2026 THIA Annual Conference

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

Join your industry colleagues next May as THIA's annual conference returns to Canada. As always, our Conference Committee is building an event that will attract attendees from across the country and around the world to enjoy a stellar line-up of expert speakers, great opportunities to network with peers, fun extracurricular events and and wonderful surprise. Event development is still in progress with more details to be provided, including the full agenda, new speakers and extra activities, in the coming months, but we are pleased to share these preliminary details with you.

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 & Booking information:

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 full, however THIA has secured an additional room block at the AC Hotel Ottawa Downtown, located at 201 Rideau Street, Ottawa, for $299.00 CAD per room per night. This hotel is within walking distance of the Fairmont Château Laurier. You must book your room(s) by April 18 to receive THIA’s preferred rates. To book, use the following link (Reservation-Linkmarriott.com) then email your confirmation number immediately after booking to sales@acmarriottottawa.com. Your rate will be changed to $299.00 CAD per room per night.

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.

Thank You to our Sponsors

We are grateful to the following sponsoring companies whose support makes THIA 2026 in Ottawa, Canada possible.