The 2027 Annual BIA Conference will take place on

April 25-28, 2027

in Oakville, ON.

Apr25

The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) proudly presents the 2027 BIA Conference, taking place April 25–28, 2027, in Oakville, Ontario. Presented by Visit Oakville and hosted by Kerr Village BIA, this annual gathering brings together BIA leaders, municipal partners, and community builders from across Ontario for three and a half days of learning, networking, and inspiration.

This year’s theme, Making Waves on Main Streets: Fostering Momentum Across Ontario, celebrates the people, ideas and partnerships creating movement in communities across the province.

This annual gathering brings together BIA leaders, municipal partners, and community builders from across Ontario for three and a half days of learning, networking, and inspiration.

Stay tuned for details. We look forward to seeing you there!

Greetings from the Ontario Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries

Greetings from the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing

Greetings from the Ontario Premier

Stay Tuned for Information on the 2027 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.

Become a speaker or host a workshop

Full Registration Includes (and is not limited to):

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!

Other Considerations:

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

Why Board Members Should Attend:

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.

Conference Justification

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

Our Current Conference Committee

Liz Behrens | Volunteer

Nathalie Carrier | Vanier BIA

Monina Cepeda | TABIA

Anna Mikus | Cooksville BIA

Stephen Morris | OMRA

Sara Porter | Southampton BIA

Kelly Ralston | Clarkson Village BIA

Doug Sams | Kerr Village BIA – Chair and Conference Host

Andrea Steenbakkers | Barrhaven BIA

Donna Szpakowski | Hyde Park BIA

Stacey Zubczyk | Downtown Barrie BIA

Our Current Host Committee

Milan Bowie | Town of Oakville

Lauren Canham | Visit Oakville

Rebekah Diec Stormes | Town of Oakville

Rebecca Edgar | Visit Oakville – Conference Presenting Sponsor

Susan Johnston | Downtown Oakville BIA

Tait MacInnes | Visit Oakville

Isabel Mathieson | Oakville Chamber of Commerce

Doug Sams | Kerr Village BIA & Conference Host

OBIAA Staff Working With The Committee

Rachel Braithwaite | Executive Director

Erin Douglas | Admin & Membership Manager

Kennishia Duffus | Manager, Events and Sponsorships

Nessa Gubbels | Brock University Student 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

Sponsorship Opportunities

“Well done. Met great people, intelligent dialogue, great services, and excellent meals and accommodation, (sic). I have since written a report about the conference, for our mayor and downtown (sic) BIA. Will share with everyone some of the unique ideas that I witnessed and heard, to keep small and large business working together to serve well, the masses, in so many capacities. Spontaneous round of standing ovation is more uplifting then any other. Congratulations on a job well done.”

“I know the theme of the conference was related to resilience of the main streets and downtowns. But with the storm, it really showed the resilience of your members to show up and support OBIAA. I was worried no one would come and even doubted whether I should make it. But definitely glad you committed to putting on a wonderful conference and kudos to all those members came out in full force. Congrats.”

“You should also know that I made more connections at OBIAA than any other conference I've attended in this job.”

“Hats off to you and the rest of your team! I felt that this year was one of the best conferences I'd attended in recent memory. All of our delegates enjoyed the experience, too!!! I was delighted to see the Municipality there with 2 delegates, and the County supporting it as well. I hope to encourage more to attend next year.”

“I attended all three mobile sessions. I feel that these are an invaluable part of the OBIAA conference – informative, engaging, fun, active, and from the ground up! I loved the networking opportunities and creative ideas they all provided! Thank-you!”

For Additional Information

If you require any further information, please contact OBIAA at 905-271-7222 or via email.

[email protected]