Voices of Leadership

Candace Laing

President & CEO Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Read Ms. Laing's Bio

Key Note Address May 26, 2026

Canada Unfiltered: Business, Communities and What Comes Next

What’s really shaping business in Canada right now? Candace Laing, CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, brings a national snapshot you can’t afford to miss, translating big-picture policy into local relevance.

Then, she’s joined by Gerry Protti for a straight-talking discussion on what it all means for chambers and the businesses they represent.

Gerry Protti

Chair – Macdonald-Laurier Institute
Senior Fellow & Energy Policy Council Member – CD Howe Institute
President – Collaborative Canadian Energy Solutions

Read Mr. Protti Bio

Fireside Chat - May 26, 2026

Fireside Chat

Candace Laing of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce then joins Gerry Protti for a straight-talking fireside chat following her keynote on the current state of business in Canada.

Together, they unpack what’s shaping the national economic and policy landscape and what it all means for chambers and the businesses they represent—connecting big-picture insights to real-world implications for the business community.

Don Mills

Partner and Director at CABCO, Chair Atlantic Economic Panel,, Insights Podcast Co-Host ,Co-Author of “Toward Prosperity: The Transformation of Atlantic Canada’s Economy

Read Mr. Mills Bio

Key Note Address May 27, 2026

Economic Prosperity Depends on Higher Ambition

Conversations That Matter

Networking Opportunities

Connections at the Table

Join fellow conference attendees for a relaxed networking dinner.

This is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues from across Atlantic Canada, share ideas, and build relationships in an informal setting.

Due to the exceptionally busy event schedule in downtown Moncton, our networking supper will take place at two separate restaurant locations.

A sign-up sheet will be available at the registration desk on Tuesday morning, where delegates can select their preferred restaurant and receive a dining card to cover the cost of their meal.

Join us for supper at

Carrabba's Moncton @ 7:00PM

Located across the street

Carrabba’s information

Baton Rouge Grillhouse and Bar @7:30pm

Located in the Crowne Plaza

Baton Rouge information

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We extend our sincere thanks to our valued sponsors for their continued support of our Annual Conference and the Chamber network across Atlantic Canada.

Your partnership helps strengthen our business community, foster meaningful connections, and support the important work chambers do throughout the region.

We are grateful for your commitment and collaboration.

Event Photography Partner

A special thank you to Brilliant Labs or serving as our conference photography partner. Their team will be capturing speakers, members, and memorable moments throughout the two-day event, helping us showcase the connections, conversations, and experiences that make our Annual Conference so valuable.

Brilliant Labs works with young people, educators, and community leaders to develop creativity, innovation, and digital skills, fostering a socially responsible entrepreneurial mindset that supports inclusive, sustainable development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Workshops / Learning Sessions

Matt Symes CEO and Founding Partner

Symplicity Designs

Read Mr. Symes Bio

AI for the Chambers: Urgency, Principles, and What to Do Monday

Sixty percent of jobs in the advanced economy are going to materially change in the next two years. The competitive landscape is moving through two phases, an arbitrage phase and a value creation phase, and every market is being redefined. That means the chamber has arguably the most important job for small businesses in Atlantic Canada right now: a voice on advocacy, a voice on connecting members to the productivity improvements and training they need, and a united voice through this chaotic, messy middle.

Matt Symes, transformation strategist, AI Entrepreneur-in-Residence at UNB, and advisor to organizational leaders, brings a practical framework built around three movements: the urgency of what's changing and why chambers can't afford to wait, the principles that change how you think about AI in your role, and, most importantly, what to do Monday. No hype. No futurism. Just a clear path forward for the people doing the most important work in the region.

Keitha Robson

 Chamber Relations Regional Manager, Ontario & Atlantic

Read Ms. Robson's Bio

Chambers Plan: Back to Basics and Best Practices

Keitha will share practical insights from her work with chambers across the country, focusing on key programs that support growth and sustainability. She’ll cover all things Chambers Plan, including how it delivers strong member value and drives non-dues revenue, and highlight how My-Chamber is helping improve member engagement and operations.

Attendees will also hear simple, actionable ideas on how chambers are growing their revenue with Chambers Plan.

Deneen  Belliveau

Executive Director of Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada and the Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada;

President & CEO of Something Wild Strategy Inc.

