Monday, June 9

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Event Registration
The event registration desk will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Westin Nova Scotian.

9:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Halifax Seaport Cruise Facility Tours
Attendees are invited to take part in one of three guided tours, each approximately one hour in length, led by Port Halifax’s Cruise Operations team. The tours will highlight key areas of the Halifax Seaport, including the shore power system and new Operations Centre (OpCen). Watts Marine will join for the shore power portion. A sign-up form will be available soon.

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch on Your Own
Take some time to explore the local flavours of Halifax during your lunch break. We recommend checking out the Discover Halifax Food & Drink Guide and selecting the “Halifax Waterfront” region for nearby options.

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Afternoon Activities: Discover Halifax with Our Shore Excursion Partners
Sponsored by Access Cruises, Inc., Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, F.K. Warren, Spring Garden Area Business Association, and The Sou'Wester in partnership with Ambassatours Gray Line, Global Cruises LLC, J. Farwell Sailing Co. Inc., Maritime Travel Cruise Services, and Ride Solar

Get ready to experience the best of Halifax! Attendees will have the opportunity to join one of five unique excursions curated by top local tour providers. Whether you're drawn to history, culture, or coastal views, there's something for everyone. A survey with more details on each excursion, and a sign-up form will be available soon.

4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. | Recharge & Refresh
Take this time to rest, recharge, or prepare for the evening ahead

5:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Walk to Tall Ships Quay & Board Harbour Queen I & Silvia
Just a short stroll from the Westin Nova Scotian lobby, follow the group to Tall Ships Quay to board the Harbour Queen I and Silva for the Opening Reception.

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Opening Reception
Sponsored by Port Saint John

Take in the sights and sounds of Halifax Harbour while enjoying light fare, refreshments, and network with fellow attendees.

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Opening Dinner at the Discovery Centre
Sponsored by Port Halifax in partnership with Discover Halifax and Tourism Nova Scotia
Entertainment sponsored by Eastport Port Authority

Experience a reception-style dinner with local flavours, food stations, and live music. This interactive evening is designed to spark creativity, inspire collaboration, and foster meaningful connections.

9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Exploring Halifax on Your Own
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

Take some time to enjoy Halifax’s vibrant nightlife. Ambassatours Gray Line’s signature Hop On Hop Off service will run in a continuous loop between the Discovery Centre, The Old Triangle, the Hollis Halifax, and the Westin Nova Scotian. We encourage all guests to explore responsibly and take advantage of the transportation provided.

Tuesday, June 10

Kindly note breakfast, lunch and all business sessions will be taking place on the conference level of the Westin Nova Scotian

7:15 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. | Shuttle from the Hollis Hotel to the Westin Nova Scotian
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Event Registration
The event registration desk will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Westin Nova Scotian (upstairs, outside of the Atlantic Ballroom).

8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. | Shuttle from the Hollis Hotel to the Westin Nova Scotian
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. | Rise & Shine
Sponsored by Port of Québec

Start your day with a hearty breakfast buffet. It’s a great time to fuel up and connect with fellow attendees before the day’s programming begins.

8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Welcome & Opening Remarks
The day begins with a warm welcome to Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people, featuring a traditional Indigenous welcome prayer from Elder Joe Michael and a special performance by Sacred Flight.

Opening remarks will follow from Fulvio Fracassi, CEO of the Halifax Port Authority, along with greetings from His Worship Mayor Andy Fillmore, Halifax Regional Municipality, and the Honourable David Ritcey, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Anchored in Collaboration: Shaping the Future of Cruising
Sponsored by Port of Québec

Join industry leaders for a focused discussion on the state of cruise tourism across the Canada New England region. Panelists will explore collaborative approaches to infrastructure investment, environmental and regulatory considerations, destination management, and marketing strategies that will define the next era of cruise growth.

Moderator:

• Marie-Andrée Blanchet , Director, Cruise and Port Ecosystem,  Port of Québec

Panelists:

• Fulvio Fracassi , LLM, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority (Port Halifax)
• Daniel Robert-Gooch , President and CEO, Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA)
• Corryn Clemence , CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edwards Island (TIAPEI) |Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Associations (PTTIA) Atlantic Caucus
• Nancy Houley , Co-Chair Canada, Canada New England (CCNE) Alliance
• Sarah Flink , Co-Chair USA, Canada New England (CCNE) Alliance  

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Morning Break
Sponsored by The Great Lakes Cruise Association

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Strengthening the Cruise Ecosystem: Balancing Growth, Resilience & Sustainability
Sponsored by Port Saint John

Explore how cruise lines, ports, and tourism operators are balancing infrastructure needs, environmental responsibility, and economic viability. This conversation will highlight strategies, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of sustainable cruising.

Moderator:

• Natalie Allaby , Director of Cruise, Marketing & Engagement , Port Saint John

Panelists:

• Chris Martin , Senior Director, Marine and Port Operations ,  Holland America Line and Seabourn
• Scott McDougall , Director of Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism, Adventure Canada
• Leah McKenney , Project Manager, Senior Maritime Analyst, Bermello Ajamil & Partners, Inc.
• Allison Dees , Vice President of CruiseNYC
• Nicole MacAulay , Manager of Cruise, Port of Sydney

11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch
Sponsored by Port Charlottetown in partnership with Tourism Prince Edward Island

Discover why Prince Edward Island is known as Canada’s Food Island, celebrated for its world-class ingredients and coastal culinary culture. This lunch will feature a curated menu designed to showcase the authentic flavours of the Island.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | From Arrival to Departure: Reimagining the Shoreside Guest Experience Through Innovation & Meaningful Engagement
Sponsored by Port Charlottetown

As guest expectations evolve, destinations are embracing innovation, technology, and local storytelling to deliver seamless, personalized, and culturally rich experiences. Join destination experts for a dynamic discussion on best practices shaping the future of shoreside engagement.

