Check-In Hours & Concierge Services: 12:00 PM-7:00 PM, Programming commences at 2:30 PM
Check-in: Second Floor, Ballroom Level (Halifax Convention Centre)
All sessions are in Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT)
Emerging Managers Workshop, Presented by Inovia Capital
Now in its third year, the Emerging Managers Workshop returns as a dedicated, curated program for emerging fund managers attending Invest Canada. The session is designed to create space for practical discussion, peer exchange, and direct engagement on the realities of building and scaling an early fund.
The 2026 workshop will take place on Halifax’s harbour, the home to a dense community of technology companies, founders, investors, and ecosystem partners. The location of the event provides a working environment that reflects the kind of collaboration this session is designed to support.
Additional session details, including speakers and breakout themes, will be announced shortly. Please note that pre-registration is required to ensure a productive environment for participants. Participants who have pre-registered will receive session location details in their inbox prior to the event.
Emerging Managers Networking Lunch, Presented by Espace CDPQ
Invite-Only CFO Networking Lunch
An exclusive, invite-only gathering for CVCA’s CFO Network. Connect with peers to discuss key financial, operational, and regulatory priorities impacting fund performance, investor relations, compliance, and risk management. To ensure appropriate seating and catering, those who do not pre-register will not be admitted. Pre-registration required.
For more information or to register, contact Stéphane Hetherington at [email protected].
GP-ONLY Session (Market Data and Fundraising Conditions), Presented by BDC
LP-ONLY Session (Allocation Considerations), Presented by Sagard
NEW: Curated GP–LP 1:1 Meetings, Presented by Invest Nova Scotia
- You must hold a confirmed Invest Canada ’26 ticket to participate in this session. Applications from non-registered attendees will not be considered.
- Only one senior representative per fund is permitted.
- Priority will be given to funds that are actively fundraising and that register early.
- This session is intended for investment funds and allocators.
-
Lara Skwarek Investment Principal, Invest Nova Scotia
Invest Canada ’26 Opening Reception
Invest Canada Attendee Free Time
This open period is intentionally unprogrammed, giving participants the flexibility to use the time in ways that best support their conference objectives.
Many attendees use this window to schedule small group dinners, host investor or partner meetings, or continue conversations initiated earlier in the day. With the conference venue and hotels located in close proximity to Halifax’s downtown and waterfront, the evening offers easy access to restaurants and settings well-suited to informal business discussions.
No official Invest Canada ’26 programming is scheduled during this time.
After Hours Social, Presented by HarbourVest Partners (Canada)
The After Hours Social closes out day one of Invest Canada ’26 with a more casual, offsite gathering for attendees.
Set against the backdrop of Halifax’s harbour, the evening is designed to continue conversations from earlier in the day in a relaxed setting. The format is intentionally informal, offering space for meaningful connection following the conference’s opening program.
Further details, including venue information, will be announced as part of Invest Canada ’26 social programming.
Important Note: Pre-registration is not required for this session; however, name badges will be scanned at the door for entry.
Check-In Hours & Concierge Services: 7:30 AM-5:00 PM
Check-in: Second Floor, Ballroom Level (Halifax Convention Centre)
All sessions are in Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT)
Networking Breakfast, Presented by EDC (Export Development Canada)
The Day 2 Networking Breakfast provides an informal start to the conference program, giving attendees time to connect ahead of the morning sessions.
Breakfast will be served buffet-style, with seating available in adjacent ballrooms to allow participants to grab breakfast and continue conversations at their own pace. The format is designed to accommodate early meetings and informal networking before programming begins.
Welcome Remarks
The morning will open with welcome remarks to formally begin Day 2 of Invest Canada ’26.
The session will include an opening land acknowledgement, followed by brief remarks to set the context for the day’s programming and discussions.
-
Stephen Denton Partner, SeaFort Capital Inc. (IC26 Co-Chair)
-
Jeff White President and CEO, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) (IC26 Co-Chair)
2026 CVCA Awards Presentations, Presented by PIXCELL – Leaders recruiting leaders®
The CVCA Awards are a cornerstone of Canada’s private capital community, recognizing the investments, leadership, and strategic decisions that have shaped the industry.
The awards highlight achievement across venture capital and private equity, including notable exits, global dealmaking, regional impact, and leadership that has contributed to the strength and credibility of Canada’s private capital ecosystem. Additional details will be announced soon.
