2025 Annual BIA Conference

The BIA Conference Registration Desk is located in the Graydon Foyer.  

At the Registration Desk, you will be able to register, pick up your name badge and Delegate Program (a guide to the conference). Our partners, TicketPro, are once again handling our Conference Registration Desk. 

Pre-registration for Sunday Social events and Mobiles is strongly encouraged. However, registration for these events will also be available in-person at the Registration Desk while supplies last.

Conference Meals

A buffet serving style will be used for all Conference meals (other than the Gala Dinner) and food will be served in the Ballroom. 

Your name badge must be worn at all times as there may be another group at the Convention Centre over the same dates and serving staff may question which group you are with. There is an Awards Gala Banquet ticket included in your “Full” registration package and you must bring the ticket to the Awards Gala to enter.

Included in your “Full” Conference Registration are the following:

Sunday: Tradeshow Reception in Ballroom  

Monday: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Refreshment Breaks

Tuesday: Breakfast, Lunch & Refreshment Breaks – dinner will be on your own

Wednesday: Breakfast, Refreshment & Lunch

Conference Attire

We want you to be comfortable during your Conference experience, so please feel free to dress in either Business and/or Casual. A more formal dress code is encouraged for the Awards Gala Dinner on Monday night.

There are four (3) different mobile sessions at Conference this year. You will have the opportunity to get out and see a bit of our beautiful host city and the surrounding area.  This is a wonderful chance to experience these wonderful communities first-hand. Please keep in mind that you will be travelling via bus and on foot – wear comfortable walking shoes and bring an umbrella as these tours will go rain or shine. 

NOTE: You will need to sign up for the mobile sessions at the Registration Desk. Keep in mind that space is limited for these sessions! 

Again this year we welcome Trade Show Exhibitors to the Conference. These Exhibitors are one of the reasons that we can offer your Conference at a reasonable price. They also provide a number of important elements to your Conference experience through education, creativity, and product availability.  Take advantage of the 2 1/2 days to meet the Trade Show Exhibitors and learn about their unique offerings. 

We thank our Trade Show Exhibitors for their continued support of the 2024 BIA Conference. 

 Trade Show hours are: 

Sunday April 28: 4:30pm – 6:00pm

Monday April 29: 8:30am – 4:30pm

Tuesday April 30: 8:30am – 3:45pm 

Wherever possible, there has been an effort to reduce the amount of paper.  All presentations will be placed on the OBIAA Conference website after the Conference for your interest. Please help us minimize our “carbon footprint” by minimizing paper materials and waste.  

Taxis

The hotel concierge will be happy to arrange a taxi for you. You can also call directly at the numbers provided below.

Mississauga Transit Commission

To find out more about Courtesy Seating or other items related to Accessible Transit, inquiries can be directed to MiWay at 905-615-4636 and www.mississauga.ca  

VIA Rail Canada 

To purchase the tickets with 10% off the best available fare in Economy, Economy Plus, Business, Business Plus, Sleeper class, you must enter the event’s VIA convention discount code 14538 as a Corporate code. 

Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale Hotel 

For the second time ever, OBIAA will be offering headshots with our Conference photographer.

Update your professional headshot at the 2024 BIA Conference. Our photographer will be on site to capture your headshots. 

If you purchased a headshot, we have set aside dedicated times for you to get your headshot done – you will need to register for a 10-minute timeslot during one of these times. Sign-up sheets will be available at the registration desk. The photographer will be taking the headshots in Salon G or H on the main floor.

Dedicated Headshot Times:

1:00 – 4:30 pm 
Streetsville Walking Tour 

Kay Matthews conducted walking tours of Historic Streetsville for 22 years. Join Kay as she shares stories and history of this 1820s village that became a town in 1858 and was absorbed by the creation of the City of Mississauga in 1970. This tour is conducted rain or shine and is 1 1/2 hours long.

Transportation from/to the hotel is NOT included.

Price: $25.43 per person (includes all taxes & fees) 
Meeting Location: Streetsville BIA Office
 

1:00-4:30pm
Port Credit Craft Beer & Art

Explore Mississauga’s most popular lakefront tourist destination for an afternoon of arts, culture, and beer! Visit Old Credit Brewery, walk through the heart of Port Credit, and then head to The Brogue Irish Pub to create a work of art you get to keep! Attendees will be entered into a draw to win a Port Credit gift certificate for a one-night stay at the Waterside Inn and a $50.00 #INThePort gift certificate. Capacity: 20

Price: $65 per person (includes all taxes & fees)

6:30–9:00 pm
Feast & Funny: An Evening of Culinary Delights & Laughter 

Unleash laughter over a feast at Cuchulainn’s Irish Pub! Join delegates from the 2024 BIA Conference as Streetsville BIA presents a hilarious Comedy Fest teaser. Talented comedians will tickle your funny bone and spice up your dining experience. Indulge in delicious pub fare cuisine and side-splitting entertainment.  
Price: $75.00 (including all taxes & fees)

We will have two (2) Hospitality Suites for 2023.

This year, you will need to purchase a wristband in order to access unlimited alcoholic beverages at the Hospitality Suite.

Each wristband costs $30.00 (includes all taxes & fees) and provides unlimited drinks (beer & wine) for both nights. Wristbands can also be purchased on-site at Conference.

Those who prefer not to drink can still attend the hospitality suite to network and your access is free of charge.

Monday, April 29, 2024 — 6:00–9:00pm

Join us in celebrating the best that BIAs have to offer at our Awards Gala! Formal or semi-formal attire is encouraged. BIAs are champions of their communities and so we encourage you to dress in colours that represent your BIA and/or municipality.

Social on the Square
5:30-9:00pm
Streetsville Village Square

Mississauga’s five (5) BIAs come together in the Streetsville Square to provide an evening of fun and entertainment. Dinner is on your own in restaurants around Streetsville – a list will be provided. (Shuttle Buses available – 5:30 to 9:00pm)

We invite you to bring samples of promotional information from your BIA or some examples of your creative and innovative work for a table that will be set up near registration. Bring plenty! 

Is this your first time attending the BIA Conference? Are you looking for someone to show you the ropes? Take advantage of our Buddy Program! If you would like to be paired up with one of our Conference “veterans” please reach out to [email protected] to start the process!

Alternatively, if you are a veteran and interested in helping out someone who is attending Conference for the first time, we are also looking for volunteers!

To help keep everyone safe, OBIAA has developed a Safety Plan outlining current regulations and best practices that will be implemented at the Conference.  Masks are no longer mandatory but please feel free to wear one if it makes you more comfortable.

This year we will again be using a handy sticker system to indicate your level of comfort when interacting with other delegates. Simply find the sticker that matches your comfort level at the Registration Desk and stick it on your delegate badge! 

More information coming soon!

Did you know that we offer online session evaluations? Access it by clicking here or scan the QR code below: