NORD Conference 2026

City of North Bay Economic Development Department

Join us for the hybrid NORD Conference featuring networking, defence sector insights, procurement updates and B2B meetings.

Canadore College Aviation Campus

SOLD OUT: IN-PERSON REGISTRATION IS SOLD OUT, BUT VIRTUAL TICKETS REMAIN AVAILABLE. Connect, learn, and discover new opportunities in the defence industry at the 2026 NORD Conference.This year’s conference kicks off with an exclusive reception at Canadore College’s Aviation Campus, offering guests a unique vantage point overlooking a 10,000‑foot runway. Attendees will enjoy dedicated networking opportunities, guided campus tours, and hands‑on simulator experiences.Day two features a full program designed to help businesses navigate and succeed in the defence sector. Participants will explore pathways into the industry, learn about new initiatives and procurement opportunities, and gain valuable insights into bidding and working with defence contractors and suppliers. The afternoon includes structured B2B meetings, with additional opportunities for attendees to book their own sessions with suppliers, prime contractors, and Northern Ontario businesses. A formal agenda will be shared soon.The conference concludes with a reception held in partnership with MineConnect as part of their monthly Roadshow event at The Clubhouse – Gateway Golf.This conference will be delivered in a hybrid format, with virtual access details shared with attendees closer to the event. The B2B meeting platform will enable participants to schedule both virtual and in‑person meetings with other attendees, and access will be provided in advance so bookings can be made ahead of time. An informational webinar will also be offered to guide attendees through the platform’s features and ensure a smooth experience. For returning participants, this is the same platform used in previous years. Additional details will be shared soon.This pilot project is funded in part by FedNor, City of North Bay and ONEDC.

April 20, 2026

Opening remarks will take place at 5:30 p.m. A networking reception featuring tours of shops, hangars, and aviation simulators. This event is graciously sponsored by Voyager Aviation and hosted at Canadore College’s Aviation Campus. Light refreshments will be served, along with a cash bar. Transportation will be provided, with a bus picking up participants from the three partner hotels and returning them at the conclusion of the evening.

Networking Reception - Sponsored by Voyageur

April 21, 2026

Coffee break is proudly sponsored by Northern College. The registration desk opens. Coffee, tea, and water will be available on site. Please enjoy breakfast prior to attending the event.
A bus shuttle will pick up participants from the three participating hotels and drop them off before the final networking session. Please note: parking is extremely limited on site; participants are strongly encouraged to use the shuttle service.

Registration

•	Mayor Peter Chirico
•	Dr Sandra Efu, Canadore College President & CEO

Opening Remarks

MP Pauline Rochefort Opening Address

Defence Industrial Strategy Overview 

Moderated by Lianne Girard, Canadore College
•	Cory Cousineau, Voyageur Aviation
•	Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Buckley, 22 Wing
•	Bryan Avery, YYB Jack Garland Airport

Panel Discussion: Aviation in North Bay 

Networking Break proudly sponsored by ThinkOn.

•	Daniel Berube, Site Manager, Defence Construction Canada
•	Captain Connor Wentzell, 22 Wing
An overview of Defence Construction Canada (DCC), upcoming projects, and guidance on how to learn about and bid on construction and engineering‑related opportunities for all DCC‑tendered and managed contracts across Northern Ontario.

Defence Construction Canada and Department of National Defence

Ontario Defence Association Presentation

Moderated by Bradley Stewart, FedNor
•	Darren Harper, President, Mawwwandoon Inc.
•	Philip Ducharme, Vice President of Entrepreneurship & Procurement, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
•	Ryan Moore, Director of Indigenous Procurement & Entrepreneurship Development, Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association
•	L.Col Micheal Moody, Canada Armed Forces

Panel Discussion: Indigenous Engagement within the Defence Sector

Moderated by Peter Studer, CFN Consultants
•	Laurie Delaney-Barry, GM Defence
•	Jacqueline Serviss, Airbus
•	Alexander Tsoulis, MHI Canada Aerospace

Panel Discussion: Prime Contractor Panel

Lunch will be provided and served buffet‑style in the downstairs cafeteria.

Lunch

Book your B2B meetings in advance using the B2BGO platform. Register your account here: https://go.b2b-2go.com/en/nord-2026/user/sign-in  To watch the training video, please visit: https://vimeo.com/1178939197?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

B2B Meetings

A bus will transport participants to and from their respective hotels. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the evening reception.

Departure from Aviation Campus

https://mineconnect.com/event/save-the-date-mineconnect-roadshow-north-bay-edition/

Evening Reception: Mine Connect Roadshow

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NORD Conference 2026

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