2027 BIA Conference Call for Speakers Survey

The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) is pleased to announce that the Call for Speakers is officially open for the 2027 BIA Conference, presented by Visit Oakville and hosted by Kerr Village BIA, taking place April 25-28, 2027 at the Oakville Conference Centre.

The 2027 theme is "Making Waves on Main Streets: Fostering Momentum Across Ontario."

This year’s theme celebrates the people, ideas and partnerships creating movement in communities across the province. Like Ontario’s waterways, our Main Streets are connectors. They carry ideas, investment, culture and community forward. And just as a single ripple can build momentum far beyond where it began, the work happening in one BIA or community can inspire change across Ontario. 2027 also marks 57 years since the creation of the world’s first BIA right here in Ontario.

Key Theme Pillars to Inspire Your Submission
We are seeking interactive sessions and workshops that align with one or more of these theme-related pillars:

1. Anchored in Purpose

BIA governance, leadership and the evolving role of BIAs
Honouring Main Street identity, history and community values
Building resilient organizations grounded in local needs
2. Creating Momentum

Innovative approaches to Main Street revitalization and economic development
Member engagement, marketing, technology and data-informed decision-making
Turning ideas into action and demonstrating meaningful impact
3. Making Waves Through Connection

Strengthening partnerships with municipalities, members and community stakeholders
Cross-sector collaboration and capacity-building for BIA boards and staff
Sharing successful ideas and approaches that can inspire Main Streets across Ontario
4. Main Streets for Everyone

Creating accessible, welcoming and inclusive Main Streets
Engaging diverse voices and strengthening community belonging
Addressing the unique opportunities and challenges of urban, suburban, small-town and rural Main Streets

Speaker Expectations & Benefits
We’re seeking engaging, practical, and interactive sessions that deliver five key takeaways tied to the theme and pillars above. Please avoid sales-driven presentations. Our delegates value authentic learning and shared experiences. Speakers should have experience working with Main Streets and ensure their session is relevant to the BIA audience.

Benefits for Speakers Include:

Elevated profile as a thought leader in the BIA/community development space

Speaker Highlights in our Membership Newsletter and on Social Media
Networking with 300+ delegates and 30+ exhibitors
Opportunity to contribute to Main Street renewal across Ontario
Speaker thank-you gift

We encourage you to share this Call for Speakers with individuals or organizations who could make a strong contribution to the conference.

Speaker Registration Notice:
If selected, speakers attending only for their session will receive a COMP code to attend their presentation slot. To attend additional sessions, meals, or activities, full or one-day registration will be required.

Deadline to Apply: Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM (ET)

2027 BIA Conference Call for Speakers

Ready to make waves? Apply to speak at the 2027 BIA Conference.

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1. My submission will cover the following learning objectives (select all that apply): (Required.)

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2. Choose a date to present based on your availability (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th choice): (Required.)

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3. Name of Session.
Please try to name your session around our theme (see in the description above). Please note that we may rename the session to ensure the right fit for the program. (Required.)

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4. Name of Speaker(s). Please note that there is a maximum of four (4) speakers per session. (Required.)

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5. Speaker(s) Contact Information (email): (Required.)

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6. Please provide a 250 word description of your session: (Required.)

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7. Please provide a 50 word description of your session: (Required.)

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8. Please provide a 50 word bio for each speaker: (Required.)

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9. If you are a solo presenter would you be open to being a part of a panel if the committee deems your topics would complement each other?

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10. Do you have experience working with BIAs? (Required.)

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11. Will your content be geared towards BIAs? (Required.)

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12. What will attendees leave your session with? (i.e. worksheet, greater understanding of...., toolkit...) (Required.)

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13. Do you have any additional expectations or requirements? (Required.)

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14. Please provide a headshot of yourself and any other speakers.

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15. Please provide social handles for yourself and any other speakers.

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16. Speaker reel or short video: Submit a link

Question Title

* 1. My submission will cover the following learning objectives (select all that apply): (Required.)

Question Title

* 2. Choose a date to present based on your availability (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th choice): (Required.)

Question Title

* 3. Name of Session.Please try to name your session around our theme (see in the description above). Please note that we may rename the session to ensure the right fit for the program. (Required.)

Question Title

* 4. Name of Speaker(s). Please note that there is a maximum of four (4) speakers per session. (Required.)

Question Title

* 5. Speaker(s) Contact Information (email): (Required.)

Question Title

* 6. Please provide a 250 word description of your session: (Required.)

Question Title

* 7. Please provide a 50 word description of your session: (Required.)

Question Title

* 8. Please provide a 50 word bio for each speaker: (Required.)

Question Title

* 9. If you are a solo presenter would you be open to being a part of a panel if the committee deems your topics would complement each other?

Question Title

* 10. Do you have experience working with BIAs? (Required.)

Question Title

* 11. Will your content be geared towards BIAs? (Required.)

Question Title

* 12. What will attendees leave your session with? (i.e. worksheet, greater understanding of...., toolkit...) (Required.)

Question Title

* 13. Do you have any additional expectations or requirements? (Required.)

Question Title

* 14. Please provide a headshot of yourself and any other speakers.

Question Title

* 15. Please provide social handles for yourself and any other speakers.

Question Title

* 16. Speaker reel or short video: Submit a link

1. My submission will cover the following learning objectives (select all that apply): (Required.)

2. Choose a date to present based on your availability (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th choice): (Required.)

3. Name of Session.
Please try to name your session around our theme (see in the description above). Please note that we may rename the session to ensure the right fit for the program. (Required.)

4. Name of Speaker(s). Please note that there is a maximum of four (4) speakers per session. (Required.)

5. Speaker(s) Contact Information (email): (Required.)

6. Please provide a 250 word description of your session: (Required.)

7. Please provide a 50 word description of your session: (Required.)

8. Please provide a 50 word bio for each speaker: (Required.)

9. If you are a solo presenter would you be open to being a part of a panel if the committee deems your topics would complement each other?

10. Do you have experience working with BIAs? (Required.)

11. Will your content be geared towards BIAs? (Required.)

12. What will attendees leave your session with? (i.e. worksheet, greater understanding of...., toolkit...) (Required.)

13. Do you have any additional expectations or requirements? (Required.)

14. Please provide a headshot of yourself and any other speakers.

15. Please provide social handles for yourself and any other speakers.

16. Speaker reel or short video: Submit a link