PAAC Annual Conference 2025
Dates: November 12 (full day)-November 13 (half day)
This year’s Annual Conference comes at a pivotal moment for Canada and for the practice of public affairs. Building on last year’s celebration of PAAC’s 40th anniversary in Toronto, we now turn our attention westward — to Vancouver — to ask how Canada can boldly shape its future in an era of disruption, fiscal constraint, and global change.
Set in the heart of Vancouver at the Simon Fraser University, Harbour Centre (downtown Vancouver), the conference will bring together senior practitioners, policy leaders, innovators, and students of public affairs for a day of conversation, debate, and practical insights. From the challenges of working with government during uncertain times, to navigating productivity and trade headwinds, to the promise of Indigenous leadership and critical minerals, this year’s program is designed to meet the moment.
Awards of Distinction Luncheon
Join us as we celebrate Bruce Young, Principal, Young Strategies, as the recipient of the 2025 PAAC Award of Distinction.
Limited tables/tickets are also available for purchase for the Award of Distinction Luncheon. Please contact Lois Marsh for details.
Evening Reception
Connect with colleagues old and new at the Hydra Wine Bar, EXchange Hotel.
Conference Details
Conference Venue: Simon Fraser University, Harbour Centre (downtown Vancouver)
Conference Hotel
Room Block Rate: valid from November 8 to November 15
Booking cutoff date: November 1, 2025
Rate: $239.00/night
To Book
Call: 604-563-4693
Email: reservations@exchangehotelvan.com
Online: CLICK HERE and use code PAAC
Airline Discounts
Air Canada
For North America 5% applies on standard fares,10% on flex fares & higher. To book a flight with your promotion code VZN4RM21, access aircanada.com and enter your promotion code.
WestJet
5% off Econo* and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium base fares for travel within Canada and 2% off Econo*, 5% off EconoFlex and 10% off Premium base fares for travel between Canada and US
Coupon Code: Guest web/Travel Agent web 4R0T5MP
Promo Code: Travel Agent GDS only YBV41
Please visit www.westjet.com to make a booking online
Program Highlights
Keynotes & Fireside Chats with former politicians, ministers, and senior public servants on how to work with governments during difficult fiscal and political climates.
Disruption Is the New Normal? — insights from institutions and practitioners on how to adapt when change is constant.
Innovation & Government — can government move at the speed of entrepreneurs? What lessons from business and start-ups can we apply to public affairs and policy-making?
Sector in Transition — in-house GR leaders on how to navigate crises in industries hit by tariffs, supply chain shocks, or structural change (auto, aluminum, forestry, and more).
Why Attend?
Public affairs is about building bridges in times of disruption. This conference is your chance to learn, share, and connect with colleagues from across the country as we chart Canada’s course for the future.
Registration:
