2026 Conference, AGM, and Awards
We invite you to join us for NSBA's 2026 Conference, Annual General Meeting, and Industry Awards. This exciting event is happening on June 18, 2026, 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 2026 Conference theme is Securing Seas, Expanding Markets: Advancing Marine Exports and Defence Through Innovation and Partnership. This year's conference topics include technical seminars on wet exhaust best practices and sessions about marketing tips for export development and opportunities in defence.
Learn more and register below.
The NSBA thanks the Province of Nova Scotia, especially the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, for its ongoing partnership and financial support that help to make events like this possible.
2026 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 - June 18:
Annual General Meeting
08:30 - 09:30 Registration
09:30 - 10:45 Annual General Meeting
Conference Schedule
10:45 - 10:55 Break / networking / visit exhibits
10:55 - 11:00 Welcome
11:00 - 12:00 Marketing Tips for Export Development Presenter: Sean Williams, Dashboard Marketing
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch / view exhibits
13:00 - 14:30 Wet Exhaust Best Practices Presenter: Dave Gerr, Gerr Marine
14:30 - 15:00 Break / networking / visit exhibits
15:00 - 16:30 Opportunities in Defence Panel
Moderator: Colin Ross, NSBA Board Member / ABCO Industries
Panelists: Sheldon Gillis - Invest Nova Scotia; Andrea Plante - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Carri Mitchener - Public Services and Procurement Canada
16:30 - 16:35 Closing Remarks: Gilles Theriault, NSBA Board Chair, A.F. Theriault & Son
16:35 - 17:00 Break before reception and awards
Networking Event & Industry Awards
From 5:00 - 8:00 pm we will be hosting a networking event.
Join us for some relaxed networking time while celebrating key accomplishments of our members in 2025. There will be finger foods and a cash bar throughout the evening.
Award Categories include: Lifetime Achievement Award, Innovation Award, Export Achievement Award, Company Growth & Development Award, Workplace Safety Award.
For nomination and more information on the awards, please visit our Industry Awards page.
Speaker Bios
Speaker bios will be avaible soon.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will include a review of 2025-26 activities and finances, a look at what's happening and being planned for 2026-27, 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. We do not have booth spaces, we offer a skirted table and place for a banner behind your table.
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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.
NSBA would like to welcome the following exhibitors:
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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 2025. 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 May 15, 2026. 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 15, 2026: $100 + HST
Regular - after May 15, 2026: $150 + HST
Non-Members:
Early bird - by May 15, 2026: $175 + HST
Regular - after May 15, 2026: $225 + HST
Students: $100 + HST
Reception/Awards Only:
Members: $35 + HST
Non-Members: $50 + HST
Students: $35 + HST
To register:
Register by contacting Chantel at admin@nsboats.com.