What We’ll Be Talking About

The 2026 program is built around a simple idea: make the time we have together count. Expect a mix of practical learning, fresh perspectives and bigger conversations about the opportunities ahead for co-operatives, their members and the communities they serve.

We’re pleased to welcome Juliet Kego as our 2026 keynote speaker, alongside returning presenter Jessica Barbosa, and Hon. Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, who will open the Conference. Throughout the day, we’ll hear from leaders and voices from within and beyond the co-operative sector, with additional speakers still to be announced.

Together, we’ll explore what it takes to turn co-operative purpose into organizational performance, how we build and make space for the next generation of co-operative leaders, and the potential for community ownership in Alberta’s evolving energy future. We’ll also look beyond our individual organizations to ask what becomes possible when government, communities and co-operatives work more intentionally together.

And some of the freshest thinking of the day will come from outside our usual circles. The Co-op Futures Challenge finalists will take the stage to answer a big question: Why aren’t co-operatives a mainstream business model in Canada — and how can we change that? Their ideas will bring a next-generation perspective directly into the Conference conversation.

There’s more to come. Additional speakers and participating leaders will be announced as we build toward November.