Monday, June 9

9:00 am to 5:00 pm | Event Registration
The registration desk will be open from 9 AM to 5 PM in the lobby of the  Westin Nova Scotian .

9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Halifax Seaport Cruise Facility Tours
Participants are invited to take one of three guided tours, each approximately one hour long, led by the Port of Halifax Cruise Operations team. The tours will highlight the port's key facilities, including the shore power system and the new Operations Center (OpCen). Watts Marine will be participating in the shore power portion. A registration form will be available soon.

11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Lunch on your own
Take this break to discover the local flavors of Halifax. We recommend consulting  the Discover Halifax Food and Drink Guide and selecting the "Halifax Waterfront" region  for nearby options.

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Afternoon Activities: Discover Halifax with our Shore Excursion Partners
Sponsored by  Access Cruise, Inc. ,  Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 ,  FK 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 discover the best of Halifax! Participants will have the chance to join one of five unique excursions organized by local suppliers. Whether you're drawn to history, culture, or coastal views, there's something for everyone. A survey and registration form will be available shortly.

4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. | Relaxation Break
Take a moment to rest, recharge, or prepare for the evening.

5:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Walk to Tall Ships Quay and board the Harbor Queen I & Silva
Just steps from the lobby of the Westin Nova Scotian, follow the group to Tall Ships Quay to board the Harbor Queen I and Silva for the opening reception.

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

Take in the sights and ambiance of Halifax Harbor while enjoying bites, refreshments, and networking with fellow attendees.

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

Join a dinner reception featuring food stations, local flavors, and live music. This interactive evening aims to inspire collaboration, spark creativity, and create meaningful connections.

9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | Free evening in Halifax
Sponsored by  Ambassatours Gray Line , in partnership with  Coach Atlantic

Take time to experience Halifax's vibrant nightlife. Ambassadors Gray Line's signature Hop On Hop Off service will run in a loop between the  Discovery Center ,  The Old Triangle  , and the  Westin Nova Scotian . We encourage all participants to use the transportation provided responsibly.

Tuesday, June 10

7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. | Event Registration
The registration desk will be open from 7:30 am to 11:00 am at the Westin Nova Scotian (upstairs, in front of the Atlantic Ballroom).

7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. | Gentle Wake-up Call
Sponsored by the  Port of Quebec

Start your day with a hearty breakfast buffet. It's the perfect time to recharge your batteries and connect with other participants before the sessions begin.

8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks
The day begins with a warm welcome to Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and ancestral territory of the Mi'kmaq people, with a traditional prayer of welcome delivered by Elder Joe Michael, followed by a special performance by the band  Sacred Flight .

Opening remarks will then be delivered by Fulvio Fracassi, President and CEO of the Halifax Port Authority, as well as by His Worship Andy Fillmore, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality, and the Honorable David Ritcey, Nova Scotia Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | Rooted in Collaboration: Shaping the Future of Cruising
Sponsored by the  Port of Quebec

Join industry leaders for a focused discussion on the current state and future of cruise tourism. This panel will explore the key trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the Canada–New England region.

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. to 10:45 a.m. | Morning Coffee Break

Sponsored by the  Great Lakes Cruise Association

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

Discover how cruise lines, ports, and tourism operators are addressing infrastructure needs while balancing environmental responsibility and economic viability. This discussion will highlight strategies, challenges, and opportunities for a sustainable future for the industry.

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. to 1:30 p.m. | Dinner
Sponsored by  Port Charlottetown, in partnership with  Tourism Prince Edward Island

Discover why Prince Edward Island is known as "Canada's Foodie Island," celebrated for its exceptional ingredients and coastal culinary culture. This dinner will feature a carefully curated menu showcasing the island's authentic flavors.

1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | From Arrival to Departure: Reimagining the Dockside Experience through Innovation and Meaningful Engagement
Sponsored by  Port Charlottetown 

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

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. to 2:45 p.m. | Grab-and-go snack break
Sponsored by  Watts Marine

2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. | Halifax Seaport Cruise Facility Tour
If you missed the tours on Day 1, here's your chance to discover key areas of Halifax Seaport on a one-hour guided tour led by the Port of Halifax Cruise Operations team. The tour will include points of interest such as the shore power system and the new Operations Center (OpCen), with Watts Marine providing the portion.

2:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Move and Breathe
Take time to relax, refocus, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along Halifax's waterfront.  At 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), Halifax has one of the longest urban waterfront boardwalks in the world  —a great place for a scenic stroll before the evening begins.

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

Meet in the lobby of the Westin Nova Scotian to board the bus that will take you to the  Halifax Citadel .

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

Step back in time at one of Halifax's most iconic venues. Enjoy a dynamic evening of networking, interactive activities, and warm local hospitality.

6:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Departure from Halifax Citadel to Cable Wharf
Sponsored by  Ambassatours Gray Line , in partnership with  Coach Atlantic

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

Located on one of Halifax's most picturesque docks,  Cable Wharf  offers breathtaking sea views and a refined atmosphere. Join us for a memorable evening presented by Promotion Saguenay, as well as a preview of next year's CCNE Symposium.

9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | Free evening in Halifax
Sponsored by  Ambassatours Gray Line , in partnership with  Coach Atlantic

Enjoy Halifax's vibrant nightlife. Ambassadors Gray Line's signature Hop On Hop Off service will shuttle passengers in a continuous loop between  Cable Wharf ,  Durty Nelly 's, and the  Westin Nova Scotian . We encourage all guests to explore responsibly and take advantage of the transportation provided.

Wednesday, June 11

7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. | Gentle Wake-Up Call
Sponsored by the  Port of Corner Brook , in partnership with  the City of Corner Brook  and the Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association

Start your 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.

8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | CCNE Marketplace (1:1 meetings)
Exclusive to CCNE member ports, shipping agencies, and shore excursion providers.

 10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. | Morning Coffee Break
Sponsored by  Port Baie-Comeau  and  Lemoneight

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | CCNE Marketplace (1:1 meetings)
Exclusive to designated CCNE member ports, shipping agencies, and shore excursion providers.

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

11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. | Takeout Dinner

12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. | Departure from the Westin Nova Scotian to Lunenburg

2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | A Lovely Afternoon in Lunenburg
Sponsored by Niche Ports of Atlantic Canada in partnership with the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, Cruise Newfoundland & Labrador, Tourism Nova Scotia, and Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association

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 day will conclude with a waterfront picnic and a showcase showcasing Atlantic Canada's specialty ports. Space is limited, and a registration form will be available soon.

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Return to Halifax – Departure from Lunenburg to the Westin Nova Scotian

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Dress code
Tours & Excursions:Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear.
Receptions & Dinners:Business casual, with the option to elevate your look for the evening if you wish.
Business Sessions & CCNE Marketplace:Business casual attire is appropriate.

Stay tuned
This program is subject to change as new details are confirmed. Please check our website regularly for the latest information regarding speakers, session updates, and links to tour and activity registration forms.

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