Inspiring Young Leaders to Transform Industries and Cities
The School of Accounting and Finance is thrilled to be hosting our third annual, Be the Future Conference in partnership with the University of Waterloo Faculty of Environment and Ontario DECA.
This year the conference will be once again held at the CIGI Campus and the Balsillie School of International Affairs in Waterloo, ON.
Looking to the future, this conference is focused on the combination of sustainability-focused thinking, scientific innovation, AI integration and the development of an entrepreneurial mindset. The morning will consist of panels of industry experts engaging in thought-provoking discussions leading into our first case competition in the afternoon. Learn more about the competition in the about section of our conference.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support from RBC which enabled us to host the conference in 2024, as well as the upcoming third annual conference this year.
Register to secure your spot
Every participant must register individually for the conference. Chapter presidents and leaders cannot register on behalf of teams.
The cost of the conference is $20 including HST, this cost includes your lunch and swag items from DECA and the University of Waterloo.
Ensure you follow all registration steps. Preliminary information packages regarding the competition and teams will be sent to all registered participants.
Registration for the event opens on October 21, 2026 and will close one week prior to the event. Waitlists will be available and monitored if cancellations occur.
Be the Future Conference Photos
I have been teaching in the area of business and sustainability for over two decades, but rarely have I seen questions so insightful as the ones the students were asking at the Be the Future conference. If this is indicative of the next generation of changemakers, then sign me up! I'm excited - and hopeful - for what's to come.