2025 Conference, AGM, and Awards
We invite you to join us for NSBA's 2025 Conference, Annual General Meeting, and Industry Awards. This exciting event is happening over 1.5 days on June 18-19, 2025, at the Halifax Tower Hotel located on Lakelands Blvd in Bayers Lake, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. All activities are in or near the Lakelands Hall.
The 2025 Conference theme is Navigating Uncharted Waters. Companies in our industry, like many other industries, are having to adapt to evolving and sometimes unpredictable trade relationships, changing fisheries, new technologies and more. This year's conference topics include technical seminars and sessions about the business and operating environment facing boatbuilding and repair companies in 2025.
Learn more and register below.
2025 Sponsors
NSBA would like to thank the following sponsors:
Level 1 Sponsors:
Level 2 Sponsors:
Level 3 Sponsors:
Visit Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities below or contact Chantel at admin@nsboats.com / 902-423-2378 for information about how you can give your company or organization extra exposure through this event, including online promotion leading up to the conference for top level sponsors.
Event Schedule
Please note: as we are still confirming speakers, there may be minor adjustments to the schedule but the start and end times will remain the same or be shortened, not lengthened, so people can plan travel.
Agenda - Day 1 (June 18):
Great news! Our Level 1 Sponsor RKO Steel has donated a custom fireplace valued at $500 as a door prize for people attending Day 1 of the conference. Join us for your chance to win!
12:30 - 13:20 Registration
13:20 - 13:30 Welcome: Jan Fullerton, NSBA Executive Director
13:30 - 14:30 Session 1: Overview of the Regulatory Environment in 2025
Presenter - technical: Tim Edwards, NSBA Technical Consultant
Presenter - occupational health & safety: TBC
14:30 - 15:00 Break / networking / visit exhibits
15:00 - 16:30 Session 2: Propellor Sizing & Selection
Presenter: Dave Gerr, Gerr Marine
16:30 - 16:35 Day 1 Closing remarks / recap of evening lineup
16:35 - 17:00 Break before reception and awards
17:00 - 19:00 Reception and industry awards
Agenda - Day 2 (June 19):
08:00 - 09:00 Registration and breakfast
09:00 - 10:15 Annual General Meeting
10:15 - 10:25 Break / networking / visit exhibits
10:25 - 10:30 Day 2 Welcome: Jan Fullerton, NSBA Executive Director
10:30 - 12:00 Session 3 - PANEL: Supports for Business Growth & Market Diversification
Moderator: Kris Campbell, NSBA Vice-Chair / Shining Waters Marine Services
Panelists:
Stéphane Crépeau, Trade Commissioner - Global Affairs Canada Atlantic Region
NRC (TBC)
Dan Surette, Regional Business Advisor, Western Region - Invest NS
Marc Garcia, Director, Client Services - Ryan
12:00 - 12:45 Lunch / networking / visit exhibits
12:45 - 13:30 Session 4: Changing Fisheries and the Potential Impact on Boatbuilding
Presenter: Alan Chandler, NS Dept of Fisheries & Aquaculture
13:30 - 14:00 Break / networking / visit exhibits
14:00 - 15:30 Session 5 - Topic TBC
15:30 - 15:40 Closing Remarks: Gilles Theriault, NSBA Board Chair
Speaker Bios
Click here for more information about this year's speakers.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will include a review of 2024-25 activities and finances, a look at what's happening in 2025-26, and the election of the new Board of Directors. If you would like to know more about serving on the Board or want to put your name forward, please email Chantel at admin@nsboats.com
Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities
Contact Chantel at admin@nsboats.com / 902-423-2378 for information about how you can give your company or organization extra exposure through this event, including online promotion leading up to the conference for top level sponsors.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Level 1 Sponsor: $750 includes Exhibit table, one conference + reception registration, logo on conference promotional items and on signage at the conference, individual sponsor recognition on social media and sponsor recognition at event.
Level 2 Sponsor: $500 includes one conference + reception registration, company logo on conference promotional items and on signage at the conference, a group mention on social media and sponsor recognition at event.
Level 3 Sponsor: $250 includes company name on conference promotional items, a group mention on social media and sponsor recognition at event.
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Exhibitor Opportunities
There are networking opportunities throughout the conference, offering exhibitors a great opportunity to highlight their products or services. There are two tiers of exhibit opportunities available this year. Inside the conference room and outside the conference room.
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Tier 1 - inside the main conference room (space is limited)
Exhibit space includes one conference registration, a 6' skirted table, and your company name in select conference promotional materials. The cost to exhibit is $250 for Members and $350 for non-Members.
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Tier 2 - outside the main conference room (space is limited)
Exhibit space includes one conference registration, a 6' skirted table, and your company name in select conference promotional materials. The cost to exhibit is $200 for Members and $300 for non-Members.
NSBA would like to welcome the following exhibitors:
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Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, Safety Branch
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DSS Protection
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Maritime Marine Supply
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NS Fisheries & Aquaculture Loan Board
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RKO Steel
Reception & Industry Awards
Join us for some relaxed networking time while celebrating key accomplishments of our members in 2024. There will be finger foods and a cash bar throughout the evening.
Award Categories include:
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Lifetime Achievement Award - to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the boatbuilding industry over their working lifetime (may not be awarded every year). Visit our Industry Awards page for examples of "significant contribution".
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Innovation Award - for showing innovation in tooling, engineering, construction processes and materials
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Export Achievement Award - for successfully developing and pursuing new export sales
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Company Development & Growth Award - for significant investment in training, quality systems and facilities
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Workplace Safety Award - for significant investment in creating a healthier and safer workplace
Award nominations are open until April 30, 2025. Visit our Industry Awards page for more information about the criteria and nomination process.
Registration
Fees:
AGM: No cost to attend.
Conference + Reception/Awards:
NSBA Members:
Early bird - by May 1, 2025: $100 + HST
Regular - after May 1, 2025: $150 + HST
Non-Members:
Early bird - by May 1, 2025: $175 + HST
Regular - after May 1, 2025: $225 + HST
Students: $100 + HST
Reception/Awards Only:
Members: $35 + HST
Non-Members: $50 + HST
Students: $35 + HST
To register:
Register online (payment will be managed separately) or register by contacting Chantel at admin@nsboats.com.
Halifax Tower Hotel room rate:
NSBA has secured room rates of $239.99 plus taxes and fees under the name NS Boatbuilders Association for June 18th and 19th. Rooms must be booked by May 31 to ensure you receive the rate. Please call the hotel at (902) 444-3700 to reserve your room.