From Grid to Greatness: Powering Ontario's Future: Conference & Tradeshow

Taking place May 29–31, 2026, From Grid to Greatness: Powering Ontario’s Future Conference & Exhibitor Tradeshow brings together professionals, industry leaders, educators, government officials, and innovators from across Ontario’s engineering technology community for three days of connection, learning, and collaboration.

The program features a technology exhibition, keynote presentations, a panel discussion, technical sessions, and more than one networking opportunity addressing many facets of Ontario’s energy future.

Whether you are looking to expand your network, gain industry insights, explore new technologies, or earn professional development hours, the 2026 Conference & Exhibitor Tradeshow offers meaningful experiences designed to support your professional growth.

Registration is now open. View ticket options and secure your spot today.

Check out the higlights from our 2025 conference below.

PRESIDENT’S AWARDS DINNER

Join us for an evening of celebration, networking, and entertainment at the President’s Awards Dinner.

The evening begins with a cocktail reception featuring live music and canapés, followed by a four-course dinner hosted by Second City alum Sandy Jobin-Bevans. Together, we will honour exceptional individuals and organizations who have made a lasting impact in the engineering technology and applied science profession, and beyond, and celebrate the newest OACETT Fellow honourees.

The celebration continues with a post-dinner hospitality reception, where guests can connect and congratulate award recipients while enjoying our musical entertainment.

Everyone is welcome. OACETT membership is not required.

TICKETS – CONFERENCE & EXHIBITOR TRADESHOW & GALA

We offer a variety of ticket options.

Conference Passes

All Access Pass
Includes all conference programming on Friday and Saturday, beginning with the Technology Exhibitor Tradeshow at 12:00 PM on May 29 and concluding with breakfast on Sunday morning. Includes all meals, the Welcome Night Dinner & Reception, and the President’s Awards Dinner. Hotel not included.

1-Day Friday Pass
Includes access to the Technology Exhibitor Tradeshow (12:00–4:00 PM), sponsor exhibitor showcase (drink included), and the Welcome Night Dinner & Reception (6:30–10:30 PM).

1-Day Saturday Pass
Includes Saturday plenary sessions starting with the keynote, followed by the panel discussion, networking breaks, lunch, and afternoon professional development sessions. Does not include breakfast or the President’s Awards Dinner (sold separately).

Individual Event Tickets

President’s Awards Dinner
Includes cocktail reception (6:30 PM), plated four-course dinner (7:30 PM - 10:00 PM), and Hospitality Reception (10:00–11:30 PM) on Saturday, May 30.

Welcome Night Dinner & Reception
An evening of networking, dinner, drinks, and live entertainment on Friday, May 29, from 6:30–10:30 PM at the Hamilton Art Gallery.

Student Ticket
This specially priced ticket allows students to attend the Friday, May 29 evening information session on OACETT membership and its benefits from 5:30–6:30 PM. Following the session, attendees will enjoy an evening of networking, dinner, drinks, and live entertainment at the Welcome Night Dinner and Reception from 6:30–10:30 PM at the Hamilton Art Gallery.

Come for the day, join us for an evening, or experience the full conference.

ACCOMMODATIONS

A preferred conference rate is available at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel.

View hotel details and book your stay by clicking HERE.

We recommend booking early, as space is limited and the group rate is available for a limited time.

GET SOCIAL WITH US - #Grid2Greatness, #OACETTConference26, #OACETTAwards, #PoweringON

QUESTIONS? - please contact [email protected]

EVENT APP - click HERE to download the event app

If you are an OACETT award winner, Fellow recipient, WIT bursary winner, chapter executive, MES committee member, special guest or Board member, please register .

Info: This highly interactive passport networking event includes displays from colleges and corporate partners showcasing state-of-the-art technologies and engineering projects.

Conference delegates are encouraged to network with attendees, special guests, college representatives, and government officials, and visit each station to learn more about the projects and technologies while earning stamps on their passports. All completed passports will be entered in a draw to win exciting prizes!

Info: Mingle with our sponsors and fellow attendees while enjoying a complimentary beverage for your chance to win big in our prize draw.

