Ocean Alliance Canada Conference 2025 | Leading Ocean Conference in Canada

September 3 - 4

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ocean Alliance Canada
Conference 2025

Join ocean leaders, innovators, and changemakers for two days of strategic workshops, global dialogue, and transformative networking.

The Westin Nova Scotian, Atlantic Ballroom – 1181 Hollis St, Halifax, NS

Your Ocean Future Starts in

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Leading the Conversation

From global changemakers to grassroots innovators, our speakers are shaping the future of Canada’s blue economy. Get inspired by voices leading the charge on sustainability, technology, inclusion, and workforce development across the ocean sector. Whether you’re here to learn from real-world applications or to spark new ideas, our speaker lineup offers bold insights you won’t want to miss.

Iaian Archibald is a tech entrepreneur and AI strategist advancing the marine economy at Dalhousie University. Co-founder of ocean tech startup Swell Advantage, acquired in 2020, he brings deep expertise in AI, data, and sustainable innovation.

Iaian Archibald

Executive Director,
DeepSense

Ibrahim is a maritime researcher and educator with global experience in logistics and sustainability. Co-author of From Piracy to Transhipment, he also serves as Managing Editor of the International Journal of Maritime Themes. His work has earned awards from Emerald Insight and Jamaica’s Prime Minister.

Prof. Ibrahim Ajagunna

Deputy President, Caribbean Maritime University

Anya is a globally recognized ocean researcher with leadership and academic roles in Canada, Germany, and Australia. Her work focuses on nitrogen fluxes and ocean particle dynamics. She has received multiple international awards and serves on several national and global ocean boards.

Dr. Anya Waite

CEO & Scientific Director, Ocean Frontier Institute

With 15 years of experience in policy, research, and skills development, Tricia leads research and partnerships at the Future Skills Centre to help Canadians navigate the changing labour market and digital economy.

Dr. Tricia Williams

Director, Research, Evaluation and Knowledge Mobilization

Kim brings 20+ years of leadership in education and industry, specializing in bridging skills gaps and aligning training with workforce needs. She partners across sectors to advance talent development and drive impact.

Kim Dixon

Manager, Workforce Development, COVE

Yogi’s 20+ years in environment and sustainability span workforce development and program delivery worldwide. He collaborates with government, industry, and professionals to advance environmental goals and is active in academic and industry circles globally.

Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry

VP of Professional Services,
ECO Canada

Dr. Ravidya Burrowes brings 30 years of experience in sustainability, climate adaptation, and the blue economy across the Caribbean. She has worked with the UNFCCC and IDB on marine policy and climate resilience, applying science to policy to support sustainable development.

Dr. Ravidya Burrowes

Director, Sustainability & Climate, Brisbane McGrath

Experienced in managing funded projects linking industry, academia, and Indigenous communities, Pooja leads a workforce inclusion initiative for women in the ocean sector. She holds a Master’s in Economics, a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, and a Business Administration diploma.

Pooja Sharma

Manager, Professional Services Projects, ECO Canada

Patty is the School Manager for Technology and Environment at NSCC. With 20+ years in post-secondary education and a Master’s in Public Administration, she works to align programs with industry needs. Her background includes strategic planning with Nova Scotia Environment and a strong focus on sustainability and lifelong learning.

Patty Charlton

Manager, School of Technology and Environment, NSCC

Kevin is President & CEO of ECO Canada with a background in the Norwegian Army and global energy project management. He has led major ECO initiatives like the Canadian Centre for Environmental Education and national networking programs.

Kevin Nilsen

President & CEO,
ECO Canada

Agenda

September 3, 2025 | Innovation, Inclusion & Governance

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Registrations and Morning Coffee

Check in, grab your name badge, and enjoy a relaxed coffee mingle before the sessions begin.

9:00 AM – 10:25 AM | Speaker: TBA

Workshop: Navigating AI – Smarter Solutions for Ocean Businesses

Learn how to apply no-code and low-code AI tools to improve efficiency, cut costs, and streamline ocean sector operations.

10:25 AM – 10:40 AM

Networking Break

Recharge and take the opportunity to exchange ideas and build connections with peers across the blue economy.

10:40 AM – 12:00 PM | Speaker: TBA

Workshop (continued): Applied AI for Ocean Professionals

A deeper dive into case studies, hands-on practice, and peer learning.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch Break

Refuel and reflect on the morning sessions while engaging with peers over lunch.

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Speaker: TBA

OAC Steering Committee Meeting | Atlantic Ballroom | Members Only
A closed working session to discuss OAC governance, annual progress, and shared priorities.

