October 25–27, 2026 · The Westin Ottawa
Conference Agenda
Explore three days of learning, connection and conversation. All times are Eastern (ET). Schedule subject to change.
Sunday, October 25Welcome & Networking
Welcome Reception: Western Canada
Kick off the conference and connect with fellow delegates, sponsors and exhibitors.
Billiards Night at MacLaren’s On Elgin
Keep the conversations going with an evening of billiards and networking.
Monday, October 26Conference Sessions & Evening Events
Morning Scenic Walk
Breakfast & Exhibitor Showcase
Opening Remarks & NACC Strategic Plan
Conference co-chair remarks, board chair address, CEO address and strategic plan presentation, followed by questions and answers.
Nik Nanos
Nanos Research & Chancellor of Carleton University
Refreshment Break & Exhibitor Showcase
Breakout Sessions — Set 1
Four concurrent sessions. Select a session for details.
AI Visibility for Career Colleges: How to Show Up in ChatGPT, Gemini & Generative Search
Learn how AI-powered search is changing student research and what career colleges can do to stay visible. This session explores generative search, AI-friendly content, credibility signals, and strategies to measure AI-driven awareness and influence.
Session Presenter: Philippe Taza, Higher Education Marketing
Room: Governor General 2
You Are Your Best Storyteller
See how to turn a simple interview into professional, ready-to-publish content in just 60 minutes. This live demonstration covers setup, storytelling, mobile production, editing, AI-powered optimization, and social media distribution, giving attendees practical strategies they can replicate at their own institutions.
Session Presenter: Allan Dale, Gale Force Wins
Room: Newfoundland
The Four Cs of Educational Leadership
Explore the 4 Cs of effective leadership: communication, commitment, collaboration, and consistency, and how they can strengthen trust, teamwork, institutional culture, and student success in post-secondary environments.
Session Presenter: Bonnie Gardner, Willis College
Room: Nova Scotia
Completion by Intention: Data-Driven Retention Strategies That Improve Graduation and NACC Outcomes
Turn graduation and retention data into actionable strategies. This interactive session explores risk patterns, early intervention, and data-informed approaches to improve student persistence and completion across programs.
Session Presenters: Ursula Menezes and Svetlana Balaba, OIHI
Room: Quebec
Lunch & Exhibitor Showcase
Higher Education Panel
Perspectives from leaders across the Canadian higher education sector. Panelists: Larissa Bezo, President & CEO, Canadian Bureau for International Education; Gonzalo Peralta, Executive Director, Languages Canada; Alex Usher, President, Higher Education Strategy Associates; Jason Dewling, President & Vice-Chancellor, Capilano University; and public college sector representatives. Moderator: Michael Sangster, CEO, NACC.
Breakout Sessions — Set 2
Four concurrent sessions. Select a session for details.
Designing Career Programs for Today’s Learner: Intentional Learning Design Techniques that Increase Retention, Reduce Risk, and Expand Access
Explore how intentional program and course design can improve student engagement, retention, and completion. Learn practical strategies for modular design, competency-based learning, early intervention, and flexible online or hybrid delivery while maintaining quality and compliance.
Session Presenters: Brett Christie, Vice President, Educational Innovations, and Lisa Doehnert, Sr. Account Director, Alchemy
Room: Governor General 2
Breaking Silos Part 2: One Voice in a Louder World
Explore how AI, demographic shifts, and regulatory changes are reshaping enrolment. This session examines the importance of cross-departmental alignment, consistent messaging, and human connection in building trust and strengthening student recruitment.
Session Presenter: Michael Katz, Great Exposure
Room: Newfoundland
Finding the Words: A Practical Framework for Difficult Conversations
Learn when and how to call off, call out, or call in when challenging moments arise. This practical workshop helps leaders recognize barriers, build confidence, and develop language for addressing difficult situations with clarity and care.
Session Presenter: Kimberly Lowe, Lowe Key Strategies
Room: Nova Scotia
Placement Readiness in the Digital Age: Professionalism, Communication, and AI Awareness
Explore practical strategies to prepare students for successful placements. Learn how to strengthen professionalism, communication, workplace judgment, digital conduct, and AI awareness while reducing common placement challenges.
Session Presenter: Judy Cohen, Peak College
Room: Quebec
Refreshment Break & Exhibitor Showcase
Breakout Sessions — Set 3
Three concurrent sessions. Select a session for details.
GR Bootcamp
Session Presenters: Michael Sangster & Victor Tesan
Room: Confederation Ballroom
What Prospective Students Are Asking AI About Your School, and How to Show Up: The New Playbook for Career Colleges
As students increasingly turn to AI for program and career research, career colleges must adapt to stay visible. This session provides practical strategies to improve discoverability, align content with student needs, and strengthen the trust signals that influence AI tools and prospective students.
Session Presenter: Saj Butt, Enrollment Resources
Room: Governor General 2
From Compliance to Continuity: Building a Tiered Student Support System That Drives Retention and Accountability
Explore a practical, tiered approach to student support that strengthens retention, compliance, and student success. Learn how to identify needs early, coordinate supports, and improve outcomes through real-world strategies.
Session Presenter: Jason Singh, Director of Education, Medix College
Room: Quebec
James Stanger
Chief Technology Evangelist, CompTIA
Address by Parliamentary Secretary Taleeb Noormohamed
Day Two Closing Remarks
East Coast Kitchen Reception
Evening networking, refreshments and entertainment.
Bytown Sea Shanty Collective
Live Performance
Generation Marketing Afterparty featuring Zachary Martin
Tuesday, October 27Final Sessions & Closing
Morning Scenic Walk
Breakfast & Exhibitor Showcase
James Moore & Scott Reid
James Moore, former MP and Minister of Industry, with Scott Reid, former Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Paul Martin.
Regional Breakout Sessions
Choose your regional discussion.
Eastern Canada & Quebec
Room: Newfoundland / Nova Scotia
Western Canada
Room: Quebec
Ontario
Room: Governor General 1
Refreshment Break & Exhibitor Showcase
Major-General Joshua Major
Chief of Staff for Plans, Policy and Modernization, Canadian Armed Forces Military Personnel Command
Conference Closing
Sponsorship
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