Info: Attention all engineering and applied technology students—whether you're already an OACETT member or considering joining! This session is your chance to discover the incredible benefits of OACETT student membership and learn what it truly means to be part of a professional association. Plus, as a bonus for attending, you'll receive a complimentary pass to OACETT's exclusive Welcome Night Dinner and Reception (a $150 value!)—an evening of great food, music, and networking. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to kickstart your professional journey and connect with industry leaders!

Info: Kick off the conference in style at the Art Gallery of Hamilton during our Welcome Night Dinner and Reception! Enjoy a vibrant evening featuring delicious food, lively music, and great company in a unique cultural setting. Whether you’re looking to network, mingle, or simply unwind, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere. Don’t miss this memorable evening of conversation, new connections, and great energy!

Info: Join us for the plenary session of our conference, including opening remarks and a keynote presentation by futurist Nicholas Badminton, who will speak to "ENERGETIC FUTURES - looking to 2035 and beyond."

Global and domestic economic shifts, regional growth and market dynamics are changing the world in which we generate, distribute and consume energy.

The renewable energy and electrification economy is in its fledgling stage of growth and abundance and business leaders are leaning in ready for change. This new economy is accelerated by policy, belief and research ecosystems based on data, AI, sensors and automated systems that present new opportunities for efficiency and growth.

Nikolas works with progressive leaders to embrace foresight and futures exploration to help anticipate what comes next in energy independence, electrification of infrastructure and transportation, and global sustainability.

Info: Enjoy refreshments while networking with sponsors at the Exhibitor Showcase. Fill out your sponsorship card for a chance to win big. Winners will be announced at lunch.

Info: Ontario’s energy future is being reshaped in real time, by electrification, clean power innovation, grid modernization, nuclear power expansion, and rising demand driven by infrastructure growth and emerging technologies. This high-impact panel brings together diverse energy leaders to explore the practical challenges and bold solutions required to power Ontario’s next era. Panelists will engage in a dynamic, interactive discussion that goes beyond theory, examining what’s working now, what must change next, and how collaboration across sectors can accelerate progress. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the conversation, influence the direction of the industry, and contribute to solutions that matter.

Info: Saturday's lunch will include a brief presentation of: OACETT's 3C Chapter Awards, Women in Technology bursary winners, Winner of the sponsor exhibitor showcase grand prize.

Info: Ontario’s power grid is expanding to meet the challenges of our times. Utilities require Transformer Substations to access electrical energy from the transmission grid and deliver it to Ontario’s businesses, institutions, and homes. Join us for a peek behind the curtain of what it takes to plan, design, tender, and build a municipal transformer station.

Info: As battery energy storage systems continue to expand across utility, commercial, industrial, and institutional applications, engineering and technical professionals are increasingly required to understand the associated fire and life safety risks, code requirements, and mitigation strategies. This session will provide a practical overview of BESS technologies, common hazards such as thermal runaway, fire, explosion, toxic and flammable gas generation, and the key considerations for design, installation, testing, emergency planning, and regulatory compliance. Drawing on lessons from real projects and industry experience, the presentation will help technicians, technologists, and engineers better understand how to evaluate BESS installations and support safer implementation across Ontario.

Info: Enjoy refreshments while networking with sponsors at the Exhibitor Showcase.

Info: Join us for an unforgettable evening of elegance and excitement! Enjoy an hour of sophisticated networking, delightful drinks, exquisite canapés, and live musical entertainment—all while mingling with like-minded professionals in an upscale setting. Dress to impress in your finest formal attire and elevate the experience.

This is the perfect opportunity to connect, unwind, and indulge before the Presidents Awards Dinner.

Info: Get ready for an unforgettable evening of celebration, elegance, and inspiration!

Join us for the President's Awards Dinner, hosted by the incredibly talented Sandy Jobin-Bevans, a celebrated alum of Second City. This prestigious event, which includes a four-course plated dinner with wine, will shine a spotlight on excellence in engineering, technology, and applied science.

The dress code for this event is formal attire, black tie preferred.

Info: Wrap up your unforgettable evening in style at our exclusive hospitality reception! Savor delicious light snacks, sip on refreshing drinks, and unwind to soothing music as you relax and reflect on a night of fun and connections. Don't forget to check the back of your name badge for your drink ticket—your perfect nightcap awaits!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, 116 King Street West, Hamilton, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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