2026 ACEC Consulting Engineering Excellence Week

Name: 2026 ACEC Consulting Engineering Excellence Week
Start: 2026-10-27T22:30:00Z
End: 2026-10-30T03:00:00Z
Location: The Westin Ottawa

The Westin Ottawa

October 27-29, 2026

Registration

ACEC presents a series of events for the consulting engineering industry taking place in Ottawa from October 27 to 29, 2026. Join us for an unparalleled experience as we host the National Leadership Conference, Parliament Hill Day, and the ACEC National Awards! These gatherings promise to be a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and thought leaders to delve into the latest trends, innovations, and collaborative solutions shaping the future of consulting engineering.

Elevate your firm with the National Leadership Conference (October 27 & 28) at The Westin Ottawa.

Created by the industry for the industry, the National Leadership Conference is a one-day journey of knowledge and networking. Join us for the Welcome Reception the evening of October 27. This flagship event is designed to bring together industry stakeholders and experts for discussions on key opportunities, challenges, emerging technologies, and best practices in consulting engineering. Engage in thought-provoking sessions, connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights that will elevate your business.

National Leadership Conference Speakers

Catherine ClarkEmcee

Amir Abd El HalimExecutive Vice President, Ontario and Atlantic Regional Market Leader - WSP Canada Inc.

Joseph BatesPresident, The Institute for Association and Nonprofit Research

Chuck FarmerExecutive Vice-President of Power System Development - Independent Electricity System Operator

Sylvain GazailleSenior Director - Defence Market, CIMA+

Matt GemmelExecutive Director of Policy and Public Affairs - Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Andrew GhattasSenior Director of our Critical Minerals Centre of Excellence - Natural Resources Canada

Sheldon HudsonPresident and CEO, Al-Terra

Nancy Inglis, P.Eng. PMPDivisional Manager of Water - Associated Engineering

Anne-Marie LangloisVice President, Head of Engineering Canada - COWI

Jean L'HeureuxDirector of Critical and Strategic Minerals - BBA

Moreen MillerChair of the Board - Defence Construction Canada

Cassandra Pacey, CPA, CGAChair - Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM)

Michael PowellVice President of Government Relations, Electricity Canada

Tammy RoseGeneral Manager, Infrastructure and Water Services Department - City of Ottawa

Tim TierneyPresident, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Michael TillerProject Engineer - Tiller Engineering

Mark WilsonVice President - Energy, and Renewables Global Sector Leader - Stantec

Closing Keynote: How to Thrive in the Brave New World of Artificial Intelligence

Dan Riskin

Biologist | Science Journalist | Author | Television Host

A renowned evolutionary biologist, award-winning television presenter, and bestselling author, Dan Riskin has been making science accessible, engaging, and fun for more than a decade. Whether he’s inspiring viewers as the co-host of Discovery Canada's flagship science program, Daily Planet; terrifying them as the host of Animal Planet's docu-horror show, Monsters Inside Me; or covering the latest news as CTV's Science and Technology Specialist, Riskin's passion and curiosity have made him an unparalleled source of science inspiration for all.

Riskin doesn’t just talk science - he lives it. A world-renowned expert on bat biomechanics, Riskin earned his PhD from Cornell University and conducted research at Brown University before stepping away from a faculty position to focus on science outreach. Today, Riskin appears on television and radio more than a dozen times each week, except when he’s leading wildlife tours in far-flung places like Borneo, the Amazon, or the Galapagos Islands. He’s often featured on CP24 and CTV National News, and has hosted documentaries for National Geographic, The Science Channel, CBC, W5, and more.

Renowned for his infectious humour and charismatic presence, Riskin has been interviewed about science by Anderson Cooper, Gayle King, Lisa LaFlamme, Don Lemon, Jay Leno, Charlie Rose, Peter Sagal, and many others. Craig Ferguson, who had Riskin as a guest on The Late Late Show eight times, once called him "my favourite scientist.” Riskin is also the author of two bestselling books, Mother Nature is Trying to Kill You and the beloved children’s book, Fiona the Fruit Bat. He also publishes a popular science newsletter, The Bat Signal.

By stoking a childlike passion, Riskin gives audiences so much more than scientific “wow” facts. His keynotes, like his television shows, help individuals see their own curiosity in a new light, pursue their interests with more vigour, and tap into a deeper sense of inspiration. He will spark your audience's passions, leaving them invigorated to embark on their own journeys of exploration and discovery.

Advocate for the industry during Parliament Hill Day (October 29)

Members of Parliament (MPs) need a deeper understanding of the significant contributions made in their constituencies by consulting engineering firms like yours. While ACEC-Canada tirelessly advocates the positive impact of our sector on Canada's economic, social, and environmental well-being, the most compelling messengers are our members. Your direct interaction with MPs as constituents during Parliament Hill Day is pivotal. As ambassadors, you effectively communicate the crucial story of our industry's positive influence, shaping policies that impact consulting engineering. Your firsthand experiences and insights become invaluable tools in fostering understanding and support among policymakers - seize this opportunity to be a part of Parliament Hill Day and make the voice of our industry heard! A virtual debrief meeting will take place with the First Lake Solutions team on Thursday October 22 at 12:00 pm ET. A calendar invite will be shared with you to join once registered.

Parliament Hill Day Breakfast keynote

Rob LeforteFirst Lake Solutions

Rob’s professional background includes government relations, communications, and policy roles at leading national industry associations where he has a track record of achieving results and building relationships with decision makers. He has been responsible for the logistics behind some of Ottawa’s largest and most successful annual advocacy days. Rob is a seasoned advocate with a keen understanding of message development and delivery. He has demonstrated effective skills in media relations through numerous television, radio, and print interviews while serving as a not-for-profit spokesperson. He brings his experience in preparing executives for interviews and parliamentary committee hearings. Rob is a proud alumnus of Dalhousie University where he was awarded the Governor’s Award for exceptional contributions in the extracurricular realm in 2011. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Dalhousie and has a Masters in Political Management from the Clayton H. Riddell program at Carleton University.

Celebrate your success at the ACEC National Awards (October 29) at The Westin Ottawa

Join us for the ACEC National Awards, a dynamic celebration in three exciting parts!

Networking Reception: Kick off the evening with a lively networking reception featuring creative cocktails and heavy finger foods.
Awards Ceremony: Experience the thrill of our theatre-style awards ceremony, where we honour the best in the industry.
Winners Circle Celebration: Cap off the night with our Winners Circle Celebration, a late-night party filled with drinks, entertainment, and fun food stations.

Ottawa and Accommodation:

Welcome to the National Capital Region! We look forward to showcasing Ottawa at the Westin Ottawa, steps from the ByWard Market, Parliament Hill, and the Rideau Canal.

Please secure your hotel room before September 25 at our special group rate at this link.