Ocean Alliance Canada Conference 2025 | Leading Ocean Conference in Canada

September 3 - 4

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ocean Alliance Canada
Conference 2025

Shaping the Future of Canada’s Blue Economy

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

Your Ocean Future Starts in

00Days
00Hours
00Minutes
00Seconds

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

at 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 of Caribbean Maritime University

Susan is a leadership strategist and Founder of PowerUp Leadership. Based in Halifax, she helps organizations boost performance through facilitation and talent development, drawing on 20+ years of experience aligning people strategy with business goals.

Susan Power

Founder and CEO

of PowerUp Leadership

Ashok Kasilingam is CEO of M2M Tech, advancing AI adoption across sectors. With 20+ years in embedded systems and networking, he builds programs that unite academia, industry, and government, and is committed to growing Canada’s next-gen AI workforce through real-world impact.

Ashok Kasilingam

CEO

of M2MTech

Anne-Marie Belliveau has 11+ years in marine renewable energy, holding senior roles at DP Energy, Emera, and FORCE. She founded Projectable Consulting in 2020, supporting clients like Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and HyVera. Anne-Marie mentors young women and newcomers in STEM fields.

Anne-Marie Belliveau

Founder & Principal Consultant at Projectable Consulting

Eric Li is a recent UBC graduate with a combined major in computer science and statistics. He has over two years of experience as a data analyst at M2M Tech and a strong interest in computer vision, sparked by a UBC course (CPSC 425). At M2M Tech, Eric aims to explore AI use cases and promote awareness of its potential, focusing on practical applications of emerging technologies to solve real-world challenges.

Eric Li

Data Analyst

at M2M Tech

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 at Ocean Frontier Institute

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 at ECO Canada

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 & Knowledge Mobilization, Future Skills Centre

Laura Fair is a business psychologist and certified coach with 10+ years in recruitment, HR, and training across the blue economy. She supports inclusive workplaces through coaching, facilitation, and evidence-based learning that bridges diversity, leadership, and practical action.

Laura Fair

Senior Consultant & Coach at
ABOUND Consulting

Farley Chavez Augustine, raised in Speyside and a graduate of Bishop’s High and UWI Mona, began as an educator and student leader. Elected three times as Area Representative, he now serves as Chief Secretary, leading a progressive administration focused on making Tobago “the greatest little island on the planet.”

Hon. Farley Augustine

Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly

Natalie Gilson is an ocean storyteller and creative strategist using her decade of experience in branding and communication to support ocean conservation. As CEO of Pisces, she helps ocean organizations craft impactful strategies at any stage of their journey. Based in Nova Scotia, Natalie blends creative expertise with a deep love for the ocean—something she now shares with her two children.

Natalie Gilson

Co-owner and CEO

of Pisces

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 at COVE

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

at ECO Canada

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

at ECO Canada

Laura King, BA BPR, is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, with a strong focus on youth engagement. Raised in a tight-knit fishing family in rural Nova Scotia, she is passionate about community investment and maintains a lasting connection to the ocean sector.

Laura King

Operations Manager

at Skills Canada – Nova Scotia

Dr. Dayne Buddo is a marine conservation expert with 20+ years of global experience and currently leads the USD 48M BE-CLME+ Project on sustainable ocean governance in the Caribbean. He has worked across academia, government, NGOs, and the private sector on issues like marine policy, climate adaptation, and biodiversity.

Dr. Dayne Buddo

Regional Project Coordinator at Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism

Krystyna is a marine biologist and ocean technology specialist dedicated to advancing sustainable ocean industries. With experience in manufacturing, marine conservation, and blue economy projects, she uses innovative technology to drive conservation impact. As Blue Economy Project Manager at ECO Canada, she works to grow the sector’s workforce while fostering collaboration across industry, research, and conservation partners.

Krystyna Urbancic

Blue Economy Project Manager

Professional Services at 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 at Brisbane McGrath

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 at NSCC

Captain Kamila Calko is a seasoned mariner and inclusion advocate with 20+ years in the maritime sector. She leads SeaLight, a platform supporting women in maritime through community, education, and advocacy, and was the first woman to qualify for Pacific pilotage exams.

Kamila Calko

Founder + Owner of SeaLight & SeaLight Sisters

Wenwen Pei is the CEO and Co-Founder of Marine Thinking, a leader in AI-driven marine vessel autonomy. With master’s degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering, she shifted from environmental engineering to ocean tech to drive innovation. She leads a team creating AI-based systems that improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of crewed and uncrewed vessels. Ask ChatGPT

Wenwen Pei

CEO & Co-Founder

of Marine Thinking

Kedar is a Data and Cloud Engineering Lead with a passion for designing scalable data systems and AI-powered cloud solutions. With deep expertise in platforms like Azure, GCP, Databricks, and Delta Lake, he specializes in building robust data pipelines that turn complexity into clarity. As a technical educator at M2M Tech, he’s dedicated to making advanced concepts approachable – helping learners bridge the gap between theory and real‑world application. Ask ChatGPT

Kedar Kodgire

Technical Educator

at M2M Tech

Liz is a program and project manager with 15 years of experience in member engagement, volunteer coordination, and client relations. At ECO Canada, she advances the EP designation, guiding both emerging and senior environmental professionals in continuous learning. Her work includes enhancing the Code of Ethics, redesigning in-training programs, and introducing a core environmental knowledge exam.

Elizabeth Getty

Director of Certification

Certification at 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 | Ashok Kasilingam | Eric Li | Kedar Kodgire

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 | Ashok Kasilingam | Eric Li | Kedar Kodgire

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

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

Waves of Inclusion Workshop | Atlantic Ballroom

Speaker: Laura Fair
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 | Kevin Nilsen

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 | Krysti Urbancic

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 | 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 – 12:15 PM |Elizabeth Getty | Susan Power | Dayne Buddo | Natalie Gilson

Lightning Talks

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

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM

Lunch Break

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

1:15 PM – 1:45 PM | Tricia Williams

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.

1:45 PM – 2:15 PM | Pooja Sharma | Wenwen Pei

Fireside Chat: Female Entrepreneur's in the Ocean Sector

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

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM | Krysti Urbancic | Dr. Anya Waite | Kamila Calko | Anne-Marie Belliveau

Panel: Advancing Women in Ocean Leadership

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

2:30 PM – 3:15 PM

Networking Break

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

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM | Iaian Archibald | Kim Dixon | Patty Charlton | Laura King

Panel: Blue Careers — Building the Workforce of the Future

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

4:15 PM – 4:45 PM | Farley Chavez Augustine

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.

4:45 PM – 5:00 PM | Speaker: Kevin Nilsen

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

This project has been funded in part by Women and Gender Equality Canada

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.