Upcoming Events

Annual Conference Hamilton, ON 2026

From May 6-8, 2026, we will gather for our next Annual Conference in Hamilton, Ontario, as we explore the development of the Fresh Coast Economic Corridor. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative has embarked on an exciting journey to transform our region’s economy with an ambitious bet that we will be the fastest growing region in North America over the next 10 years.

Join more than 300 municipal, Indigenous, industry, and environmental leaders in Hamilton as we chart the next steps to build a dynamic and thriving economic corridor from Lake Superior to the Gulf of the St. Lawrence.

Our vision for the region’s Economic Transformation is one that attracts and retains best-in-class businesses to create 18 million new jobs and a half-million new enterprises, leverages our region’s strategic Hwy H2O maritime corridor, and responsibly taps into our freshwater wealth.

Together, we’ll explore how local governments can anticipate trends and opportunities for building a “water-centered” economy, adapt their community to strengthen local industry and create a dynamic investment environment, and attract the best industries, enterprises, and investments to our region and their community.

Conference Rates and Registration

 

  • All prices listed on our Event Registration page are in Canadian dollars. Taxes and fees exclusive of the price listed.
  • We reserve the right to cancel registrations for individuals who did not register for the correct category. Please contact admin@glslcities.org if you have any questions about our conference rates
Sponsorship Opportunities

Whether you’re a company looking to expand your reach among U.S. and Canadian mayors and senior political leaders, or a trusted brand committed to protecting and restoring our shared freshwater resources, sponsoring the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative’s 2026 Annual Conference in Hamilton, Ontario offers a unique opportunity to engage with a multinational coalition of municipal and Indigenous government executives representing communities across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region.

Our team will work with you to develop a customized sponsorship package designed to meet your corporate social responsibility goals, brand objectives, and budget, while delivering measurable value.

Reach out directly to Jack Knizhnik, Development Coordinator, at jknizhnik@glslcities.org to begin building a sponsorship opportunity that supports both your business priorities and the future of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.

View Sponsorship Guide

Program Overview

Tuesday, May 5 – Hamilton Convention Centre

  • 8:00 PM – 10:00PM: Welcome Reception – Hamilton Convention Centre

Wednesday, May 6 – Hamilton Convention Centre

Pre-Conference | Members’ Annual General Meeting

  • 8:00 AM -9:00 AM: Breakfast service
  • 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Mayors Commission Meetings (for members)
  • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Nexus H2O – Innovating for Water
  • 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM: Member Meeting (for Cities Initiative members)

2026 Annual Conference

  • 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Welcome Ceremony
  • 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM: Cities Initiative Annual Declaration
  • 3:20 PM – 4:15 PM: Plenary Session
  • 4:15 PM – 4:45 PM: Networking Break
  • 4:45 PM – 6:00: Breakout Sessions
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Mayors Opening Reception

Thursday, May 7 – Hamilton Convention Centre

  • 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast service
  • 7:30 AM – 8:45 AM: Networking Breakfasts
    • Climate Resilient
    • Coastal Communities
    • Port Cities and Marine Champions
  • 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM: Day 2 Opening Session
  • 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM: Plenary Session
  • 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Networking Break
  • 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM: Breakout Sessions
  • 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM: Lunch Service
  • 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM: Luncheon Plenary Session
  • 2:15PM – 3:10 PM: Plenary Session
  • 3:10 PM – 3:40 PM: Networking Break
  • 3:40 PM – 4:55 PM: Breakout Sessions
  • 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Closing Ceremony
  • 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM: Exhibitors Reception
  • 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Awards Dinner

Friday, May 8
Departing from and returning to Hamilton Sheraton Hotel

  • 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Educational tours

 

 

Conference Location

Hamilton Convention Centre | 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton, ON

Our conference will be held at the Hamilton Convention Centre, a premier event and meeting venue located in the heart of downtown Hamilton, Ontario. Known for its flexible, spacious facilities and expert event services, the centre offers modern meeting rooms and large-scale event spaces designed to accommodate gatherings of all sizes, from breakout sessions to plenary sessions and receptions. Just steps from hotels, restaurants, cultural attractions, and transit, the Hamilton Convention Centre provides an energetic urban setting that enhances both productivity and networking opportunities for attendees.

Hotel Accommodations

We have a room block reserved at Sheraton Hamilton Hotel for May 4 to May 9. Reservations must be made by Sunday, April 12, 2026 to receive group rate (see details below).

Sheraton Hamilton Hotel
116 King Street West, Hamilton, ON
Check in: 3:00pm | Check out: 12:00pm | Smoke Free Property
Rates: 229.00 CAD – 269.00 CAD per night
Book your group rate for Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
View Hotel Website

Our Host City

Nestled on the western tip of the bustling Greater Golden Horseshoe region and along the shores of Lake Ontario, Hamilton offers a compelling blend of industrial heritage, natural beauty, cultural vitality and forward-looking economic strength. Once known primarily for steelmaking, the city has evolved into a dynamic regional hub with a diversified economy—manufacturing still plays a major role, but so do food & beverage processing, creative industries, finance, insurance & real estate, and goods-movement infrastructure.

We encourage you to spend some time and visit our host community. Check out Tourism Hamilton for more information on things to do while you’re in town!

Conference Partners