The Registration Desk will be located in the main lobby of the Parkway Conference Centre and will be open for registration beginning Sunday.

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 Huron Grand 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 at The Courts.

Monday: Breakfast, Lunch, Refreshment Breaks at The Courts. Dinner at Huron Grand Ballroom.

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

Wednesday: Breakfast, Refreshment & Lunch at Huron Grand Ballroom.

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.

OBIAA aims to provide an interactive Conference which will give delegates hands-on tips, tools, and data to support community building contributing to the success of their area. This year, there are three (3) different mobile sessions. You will have the opportunity to get out and see (3) BIAs in the surrounding area.

Keep in mind that you will be travelling via bus and/or on foot – wear comfortable walking shoes and bring an umbrella as these tours will go rain or shine.

NOTE: There will be sign-up sheets available at the Registration Desk. Space is limited for the mobiles.

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 2026 BIA Conference. 

 Trade Show hours are: 

Sunday, April 19: 4:30pm – 6:00pm.

Monday, April 20: 8:30am – 4:30pm.

Tuesday, April 21: 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. 

Hotel Location
St. Catharines is conveniently located in the heart of the Niagara Region, approximately one hour south of Toronto and just minutes from the U.S. border. Pearson International Airport is the closest major airport.

Holiday Inn & Suites St. Catharines Conference Centre: Lat: 43.1648° N, Long: -79.2426° W

Taxis
The Holiday Inn & Suites St. Catharines team will gladly assist with arranging a taxi. You may also book directly:

GO Transit

St. Catharines is serviced by both GO Bus and GO Train routes.

• Train: Lakeshore West Line → St. Catharines GO Station
• Bus: Routes connecting Burlington, Hamilton & Niagara Region

For more information or to plan your trip, visit https://www.gotransit.com

Fares are calculated based on type and length of trip. For more information, visit https://www.gotransit.com/en/ways-to-pay/fare-information

Public Transit

Bus Services from Toronto to St. Catharines
Delegates traveling from Toronto can conveniently reach St. Catharines via Megabus or FlixBus. Both services operate daily from Toronto Union Station, with multiple stops along the Niagara region. Travel times range from approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

Niagara Region Public Transit

Public transit options are available throughout St. Catharines and the surrounding Niagara municipalities, providing connections to:

• Niagara Falls
• Thorold
• Welland
• Grimsby
• Niagara-on-the-Lake

Full schedules and route maps are available on the Niagara Region Transit website.

Please view the parking lot details for the Holiday Inn & Suites St. Catharines Conference Centre here.

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

Professional Headshot: $30 (including tax & fees)

Dedicated Headshot Times:

Collaborative Ecosystems in Action: A Behind-the-Scenes Tour at Safari Niagara
Sunday, April 19 | 1:00 – 4:45pm
Location: Holiday Inn & Suites St. Catharines Conference Centre Lobby
Go behind the scenes to see Safari Niagara’s animals up close and learn how partnerships shape meaningful visitor experiences. Then explore Downtown Stevensville, where long-time merchants share insights on small-community business life and how new development is inspiring growth within a connected regional tourism ecosystem.
Cost: $50.00 (Transportation & refreshments included, plus taxes and fees)

Trade Show Welcome Reception
Sunday, April 19 | 4:30 – 6:00pm
Location: MRCC Ballroom
The official launch of the 2026 BIA Conference, hosted by the SCDA, begins with our Trade Show reception.  Join us for the Welcome to St. Catharines and make sure to visit every Trade Show Exhibitor to get drink tickets while you enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

Sunday Dinner: Niagara Benchlands: A Taste of Local Luxury
Sunday, April 19 | 6:30 – 9:00pm
Starting Location: Holiday Inn & Suites St. Catharines Conference Centre Lobby
Experience the flavour and flair of Niagara Benchlands on this exclusive OBIAA 2026 excursion. Sip award-winning wines and craft brews while indulging in gourmet pairings like beef Yorkshire pudding with Cabernet Franc, tater tots with artisanal sauces, local cheese and charcuterie, and BBQ pork nachos with lime crema. Set against the backdrop of rolling vineyards and rustic elegance, this tour blends culinary creativity with Niagara charm, a perfect toast to connection, community, and craft.
Cost: $80.00 (Transportation included, plus taxes and fees)

We will have two (2) Hospitality Suites for 2026.

Sunday, April 19 — 9:00pm – 12:00am

Monday, April 20 — 9:00pm – 12:00am

Location: Hodgies Social House – Bowling and VIP Lounge

Enjoy VIP bowling lanes, light snacks, and a relaxed social atmosphere await, just steps from your hotel room. Connect, recharge, and enjoy an elevated delegate experience designed for both fun and meaningful conversations.

A wristband is required for all delegates attending the Hospitality Suite this year. Each wristband 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 at a reduced rate.

Non-alcoholic: $20.00 per night or $30.00 for both nights, plus taxes and fees
Alcohol Included: $35:00 per night or $45.00 for both nights, plus taxes and fees

Monday, April 20 | 5:30 – 9:00pm

 Cocktail Hour: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: South Lobby

Awards Dinner: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: MRCC Ballroom

This special gala event is held annually to honour the achievements of Main Street practitioners across the province, celebrating the people, partnerships, and projects that bring downtowns to life and create vibrant, welcoming, and resilient communities. Celebrate the excellence of Ontario’s BIAs at the annual Awards Dinner. Enjoy a formal evening recognizing outstanding projects, partnerships, and leadership.

Theme & Attire: In Full Bloom – florals. Formal or semi-formal attire is encouraged.

Niagara Food Tour
Tuesday, April 21 | 6:30 – 9:00pm
Location: Downtown St. Catharines (departing from the Holiday Inn & Suites St. Catharines – Parkway Conference Centre, 327 Ontario Street, St. Catharines, ON)
Experience why Downtown St. Catharines is Niagara’s culinary capital on this guided four-stop tour with Milan Curcic. Explore historic streets, meet the makers behind standout eateries, and enjoy generous tastings—from tacos to tapas and gastropub favourites. Come hungry and savour the flavours that define our vibrant downtown.
Cost: $80.00, plus taxes and fees

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 the Registration desk. Bring plenty!   These tables will be located opposite the Registration Desk.

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” you are able to indicate this during your online registration. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

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

To help keep everyone safe, OBIAA will again be implementing our 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? Lick and QR code to access it will be available soon!

First-time attendees will be able to find star stickers at registration to help board and committee members identify and welcome them. New delegates can seek assistance at the registration desk or from any team member present at the venue.