September 8 – 11, 2026
Shediac, NB
Every year, event professionals from across Atlantic Canada come together to share what they know, support one another, and leave feeling more connected to the people and the work that makes this industry so special.
The 2026 Summit in Shediac is your chance to be part of that.
Over four days, you will meet peers from all four provinces, hear from leaders who are shaping the future of events, and build the kind of relationships that carry you through the rest of the year. Whether you are running a community festival, managing a major sport event, leading a destination, or supplying the industry, there is a seat at the table for you.
And this year, we are building something a little different. Expect more hands-on learning, bolder conversations, and programming that reflects where our industry is headed.
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What to Expect
This year’s Summit will explore the topics that matter most to event professionals right now, including AI and digital tools, monitization of events, event safety and risk management, funding strategies, Indigenous tourism, event insurance, the festivalization of communities, and how climate is shaping the way we plan and deliver events.
The program is designed around connection. Industry roundtables, peer-to-peer learning, and social programming are woven throughout the week so you leave with new ideas, new relationships, and practical tools you can put to work immediately.
Keynote Speaker
Marie Zimmerman
Director of Projects and Partnerships with Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4)
Marie Zimmerman has spent her career at the intersection of arts, tourism, and community, working with five Canadian arts festivals across music, dance, jazz, film, and literature. She has served as Artistic Director, Executive Director, strategic planner, and sustainability lead, helping festivals achieve net carbon zero and win national and international sustainability awards.
As a founding member of the Guelph Fab 5 (a collective of local arts festivals), Marie has built award-winning tourism initiatives and powerful creative partnerships among businesses, nonprofits, and government. She now serves as Director of Projects and Partnerships with Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4) and is a 2024 recipient of the Three Rivers Woman of Distinction Award.
Her keynote will explore how community festivals and events can authentically grow into tourism draws without losing the heart of what makes them meaningful.
Marie is one of several speakers joining us this year. Our full lineup will be shared as confirmations are finalized. If you would like to be considered as a speaker or session leader, reach out to us at hello@eventatlantic.ca.
Registration
Register for the 2026 Event Atlantic Summit
Your registration includes:
- Full access to all conference sessions and industry roundtables
- Welcome Reception
- Main Street Lunch Crawl
- Evening networking and live entertainment
- Event Atlantic Excellence Awards
- Event and tourism industry education programming
First-time attendee rate is new this year and is open to both members and non-members.
Never been to an Event Atlantic Summit before? This is your year. The first-time attendee rate is designed to make it easy for newcomers to experience what this community is all about.
2026 Registration Rates
Early Bird Rates (by June 30)
Member Rate: $299
Non-Member Rate: $425
First-Time Attendee: $250
Student Rate: $99
Members receive preferred pricing and year-round access to Event Atlantic programming and benefits.
After June 30th:
Member Rate: $399
Non-Member Rate: $525
First-Time Attendee: $350
Student Rate: $99
Schedule at a Glance
Arrivals & Welcome
- Check‑in begins at Hotel Shediac.
- Welcome Reception (6:00 – 10:00 pm) – Arrive in Shediac and settle in. That evening, join us for a Welcome Reception to kick off the Summit. We are planning something a little different this year with a waterfront feel and beach-party energy. More details coming soon.
Tuesday, September 8
Conference Day One
A full day of sessions, panels, and roundtables at the Shediac Multipurpose Centre (58 Festival Street).
- Centre Multi Sessions (9:00 am – 4:00 pm) . – 58 Festival Street, Shediac
- Main Street Lunch Crawl (11:00 am – 1:30 pm) – Discover Shediac’s culinary scene in small groups.
- Dinner on Your Own (5:00 – 8:00 pm) – Enjoy local restaurants at your leisure.
- Board Dinner (6:00 – 8:00 pm) – For board members (location TBD).
- Evening Activity (8:00 – 10:00 pm) – Connect with peers in the festival tent, think art and entertainment.
- Live Music (9:00 pm – midnight) – Relax at the Hotel Shediac restaurant with live entertainment.
Wednesday, September 9
Conference Day Two & Excellence Awards
Another full day of programming at the Shediac Multipurpose Centre, with sessions exploring mMonitzing your events, Event safety, the festivalization of community events, climate and events, and more.
