COVE

CANSEC 2026
2026-05-27 - 2026-05-28 | EY Centre, Ottawa, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 2N6, Canada
CANSEC is Canada’s premier defence and security trade show, bringing together government, military, industry, and academia to showcase the latest innovations and capabilities across the defence and security sectors. Hosted annually by the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), the event attracts senior decision‑makers, policymakers, and global partners from across Canada and allied nations.
CANSEC 2026 will feature hundreds of exhibitors, expert panels, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities focused on advancing technologies, strengthening domestic supply chains, and fostering collaboration in areas such as maritime defence, aerospace, cyber security, AI, and dual‑use innovation.
COVE participants will have the opportunity to highlight marine‑related technologies, connect with defence and security stakeholders, and explore partnerships that support innovation, commercialization, and operational readiness in Canada’s defence ecosystem.

H2O: Home to Overseas Conference 2026
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-10 | Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 0E6, Canada
The H2O: Home to Overseas Conference returns to the Halifax Convention Centre on June 8–10, bringing together marine technology leaders from across Canada and around the world. Hosted by the Ocean Technology Council of Nova Scotia in partnership with government and industry, the conference features expert panels, exhibits, workshops, and B2B meetings designed to connect innovators with partners, customers, and investors across the global marine technology sector.
Recognized as one of Canada’s premier gatherings for marine technology, the event provides a platform to explore emerging technologies, international market opportunities, and collaboration across sectors such as maritime security, offshore energy, aquaculture, and marine data systems.
The conference will conclude with COVE Demo Day on June 11, where technologies move from discussion to live demonstration. Registration for the H2O Conference and COVE Demo Day are separate, and attendees are encouraged to register for both events to experience the full week of programming and innovation.

COVE Demo Day
2026-06-11 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | COVE, 27 Parker Street, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4T5, Canada
Demo Day connects global industry, investors, defence, and government to see proven, deployable tech in action and make real deals.

Demo Day connects industry, investors, and governments to see proven, deployable tech in action and build high-impact partnerships.
Demo Day brings together industry, investors, defence and security end users, and government decision-makers to see proven, deployable technology in action – and move from conversation to contract.
This full-day outdoor experience features live demonstrations from innovative companies solving real-world challenges. Meet the founders and operators behind the companies, engage directly with end users, and build relationships that lead to pilots, partnerships, and procurement.
Last year, Demo Day attracted more than 600 attendees and over 60 exhibiting companies from across North America and Europe, bringing together global innovators and decision-makers in one highly curated environment.
What to Expect

Live demonstrations of proven, deployable technologies
Direct access to business leaders, investors, and senior decision-makers
High-value networking with global leaders from industry and governments

Complimentary Vessel Transportation & Closing Harbour Reception
COVE is pleased to offer complimentary round-trip vessel transportation for registered guests between downtown Halifax and COVE.
Guests will travel aboard the Halifax Harbour Queen, with the return trip featuring a 60-minute closing reception and tour of Halifax Harbour.
Continue conversations from the day while taking in the harbour. Each registered guest will receive two complimentary drink tickets during the reception.
Schedule
Departure to COVE
Please arrive at The Cable Wharf (1751 Lower Water St., Halifax) at 9:00 AM for a 9:15 AM departure
Return & Harbour Reception
Departs COVE at 3:30 PM
Includes a 60-minute harbour tour and reception
Arrives at The Cable Wharf at 4:30 PM
Important

Each guest must register individually in advance to secure a seat
Space is limited; pre-registration is required
If capacity is reached or you miss departure, guests are responsible for alternate transportation

MASS '26
2026-07-13 - 2026-07-16 | St. John’s Convention Centre, 101 New Gower St, St. John's, NL, A1C 4K2, Canada
Now entering its 13th year, ACADA’s Maritime & Arctic Security & Safety Conference (MASS) has firmly established itself as the premier forum for addressing the complex, multi‑domain defence challenges facing northern and maritime regions.
Hosted by the Atlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association, and presented by Saab Canada, Inc., MASS brings together industry innovators, government and military leaders, and with strong representation from northern leaders, ensuring northern perspectives, priorities and expertise are front and center. Together, these leaders explore emerging threats and the cutting‑edge solutions being developed in response. This international event showcases how Canadian companies are advancing safety, security, and resilience at home and abroad through world‑class technologies, services, and research – helping shape a safer and more secure future for Canada, North America, and the global community.

