ECO IMPACT 2027 Agenda
ECO IMPACT 2027 brought together environmental leaders, innovators, and changemakers to explore solutions for a sustainable future. Below is the detailed agenda for our two-day event.
Day 1 · February 24
Explore plenaries, concurrent streams, hands-on learning, networking and the ECO IMPACT Gala.
Registration Opens
Check in, collect your materials and get ready for the day.
Breakfast Networking
Start the morning with breakfast and meaningful conversations with fellow attendees.
The Workforce that Will build Canada's Future
Who it's for: All attendees, environmental leaders, HR directors and policy makers.
Canada's environmental sector is at a pivotal moment. With major projects on the horizon and a generational shift in the workforce, the decisions we make now will shape the next decade. Leading voices from industry, government and academia set the stage for two days of critical conversations about where we're headed and what it will take to get there.
Refresh & Connect
The Art of Environmental Storytelling: Communicating Science to Decision-Makers
Who it's for: Consultants, project managers and scientists who present to clients or boards.
You've done the analysis. You have the data. But can you make people care? Learn practical techniques to translate complex findings into compelling narratives that move decision-makers to action.
From Technical Expert to Trusted Advisor: Becoming the Environmental Leader Organizations Need
Breaking Barriers: Faster, Fairer Pathways to Credential Recognition
Who it's for: Internationally trained professionals, HR managers, credential bodies and immigrant-serving agencies.
Canada needs skilled environmental professionals, yet thousands of qualified newcomers wait years to have their credentials recognized. Hear from organizations creating bridging programs and talent pipelines that offer practical solutions.
COR Audits Are Changing
Who it's for: Environmental auditors, compliance professionals and quality assurance specialists.
A practitioner-focused auditing track covering environmental compliance, audit methodologies, regulatory updates and peer discussion.
Refresh & Connect
The Contrarian Panel: What Are We Getting Wrong in Environmental Practice?
Who it's for: Senior practitioners, thought leaders and anyone tired of groupthink.
This unconventional panel challenges environmental professionals to examine what is working, what is not and what needs to change. Leaders debate assumptions influencing environmental decision-making, from policy and regulation to technology, sustainability strategies and project delivery.
AI, Automation & the Human Advantage in Sustainability Careers
Who it's for: Early-to-mid career professionals, students and anyone curious or concerned about AI.
Cut through the hype and explore what AI will actually change about environmental work, which tasks may shift, what new roles are emerging and which uniquely human skills will become more valuable.
Nature's R&D Lab: Biomimicry Solutions for Environmental Challenges
Who it's for: Engineers, designers, consultants and sustainability innovators.
Explore how environmental professionals are applying biomimicry principles to real-world challenges, from self-healing materials to zero-waste systems.
Auditing Stream
Who it's for: Environmental auditors, compliance professionals and quality assurance specialists.
A dedicated practitioner track covering the latest in environmental compliance, audit methodologies and regulatory updates.
Lunch Service & Exhibition Hall
Networking Lunch
ECO XChange
Who it's for: Sector leaders, executives and senior decision-makers.
An exclusive, curated exchange bringing together senior leaders for facilitated discussions on the sector's most pressing workforce challenges. Limited seats support candid conversation and actionable outcomes.
Land Trusts 101: A Practical Toolkit for Protecting Land in Canada
Who it's for: Conservation professionals, land stewards, municipal planners and environmental lawyers.
This practical workshop demystifies land trusts, how they work and how to use them effectively in the Canadian context, from legal frameworks to community engagement.
Auditing Stream
Cocktails, Dinner & Awards
Celebrate environmental excellence and close Day 1 with an evening of connection, dinner and recognition.
Day 2 · February 25
Continue the conversation through Innovation Stage programming, skills and workforce streams, workshops and the closing plenary.
Registration Opens
Breakfast Networking
EP Breakfast
Innovation in Action: Pathway 1 – Building Talent Faster
Green micro-credentials, intern and apprenticeship models, youth-to-employer fast tracks and return-to-work green career programs.
Who it's for: HR leaders, educators, workforce development professionals and employers struggling to hire.
Discover organizations building talent pipelines in months, not years, using emerging credential, apprenticeship and work-integrated learning models.
Building Canada's Next Economy: Major Projects and Environmental Leadership
Who it's for: Project managers, senior consultants, executives and government representatives.
Major infrastructure and energy projects are reshaping Canada's economic landscape. Hear how environmental considerations are driving decisions, creating opportunities and demanding new forms of leadership.
Leading Through Crisis: War Stories from Environmental Emergencies
Who it's for: Senior practitioners, managers and professionals who may face an environmental crisis.
Hear candid accounts from leaders who have navigated environmental emergencies, including what worked, what failed and lessons learned under pressure.