That evening, join us for dinner followed by the Event Atlantic Excellence Awards, where we celebrate the people, events, and organizations making an impact across Atlantic Canada. Nominations open May 1.
Cap the night off with live music and networking.
- Centre Multi Sessions (9:00 am – 4:00 pm) – 58 Festival Street, Shediac
- Lunch will be served onsite.
- Event Atlantic Excellence Awards (6:00 – 9:00 pm) – Celebrate outstanding achievements in our industry under the festival tent.
- Post‑Awards Gathering (9:00 pm – midnight) – Join us back at the Hotel Shediac restaurant and bar for live music and networking.
Thursday, September 10
Optional Experiences - Experience Shediac
- Board Meeting (9:00 am – Noon) – Hotel Shediac, Board Meeting
- Optional Activity (2:00 – 4:00 pm) – Add‑on activities such as a Shediac Bay Cruise (fee may apply). Additional information will be sent to registrants upon signup.
- Evening (3:00 pm – late) – Stay for the Hom’Art Festival, Shediac’s celebrated live art competition and cultural gathering. Summit attendees who extend their stay can experience an evening of art, music, food, and community. The Hom’Art Festival’s grand finale takes place on Saturday, September 12, making this the perfect reason to add an extra night.
Friday, September 11
Please note that the schedule and venues are subject to change; updated details will be shared closer to the event.
Accommodations
Official Host Hotel
Hotel Shediac
A special room block has been secured at Hotel Shediac for Event Atlantic Summit attendees.
📍 Conveniently located near downtown Shediac and close to evening programming and networking events.
How to Book
To reserve a room within the Event Atlantic 2026 block:
📞 Local: 506-532-6100
📞 Toll Free: 1-855-836-6100
📧 reservations@hotelshediac.ca
Please reference: “Event Atlantic 2026” when making your reservation.
Room block dates:
September 8 – September 11, 2026
Extension night available September 11 – 12, 2026
We recommend booking early to ensure availability.
Room Types & Rates
Additional Accommodations options with room blocks
Shores Inn & Hotel
653 Main Street, Shediac
21 rooms at a flat rate of $129 + taxes per night.
How to book: Book online at shoresinnandhotel.com using promo code ATLANTIC139, or call 1-506-532-5563 and mention Event Atlantic.
Room block cutoff: July 31, 2026
Bower Boutique Hotels (Tait House)
293 Main Street, Shediac (1.1 km from venue)
5 unique rooms ranging from $219 to $279 + taxes per night, including options with tower views, garden views, and soaker tubs.
How to book: Phone only. Call 1-506-381-6761 and mention Event Atlantic.
Hôtel Gabriel
296 Main Street, Shediac (900 m from venue)
12 rooms ranging from $129 to $239 + taxes per night, including standard, queen, superior, junior suites, and suites with water views and jet tubs.
How to book: Phone only. Call 1-506-381-6761 and mention Event Atlantic.
Our Sponsors
Sponsor the 2026 Event Atlantic Summit
Partner with the region’s leading event professionals.
The Event Atlantic Summit brings together municipal leaders, festival organizers, tourism partners, venues, suppliers, and industry decision-makers from across Atlantic Canada.
Sponsorship offers:
- Direct access to event leaders and municipal decision-makers
- Brand visibility across four provinces
- On-site activation opportunities
- Recognition during the Event Atlantic Excellence Awards
- Digital promotion before and after the Summit
Whether you’re looking to build relationships, increase brand awareness, or demonstrate your commitment to Atlantic Canada’s event industry, we’d love to explore partnership opportunities.
Get Involved
Want to be part of the Summit beyond attending?
We are looking for volunteers to help bring this year’s Summit to life. Whether you can lend a hand for a few hours or the full event, we would love to have you. Volunteering is a great way to meet people, get behind the scenes, and contribute to something meaningful for the sector.
We are also building our session lineup and want to hear from you. If you have a topic, a story, or a perspective that would resonate with event professionals across Atlantic Canada, we want to know about it. Panel ideas, solo presentations, case studies, interactive workshops: all formats are welcome.
Reach out to hello@eventatlantic.ca to put your name forward as a volunteer or speaker.
We look forward to seeing you in Shediac.