Read Ms. Belliveau's Bio

Unlocking the Benefits of CCEC

CCEC is Canada's national network for Chamber professionals, providing leadership development and training, practical resources, and facilitating peer connections. Whether you're an experienced executive or new to the Chamber Network, learn how CCEC can help equip you to lead your Chamber with excellence and drive impact for your local community. 

Chamber Conversations

Governance, Membership, and Non-Dues Revenue.

Participants will work through focused, real-world chamber leadership topics in small facilitated roundtable groups. Discussions will explore Governance, Membership, and Non-Dues Revenue strategies through guided scenarios and practical problem-solving.

Each table will be supported by experienced facilitators to help guide conversation, share insights, and strengthen actionable ideas. Groups will then share key takeaways with the full room.

Strengthening Board Governance

This interactive discussion on building strong, effective chamber boards. Participants will explore topics such as board size and composition, director expectations and onboarding, and strategies to keep boards engaged and focused on governance.

The conversation will also cover committee effectiveness, succession planning, advocacy leadership, and tools to maintain a clear distinction between governance and operations. Hear what’s working, share challenges, and gain practical ideas to strengthen your board’s impact.

Growing and Engaging Membership

This interactive discussion focused on attracting, engaging, and retaining chamber members. Participants will explore strategies for recruiting new members, communicating the value of membership, and reaching underrepresented sectors and communities.

The conversation will also cover onboarding, retention, dues structures, and the role of staff and boards in membership growth. Share what’s working, learn from peers, and take away practical ideas to strengthen your chamber’s membership base.

Growing Non-Dues Revenue

This interactive session focused on how chambers are building sustainable revenue beyond membership dues. Participants will share experiences and ideas around programs like Chambers Plan, affinity offerings, events, sponsorships, advertising, and group travel. The discussion will also explore strategies for maximizing revenue, reducing costs, identifying new opportunities, and accessing funding or grants.

This is a practical, peer-driven conversation designed to spark new ideas and provide takeaways you can

Speaking with Confidence on the Issues That Matter

Every Board of Trade and Chamber staff member is, in some way, an advocate for their members. Sponsored by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), this session will give both non-policy professionals and seasoned policy staff the language, context, and confidence to speak to advocacy and more specifically the six Atlantic Chamber policy positions, translating regional advocacy into tangible local member value.

To kick off and set the stage for the discussion, Paul Barnes (CAPP) will deliver a short, high-impact overview of successful advocacy strategies, including a real-world example of how CAPP engaged Boards of Trade and Chambers across the region to achieve a successful outcome.

Participants will then hear from respected Atlantic Canadian policy veteran Morgan Peters, who brings more than 15 years of frontline advocacy experience working on some of the region’s most important policy files. Morgan will provide candid insights into what works in advocacy, what does not, and the practical lessons Chambers can use to strengthen their influence and deliver results for members.

To close ACC’s will share key messages, sound bites and more on regional positions for your chamber to use to show your value.

Paul Barnes

Paul Barnes is Director, Atlantic and Northern Canada, for the Canadian Association of Petroleum
Producers (CAPP) based in their St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador office. Paul has over 35 years of
experience in the oil and gas industry.

Prior to joining CAPP, he was employed with the Canada-
Newfoundland & Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) in their Lands Administration and Industrial
Benefits departments.

He also serves on a number of Industry Boards and Committees.

Conference Agenda

The conference agenda is available for download here.

Morgan Peters

As Chief Executive Officer, Morgan leads a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals. Prior to assuming the role of CEO, Morgan served as the chamber’s Policy Manager from 2012 to 2023 and in this role he gained extensive experience understanding the key issues of members and advocating on their behalf.

Rhonda Tulk-Lane

Rhonda is a dynamic and respected leader known for her strategic mindset, collaborative approach, and commitment to helping others succeed.

As President & CEO of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, she actively champions a strong and vibrant business environment across Atlantic Canada. She also currently serves as Chair of the Chambers of the Federation, helping advance national dialogue and collaboration on issues impacting Canada’s business community.

Recognized by Atlantic Business Magazine as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business and a Top 50 CEO, Rhonda is passionate about mentorship, governance, and community leadership. Her extensive volunteer and leadership experience includes serving as a Director with the Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada, an Executive Member of the Institute of Corporate Directors Local Chapter, and an active contributor to numerous community initiatives and boards.

Dawn Binns

Dawn Binns is the co-founder of the Insight Group and currently principal of Dawn Binns Consulting, an Atlantic-based company specializing in facilitation, consultations, and strategic planning.