Join us for the 67th OPBA Conference at the Nottawasaga Inn Resort, September 17–19, 2025.
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Join us at the 66th OPBA Annual Conference in Ottawa!
Don't miss this opportunity to:
be informed about Procurement best practices,
to network with your colleagues from a variety of public sector entities.
The OPBA conference promises quality professional development and valued networking opportunities. It includes a pre-conference workshop, a Principles course, a Co-op Meeting, a Buyer's Meeting, two full days of speakers, an exclusive tradeshow, and the social highlight of the year, the Chair's Awards Dinner and Gala.
The following are eligible for contact hours:
- Main conference: 10.25 hours
- Principles course: 6 hours
- IT Workshop: 6 hours
- Buyer's Meeting: 2 hours
To download a PDF of the Program, click here.
Registration closes on September 11, 2024.
Conference Opening:
We are honoured to have Claudette Commanda, an Algonquin Elder who was appointed the 15th Chancellor of the University of Ottawa open the conference Wednesday afternoon. She is the first indigenous person to serve in the role.
An Algonquin Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation located in the province of Quebec and an alumna of the University of Ottawa faculties of Law and Arts, Claudette has dedicated the last 35 years promoting First Nations people, history, culture and rights in various capacities as a University of Ottawa student, professor, member and chair of the Aboriginal education council, and via public speaking events.
She is the chief executive officer of the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres, a national organization that protects and promotes First Nations culture, languages and traditional knowledge. She is also the CEO of Maclean Day Schools Settlement Corporation.
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Ivan Joseph, Award-Winning Performance Coach | Leadership and Cultural Transformation Expert
An award-winning coach, prominent educator, and accomplished leader, Dr. Ivan Joseph has spent his career leading cultural transformation and building cohesive teams. His research has focused on understanding how self-confidence drives performance and now, as an internationally renowned speaker, he shares this knowledge to help leaders cultivate inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures. Dynamic and engaging, Joseph always leaves audiences with a memorable experience that adds value long after the presentation ends.
Pre-conference, Consecutive and Concurrent Sessions:
On Tuesday, September 24, we are pleased to offer a pre-conference workshop,Best Practices in IT Solution Procurement, and the Principles course - Introduction to Public Procurement. A variety of consecutive and concurrent sessions will be held Wednesday afternoon through to 11:00 am on Friday when we will wish you safe travels.
Welcome Reception - Wednesday, September 25, 5:30 pM - 7:30 pM
Join your colleagues for delicious appetizers, drinks and conversation. Then, enjoy a night on your own in downtown Ottawa.
Chair's Awards and Gala
Let's celebrate your colleagues and be together for dinner and drinks, followed by some fun entertainment!
Purchase a Charity T-Shirt and Wear it on Casual Conference Day!
OPBA conference attendees have a long history of supporting local charities generously. This year, we have selected The Ottawa Snowsuit Fund. Their mission is to raise funds for the purchase and distribution of new, quality made snowsuits to needy children, 15 years and under, in our community. In a typical season, they distribute approximately 16,000 new snowsuits to qualifying families.
The Snowsuit Fund estimates the cost of a snowsuit at $50. Our goal is to provide funds for 30 snowsuits with the net proceeds from the t-shirt sale.
Wear your t-shirt on Casual Conference Day (Thursday).
T-Shirt sales close August 15, 2024
You can purchase your t-shirt at the same time as registering for the conference. T-shirts can be picked up at the conference.
Cost: $30.00. Men's and Women's sizes are available.
Registration Key Dates and Information:
Earlybird registration ends July 31, 2024 after which, regular rates apply.
Registration closes September 11
** Limited registration for GPOs and suppliers will be available at the regular rate effective August 1, 2024.
Download the Justification to your Supervisor to Attend the OPBA Conference letter template.