#CCEC26 Conference

Join us October 27 & 28 for #CCEC26 in Victoria, BC!

Stay tuned for our full conference program. Here's a sneak peek of what you can expect:

• The Future of Community with Doug Griffiths, President & CEO, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
• Networking Scavenger Hunt (participate for your chance to win 1 of 3 $100 cash prizes)
• Maximizing non-dues revenue with Chambers Plan
• CCEC's Annual General Meeting
• Celebrating Excellence Award Dinner - recognizing career milestones, and our 2026 award recipients

Credibility Counts - How Non-Partisanship Advances Chamber Impact
Keynote speaker: Lisa Dressler, Executive Director, Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce
Keynote speaker: Karey Anne Large, CEO, Whitby Chamber of Commerce

In an increasingly polarized environment, Chambers of Commerce are most effective when they are trusted, credible, and clearly non-partisan. This session explores best practices for maintaining neutrality while engaging in strong, effective advocacy on behalf of business. 

During the first 30 minutes of this session, two Chamber executives will share the policies and procedures that ensure their Chamber remains non-partisan. We’ll explore practical governance and policy considerations, how to navigate election periods, public messaging, and political pressure without compromising credibility. In the final 30 minutes, we’ll come together to share best practices and brainstorm solutions. 

Through real-world examples and clear takeaways, attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of how non-partisanship protects Chamber influence, strengthens relationships with all orders of government, and reinforces the Chamber’s role as a trusted convener and voice for the business community. 

Robert’s Rules of Order Procedures
Keynote speaker: Dr. Pedro Márquez, Royal Roads University 

Here’s your chance to learn from an expert and perfect your Chamber’s parliamentary procedures. In this session, we’ll review Robert’s Rules, provide clarity on common mistakes, and share best practices to ensure meetings and debates are fair, orderly and efficient. Come with your questions, and specific scenarios to share with your peers.

A Model for Collaboration Between Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Areas, and Destination Marketing Organizations
Session Moderator: Jennifer Garries, Leduc, Nisku, and Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of 
Commerce
Panelist: John Wilson, CEO, Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Panelist: Paul Nursey, CEO, Destination Greater Victoria
Panelist: Jeff Bray, Executive Director, Downtown Victoria Business Association

In Greater Victoria, three cornerstone organizations have distinct but highly complementary roles in supporting local businesses and promoting the community as a great place to live and visit. This panel brings together executive leaders who have built a model for collaboration and partnership for a conversation on what works, what doesn’t, and how you can strengthen relationships with potential partners to benefit your membership and community.

Accreditation Celebration!
We’re partnering with the Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to honor and celebrate the Chamber professionals that have earned their Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) designation, and the Chambers that have achieved Chamber Accreditation.