

From Space to Place
Creating Relevance &
Connection in Our Communities
2026 Annual Conference
September 27-29, 2026
Convention centres are more than venues—they are the living rooms of our downtowns: places where business, culture, and community converge. Together we will explore how convention centres can strengthen competitiveness and deepen local relevance by designing experiences that connect visitors to the city beyond our walls.
Discover why “Place” matters and how we can intentionally create places that keep cities economically and socially vibrant.
This year’s theme, “From Space to Place,” comes alive in St. John’s, Newfoundland — a city defined by its charm, creativity, and deep sense of belonging.
Perched at the edge of the Atlantic, St. John’s blends old-world character with modern energy. It’s a place where people greet you like an old friend, where the landscape inspires awe, and where every corner feels uniquely its own. What better setting to explore how convention centres can create environments that resonate, connect, and endure?
Sunday — Discover: What makes a place matter
Goal: Align on what “place” means in 2026: identity, belonging, authenticity, and the centre’s role as a gathering place.
Monday— Design & Activate: How we create place (on purpose)
Goal: Practical playbook: partnerships, programming, food/art, public realm integration, mixed-use connections, safety, and experience design.
Tuesday — Prove & Lead: How we measure and demonstrate relevance
Goal: Benchmarking, Metrics, narratives, advocacy: economic impact + social value + downtown vitality. A call to action on story telling, collaboration and impact.
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CCC Conference Tentative Schedule
Saturday, September 26
Arrivals and optional tours - details coming soon
Sunday, September 27
Board Meeting
Opening session (pm)
Welcome Reception
Monday, September 28
Sessions all day
Evening Event hosted by Populous
Tuesday, September 29
Sessions all day
Closing Dinner hosted by Encore
Wednesday, September 30
Departures
Truth and Reconciliation Day
Optional tour - details coming soon
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CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Conference Rate for the First Delegate:
$1100.00 + HST = $1265.00
Conference Rate for Each Additional Delegate:
$1050.00 + HST = $1207.50
You can register yourself and delegates from your organization in just one click. If you have any changes, or are experiencing any issues in registering, please contact Michael Dargavel at mdargavel@conventioncentrescanada.com
Pay online with a Visa or MasterCard or select 'Invoice Me' to pay by Cheque,
E-Transfer, or Electronic Funds Transfer
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Preferred Rates with Air Canada
We are pleased to offer delegates travelling to the Annual Conference a preferred rate with Air Canada. Attendees can receive a 15% discount on eligible fares when booking flights to the conference destination through the official conference travel program. We encourage delegates to book early to take advantage of preferred pricing and flight availability.
Click the link below to book your flight with Air Canada.
aircanada.com
Discount Code: K3PC3WD1
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Where to Stay...
JAG Boutique Hotel
115 George St. West, St. John's, CA A1C 0B7
Double Queen: Starting at $289 King: Starting at $309
Reservations JAG - Convention Centres of Canada
Group Code is – 227439 - Pin - 123
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown St. John's
150 New Gower Street, St. John's, CA A1C 0C1
Standard Rooms: $199 per night
Premium Rooms: $219 per night
Reservations HGI - Convention Centres Canada
Or Call 709-383-1310 and use reservation code 90W
Delta Hotels St. John's Conference Centre
120 New Gower Street, St. John's, CA A1C 6K4
Single or Double Occupancy: $264.00
Reservations Delta - Convention Centres of Canada
If you have any questions, please
email mdargavel@conventioncentrescanada.com
We look forward to seeing you in St. John's!
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Thank you to our Conference Sponsors
