WHY ATTEND THE 2026 CAMA CONFERENCE?

CONFERENCE PROGRAM LAUNCH: FEBRUARY 23, 2026

ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS: FEBRUARY 27, 2026

AT 12:00 NOON EST

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as our 52nd Annual Conference promises to be our most incredible experience yet! This year's event will take you to Whistler, where inspiration and learning meet the charm of this iconic destination.

Visit the CAMA Conference website for exclusive Air Canada and WestJet discount codes, shuttle options between Vancouver and Whistler, and information on remaining room availability at the Hilton Whistler Resort.

Membership Has It's Perks! Did you know that CAMA members can save up to $400.00 on Conference registration? Plus, if you are a first time regular CAMA member delegate, enjoy an additional $150.00 discount on your registration fee. Just remember to ensure your membership is in good standing to take advantage of these amazing savings.

Save the Date: The full Program will be available on Monday, February 23 and the online registration opens on Friday, February 27 at 12:00 Noon EST. CAMA members will receive a direct email to your inbox with all details.

SPECIAL INCENTIVE FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA

CAMA MEMBERS

British Columbia CAMA members have a unique opportunity in 2026 as two premier local government conferences take place in BC within weeks of each other, the CAMA National Conference in Whistler (May 25–27) and the LGMA Conference in Penticton (June 9–11).

We know budgets can be tight and attending both isn’t always possible, so this year we’re adding an incentive. Register for both conferences by May 1, 2026 and your name will be entered into a special draw for complimentary conference registration and three nights at the host hotel. Even better, there will be two winners: one draw by LGMA and one by CAMA!

EMPOWER YOUR LEADERSHIP:

52ND ANNUAL CAMA CONFERENCE SNEAK PEEK

Theme: CAMA-RADERIE – Reaching New Heights, Together

Mike Downie

Tuesday Opening Keynote

The Honourable Christy Clark

Wednesday Opening Keynote

Michelle Cederberg

Wednesday Closing Keynote

Get ready for an event packed with inspiration, innovation, and impactful insights at the 2026 CAMA Conference. Here’s a glimpse of the incredible sessions and speakers that will empower your leadership and spark new ideas.

Conference Day Two - Tuesday, May 26 - Leadership, Productivity, AI & Real Talk

Tuesday launches with powerful storytelling and practical leadership insight designed specifically for municipal leaders navigating complexity in 2026.

• Opening Keynote – Mike Downie. Award-winning filmmaker and co-founder of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, Mike Downie challenges us to think bigger about the stories we tell as leaders. In “Telling Canada’s Story – Why Storytelling Matters,” he explores how narrative shapes culture, inspires connection, and defines legacy, a powerful reminder that leadership is as much about voice and vision as it is about policy and process.
• Plenary – Rhonda Scharf. In “How to Be a Leader – Not a Boss,” Rhonda brings her signature humour and practicality to the evolving demands of leadership. This session reframes influence, trust, and accountability in today’s municipal environment, and re-ignites what it truly means to lead.

After celebrating long service milestones, delegates will choose from dynamic concurrent sessions:

• Michelle Cederberg – Future Proofing Productivity. Balancing technology and wellness in an AI-driven world, Michelle offers strategies to reduce digital overwhelm, prevent burnout, and build energized, high-performing teams.
• Rhonda Scharf – Delivering Difficult Performance Reviews. An actionable framework for navigating one of leadership’s toughest responsibilities with professionalism and clarity.
• Small Municipalities – Big Challenges (Presented in French). A candid fireside chat featuring CAMA members Raffaelle Di Stasio, Elise Roussel, and Dave Brown, moderated by Jack Benzaquen, sharing real-world lessons from small-community leadership.

The afternoon continues with three timely conversations:

• Real Talk: What Every CAO Can Learn from the First Five Years. CAMA members Lisa Spitale, Austin Henderson, Dan Horan, and Thomas Goulden (moderated by Troy Fleming), offer honest reflections on the realities of the CAO role, resilience, and sustainable leadership.
• AI in Action – Nikki Best. Practical case studies on how municipalities of all sizes are responsibly implementing artificial intelligence to enhance services and governance.
• Breaking the Silence – Beverly Beuermann-King. Recognizing and responding to mental illness in the workplace with compassion and confidence.

Conference Day Three - Wednesday, May 27 - Global Perspective, Civility & Everyday Excellence

Wednesday begins with a forward-looking global lens.

• Opening Keynote – The Honourable Christy Clark. In “How Canada Can Win from a Changing World Order,” this session explores Canada’s positioning in an evolving global landscape, and what municipal leaders need to understand about geopolitical and economic shifts. The Honourable Christy Clark will have a fireside chat with Evan Parliament.
• Brady Wilson – Spotting the Invisible Forces that Fuel Incivility. A compelling deep dive into the hidden drivers behind workplace conflict, and practical tools to neutralize them before they erode culture and trust.
• Closing Keynote – Michelle Cederberg. In “Energized for Excellence,” Michelle returns to the stage to challenge delegates to embrace everyday excellence, personally and organizationally, and leave Whistler recharged for impact.

