The 2026 Annual BIA Conference took place
April 19-22, 2026
Apr19
Greetings from the Ontario Premier
Stay Tuned for Information on the 2026 BIA Conference!
What is the BIA Conference?
The OBIAA BIA Conference is the premier annual training and professional development event for Business Improvement Areas across Ontario and beyond. It brings together BIA leaders, municipal partners, suppliers, and community builders for three and a half days of learning, inspiration, and connection. Delegates experience inspiring keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, mobile tours, and meaningful networking opportunities, all designed to support the growth, resilience, and future of our main streets.
Why should you attend as a Delegate?
For BIA professionals and Municipal Staff, attending the conference is an opportunity to step away from the daily demands of their communities and connect with peers facing similar challenges and opportunities. It’s a space to recharge, share ideas, learn new strategies, and return home with fresh energy and practical tools to make an immediate impact. The conference offers unmatched value through education, community-building, and exposure to innovative solutions.
Use our 2026 BIA Conference Justification Template Letter to Board to help share with your Board or Manager why you should attend.
Why should you attend as a Trade Show Exhibitor?
Exhibitors gain direct access to more than 300 BIA and municipal leaders who influence purchasing decisions, program development, and long-term planning. The Trade Show allows suppliers to showcase products, services, and solutions that support local economic development, placemaking, beautification, events, and BIA operations. It’s a unique opportunity to build relationships, increase brand visibility, and understand the needs of Ontario’s main street communities.
2026 Land Acknowledgement
This BIA Conference is located within the The City of St. Catharines and Niagara region is the traditional home to many First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples. The land is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This land acknowledgement is important: it reminds us that our great standard of living is directly related to the resources and friendship of Indigenous people in our community – and indeed across the nations.
Full meals – 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 Awards Dinner, and 3 refreshment breaks
Informative and educational sessions taking place over 3 full days
4 streams of education based on the pillars of downtown revitalization – Leadership & Management, Economic Development, Public Realm, and Marketing & Promotions
High value speakers & content including keynote speakers.
Awards Gala – Recognition of successful and innovative BIA efforts
Mobile Tours of Local BIAs
2.5 days of Trade Show – Enjoy face-to-face connections with over 30 Trade Show Exhibitors
Greetings from Municipal, Provincial, and Federal staff
Networking Opportunities. This is the one time of year when BIA Staff, Board Members, and Municipal Staff get together. You don’t want to miss it!
Block pricing for hotel accommodations
An engaging in-person Conference experience
Pre-Conference tours at an additional cost
OBIAA offers a group rate for registration!
Relevant and informative content covered in each session
With four streams (pillars) of education, each BIA needs to consider sending more than one person to be able to attend as many sessions as possible.
Board members have a dedicated session where they can network and learn governance best practices.
Need help getting approval to attend?
Use our 2026 BIA Conference Justification Template Letter to Board to support your request.
Download “Why You Should Attend the BIA Conference” and share it with your board members
Why should you attend the 2020 BIA Conference
Amber Pajtasz | Town of Caledon | 2026 Conference Chair
Katherine Dodge | St. Catharines Downtown Association | 2026 Conference Host
Nick Crozier | Uptown Saint John BIA
Viveca Gravel | River District BIA
Julianne Kloss | Downtown Strathroy BIA
Salvatore Marchese | City of Sault Ste. Marie
Sara Porter | Southampton BIA
Doug Sams | Kerr Village BIA
Bethea Summers | Pembroke BIA
Donna Szpakowski | Hyde Park BIA
Stacey Zubczyk | Downtown Barrie BIA
Katherine Dodge | St. Catharines Downtown Association | 2026 Conference Host
Stephanie Hicks | Town of Lincoln | OBIAA Board President
Jeannie McGlynn | Heart of Niagara Hotels
Samir Husika | City of St. Catharines
Amy Schanbacher | Thorold Business Improvement Area
Amanda MacDonald | Grimsby Improvement Area
Katie MacCabe | St. Catharines Downtown Association
Jennifer Blackledge | Downtown Bench Beamsville BIA
Mary-Lou Ambrose-Little | Downtown StevensvilleRachel Braithwaite | Executive Director
Erin Douglas | Admin & Membership Manager
Kennishia Duffus | Manager, Events and Sponsorships
Nadine Bongers | Brock Intern
Hajirah Omar | Brock Intern
Nina Seaman | UofT Intern
A very special thank-you to Ann Barker and Ticketpro for all the amazing work they do with us every year – we truly couldn’t do it without you!
Stay tuned for more information on our 2026 BIA Conference Partners!
2025 Conference Partners
For Additional Information
If you require any further information, please contact OBIAA at 1-866-807-2227 or via email.