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.
Videos
Wednesday, May 6 – Opening Ceremony
Thursday, May 7 – Opening Ceremony
Featured Speakers
Conference Partners
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!
