National Convention 2026
April 29 and 30, 2026
Welcome to your 2026 National Convention event website—your central resource for all event information. Bookmark this page and use it to plan your experience in the coming weeks and months. While in Toronto, you will also be able to access schedules, details, and important updates all from this site.
We are at an exciting point in our 110+ year history. This Convention promises to deliver dynamic conversations, learning, upskilling and deeper connections to each other and to our shared purpose. Our theme says it all: BIG Impact. Connect. Ignite. Grow. Whether you seek to fill up your cup, bring joy to others, be part of the program or build a succession plan for your agency’s future, we’ve got you covered.
During our two-day gathering, together we will help shape the future of our mission: to deliver meaningful mentoring experiences to children and strengthening communities nationwide. As we evolve our story and build our federation Strategic Plan in 2026, your voice, your data, your insight, and your lived experience are essential ingredients to our mutual success. Our why is in the hearts and minds of every child we enroll and every volunteer we engage, to ensure our programs deliver measurable, human outcomes.
Over two immersive days, you’ll participate in inspiring keynote sessions, collaborative breakout discussions, and shared learning experiences designed to move our mission forward. Register today so that we continue to serve kids with BIG Impact.
REGISTER TODAY – EARLY BIRD RATE APPLIES
The full program takes place in person. There is no virtual option.
Please have your payment method handy when you begin registration.
READ THIS BEFORE BEGINNING REGISTRATION PROCESS:
Note that the online registration form host (Zeffy) provides this event form at no cost to Big Brothers Big Sisters. As part of their business model, Zeffy pre-populates a field in the payment summary with a suggested amount (13% of the registration fee by default) that will be directed to Zeffy.
Be sure to set this amount to your preference. You can select “other” and set the “contribution amount” to zero dollars unless you would like to contribute to Zeffy.
If you accidentally process your payment include this default % contribution, you will be charged the amount showing in that field. Zeffy states in their policy that these amounts are not refundable.
PRICING
Early bird registration rates apply until 5 pm EST on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
2-day conference / 1 night hotel
Early bird – includes 2-day conference / 1 night hotel
(Wednesday, April 29)
Cost per person
(single occupancy)
$895
All sessions include:
Daily keynote, plus morning and afternoon breakout sessions
Hotel accommodation: Option of 1 or 2 nights
Onsite meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, plus refreshments
Complimentary transfer from Pearson Airport to the hotel – runs every 30 mins.
2-day conference / 2 nights hotel
Early Bird – includes 2-day conference / 2 nights hotel
(Tuesday, April 28 and Wednesday, April 29)
Cost per person
(single occupancy)
$1,132
CANCELLATION
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada will review any requests for cancellation on a case-by-case basis and reserves the right to charge an administration fee to cover financial commitments related to the request. Registrations may be transferred to another member of your agency team at no cost, in the event that you cannot attend.
If you would like to extend your stay, please plan to contact the hotel’s Reservations team in February at 877-504-9071. Extensions are subject to availability and can be offered at the same group rate under Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. We will send a reminder email to all registered attendees when this option to extend opens up. Please note: The hotel will not have your reservation in their system until our full rooming list is submitted. If you call in February and the Reservations team cannot locate your booking, please contact us for assistance.
AGENDA
Coming soon!
We are finalizing an inspiring program for National Convention 2026. Thanks to all of you who provided ideas for topics that interest you.
Suggested topics include:
- Mental Health
- Mentoring Research
- Volunteer Recruitment
- Youth Engagement
- Fundraising
- Board Governance
- Program Innovation
- Inclusion and Belonging (DEI)
2026 Convention Planning Committee:
Big Brothers Big Sister of Canada gratefully acknowledges the collaboration and support of the following individuals who are your 2026 planning team:
Amy Hogemann, Project Lead, BBBSC
Jessica Bradley, Event planning lead and sponsor
Stachen Frederick, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto
Stephanie Chretien-Gaudreau, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa
Melissa Lodba, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara
Taylor Sullivan, Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District
Irma Van De Bon Nicol, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yorkton
Liz Wizmer-VanWeer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County
Kerry Woodland, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area
Our Convention Partners