Waves of Inclusion Workshop | Breakout Room
Interactive session on building inclusive leadership, policies, and programs to drive systemic change in ocean careers.

4:00 PM

OAC Sunset Cocktail Hour – Informal Networking Reception

A casual reception to connect, reflect, and build new partnerships across the ocean sector.

September 4, 2025 | Charting Global Opportunities & Workforce Futures

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM

Opening Remarks

Start the day with a forward-looking address that frames the conversations ahead—focusing on global collaboration, workforce innovation, and the future of the blue economy.

9:15 AM – 9:45 AM | Speaker: TBA

Keynote: The Future of the Global Blue Economy

Discover how Canada can shape a sustainable, innovative global ocean economy through partnerships and strategic development.

9:45 AM – 10:00 AM | Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry

Fireside Chat: Introducing Ocean Alliance Canada (OAC)

Learn about OAC’s mission, impact, and how to get involved in its growing cross-sector network.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Ibrahim Ajagunna | Tricia Williams | Ravidya Burrowes

Panel: International Development & Canada’s Ocean Diplomacy

Canada’s role in supporting SIDS, enabling sustainable ocean partnerships, and strengthening global collaborations.

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM

Networking Break

Connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and partners over refreshments. A chance to exchange ideas and build new collaborations.

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Speaker TBA

Lightning Talks

Rapid-fire insights from leaders and projects advancing workforce equity, governance, and innovation in Canada’s ocean sector.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch Break

Enjoy a midday break with a catered lunch and networking opportunities.

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Speaker TBA

Keynote: Investing in Workforce Success

Presented by the Future Skills Centre: Lessons from national initiatives driving inclusive, skills-focused innovation across Canada’s ocean economy.

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Pooja Sharma

Fireside Chat: Female Entrepreneur in the Ocean Sector

Explore how inclusive leadership and collaborative governance are shaping OAC’s impact and research direction.

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | Dr. Anya Waite

Panel: Advancing Women in Ocean Leadership

Real talk on removing barriers, supporting mentorship, and building inclusive cultures in ocean careers.

2:25 PM – 3:00 PM

Networking Break

An opportunity to exchange ideas, build connections, and continue the conversation between sessions.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Iaian Archibald | Erin Dixon | Patty Charlton

Panel: Blue Careers — Building the Workforce of the Future

Explore strategies to align education, training, and co-op models with emerging ocean workforce needs.

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Speaker: TBA

Closing Keynote

Concluding the conference with a thought-provoking keynote that reflects on what’s ahead for the ocean sector. Speaker and topic to be announced.

4:30 PM | Speaker: TBA

Closing Session

Recap, working group next steps, and final remarks to close out the conference.

Get Ticket Now

Two-Day Conference Access

This ticket includes full access to both days of the Ocean Alliance Canada Conference 2025, taking place September 3–4 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

$ 145.00 CAD

The ticket includes:

Admission to all sessions on both days
Hands-on AI workshops for ocean professionals
Inclusion and governance workshops
Keynotes and panels on ocean diplomacy, workforce innovation, and global opportunities
Opportunities to network with peers, speakers, and partners
Catered lunch and coffee breaks each day

Great Reasons to Join the OAC Conference

Global Policy & Partnerships

Explore Canada’s role in international ocean diplomacy and sustainable development through expert-led discussions and strategic panels.

Blue Economy Networking

Connect with professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers shaping the future of ocean work.

Canada’s Top Ocean Workforce Forum

Be part of the nation’s premier event focused on building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready ocean workforce.

AI Workshops for Professionals

Gain practical experience using no-code and low-code AI tools tailored for real-world ocean sector challenges.

Sponsor the OAC Conference

Two-Day Conference Access

Support Canada’s leading ocean economy event by becoming a sponsor. Our partners gain national exposure, industry recognition, and the opportunity to align with groundbreaking conversations around sustainable development, innovation, and workforce transformation. From mainstage visibility to workshop partnerships, we offer custom sponsorship opportunities to fit your goals. Want to talk? Email us at info@oceanalliance.ca

As a sponsor, you will:

Align with national leadership on ocean workforce development and innovation
Showcase your brand to a cross-sector audience of decision-makers and changemakers
Demonstrate your commitment to equity, sustainability, and skills development
Connect directly with influential stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and Indigenous communities
Strengthen partnerships and build visibility in Canada’s ocean sector
Support inclusive growth and future-ready solutions across the blue economy

Be Part of Canada's Ocean Future

Become a member of Ocean Alliance Canada and gain access to exclusive opportunities, partnerships, and visibility across the blue economy.