The Path to Canada’s Future Runs Through Public Colleges and Institutes
At pivotal nation-building moments like these, Canada needs a public college and institute sector that comes together with purpose to meet the needs of diverse learners, businesses and workers, to build partnerships that maximize our collective impact, and develop Canadian-made solutions.
CICan’s Connections Conference is the premier forum to convene, mobilize, and champion Canada’s public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics and Indigenous Institutes of Education.
At a Glance
April 21, 2026
Beginning at 1pm
Opening Keynote
Evening Reception
April 22, 2026
Full Day
Keynote
CICan’s Awards of Excellence
Concurrent Sessions
Evening Reception
April 23, 2026
Closing at 5pm
Keynote
CICan’s Awards of Excellence
Concurrent Sessions
Keynote & Closing
What to Expect
The Connections Conference is about turning ideas into action that aligns sector transformation with national priorities.
Skilled Trades & Workforce Development
Defence Readiness Strategies
Co-Creating with Industry
Digital Innovation & Transformation
Community Leadership and Impact
Engaging with Intent
Dynamic approaches will encourage collaboration, creativity and actionable outcomes to drive the future of postsecondary education in the direction our country and communities need us to go.
- Think critically and co-create solutions.
- Ideate, co-develop, and scale strategies.
- Demonstrate impact and strengthen advocacy.
- Share best practices and tools.
Where?
The 2026 Connections Conference is taking in Canada’s National Capital Region!
Canada’s National Capital Region includes of Ottawa, the neighbouring city of Gatineau, Quebec, and surrounding communities. The two cities are separated by the Ottawa River and form a metropolitan area with a population of over 1.4 million, making it the fourth-largest metropolitan area in Canada. Experience some of the country’s best attractions, celebrations, and flavours while you’re here.
Stay at The Westin Ottawa and take advantage of discounted rates.
Use the name CICan Connection Conference 2026 when booking or enter the Booking Code: CAI. Book by March 20, 2026.
Note: A first night non-refundable deposit will be taken at time of booking.
Getting Here
Destination: YOW
Promo Code: VBRKJ771
Travel Period: April 13 to April 30, 2026
Destination: YOW
Promo Code: CICO26
Travel Period: April 18 to 25, 2026
Destination: YOW
Promo Code: 4X7H2LH
Travel Period: April 13 to 30, 2026
For North America: Benefit from a 5% discount on standard fares, or a 10% discount on flex fares & higher.
For International Travel: Benefit from a 10% discount on standard fares & higher.
Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Porter Airlines is proud to offer up to 10% discount on available base fares (with the exception of the lowest class fare during a public seat sale) for travel to and from CICan’s 2026 Connections Conference.
Discounted fares are available for booking from September 19, 2025 to April 19, 2026 and available for travel to Ottawa between April 18 to Apr 22, 2026 and from Ottawa between April 21 to Apr 25, 2026.
Take advantage of 5% off Econo* and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares for travel within Canada and 2% off Econo*, 5% off EconoFlex and 10% off Premium base fares for guests travelling between Canada and the US.
No discount will apply to Basic or Business class bookings.
Destination: YOW
Promo Code: VBRKJ771
Travel Period: April 13 to April 30, 2026
For North America: Benefit from a 5% discount on standard fares, or a 10% discount on flex fares & higher.
For International Travel: Benefit from a 10% discount on standard fares & higher.
Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Destination: YOW
Promo Code: VBRKJ771
Travel Period: April 13 to April 30, 2026
Porter Airlines is proud to offer up to 10% discount on available base fares (with the exception of the lowest class fare during a public seat sale) for travel to and from CICan’s 2026 Connections Conference.
Discounted fares are available for booking from September 19, 2025 to April 19, 2026 and available for travel to Ottawa between April 18 to Apr 22, 2026 and from Ottawa between April 21 to Apr 25, 2026.
Destination: YOW
Promo Code: VBRKJ771
Travel Period: April 13 to April 30, 2026
For North America: Benefit from a 5% discount on standard fares, or a 10% discount on flex fares & higher.
For International Travel: Benefit from a 10% discount on standard fares & higher.
Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Note: CICan is not responsible for reimbursement of any expenses incurred in the event of cancelled flights or accommodations, lost luggage, or conference postponement. It is strongly recommended that all delegates and speakers secure trip cancellation coverage or speak with their travel advisor as to their options should any of these events arise.
