The Imagine Marine Conference returns for its second year on October 7 & 8, 2025, in Ottawa, Ontario. As Canada’s only conference dedicated to building a national marine workforce strategy, the event has quickly become a cornerstone in shaping the future of Canada’s marine workforce.

This year’s theme, Solutions in Action: Building Our Future Marine Workforce, will focus on developing practical strategies to address ongoing labour challenges and strengthen the sector for the years ahead. The 2025 conference will showcase real-world initiatives, success stories, and innovative approaches that are making a measurable impact. Join us to exchange ideas, gain insights, and contribute to meaningful solutions that will help Canada’s marine sector remain competitive and resilient in an evolving labour market.

This 1.5-day conference will:
  • Showcase real-world examples of workforce development initiatives making a measurable impact on talent attraction, training, and retention.
  • Present the latest national marine workforce research, helping stakeholders align with emerging trends and needs.
  • Explore practical strategies for reducing barriers to employment and advancement, creating inclusive work environments, and the evolving expectations of today’s workforce.
  • Provide opportunities to learn from cross-sector collaboration through panel discussions, workshops, and keynote presentations featuring HR and EDI leaders, marine sector experts, and workforce innovators.
  • Offer networking and exhibit spaces to connect with stakeholders across education, training organizations, vessel operators, ports, shipyards, and government agencies.
The conference welcomes attendees from all segments of the marine sector, including education and training organisations, vessel operators, ports, shipyards, government agencies, marine services and suppliers, along with workforce development experts and other stakeholders.

Conference Agenda
Please note that all sessions will be in English. Program and speaker details are subject to change. Please check for updates regularly.

Day 1: Tuesday, October 7th
07:45 AM
Conference Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Conference Day 1 (Programming details to come)
5:30 - 7:30 PM
Reception for Delegates & Speakers
Day 2: Wednesday, October 8th
7:45 AM
Conference Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM
Day 2 Opening Remarks
8:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Conference Day 2 (Programming details to come)

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Imagine Marine, a CMCF Initiative. © 2025, Canadian Marine Careers Foundation, all rights reserved.
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