Enjoy the CAMA Awards of Excellence Luncheon, celebrating innovation and leadership across Canada’s municipal sector along with the Closing Ceremonies & Tradeshow Draws.

EXPLORE WHISTLER AT NEW HEIGHTS!

PRE-CONFERENCE ADVENTURES

& LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

Big Sky Golf Course

Bear Viewing Safari

E-Bike Valley Explorer Tour

Bushwhacker ATV Tour

The Great Whistler Walking Tour

The 2026 Pre-Conference program delivers a spectacular West Coast experience, where breathtaking landscapes meet leadership development and unforgettable connection.

• CAMA Golf Tournament - Big Sky Golf & Country Club. Tee off in the stunning Pemberton Valley at one of British Columbia’s most scenic championship courses. Framed by Mount Currie and sweeping alpine vistas, Big Sky blends generous fairways, strategic greens, friendly competitions, and mountain views at every turn. It’s networking, camaraderie, and West Coast hospitality — all at elevation.
• Bear Viewing Safari. Venture into Whistler Olympic Park aboard a custom 4x4 for an intimate wildlife experience. Guided by experts, you may observe black bears in their natural habitat while learning about the region’s unique ecosystem — an unforgettable connection to BC’s wilderness.
• Valley Explorer E-Bike Tour. Cruise the scenic Valley Trail network on pedal-assist mountain bikes that make climbs effortless and descents exhilarating. Lakes, forests, and iconic mountain views create the perfect blend of fresh air and relaxed adventure.
• Bushwhacker ATV Tour. Head deep into Whistler’s backcountry on a guided ATV experience through forestry roads and mountain trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints. No experience required — just a sense of adventure.
• The Great Whistler Walking Tour. Explore Whistler Village on foot with a knowledgeable local guide. Discover Olympic history, hidden art, glacial streams, and insider tips, all while enjoying crisp mountain air and spectacular scenery.
• Power Intelligence Workshop: Shaping Your Impact Through Conscious Use of Power with Sheelagh Davis. This highly interactive workshop invites leaders to examine how they use personal and positional power — and how that power is experienced by others. With over 20 years of leadership and organizational development expertise, Sheelagh guides CAOs and senior leaders to build self-awareness, calibrate influence with intention, and deepen role effectiveness in complex environments.

CASUAL NIGHT OUT: INTO THE WILDERNESS

CAMP CAMA

On Tuesday evening, delegates will ascend Whistler Mountain for an unforgettable mountaintop experience at CAMP CAMA. An exclusive gondola ride will carry our group to the top of Whistler Blackcomb, offering breathtaking alpine views — and a special midway surprise along the way.

At the iconic Roundhouse Lodge, enjoy mountain-inspired buffet stations, panoramic views, and lively entertainment guaranteed to keep the energy high. This is the night to trade hiking boots for dancing shoes and celebrate with colleagues from across the country.

With gondolas running throughout the evening for flexible arrival and departure, CAMP CAMA promises a seamless, high-energy, and distinctly Whistler experience.

WEDNESDAY WORKSHOPS

AND EDUCATIONAL STUDY TOURS

Rainbow Park and Trail Network

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

Cheakamus Crossing Walking Tour

Wrap up the Conference on Wednesday afternoon with hands-on learning and immersive local experiences designed for today’s municipal leaders.

• Leading with Civility. Brady Wilson builds on his plenary with an interactive workshop focused on rebuilding trust, managing tension, and leading difficult conversations with confidence and composure.
• Planning Beyond Our Lifetime. Presented by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, this session explores Canada’s next deep geological repository and the long-term engagement process with Indigenous communities and municipalities.
• Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Experience the living cultures of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations through guided storytelling, art, and hands-on learning.
• Rainbow Park & Trail Network. Discover how Whistler balances visitor experience, environmental stewardship, and resilience in managing high-use public spaces.
• Cheakamus Crossing Walking Tour. Explore how the former Olympic Athletes’ Village was transformed into a thriving workforce housing community — with practical lessons in planning and sustainability.

PRESIDENT'S RED CARPET DINNER

Lights, CAMA, Action

The Conference concludes with CAMA’s signature President’s Dinner, a red-carpet evening inspired by Hollywood North.

Guests will enjoy a lively reception, a beautifully prepared three-course dinner, and an evening of light-hearted entertainment, special acknowledgements, and remarks from President Brenda Orchard.

Elegant yet relaxed, this celebration honours leadership, service, and the strength of the CAMA community — the perfect finale to an extraordinary week.

Don’t forget a touch of red as we celebrate in style.