Join us September 3–4 in Halifax, Nova Scotia for two days of inspiring talks, networking, and ocean conservation insights.
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8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Check in, grab your name badge, and enjoy a relaxed coffee mingle before the sessions begin.
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Ashok Kasilingam | Eric Li | Kedar Kodgire
1:00 PM- 4:00 PM | Laura Fair
Interactive session on building inclusive leadership, policies, and programs to drive systemic change in ocean careers.
10:40 AM – 12:00 PM | Ashok Kasilingam | Eric Li | Kedar Kodgire
A deeper dive into case studies, hands-on practice, and peer learning.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
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
A casual reception to connect, reflect, and build new partnerships across the ocean sector.
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Kevin Nilsen
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
Discover how the global ocean economy can be shaped through sustainable, innovative partnerships and strategic development.
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM | Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry | Krysti Urbancic
Learn about OAC’s mission, impact, and how to get involved in its growing cross-sector network.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Dr. Devant Maharaj | Ibrahim Ajagunna | Ravidya Burrowes | Diana Apostolides
Canada’s role in supporting SIDS, enabling sustainable ocean partnerships, and strengthening global collaborations.
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM
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 | Jai Ragunathan | Natalie Gilson
Rapid-fire insights from leaders and projects advancing workforce equity, governance, and innovation in Canada’s ocean sector.
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
Enjoy a midday break with a catered lunch and networking opportunities.
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Tricia Williams
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 | Wenwen Pei
Explore how inclusive leadership and collaborative governance are shaping OAC’s impact and research direction.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Krysti Urbancic | Kamila Calko | Anne-Marie Belliveau
Real talk on removing barriers, supporting mentorship, and building inclusive cultures in ocean careers.
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
An opportunity to exchange ideas, build connections, and continue the conversation between sessions.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Anna Naylor | Iaian Archibald | Kim Dixon | Patty Charlton | Laura King
Explore strategies to align education, training, and co-op models with emerging ocean workforce needs.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
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 – 4:45 PM | Speaker: Kevin Nilsen
Recap, working group next steps, and final remarks to close out the conference.