The CUGA Conference
Annually, a member institution hosts the Canadian University Governance Association (CUGA) conference. The conference is an opportunity to learn, build community among post-secondary governance professionals and board members, highlight the host institution, and further the governance of higher education in Canada. The conference traditionally includes three main components: a professional development day exclusive to board professional staff; a day and a half of conference sessions open to board members and board professional staff; and evening social events to facilitate networking and community building.
CUGA/ACGU is a fully bilingual organization with representation from universities across Canada. The association was formed in 1987 and exists to improve the governance of Canadian universities by providing a forum for members of governing boards and board professionals to exchange information about effective governance in higher education.
The University of Waterloo Secretariat is organizing the 2026 CUGA Conference on April 30 – May 2, 2026.
The conference will be held at the Delta Hotel in Waterloo, Ontario. Approximately 120-150 delegates are expected to attend, coming from universities from across Canada.
The 2026 Conference Theme is "Innovate, Impact, Inspire."
A successful 2026 CUGA Conference depends on the support of sponsors who see value in engaging with higher education governance issues.
Sponsorship Levels and Benefits
|
Sponsorship Value |
Diamond $10,000 |
Gold $5,000 |
Silver $3,000 |
Bronze $2,500 |
|
The sponsor will be highlighted on the conference app. Ability to engage conference participants. * Diamond sponsor to have top “billing” |
X* |
X |
X |
X |
|
Sponsor recognition throughout the event (Sponsor logos will be displayed via PowerPoint in the conference room). * Diamond sponsor to have top “billing” |
X* |
X |
X |
X |
|
Subject to available expertise, speaking engagement at the Conference. |
X |
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|
Linked sponsor logo on University of Waterloo CUGA Conference page. |
X |
X |
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Opportunity to have a table at the Delta Hotel (near the conference registration desk) for marketing materials/in-person time to engage delegates. |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
Opportunity to include one of your company's marketing items in the delegate's "swag bags". |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Opportunity to select a specific conference session or event (e.g. reception, gala dinner, other) to sponsor and address delegates (5 minutes before session) |
X |
X |
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Full conference registration. |
X(x2) |
X(x1) |
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|
Invitation to the Welcome Reception (April 30) with introduction. |
X(x2) |
X(x1) |
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|
Invitation to the Gala Event (May 1) with introduction. |
X(x2) |
X(x1) |
Sponsorship contacts
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Gen Gauthier-Chalifour
University Secretary
University of Waterloo
gen.gauthier-chalifour@uwaterloo.ca
Diana Goncalves
Administrative Officer
University of Waterloo
d3goncalves@uwaterloo.ca