- September 18th, 2026
- Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax, NS
Agenda for the 3rd Annual
Sustainable Blue Economy Summit 2026
From Ocean Potential to Ocean Performance
Agenda
September 18th, 2026
8:30 AM – 8:40 AM
Opening Remarks
Welcome everyone, framing the moment for the blue economy, ocean alliance canada’s mission and vision, todays conversations, lead into the keynote.
8:40 AM – 9:10 AM
Opening Keynote | The Trillion Dollar Ocean: Scaling the Next Phase of the Blue Economy
The global blue economy is entering a decisive decade. With strategies and sustainability goals now established across governments and industries, the focus is shifting toward implementation and impact. This keynote will explore the emerging opportunities shaping the next phase of the ocean economy and the leadership, investment, and collaboration required to scale sustainable ocean industries worldwide.
9:10 AM – 9:35 AM
Fireside Chat | Inside Ocean Alliance Canada
This fireside chat brings together a key funder and the Chair of Ocean Alliance Canada to explore how Canada is moving from ambition to action in building a globally competitive ocean economy. Attendees will gain insight into why this moment matters, what is being built, and how partners can engage in shaping Canada’s ocean future.
9:35 AM – 10:20 AM
Panel | Where Innovation Meets Industry
Across ocean sectors, new technologies and practices are beginning to move beyond early innovation into real-world use. This panel brings together leaders from across industries to explore what is gaining traction, where adoption is happening, and what is still holding solutions back from broader implementation.
10:40 AM – 12:00 AM
Networking Break
10:40 AM – 11:05 AM
Keynote Interview | Competing on the Global Ocean Stage
As the global blue economy expands, countries and companies are racing to lead emerging ocean industries. This keynote conversation explores what it takes to build globally competitive ocean sectors and how industry leaders are positioning their organizations to scale in an increasingly competitive global market.
11:05 AM – 11:30 AM
Keynote Interview | Unlocking Capital: From Interest to Investment
Achieving set sustainability goals for the blue economy will require new investment across ocean industries. This keynote conversation explores how financial institutions, investors, and development finance organizations are approaching opportunities and what conditions are needed to acccelerate capital deployment into sustainable ocean solutions.
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Panel | Models, Markets and Mechanisms Financing Ocean-based Solutions
As interest in the blue economy grows, the challenge is shifting from attracting capital to deploying it effectively. Building on the keynote conversation, this panel explores the financial models, emerging markets, and investment mechanisms that are enabling sustainable ocean solutions to move from concept to implementation across ocean industries.
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch Break
1:00 PM – 1:25 PM
Afternoon Keynote | Future Skills Center Presents
1:25 PM – 1:50 PM
Keynote Interview | From Ambition to Execution
As momentum builds across the ocean economy, the challenge is shifting from strategy to execution. This session explores the systems required to deliver at scale, including workforce development, enabling infrastructure, policy alignment, and coordinated investment. Speakers will examine what is needed to move from fragmented efforts to integrated action, and how to create the conditions for sustained growth across ocean industries.
1:50 PM – 2:35 PM
Panel | Scaling Ocean Climate Industries: From Opportunity to Deployment
This panel explores how ocean climate solutions, from renewable energy and coastal restoration to nature-based carbon markets, are moving from concept to deployment. Speakers will discuss what it takes to operationalize these opportunities at scale, the role they play in reducing emissions, and the conditions needed to accelerate adoption across markets.
2:35 PM – 3:30 PM
Blue Economy Innovation Showcase
4-5 x innovation pitches on the main stage and a dedicated networking session for attendees to connect with organizations across the blue economy ecosystem. Visit exhibitor booths to explore initiatives, technologies, and programs supporting sustainable ocean industries, including Ocean Alliance Canada membership opportunities, workforce and training resources, and interactive demonstrations.
3:30 PM – 3:55 PM
Fireside Chat
3:55 PM – 4:40 PM
Panel: Scaling Through Global Partnerships
As the blue economy scales, global partnerships are driving market growth, investment, and stronger supply chains. This panel will explore how international collaboration is unlocking new economic opportunities and what is needed to build competitive, connected ocean industries.
4:40 PM – 4:50 PM
Ocean Alliance Canada Presentation
Summary of the Day’s Conversation, presentation highlighting the role of Ocean Alliance Canada in strengthening collaboration across Canada’s ocean ecosystem.
4:50 PM – 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Final reflections and key takeaways from the Summit.