Explore the Program
Many Voices, One Table: Co-Creating the Future of Engagement
Welcome to the 2026 experience, guided by the theme:
The program brings together diverse perspectives across public participation practice, creating space for dialogue, learning, and exchange.
Across the three day experience, participants will engage with ideas, approaches, and real world applications that reflect how engagement continues to evolve across communities, organizations, and governments.
This page offers a clear view into the program, outlining how it is structured, what it includes, and how it continues to take shape.
Extend Your Stay in Vancouver!
Join A Side Event and Be a Part of The Conversation
Public participation is everywhere in government decision-making today, but it doesn't always shift the decisions themselves. That's the gap SFU's Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, a Platinum Sponsor of the conference, is tackling in "Addressing the Gap Between Public Participation and Decision-Making.”
This in-person workshop takes place October 1 in Vancouver, bringing together public engagement leaders, government decision-makers, and policy thinkers to ask: how does public participation become a real part of governance, not just an input exercise?
The Centre is holding 25 seats on a first-come, first-served basis for IAP2 NAC registrants. Use code IAP22026 at checkout to claim yours.
Thank you to SFU's Centre for Dialogue, our Platinum Sponsor, for hosting this conversation.
Spaces are now full.
Program at a Glance
The conference unfolds over three days, beginning with a shared moment of recognition and continuing into two full days of learning and exchange.
The opening evening, on October 1, brings participants together for the Gala and the presentation of the 2026 Core Values Awards, recognizing projects, organizations, and individuals advancing meaningful public participation across Canada.
The program then continues on October 2 and 3 with conference sessions, discussions, and opportunities for shared learning across the field. These days are designed to support both exploration and application, creating space to engage with ideas and consider how they translate into practice.
How the Program Comes Together
The program has been developed to support different ways of engaging, recognizing that participants move between listening, reflecting, and contributing throughout the experience.
Sessions introduce current thinking and perspectives grounded in practice, offering insight into how public participation is being approached across different contexts.
Alongside this, breakout and applied sessions focus on practical implementation, sharing tools, frameworks, and examples that reflect real-world experience.
Facilitated discussions create space for dialogue, allowing participants to engage with one another, exchange perspectives, and explore ideas in greater depth.
Equally important are the moments between sessions. Informal interaction, reflection, and continued conversation are intentionally part of the experience, supporting connection across participants.
Themes Across the Program
The program reflects a range of themes that have emerged through the call for sessions and the broader field of practice.
These include Indigenous engagement and community-informed approaches, equity and accessibility in participation processes, youth and intergenerational perspectives, and the continued development of tools and frameworks used in practice.
The program also engages with more complex dimensions of the work — including navigating conflict, supporting decision-making in challenging environments, and considering how public participation continues to evolve.
Together, these themes shape both the content of individual sessions and the overall direction of the program.
What to Expect Within the Sessions
Participants will move through a variety of session formats, each contributing to a balanced experience.
This includes keynote and featured presentations that provide context and direction, breakout sessions that explore specific topics in more depth, and facilitated conversations that support dialogue and exchange.
Interactive sessions and discussion-based formats create space for participation, while networking moments and shared spaces allow for connection beyond structured sessions.
Contributors to the Program
Discover
Vancouver
Consistently recognized as one of the world's most beautiful cities, Vancouver offers an unforgettable backdrop for this year's conference.
Surrounded by mountains and ocean, the city blends spectacular natural beauty with vibrant neighbourhoods, exceptional dining, rich cultural experiences, and endless opportunities to explore. Whether you're strolling the Seawall, visiting Stanley Park, enjoying the city's renowned culinary scene, or discovering local shops and galleries, there's something for everyone to experience.
If your schedule allows, consider extending your stay and discovering everything Vancouver has to offer. From itineraries and neighbourhood guides to dining, attractions, and seasonal events, you'll find plenty of inspiration at Destination Vancouver
Experience the Venue
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel provides an exceptional setting for this year's conference.
Just steps from the city's iconic waterfront, Stanley Park, and vibrant downtown core, the hotel offers modern meeting spaces, comfortable accommodations, and outstanding hospitality—all within walking distance of many of Vancouver's most celebrated attractions.
Delegates will also enjoy thoughtfully curated culinary experiences, prepared by Executive Chef George and his talented culinary team. Showcasing fresh, locally inspired ingredients and exceptional service, each meal has been designed to complement the conference experience and provide opportunities for colleagues to connect around the table.
Welcome to the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle!
Set along Vancouver's iconic waterfront, the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown offers scenic views of Coal Harbour and the North Shore Mountains. Nestled in the heart of Coal Harbour, the hotel provides a serene West Coast retreat within walking distance of Stanley Park, shopping, acclaimed restaurants, and the city's most celebrated attractions.
With over 20,000 square feet of flexible event space, showcasing views of Coal Harbour and the North Shore Mountains, the hotel provides an inspiring backdrop for meetings, conferences, and special events. Recognized as the top Marriott hotel in British Columbia for event satisfaction, the hotel is known for delivering seamless experiences through thoughtful planning, personalized service, and genuine West Coast hospitality. Every gathering is designed to be memorable, effortless, and distinctly Vancouver.
Whether your goal is to relax and recharge between meetings, explore Vancouver's celebrated attractions, or embrace the city's vibrant urban energy, our team looks forward to helping you create a memorable stay. Through personalized recommendations, we help you discover the city like a local from the moment you arrive.
Experience the flavours of the West Coast at Showcase Restaurant & Bar, where seasonal menus highlight the best local ingredients. After a day of meetings, sightseeing, or waterfront exploration, unwind with craft beers, fine wines, and live sports in a relaxed and inviting setting. Relax in the indoor pool, hot tub, and steam room, or maintain your wellness routine in our state-of-the-art fitness centre.
Ideally situated on Vancouver's iconic waterfront, moments from Stanley Park, premier shopping, and the city's renowned dining scene, the hotel is the perfect base for discovering everything Vancouver has to offer. To explore hotel amenities, local attractions, and what to expect during your visit, please visit What to Expect | Marriott Bonvoy