FAQ & Support
Everything you need to prepare for and engage fully in the 2026 IAP2 Canada Conference and Gala experience.
Registration and Participation
How do I register for the conference?
Participants may join in person or virtually. In-person participation offers full access to the conference environment, including sessions, informal dialogue, and the broader experience of being on site.
Virtual participation provides access to selected sessions and content, allowing individuals to engage remotely. Visit the Tickets page for full pricing and details on both options.
How do I register for the conference?
Registration is completed through PheedLoop, our official conference registration platform. Visit the Tickets page to review all available participation options — including in-person and virtual passes, full conference and single-day access, and Gala-only tickets — or register now to get started right away. Once registered, you'll receive confirmation details and updates as the event approaches.
Can I register as part of a group or team?
Yes. Group participation is welcomed and encouraged, particularly for organizations looking to align learning and practice across teams. If you are planning to attend with colleagues, please contact us to discuss options that support your group's participation — including options such as Gala tables for larger groups.
Can I attend only the Gala?
Yes. A Gala-only option is available for those who wish to participate in the evening of recognition and connection without attending the full conference. This option is intended for individuals and guests who are specifically interested in the awards and evening experience.
Visit the Tickets page for Gala pass pricing and options, including tables for groups.
Is the Gala included in my registration?
The Gala is included with the All Access Pass (3-Day), which covers all three conference days including the Gala evening. Conference Passes (1-Day and 2-Day) do not include Gala access — if you'd like to attend, you can add a Gala pass separately, or purchase a Gala-only pass if you're not attending the full conference.
Visit the Tickets page for full pricing and options.
When will the Early Bird registration deadline for the 2026 IAP2 North American Conference & Gala be announced?
Early Bird registration is now closed. Standard pricing is in effect — visit the Tickets page for current rates and to register.
What is your cancellation and refund approach?
All registrations are non-refundable. However, if you are no longer able to attend, your registration may be transferred to another individual.
To request a ticket transfer, please contact us with the name and registration details of the original attendee, along with the name and contact information of the replacement attendee.
Venue and Accomodation
Where is the conference being held?
The 2026 IAP2 Canada Conference and Gala will take place at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown, in the heart of downtown Vancouver — steps from the waterfront, Stanley Park, and the city's downtown core.
Is there a recommended place to stay?
Yes — the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown is the official conference hotel. Staying on-site keeps you close to all sessions, the Gala, and the rest of the conference community throughout the event. Visit our Logistics page to book your stay.
How do I arrange accommodation?
Accommodation is booked directly through our Logistics page, where you'll find full details and room rates at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown. Rooms at the conference rate are available on a first-come, first-served basis — book by July 31, 2026 to secure the group rate before it reverts to regular pricing.
Travel and Planning
How do I get to the venue?
The venue is located in downtown Vancouver. From Vancouver International Airport (YVR), it's approximately a 25–30 minute ride via taxi, rideshare, or the Canada Line SkyTrain. Full travel details, including discounted airline partner rates, are available on our Logistics page.
Is parking available?
Parking is available at or near the venue. Additional details will be shared through the logistics section as the event approaches.
What should I consider when planning my visit?
When planning your visit, we recommend booking your travel and accommodation early — room availability at the conference rate is limited, and airline partner discounts are time-sensitive. Reviewing the program in advance can also help you plan your schedule and make the most of both structured sessions and informal conversations throughout the conference.
Program and Learning Experience
When will the full program be available?
Sessions are being added as they're confirmed, with full details, speaker bios, and room/time information available for each.
The program will continue to grow as remaining sessions are finalized, so check back for updates as October approaches.
Visit the Program page for the latest schedule.
What can I expect from the overall learning experience?
The program includes keynote presentations, interactive workshops, panel discussions, case studies, and collaborative learning sessions. You'll have the chance to engage with thought leaders and practitioners tackling real challenges in the field, alongside opportunities for dialogue and exchange with peers across sectors.
How should I plan my schedule?
Participants are encouraged to review the program in advance and identify sessions that align with their interests — the conference covers themes including the future of public participation, Indigenous leadership, innovation and AI, and inclusive engagement, along with case studies and facilitation-focused sessions. Leaving room for both structured learning and informal conversation between sessions is also worth planning for.
Visit the Program page to explore the full schedule.
Will sessions be recorded or available after the conference?
Select sessions may be made available following the conference. Details regarding access, availability, and format will be shared closer to the event.
Are speaker fees or expenses covered?
Speaker participation is reviewed on a case by case basis. Consideration is given to the nature of the session, the role of the speaker within the program, and overall program design. Individuals are encouraged to reach out directly to discuss their specific circumstances.
Gala and Awards Experience
What is the purpose of the Gala?
The Gala celebrates excellence in public participation, recognizing the organizations, projects, and practitioners whose work reflects the IAP2 Core Values through leadership, innovation, and meaningful engagement.
It brings the conference community together to honour these achievements and celebrate the people and teams advancing public participation in their communities.
When does the Gala take place?
The Gala takes place on October 1, 2026, and marks the opening of the conference.
What can I expect during the evening?
The evening opens with a reception, followed by a shared dining experience and the presentation of the 2026 Core Values Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals, projects, and organizations advancing public participation across Canada. The evening also includes time for informal conversation and connection.
The experience is designed to be welcoming, reflective, and aligned with the values of the conference.
How should I approach attire for the Gala?
The Gala calls for formal attire, in keeping with the elegance of the evening.
Guests are encouraged to dress in a way that honours the occasion while remaining true to their own sense of style, ease and presence within the space.
Will more details about the Gala be provided?
Yes. Additional details, including timing, flow of the evening, and logistical considerations, will be shared on the Gala page as the event approaches.
Core Values Awards
Who can apply?
The Core Values Awards are open to organizations, practitioners, and researchers across sectors throughout Canada. IAP2 Canada membership is not required to apply.
Is the Core Values Awards submission window still open?
The submission window for the 2026 Core Values Awards closed on June 15, 2026. Award recipients will be announced at the 2026 Core Values Awards Gala on October 1st.
Submission windows typically close several months before the conference, so those interested in applying for future years are encouraged to watch for updates well in advance.
How do I apply for the Core Values Awards?
Applications for the 2026 Core Values Awards are now closed. For those interested in applying in future years, guidance on the application process will be shared when the next submission window opens.
Can I participate as a judge?
Judge selection for the 2026 Core Values Awards has been finalized. Those interested in serving as a judge for future award cycles are encouraged to watch for updates as the next cycle approaches.
Support
If you have questions at any stage, we are here to support you.
For general inquiries:
📩 info@iap2canada.ca
For conference and awards related support:
📩 Hina Ali - hina@iap2canada.ca