2026 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 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 will be announced soon. 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 2026.
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:
Coming soon! Please revisit for details which will be shared as they become available
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. 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.
NSBA would like to welcome the following exhibitors:
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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, 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 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.