Transitioning Workers Reskilling Workshop
Who it's for: Workers from transitioning industries, career counsellors, union representatives and training providers.
A hands-on workshop focused on practical skills mapping, credential planning and connections for workers moving from traditional resource sectors into environmental careers.
Refresh & Connect
Pathway 2: Broadening Talent Pathways
Indigenous-led workforce development, women in environmental leadership, rural and remote workforce solutions and newcomer/equity-focused pathways.
Who it's for: Diversity and inclusion leaders, Indigenous organizations, rural employers and immigrant-serving agencies.
Discover proven models that are opening doors and expanding who gets to participate in Canada's environmental workforce.
From Data to Courtroom: Visual Exploration of Environmental Fingerprints in Forensic Litigation
Who it's for: Environmental consultants, lawyers, expert witnesses and forensic specialists.
Explore how forensic environmental analysis is presented in litigation, from fingerprinting contamination sources to creating visuals that judges and juries can understand.
Beyond Compliance: Companies That Turned Environmental Risk into Competitive Advantage
Who it's for: Corporate sustainability leaders, executives and consultants who advise businesses.
Hear from organizations that shifted environmental management from a cost centre to a strategic advantage, including how they made the business case and measured success.
Transitioning Workers Reskilling Workshop · Continued
Refresh & Connect
Pathway 3: Keeping and Growing Talent
Innovative funding pathways, AI-powered labour market forecasting, mentorship platforms and VR safety and field training.
Who it's for: HR directors, managers and organizations focused on retention and professional development.
Explore emerging approaches to retaining and developing talent, including career pathing, immersive training and mentorship technologies.
The Green Workforce 2030: Skills, Talent, and the Future of Canada's Environmental Workforce
Who it's for: Workforce planners, educators, policy makers and future-focused decision-makers.
A data-driven look at skills gaps, demographic shifts and emerging roles, translated into practical implications for hiring, training and career planning.
Braiding Knowledge for Canada's Workforce: How Indigenous Trainers Are Building the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders
Who it's for: Indigenous training organizations, employers working with Indigenous communities and professionals interested in Two-Eyed Seeing.
Learn how Indigenous trainers are weaving traditional knowledge with technical skills to develop environmental professionals grounded in both knowledge systems.
Women and Gender Equality Presents: Peer Learning Session
Who it's for: Women in environmental careers, allies and HR leaders committed to gender equity.
Lunch Service & Exhibition Hall
Networking Lunch
Building the Workforce We Need: Turning Vision Into Action
Who it's for: All attendees.
Bring together the key themes from IMPACT 2027 and move from inspiration to implementation. Hear commitments from sector leaders, learn about new collaborations and leave with a practical sense of what comes next.
From Commitment to Impact: Real Stories from the Net-Zero Journey
Who it's for: All attendees, employers and funders.
Hear directly from IGNITE pilot companies as they share the challenges, milestones, and lessons learned while turning sustainability commitments into measurable climate action and business impact.
National Convening Event
Convene provincial and territorial representatives to address the intersection of environmental knowledge and the Skills for Success framework. This event would leverage ECO Canada’s national role to bring together governments, training organizations, and industry stakeholders to identify gaps, align strategies, and strengthen coordinated workforce development efforts across Canada.
Who it's for: Invited stakeholders, sector leaders, funders and policy makers.
A strategic gathering bringing together key players to align on national priorities for environmental workforce development and catalyze collaboration at the highest levels.
February 24, 2027
7:00 AM to 8:00 AM
Registration Opens
Check in early and prepare for another full day of learning and networking.
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
- The Imperial Ballroom 1-9
Breakfast Networking
Start your morning with meaningful conversations over breakfast.
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM
- The Imperial Ballroom 1-9
Opening Plenary Session
Canada’s Environmental Workforce at a Crossroads
9:45 AM to 10:15 AM
- Grand Foyer
Coffee Break
Refuel with refreshments while networking with participants.
10:15 AM to 11:15 AM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 4,6,8
Workforce Stream
From Technical Expert to Trusted Advisor: Becoming the Environmental Leader Organizations Need
10:15 AM to 11:15 AM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 5,7,9
Skills Stream
The Art of Environmental Storytelling: Communicating Science to Decision-Makers
10:15 AM to 11:15 AM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 5,7,9
Innovation Stream
Breaking Barriers: Faster, Fairer Pathways to Credential Recognition
10:30 AM to 11:15 AM
- The Stephen Room
Auditing Stream
11:15 AM to 11:30 AM
- Exhibition Hall • Grand Foyer
Coffee Break
Refresh and connect with exhibitors and colleagues.
