Cannexus26 will take place from January 26 to 28, 2026, offering both virtual and in-person attendance options. The in-person conference will be held at the Rogers Centre in Ottawa over two and a half days, beginning on January 26. The virtual conference will run on January 26 and 27. The conference features a diverse range of learning, including keynotes, concurrent sessions, an Exhibitor Showcase and networking opportunities, all designed to foster professional growth.
Regardless of the format you choose, Cannexus26 provides a unified experience where attendees can explore innovative approaches in career and workforce development and connect with peers from across Canada and around the world.
The virtual component of Cannexus26 will take place over two days: Monday and Tuesday. The in-person conference will run for two and a half days: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
The virtual and in-person portions of Cannexus are mostly separate but include sessions that bridge both experiences. Keynotes and main stage sessions will be presented simultaneously in both formats, streamed live from the Rogers Centre Ottawa into the virtual conference platform on the Monday and Tuesday. New for Cannexus26, virtual attendees will receive recordings of Wednesday’s keynote and main stage sessions.
During the in-person conference, attendees will not have access to virtual sessions. In-person attendees will gain access to all virtual conference content after the in-person event concludes – and be able to watch recorded virtual sessions for three months. Virtual attendees also receive three months’ access to the virtual platform. In-person sessions will not be recorded or available to virtual attendees, except for main stage sessions as well as keynotes, which will be streamed live and recorded for later viewing.
Your choice depends on your preferences and circumstances. If you value face-to-face networking and the immersive experience of being in Ottawa, attending in person may be ideal. If travel constraints or personal preference lead you to choose a more flexible option, the virtual conference offers a comprehensive program accessible from your location. Both formats are designed to provide a rich and engaging experience.
Yes, Cannexus26 marks the 20th anniversary of the conference, and special celebrations are planned to commemorate this milestone. Our theme is Evolving Work, Expanding Impact: 20 Years of Cannexus. While specific details will be announced closer to the event, attendees can look forward to unique programming and activities that honour two decades of advancing career development in Canada. Stay tuned to the Cannexus website and communications for updates.
The Call for Presenters for Cannexus26 is open as of April 9, 2025. This is an opportunity for professionals to contribute to the conference by sharing their expertise and insights with the career development community. The deadline to submit a proposal is Monday, June 2 at 11:59 pm ET.
Registration for Cannexus26 is expected to open in July 2025 with Super Saver rates available. Early registration is encouraged to take advantage of discounted rates and to secure your spot at the conference. Discounts will also be available for presenters, groups of 5 or more, members of supporting organizations and full-time students.
If you wish to change your registration from virtual to in-person or from in-person to virtual, it will be possible by notifying us prior to a January deadline. If the change in registration results in a difference in fees, the delegate will be responsible for paying any difference in the registration rate.
Yes, Cannexus26 will feature pre-conference workshops on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Details about these workshops, including topics and registration information, will be announced closer to the conference date. These sessions will require separate registration and have limited capacity, so early sign-up is recommended once information becomes available. Cannexus is also anticipating once again to host a National Convening of ISET (Indigenous Skills, Employment and Training) Program-holders over the weekend prior to Cannexus.
Yes, Cannexus is bilingual, offering select sessions as well as support in both English and French. The virtual conference platform allows attendees to choose their preferred language for navigation. There are a variety of live concurrent sessions offered in French in both the virtual and in-person programs as well as French simulive sessions in the virtual conference.
All live sessions in the virtual platform offer AI captioning into English or French, and all keynotes and main stage sessions include simultaneous interpretation (voice-over) into French for both in-person and virtual attendees.
Yes, all in-person attendees will have access to all virtual conference recorded sessions for three months following the conference, as well as recordings of in-person keynotes and main stage sessions. Please note that in-person attendees will not have access to virtual sessions until after the live conference days.
CERIC negotiates reduced rates at hotels close to the Rogers Centre Ottawa, including the Westin Ottawa, which is attached through an indoor walkway. Information on participating hotels and instructions on how to book these rates will be available on the Cannexus website. These discounted rates are available for a limited time and are subject to availability, so early booking is recommended.
Yes, discounted travel fares to Ottawa for registered attendees are typically available through partnerships with carriers such as Via Rail, Air Canada and WestJet. Specific details and promo codes will be provided on the Cannexus website as they become available.
While the core themes and objectives are consistent across both formats and take place under the Cannexus umbrella, the sessions offered in the virtual and in-person conferences are largely separate. However, keynotes and main stage sessions are shared.
Yes, all virtual Cannexus26 sessions as well as those streamed from the Rogers Centre will be recorded and remain available to attendees for three months following the conference. This allows attendees to view sessions at their convenience and ensures that they can benefit from the full range of conference content.
Yes, Cannexus will be using Pheedloop once again for its virtual conference. Delegates reported a positive experience this past year, building on its user-friendly track record among career development and other conferences.
Watch for more FAQS to be added throughout the year.
Louisa Smith, Career Services Advisor, Lighthouse Labs, ON