The 2026 Annual BIA Conference will take place
April 19-22, 2026
Apr19
Registration and Hotel Information
The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) proudly presents the 2026 BIA Conference, taking place April 19–22, 2026, in the heart of St. Catharines, Ontario, also known as the Garden City.
Hosted by the St. Catharines Downtown Association, 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, Main Streets in Bloom: BIAs Rooted in Purpose, celebrates the growth, resilience, and local identity that define Ontario’s downtowns. Delegates will explore innovative tools, emerging trends, and practical strategies that support thriving, purpose-driven main streets.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2026
• Inspiring keynotes and expert-led sessions
• Interactive workshops and hands-on learning
• A dynamic Trade Show of BIA tools and solutions
• Annual BIA Awards Gala celebrating excellence
• Hospitality Suite at Hodgie’s Social House with VIP bowling and networking
• Purposeful peer connections and partnership-building opportunities
WHY ATTEND
• Gain practical tools and insights to support your board, team, and members
• Learn how BIAs across Ontario are adapting and driving local economic growth
• Build relationships with leaders, exhibitors, and industry partners
• Experience an energizing environment designed to help you learn, grow, and lead
We encourage early booking, as accommodations fill quickly. Reservations can be made through the link at the bottom of this page.
Join us in St. Catharines as we gather to learn, celebrate, and continue growing Ontario’s main streets in bloom.
Need help getting approval to attend? Use our 2026 BIA Conference Justification Template Letter to Board to support your request.
If you are an OBIAA member, please enter your promo code received with your membership renewal to obtain the member rate or contact [email protected] to request it.
Join our mailing list to know when registration for the
2026 BIA Conference opens!
Registration is Now Open!
Early Registration closes February 6, 2026.
Early Registration
- $899.00 / member
- $999.00 / non-member
- $605.00 / student
Prices subject to fees and taxes. Price includes one (1) ticket to the Gala Dinner.
Group Registration 3+
- $875.00 / member
Prices subject to fees and taxes. Group rate is per person and refers to registration of three (3) or more delegates.
Daily Pass
- $450.00 / member
- $550.00 / non-member
- $380.00 / student
Prices subject to fees and taxes. Price does not include Gala Dinner, which can be purchased additionally.
Full Registration
- $975.00 / member
- $1,075.00 / non-member
- $675.00 / student
Prices subject to fees and taxes. Price includes one (1) ticket to the Gala Dinner.
Group Registration 3+
- $925.00 / member
Prices subject to fees and taxes. Group rate is per person and refers to registration of three (3) or more delegates.
Daily Pass
- $520.00 / member
- $620.00 / non-member
- $460.00 / student
Prices subject to fees and taxes. Price does not include Gala Dinner, which can be purchased additionally.
Hospitality Suite at Hodgie’s Social House
A New Experience Designed to Bring Delegates Together!
This year’s Hospitality Suite looks a little different—and in the best possible way. We’ve reimagined this popular conference tradition to create a unique blend of relaxed networking, informal learning, and community-building at Hodgie’s Social House, located right inside the Holiday Inn & Suites St. Catharines.
Delegates will enjoy exclusive access to VIP bowling lanes, light snacks, and comfortable social spaces steps from their hotel rooms. It’s a welcoming, low-pressure environment where meaningful conversations happen naturally—often leading to the connections, ideas, and partnerships that carry far beyond the conference.
A wristband is required for all delegates attending the Hospitality Suite this year. Pricing ranges from $20.00-$45.00. The Hospitality Suite isn’t just a fun evening activity—it’s an important extension of the conference experience.
Join us to unwind, recharge, and connect in a space designed to bring our BIA community together. It’s the perfect way to end your conference day—and an essential part of the full BIA Conference experience!
If you are an OBIAA member, please enter your promo code received with your membership renewal to obtain the member rate or contact [email protected] to request it.
Budgeting for Conference 2026? Here are the Registration Prices...
Full Registration
- $745.00 / member
- $825.00 / non-member
- $475.00 / student
Prices subject to fees and taxes. Price includes one (1) ticket to the Gala Dinner.
Group Registration 3+
- $695.00 / member
Prices subject to fees and taxes. Group rate is per person and refers to registration of three (3) or more delegates.
Full Registration
- $845.00 / member
- $925.00 / non-member
- $500.00 / student
Prices subject to fees and taxes. Price includes one (1) ticket to the Gala Dinner.
Group Registration 3+
- $795.00 / member
Prices subject to fees and taxes. Group rate is per person and refers to registration of three (3) or more delegates.
BIA CONFERENCE
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation up to 30 days prior with a $200.00 Cancellation Fee. Cancellations after 30 days forfeit registration unless a substitution can be made from the same organization.
Official Accommodations:
Holiday Inn
Staybridge Suites
Holiday Inn & Suites Conference Centre
327 Ontario Street Building 1, St. Catharines, Ontario L2R5L3 Canada
$189.00 to $229.00 CAD/night by March 18, 2026
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY INN ACCOMMODATIONS HERE
BOOK YOUR STAYBRIDGE SUITES ACCOMMODATIONS HERE
These links will guide you to our room block booking pages, where the discounted rate is already applied. Simply select your preferred dates, occupancy and room type and the group discount will automatically be reflected in the final price.
Call In Reservations:
Provide your group code and group name to reserve.
Toll Free Phone: 1-877-688-2324 x 2
Group Name: OBIAA Conference
Group Code: OBI
Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Accommodation rates include guest room internet access, parking, and use of all hotel amenities. There is no prepayment needed – pay at the property. Reservations may be modified or cancelled 24 hours prior to arrival (by 4pm EST hotel local time).
Alternative Accommodation Options
*We do not have official blocks at these alternative hotels and there is no group rate offered.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
London Ontario
300 King St, London, ON N6B 1S2
Telephone: +1 519-439-1661
Residence Inn by Marriott
London Downtown
383 Colborne St, London, ON N6B 3P5
Telephone: +1 519-433-7222
The Woodfield Hotel
364 Dundas St, London, ON N6B 1V7
Telephone: +1 519-679-3932