Imagine Marine Conference 2026
About this Event
The Canadian Marine Careers Foundation is pleased to announce that the Imagine Marine Conference will return for its third year on September 22–23, 2026, at the Rogers Centre (formerly the Shaw Centre) in Ottawa, Ontario.
This year’s theme, Future-Proofing the Marine Workforce: Skills, Tech, and Talent, will explore how the sector can adapt to evolving workforce trends while engaging the next generation and increasing employee retention. We’re seeking proposals that highlight student, early career and/or employee perspectives, as well as insights from stakeholders and experts both within and beyond the marine industry.
Refund Policy
Refunds up to 30 days before event. Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.
Day 1
🕑: 07:45 AM
Conference Registration & Continental Breakfast Buffet
Info: SPONSORED BY THE ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
🕑: 08:30 AM
Opening Remarks & Indigenous Welcome
Host: Julie Fields
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Keynote: Tech, Skills and People: Canada’s Shifting Workforce Landscape
Host: Noel Baldwin - Future Skills Canada
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Sectoral Solutions: Building a Resilient Marine Workforce
Host: John Vandenberg - Arctic Marine Training Group
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Coffee Break/Networking
Info: SPONSORED BY KOTUG CANADA & HORIZON MARITIME
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Empowering the Marine Leaders of Tomorrow
Host: Dayle Pett - BC Ferries
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
Buffet Lunch
🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:00 PM
Keynote Learning Session: How To Practice Allyship in the Workplace
Host: Camille Dundas - ByBlacks.com
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
How Artificial Intelligence Will Impact Marine Workforce Development
Host: Rohit Shanker - Naryant
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Coffee Break/Networking
Info: SPONSORED BY KOTUG CANADA & HORIZON MARITIME
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Breakout A: Establishing Strong Foundations for Young Canadians
Host: Anna Naylor - SOI Foundation
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Breakout B: Driving Student Success in Marine Training Programs
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
End of Day Wrap-Up
🕑: 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Networking Reception
Day 2
🕑: 07:45 AM
Conference Registration & Breakfast
Info: SPONSORED BY SHIPPING FEDERATION OF CANADA
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Opening Remarks
Host: Captain Marshall Dunbar - Master Mariners of Canada
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:15 AM
How Government Can Enable Skills Development and Training Modernization
Host: Joanna Manger - Transport Canada
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Coffee Break/Networking
Info: SPONSORED BY KOTUG CANADA & HORIZON MARITIME
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Immigration, Credential Recognition, and Community Integration
Host: Darrell Pinto - Jumpstart Refugee Talent
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Concluding Session
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 741.43 to CAD 939.10