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 4,6,8
Workforce Stream
The Contrarian Panel: Challenging Assumptions in Environmental Practice
Every profession has ideas that become accepted without enough scrutiny. This unconventional panel challenges environmental professionals to examine what is working, what is not, and what needs to change. Leaders from across the sector will debate the assumptions influencing environmental decision-making, from policy and regulation to technology, sustainability strategies, and project delivery. This is not a debate about whether environmental protection matters; it is a conversation about how we can achieve better outcomes through better thinking.
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 5,7,9
Skills Stream
AI, Automation & the Human Advantage in Sustainability Careers
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 1,2,3
Innovation Stream
Nature’s R&D Lab: Biomimicry Solutions for Environmental Challenges
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- The Stephen Room
Auditing Stream
12:30 PM to 12:50 PM
- Exhibition Hall • Grand Foyer
Lunch
Connect with colleagues and speakers over lunch.
12:50 PM – 2:30 PM
- Exhibition Hall • Grand Foyer
Networking Lunch
Join us for a networking lunch and meaningful conversations.
2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 4,6,8
Workforce Stream: Invite Only
ECO Xchange
2:15 PM – 4:30 PM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 5,7,9
Workshop: Skills Stream
Land Trusts 101: A Practical Toolkit for Protecting Land in Canada
2:15 PM – 4:30 PM
- The Stephen Room
Auditing Stream
Join us for a networking lunch and meaningful conversations.
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- The Imperial Ballroom
Gala
Celebrate excellence with an evening of cocktails, dinner, and awards.
February 25, 2027
7:00 AM to 8:00 AM
Registration Opens
Check in early and prepare for another full day of learning and networking.
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
- The Imperial Ballroom 1-9
Breakfast Networking
Start your morning with meaningful conversations over breakfast.
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
- The Stephen Room
EP® Breakfast Networking
8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 4,6,8
Workforce Stream
Building Canada’s Next Economy: Major Projects and Environmental Leadership
8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
- The Stephen Room
Skills Stream
Leading Through Crisis: War Stories from Environmental Emergencies
8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 1,2,3
Innovation Stage
Innovation in Action: New Models for Building Canada’s Environmental Workforce
Pathway 1: Building Talent Faster:
- Green micro-credentials
- Sustainability intern/apprenticeship models
- Youth-to-employer fast tracks
- Return-to-work green career programs
8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 5,7,9
Workshop Stream
Transitioning Workers Reskilling Workshop
09:30 AM to 10:00 AM
- Grand Foyer
Coffee Break
Enjoy refreshments, expand your network, and get ready for the next session.
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 4,6,8
Workforce Stream
From Data to Courtroom: Visual Exploration of Environmental Fingerprints in Forensic Litigation
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- The Stephen Room
Leadership Stream
Beyond Compliance: Companies That Turned Environmental Risk into Competitive Advantage
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 1,2,3
Innovation Stage
Pathway 2: Broadening Talent Pathways
- Indigenous-led workforce development
- Women in environmental leadership
- Rural and remote workforce solutions
- Newcomer/equity-focused pathways
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 5,7,9
Workshop Stream
Transitioning Workers Reskilling Workshop
11:00 AM to 11:15 AM
- Exhibition Hall • Grand Foyer
Coffee Break
Refresh and connect with exhibitors and colleagues.
11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 4,6,8
Workforce Stream
The Green Workforce 2030: Skills, Talent, and the Future of Canada’s Environmental Workforce
11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
- The Stephen Room
Skills Stream
Women and Gender Equality Presents: Peer Learning Session
11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 1,2,3
Innovation Stage
Pathway 3: Keeping and Growing Talent
- Innovative funding pathways
- AI-powered labour market forecasting
- Mentorship platforms
VR safety and field training
11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 5,7,9
Skills Stream
Braiding Knowledge for Canada’s Workforce: How Indigenous Trainers are Building the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders
12:15 PM to 12:30 PM
- Exhibition Hall • Grand Foyer
Lunch
Connect with colleagues and speakers over lunch.
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 1-9
Networking Lunch
Take a break, enjoy lunch, and build new connections.
1:30 PM to 2:15 PM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 1-9
Closing Plenary
Building the Workforce We Need: Turning Vision Into Action
2:15 PM to 3:00 PM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 4,6,8
Workforce Stream
IGNITE
2:15 PM to 4:30 PM
- The Imperial Ballroom: 5,7,9
National Convening Event – Invite Only
Step Into the Innovation Stage
The Innovation Stage at ECO IMPACT is your chance to see the next generation of environmental solutions in action. From lightning talks to startup showcases, this dynamic platform connects innovators with investors, partners, and changemakers.
FAQ
Have questions about ECO IMPACT? Check out our FAQ for everything you need to know about joining us at the conference. We’re here to help make your experience seamless and enjoyable.