CCEO Annual Fall Conference 2026

Register now for the annual CCEO Fall Conference, held this year in St. Thomas, September 14, 15, 16. See the Agenda below and book your accommodation at the special Conference Rate. Be sure to arrive the evening of the 14th for a special welcome evening, and don't miss the evening Hospitality room - a dedicated space where connections and friends are made. Here is the Agenda:

MONDAY September 14
Conference Hotel - Holiday Inn Express, 275 Highview Drive.
5:00 - 6:00 PM - Happy Hour
6:00 PM - Welcome Dinner, followed by "Club Car" Hospitality Suite

TUESDAY September 15
CASO Station, 750 Talbot Street.
8:30 Registration Desk Opens
9:00 Welcome and Opening Comments
9:30 - 10:30 - Full Steam Ahead - AI For The Executive - Keynote with Darrell Keezer
Focused on the daily work of Chamber Professionals, Darrell will provide a clear-eyed look at how to leverage AI to boost efficiency, protect your market share, and change the trajectory of your Chamber's growth.
11:00 - 12:00 - Switching Tracks - Time Poverty, Reclaiming Your Day!
A rapid-fire leadership panel that packs a prioritization punch!
12:00 - 1:00 - Dininng Car Dialogues (Lunch)
1:00 - 1:30 - The Right Track - Resources Review
Jennifer Anderson reviews the CCEC Resource Centre, CCEO's Programming, OCC Skills Bridge and Advocacy Resources, and more!
1:45 - 3:00 - Train of Thought - an Epic Table Topic Session
The list of topics includes Events, Board Relations, Dues vs Non-Dues Revenue, AI, Strategy, Young Professionals, Women in Business, and more.
3:30 - 4:30 - The Fastest Growing Chambers Panel
Retention and Recruitment insights from Ontario's fastest growing Chambers of Commerce.
5:30 - Depart for Dinner on the Port Stanley Terminal Rail
6:30 - 8:30 - Dinner in Port Stanley
8:30 - Bus returns to the Hotel and the "Club Car" Hospitality Suite

WEDNESDAY, September 16
CASO Station, 750 Talbot Street.
9:00 - 10:30 First Class Communication - Keynote with World Champion Public Speaker Roger Caesar. 
Stop presenting and start commanding the room! This high-impact workshop will show you how to craft messages that land, deliver with confidence and authority, and create real connection with any audience, be they Staff, your Board, the Media, your Members, your Strategic Partners, with Government, with Politicians, and whether you have to do it in person, in writing, online or at the front of the room. 
11:00 - 12:00 - All Aboard with Mary Rowe of the Canadian Urban Institute. Dive into horizontal community development and learn ideas for how Chambers can be the Conductors and build rail lines connecting business, government, and community. Expect lively discussion, fresh ideas, and real momentum to keep your community on track and aligned to address urgent social, economic, environmental and cultural challenges, while supporting long-term resilience, vibrancy, and prosperity in communities.
12:00 – Dining Car Dialogues – The Ontario Chamber of Commerce Leadership Team of Dan Tisch, Shelly Anwyll, Louie Di Palma, Julie Martini, and Vincent Caron will host an open discussion about the Ontario Chamber network.
1:15 – Sponsor Whistle Stop – Turkish Airways – Trip Draw!
1.30 - Departure on Platform CCEO


Remember to bring something for the Silent Auction table. This helps fund our bursary program.

Here are the guidelines for the bursary program:

CCEO Conference Bursary Award Guidelines and How to Apply
The Board of Directors of CCEO is pleased to offer a limited number of bursaries up to a maximum of $500 for our Annual Conference. Funds for Bursaries are provided through the generous donation of CCEO Members to our Silent Auction at Conference (please remember to bring a Silent Auction item), and are now matched by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Chambers Plan, allowing us to provide up to SIX Bursaries each year!
 
Criteria:

• CEO Member Applicants must be in good standing (having paid their annual Member dues.)
• Applicants must attach their most recent Year End Financial Statements.

• Chambers/Boards of Trade with a demonstrated financial need, and/or,
• Small Chambers/Boards of Trade, and/or,
• First Time Participants.

• Please email your application letter (no longer than 600 words) to the Executive Director  of CCEO. Clearly state why the bursary is needed and how taking part in Conference will benefit you and your Chamber of Commerce/Board of Trade.
• Address applications to Stu Harrison manager@chamberexecutives.on.ca using Subject Line: CEO BURSARY APPLICATION