Plenary Session 1 (Economic Outlook)
This plenary will examine the economic outlook shaping private capital decision-making, including the forces influencing growth, inflation and rates, capital formation, and investor confidence.
Session details, including speakers and format, will be announced soon.ball
Plenary Session 2 (Tariffs & Industrial Strategy), Presented by KALOS LLP
This plenary will focus on tariffs and industrial strategy, considering their implications for private capital and the broader economic environment.
Session details, including speakers and format, will be announced soon.
Networking Break
VC Breakout Session 1 (Government as an LP)
This VC-focused breakout will examine the role of government as a limited partner, with a focus on how public capital intersects with market dynamics.
Session details, including speakers and format, will be announced soon.
PE Breakout Session 1 (Value Creation), Presented by BDO
Networking Lunch
The Networking Lunch provides a mid-day break for attendees to connect and continue conversations in an informal setting.
Lunch will be served buffet-style, with seating available in adjacent ballrooms to allow participants to meet, reconnect, and transition smoothly into the afternoon programming.
Plenary Session 3 (Secondaries), Presented by Osler
This plenary will focus on the role of secondaries within private capital markets, considering how secondary activity is evolving and how it is being used across different stages and strategies.
Session details, including speakers and format, will be announced soon.
Networking Break, Presented by Roynat Capital
VC Breakout Session 2 (Private Credit and Venture Credit)
This VC-focused breakout will centre on private and venture credit, considering their role within venture-backed companies and evolving capital structures.
Session details, including speakers and format, will be announced soon.
PE Breakout Session 2 (AI in Deal Origination)
This PE-focused breakout will consider the use of AI in deal origination and sourcing within private equity.
Session details, including speakers and format, will be announced soon.
Networking Break
Plenary Session 4 (Navy and Space), Presented by COVE
This plenary will focus on navy and space-related themes, considering their relevance to Canada’s strategic and industrial landscape.
Session details, including speakers and format, will be announced soon.
Networking Break
Plenary Session 5 (AI), Presented by Davies
This plenary will examine how AI is being applied in investment and operating contexts, with a focus on tangible outcomes.
Session details, including speakers and format, will be announced soon.
Evening Reception, Presented by Le Fonds de solidarité FTQ
The Evening Reception brings Day 2 of Invest Canada ’26 to a close, offering attendees an opportunity to connect and unwind in an informal setting.
Designed as a relaxed networking reception, the evening provides space to continue conversations from the day’s programming and engage with peers across the private capital community. Additional details on Invest Canada ’26 social events will be announced soon.
Important Note: Pre-registration is not required for this session; however, name badges will be scanned at the door for entry.
Check-In Hours & Concierge Services: 7:00 AM-11:00 AM
Check-in: Second Floor, Ballroom Level (Halifax Convention Centre)
All sessions are in Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT)
Invest Canada ’26 Morning Guided Group Run
The Morning Guided Group Run returns for Invest Canada ’26, offering participants an optional and informal way to start the final day of the conference.
The run is designed to be social, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees while exploring the city ahead of the day’s programming.
Meeting location and additional details will be shared in advance of the conference.
Networking Breakfast
The Networking Breakfast provides an informal start to the final day of Invest Canada ’26, allowing attendees to connect ahead of the morning programming.
Breakfast will be served buffet-style, with seating available to accommodate informal meetings and conversation.
Day 3 Welcome Remarks
Plenary Session 6 (Major Projects), Presented by NBIF (New Brunswick Innovation Foundation)
This plenary will focus on major projects and their role in Canada’s economic and investment landscape, with attention to how regional initiatives align with national priorities.
Session details, including speakers and format, will be announced soon.
Plenary Session 7 (Defence and Dual-Use), Presented by BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada)
This plenary will focus on defence and dual-use investment, examining how capital is being deployed in areas with both commercial and strategic applications.
Session details, including speakers and format, will be announced soon.
Networking Break, Presented by KPMG in Canada
Plenary Session 8, Presented by AEC (Alberta Enterprise Corporation)
This keynote will offer a forward-looking address relevant to the current environment.
Session details, including speakers and format, will be announced soon.
IC26 Closing Remarks
The conference will conclude with closing remarks, reflecting on the discussions and insights from Invest Canada ’26 and the connections formed over the course of the event.
The session may also include announcements relevant to the broader CVCA and Canadian private capital community. Additional details will be announced soon.