2026 THIA Annual Conference

May 19 - 22, 2026

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Ottawa, Canada's historic capital city, is the destination for THIA’s 2026 Annual Conference taking place from May 19-22, 2026.

Our 2026 Annual Conference is now SOLD OUT, one month before the start of the conference. We are proud to say that THIA’s annual conference has become the must-attend conference in our industry. We are committed to producing a conference that is always in demand and that delivers our members a superior conference experience. While we cannot accommodate any new registrants in 2026 (we are maintaining an active waitlist), we can’t wait to show you what we have in store for 2027 at a venue we have been waiting for years to be able to bring to our attendees. See you in 2027!

For our confirmed members for the 2026 conference, our Conference Committee is building an event with a stellar line-up of expert speakers, great opportunities to network with peers, fun extracurricular events and and wonderful surprises. Details are available in the event app.

Confirmed Speakers:

THIA's closing keynote speaker will be Canadian Olympian and host of The Amazing Race Canada:

We are also delighted to confirm the following speakers, with more being added.

Regulatory Fireside Chat
Janet Sinclair, CEO, Insurance Council of BC
Erica Heimstra,Head, Insurance Conduct, Property and Casualty Insurance, FSRA
Where Now? Travellers and Trends
Heather Greenwood Davis, Writer, On-Air Personality, Keynote Speaker
Canadian Travel Outlook
Jennifer Hendry, Senior Research Associate, Signal49 Research (Formerly Conference Board of Canada)
Economic Outlook
Randall Bartlett, CFA, Deputy Chief Economist, Desjardins
Political Outlook & Foreign Relations
The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Senior Counsel and Strategic Advisor, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
Generational Intelligence
Alexandre Messager, Founder and Principal Consultant, Human Leadership Humain
Insurance Regulatory Update & Legal Case Studies
Melissa Prado, Partner, & Sean McGurran, Counsel, Torys LLP
The Shifting Cost Containment Landscape
Tracey Badger, SVP - Cost Containment, Global Excel
A Discussion with Global Affairs Canada
Alexandra Fortier, Deputy director, Engagement and Outreach, Emergency Management and Travel Advice division (CEA), Global Affairs Canada

Optional Events

Thanks to our sponsor Penfield, THIA is able to offer the following optional activities for attendees and their guests.

Brews at the ByWard - Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - 1:30PM

Take a short walk to Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market, where we’ll soak in the lively atmosphere at one of the city’s oldest Irish pubs, The Aulde Dubliner. There, a Brewmaster from Beyond the Pale Brewing Company will guide us through a tasting of their locally crafted beers, sharing insights into the brewing process and Ottawa’s thriving craft beer scene.

While enjoying a lunch featuring your choice of authentic Irish fare or Canadian favourites, you’ll have the chance to relax, network, and take in the vibrant energy of the Market. The pub’s outdoor mezzanine offers the perfect vantage point to watch the bustling activity below as locals and visitors alike explore one of Ottawa’s most iconic neighbourhoods.

Fee: $100 per person

Capital Sights & Canal Delights - Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - 1:15 PM

Bus tour commences at 1:30 PM and then restaurant at 2:15 PM

Begin your experience aboard a double-decker bus as we explore Ottawa’s vibrant downtown core. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the city’s bustling streets, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks before stopping for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the scenic Rideau Canal.

After lunch, continue your journey with a relaxing cruise along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we glide through the heart of the capital, you’ll pass many of Ottawa’s most notable museums and landmarks while learning about the city’s history, architecture, and culture.

Following this unforgettable introduction to Ottawa’s downtown life, the tour concludes with a drop-off at the pier near our host venue, the iconic Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel.

Fee: $100 per person

Host Hotel:

Where is the event?
Experience the elegance and grandeur of Fairmont Château Laurier, a historic castle just steps from Parliament Hill. For over 110 years, this architectural gem has hosted guests from around the world, offering luxury accommodations and unmatched views of the Ottawa River. Fairmont Château Laurier offers state-of-the-art meeting facilities, natural light-filled rooms, elegant ballrooms complemented by upscale hospitality. Nestled between the vibrant ByWard Market and the scenic Rideau Canal locks, the conference is minutes away from world-class dining, nightlife, and cultural landmarks like the National Gallery of Canada. Ottawa offers year-round entertainment and activities for all ages — making your stay as enriching as it is comfortable.

Special Hotel Conference Rate for THIA’s conference attendees:

THIA's room block at the Fairmont Château Laurier is now full.

Travel Discounts

VIA Rail

VALID: May 14th 2026 to May 27th 2026
TERRITORY: From all stations throughout the VIA system to Ottawa and return.
RESTRICTIONS: Fare applies to a maximum of two passengers per booking.
DISCOUNT: 10% off the best available fare in Economy, Economy Plus, Business, Business Plus, Sleeper class. "Subject to the conditions and restrictions of the fare plan to which the additional discount is being applied."
EXCEPTION: Discount does not apply in any Escape fares and Prestige Class.
IDENTIFICATION: In the Add a discount code field, select Conference Fares and enter the code 16013.

Air Canada

Promotion Code: CR8M7W81
Applicable Rules:

The booking is to be made to the following city: Ottawa, YOW (CA)
The travel period begins Tuesday, May 12, 2026 and ends Friday, May 29, 2026.
Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
For North America' 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher. For International Travel' 10% on standard fares & higher. 12% discount on Business Class fares (exception: 5% on the lowest Business Class).
However, all bookings made using the promotion code will count toward the minimum 10 passenger requirement for Meetings and Conventions events.

Registration & Registration Refunds:

All THIA Conference registration fees are in Canadian dollars and subject to applicable taxes.

The following cancellation penalties apply:

100% refund until Wednesday, April 15, 2026, less $150 administration fee
50% refund from Thursday, April 16 to Thursday, April 30, 2026

Please note: No refunds available on or after Friday, May 1, 2026
We strongly encourage you to ensure appropriate travel insurance coverage as we will not consider registration refunds outside of the above noted policy.