineers and technical leaders can drive innovation, strengthen businesses, and help build a more resilient and prosperous Canada.
Anchored in BEC’s mission to advance excellence, and opportunity in engineering and technology, the conference spotlights innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, and career advancement. We will celebrate our engineers' achievements, elevate emerging talent, businesses and explore Canada's engineering future through addressing talent shortages, retention, procurement, and global expansion into markets like Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
Featuring keynote addresses, thought-provoking panel discussions, interactive workshops, a pitch competition for startups, a showcase of entrepreneurs building Canada strong, and curated networking opportunities, the conference fosters connections, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. It honors trailblazers while equipping next-generation leaders with tools, confidence, and vision to drive sustainable change across industries. Register now to join us!
Duration: 2 days (August 14-15, 2026)
- Day 1: BEC National Conference – Keynotes, panels, workshops, pitch competition, startup showcase.
- Day 2: Boat Cruise Networking & AGM – Casual connections and business updates.
Tickets: Flexible options available
- Full access starts with Day 1 (Conference): Keynotes, panels, workshops, pitch competition, startup showcase.
- Add Day 2 (Boat Cruise Networking & AGM) at 15% discount when bundled with Day 1—maximize value with exclusive connections!
Agenda Day 1
🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Breakfast, Guest Registration & Networking
Info: Attendees gather for registration and a networking breakfast, creating space for meaningful connections between professionals, entrepreneurs, sponsors, and industry leaders.
🕑: 08:30 AM - 08:45 AM
Land Acknowledgement & Opening Logistics
Info: Formal land acknowledgement followed by agenda overview, event logistics, and sponsor recognition.
🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:00 AM
Welcome and Greetings
Info: Welcoming participants and sharing greetings from Prime Minister, Premier, and Mayor of Toronto.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
President Speech & Conference Vision
Info: A message outlining BEC’s mission, long-term vision, and strategic direction.
🕑: 09:15 AM - 09:30 AM
Highlighting Organizational Priorities & Impact, BEC Research Paper Overview
Info: A presentation reviewing key milestones, achievements, and the organization’s measurable impact within Canada’s engineering ecosystem.
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Build and Bridge: Engineering Black Enterprises
Info: Advancing Canada’s Future Through Talent and Global Partnership.
🕑: 10:25 AM - 11:10 AM
Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition Presentation
Info: Entrepreneurs and recruitment-focused firms present opportunities, connecting talent with employers and investors.
🕑: 11:10 AM - 11:25 AM
Engineers Shaping Canada's Future:Canada’s global role in STEM & Inter. trades
Info: Explore how engineering talent, innovation, and leadership can strengthen Canada’s competitiveness, drive economic growth, and shape the country’s role in a rapidly evolving global economy.
🕑: 11:25 AM - 11:40 AM
Bridging Business Opportunities with African & Caribbean Countries
Info: How engineering, innovation, and strategic partnerships can strengthen economic ties and create new opportunities for trade, investment, and collaboration between Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean.
🕑: 11:45 AM - 01:00 PM
LUNCH AND NETWORKING
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Infrastructure Modernization
Info: A high-level keynote and group discussion on infrastructure development across federal, provincial, and municipal levels.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition Presentation
Info: Entrepreneurs and recruitment-focused firms present opportunities, connecting talent with employers and investors.
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:00 PM
Defense Infrastructure Renewal: Building Resilient Systems
Info: Explore how modern defense infrastructure is being renewed to create resilient, secure, and future-ready systems.
🕑: 03:15 PM - 03:35 PM
The Business of Engineering: Turning Expertise into Enterprise
Info: Exploring how engineers can transform technical skills into scalable businesses and consulting ventures.
🕑: 03:35 PM - 03:50 PM
Building Sustainable Businesses from Theory to RealWorld & BEC IncubatorLaunch
Info: Learn how to turn business ideas into sustainable ventures that create lasting real-world impact.
🕑: 03:50 PM - 04:15 PM
Wealth Creation for Engineers
Info: Exploring practical pathways for engineers to create wealth through innovation, investment, and business opportunities.
🕑: 04:15 PM - 04:45 PM
Volunteering Awards Presentation
Info: Celebrating the dedication, leadership, and impact of our outstanding volunteers.
🕑: 04:45 PM - 05:00 PM
Recap of Day’s Events
Info: A closing reflection highlighting the day’s most impactful discussions and experiences.
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Info: These breakout sessions will take place in different rooms between 1:15 PM - 4:30 PM
🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:00 PM
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Info: Breakout Room 1: Patents and Contract Laws in Engineering |
Breakout Room 2: Interview Space for Sponsors |
Breakout Room 3: Women & Intersectionality in Engineering
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Info: Breakout Room 1: Sustainable Infrastructure |
Breakout Room 2: Interview Space for Sponsors and Pitch Competition Feedback Room |
Breakout Room 3: Engineering Change: Equity & Inclusion
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Info: Breakout Room 1: The Future of Nuclear Engineering: Innovation, Infrastructure Renewal, and Career Opportunities with TSSA |
Breakout Room 2: Interview Space for Sponsors and Pitch Competition Feedback Room |
Breakout Room 3: Systemic Barriers & Pathways Forward
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Info: Breakout Room 1: Black Engineers Shaping Canada’s Future Canada’s Global Role in STEM and International Trade |
Breakout Room 3: Creating Inclusive Workplaces
Agenda Day 2
BEC 2026 National Conference Day 2: Boat Cruise Networking & AGM
Info: Saturday, August 15, 2026
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Boarding & Guest Settling
Info: Guests board the cruise vessel and prepare for an engaging afternoon.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:45 PM
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Info: A formal session reviewing organizational updates, governance matters, and strategic direction.
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:45 PM
Fireside Chat: Critical Minerals
Info: An intimate and insightful discussion with a distinguished speaker.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
How to Grow in the Tech Market: A Personal Journey
Info: An intimate and insightful discussion with a distinguished speaker.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:50 PM
Informal Networking Session
Info: An open networking session allowing attendees to strengthen connections in a relaxed setting.
🕑: 03:50 PM - 04:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Off boarding
Info: Final reflections and official closing of the BEC National Conference 2026.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00 to CAD 2675.74