Moderator:

• Sarah Rumley , Executive Director, Cruise Atlantic Canada

Panelists:

• Kelly Murphy , Director of Marketing and Cruise Development, Port Charlottetown
• Brianna Freeman , Senior Product Development Lead, Shore Excursions, Virgin Voyages
• Dennis Campbell , President & CEO, Ambassatours Gray Line
• Clare Tidby , Vice-President, Marketing and Visitor Experience, Discover Halifax
• Robert Bernard , Executive Director, Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITEN) 

2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Grab & Go Afternoon Break
Sponsored by Watts Marine

2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Shuttle from the Westin Nova Scotian to the Hollis Hotel
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Halifax Seaport Cruise Facility Tours
If you missed the tours on Day 1, this is your chance to explore key areas of the Halifax Seaport with a guided, one-hour tour led by Port Halifax’s Cruise Operations team. The walkthrough includes highlights such as the shore power system and the new Operations Centre (OpCen), with Watts Marine joining for the shore power portion.

2:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Stretch & Stroll
Take this time to relax, reset, or enjoy a stroll along the Halifax waterfront at your own pace. Spanning 4 kilometres (2.5 miles), Halifax is home to one of the world’s longest urban boardwalks, making it a perfect spot for a scenic walk before the evening begins.

3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Shuttle from the Westin Nova Scotian to the Hollis Hotel
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

4:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. | Hollis Hotel to the Westin Nova Scotian
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

4:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. | Depart the Westin Nova Scotian for the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

Meet in the Westin Nova Scotian lobby to join the group transfer by bus to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

4:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. | Closing Reception at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Sponsored by Port of Sydney in partnership with Parks Canada

Step back in time at one of Halifax’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy an engaging evening of networking, hands-on activities, and local hospitality.

6:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Depart the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site for the Cable Wharf
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Closing Dinner at the Cable Wharf
Sponsored by Promotion Saguenay
Entertainment sponsored by Destinations North America

Nestled on the edge of a picturesque Halifax wharf, the Cable Wharf offers stunning seaside views and a sophisticated atmosphere. Join us for a memorable evening presented by Promotion Saguenay and a preview of next year’s CCNE Symposium.

9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Exploring Halifax on Your Own
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

Take some time to enjoy Halifax’s vibrant nightlife. Ambassatours Gray Line’s signature Hop On Hop Off service will run in a continuous loop between the Cable Wharf, Durty Nelly’s, the Hollis Halifax, and the Westin Nova Scotian. We encourage all guests to explore responsibly and take advantage of the transportation provided.

Wednesday, June 11

7:15 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. | Shuttle from the Hollis Hotel to the Westin Nova Scotian
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. | Rise & Shine
Sponsored by Port of Corner Brook in partnership with City of Corner Brook and Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association

Start the day off right with a light breakfast and a warm welcome from our hosts. Enjoy a relaxed morning atmosphere that reflects the culture and hospitality of Newfoundland and Labrador.

8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. | Shuttle from the Hollis Hotel to the Westin Nova Scotian
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | CCNE Marketplace (1:1 Meetings)
Exclusive for CCNE member ports, marine agencies, and tour operators

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Morning Break
Sponsored by Port Baie-Comeau & Lemoneight

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | CCNE Marketplace (1:1 Meetings)
Exclusive for CCNE member ports, marine agencies, and tour operators

11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Closing Remarks

11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Grab & Go Lunch

12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Shuttle from the Westin Nova Scotian to the Hollis Hotel
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

12:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Depart the Westin Nova Scotian for Lunenburg

2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | An Afternoon in Lovely Lunenburg
Sponsors by Niche Ports of Atlantic Canada in partnership with the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, Cruise Newfoundland & Labrador, Tourism Nova Scotia, Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Tourism Association, Parks Canada, Port of Pictou Cruise Committee, and niche ports of Cape Breton Island

Explore Old Town Lunenburg, one of only two urban UNESCO World Heritage Sites in North America, on a guided walking tour, including a visit to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. The afternoon concludes with a harbourside picnic and a showcase highlighting Atlantic Canada’s niche ports.

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Depart Lunenburg for the Hollis Halifax & the Westin Nova Scotian

Dress code

Tours & Excursions:
Please wear comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing suitable for walking and outdoor activities. A light jacket or sweater is also recommended, as weather conditions can vary.

Receptions & Dinners:
Business casual attire is recommended, with the option to dress up for the evening if you wish. For the closing reception at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, we suggest flats or comfortable shoes, as the event takes place in outdoor spaces and historic grounds. A jacket or sweater is also recommended for evening events.

Business Sessions & CCNE Marketplace:
Business casual attire is appropriate.

Stay Connected

This program is subject to updates as additional details are confirmed. Please check back regularly for the latest information.

For any questions or information requests, please write to us at [email protected]