Ocean Connector: Building Canada’s Workforce for the Future
2026-07-23 16:00 - 18:00 | COVE, 27 Parker Street, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4T5, Canada
This Ocean Connector is sponsored by Halifax Partnership and will focus on building a future-ready workforce for Canada’s innovation economy.
Canada is facing growing pressure to strengthen its workforce as industries adapt to rapid technological change, evolving skill requirements, and increasing demand for talent across the innovation economy. Employers across sectors are focused on developing the people, capabilities, and adaptable skills needed to support long-term economic resilience and growth.
This session will bring together employers, educators, community partners, government, and emerging talent to explore workforce readiness, skills development, and cross-sector collaboration. The discussion will highlight how transferable and parallel skills — such as problem-solving, digital literacy, data awareness, systems thinking, adaptability, communication, and collaboration — enable mobility across industries and support transitions into the broader innovation and technology ecosystem.
Pathways into areas such as engineering, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, digital industries, and other emerging technology sectors will be explored, along with the role of upskilling and reskilling in supporting career mobility. The conversation will also emphasize inclusive access to opportunity for Indigenous, Northern, rural, and underrepresented communities.
Hosted by COVE, the July 23 Ocean Connector is sponsored by Halifax Partnership and will focus on building a future-ready workforce for Canada’s innovation economy. With thanks to our founding partner, Irving Shipbuilding.

Defence Trials & Demonstration Opportunities: Industry Engagement Event
2026-07-30 14:00 - 16:00 | COVE, 27 Parker Street, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4T5, Canada
Explore upcoming opportunities to participate in defence research and development trials and technical demonstration projects
Join us on Thursday, July 30th, from 2 PM to 4 PM ADT at COVE for a hybrid event highlighting upcoming opportunities to participate in defence research and development trials and technical demonstration projects.
These trials and projects focus on Maritime Domain Awareness, with an emphasis on the Underwater Domain. They seek innovative maritime sensing, surveillance, integration, communications, and command and control (C2) technologies that support enhanced sensing and decision-making using both fixed and autonomous platforms.
From 2 PM to 3 PM ADT, participate in person or via live stream to hear from project leads about upcoming open calls for expressions of interest launching after the event. This session offers a valuable opportunity to learn about the projects firsthand, ask questions, and prepare to submit your interest in participating.
From 3 PM to 4 PM ADT, stay for in-person networking to connect directly with project teams and peers.

2026 Sustainable Blue Economy Summit
2026-09-18 | The Westin Nova Scotian ● Halifax, Nova Scotia, 1181 Hollis St,, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 2P6, Canada
Join government leaders, industry executives, researchers, investors, Indigenous organizations, and innovators for two days of practical insights, partnerships, and networking that are shaping Canada’s blue economy.

Imagine Marine Conference 2026
2026-09-22 - 2026-09-23 | Rogers Centre Ottawa, 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
The Canadian Marine Careers Foundation is pleased to announce that the Imagine Marine Conference will return for its third year on September 22–23, 2026, at the Rogers Centre (formerly the Shaw Centre) in Ottawa, Ontario.
This year’s theme, Future-Proofing the Marine Workforce: Skills, Tech, and Talent, will explore how the sector can adapt to evolving workforce trends while engaging the next generation and increasing employee retention. We’re seeking proposals that highlight student, early career and/or employee perspectives, as well as insights from stakeholders and experts both within and beyond the marine industry.

Elevate Festival
2026-09-22 - 2026-09-24 | Meridian Hall, 1 Front St E, Toronto, ON, M5E 1B2, Canada
Elevate Festival returns to Toronto from September 22–24, 2026, bringing together world-class innovators, industry leaders, founders, investors, and the brightest minds in tech to celebrate and accelerate the future of Canadian innovation. For three unforgettable days, the Festival will put a global spotlight on Canada’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem through bold ideas, transformative conversations, and powerful connections that drive what’s next.

National Indigenous Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum (NAFF V)
2026-09-22 08:00 - 2026-09-24 17:00 | Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 0E6, Canada
The National Indigenous Fisheries Institute will host the Fifth National Indigenous Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum (NAFF V) in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia from 22-24 September 2026.
NAFF V will build off of the successes of the first four conferences. We will be joined by influential leaders across the Indigenous fisheries and aquaculture industry, representatives from various departments and across all levels of government, international leaders in private and multinational sectors, and more across this four-day event.
In addition to presentations, panels, and workshops; delegates will have the opportunity to join for cultural performances and a showcase dinner while a robust tradeshow and regional Indigenous artists will be present throughout the event all while building national and international relationships.

Rostock Ocean Convention 2026
2026-11-03 - 2026-11-04 | HanseMesse Rostock, Zur HanseMesse 1-2, Rostock, 18106, Germany
Located on the Baltic Sea, Rostock is becoming a global hotspot for underwater technology. At the heart of this transformation is the Ocean Technology Campus Rostock – a hub where science, industry, and innovation converge to develop the next generation of subsea solutions.
With cutting-edge labs, open test infrastructure, and strong links to the marine environment, Rostock offers ideal conditions for sustainable and high-impact technologies. A growing network of start-ups, research institutes, and established companies makes it a prime location for innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
What to expect:

170+ participants from 8+ nations
Keynotes & panels from industry and academia
B2B matchmaking & networking
Start-up showcase & tech exhibition
Broad media coverage
Strong political and institutional presence

Organized by the Subsea Monitoring Network, Fraunhofer IGD, University of Rostock, and Rostock Business, the event positions Rostock as Germany’s leading centre for digital underwater innovation.
