Check back as the agenda is finalized and sessions are added.
Explore a focused agenda featuring keynotes, panels, and interactive sessions designed to move sustainability from discussion to implementation.
Leading experts will address regulatory needs, specific best practices and implementation guides, and explore how weaving sustainability into business strategy and bottom lines will impact people, business, and the planet for the better.
2026 Conference schedule
8:00 a.m.
Breakfast and Networking
9:00 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
The conference opens with welcome remarks, acknowledgements of Indigenous representation, and an introduction to the Hub for Sustainability Integration at the University of Waterloo.
9:30 a.m.
Keynote Presentation | Navigating Sustainability in a Shifting Global Context
This session will explore the broader forces shaping sustainability today, from geopolitics to emerging global risks, and why action is increasingly urgent.
10:00 a.m.
Networking Break
10:15 a.m.
Panel Discussion | Sustainability in a Turbulent Landscape
As organizations navigate increasing economic, geopolitical, and regulatory uncertainty, the path to sustainability is becoming more complex—and more critical. This panel explores how leaders are adapting their strategies to integrate sustainability in a rapidly changing environment.
Bringing together perspectives from across sectors, the discussion will examine emerging risks, shifting expectations, and the practical challenges of maintaining momentum amid competing priorities. Attendees will gain insight into how organizations are balancing resilience, performance, and long‑term sustainability in the face of disruption.
11:45 a.m.
Lunch and Networking
12:45 p.m.
President's Introduction to Waterloo Initiatives
This session highlights University of Waterloo centres and initiatives, focusing on applied research and real‑world impact.
Attendees will learn how university‑led innovation can be commercialized, reduce costs, and deliver tangible value for industry, with opportunities for conversation and connection built into the experience.
1:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion | Collaborating Across the Divide
Corporate and academic worlds have long operated in silos — each making progress, but the pace of change demands more. Companies are building sustainability frameworks and moving economies forward; universities are producing breakthrough research and shaping tomorrow's leaders.
This panel explores how campuses, communities and corporations can close the gaps: turning academic research into industry solutions; translating corporate challenges into research priorities; and building partnerships that advance sustainability, resilience and shared prosperity.
2:15 p.m.
Networking Break
2:30 p.m.
Panel Discussion | Innovations of Success: from Ideas to Scale
With one of North America's largest co-op programs and a culture built around entrepreneurship, the University of Waterloo has a track record of turning student and faculty ambition into global impact.
This panel brings together researchers, alumni and industry leaders to explore how to finance and build companies across the sustainability supply chain. Attendees will gain an understanding of what founders, investors and corporates each need to drive success, from early-stage startups to scalable solutions.
3:45 p.m.
Closing Remarks
4:00 p.m.
Featured Entertainment and Networking Reception
The day concludes with informal networking and a special interactive experience to set the tone for continued conversation.
Featuring: Colin Mochrie and Debra McGrath
Famed for their sharp improvisation and undeniable onstage chemistry, Colin Mochrie and Debra McGrath are one of Canada’s most celebrated comedy partnerships. Both alumni of Toronto’s legendary Second City, they’ve built remarkable careers spanning television, film, theatre and live performance.
Together, Colin and Debra bring a customized, quick-witted and uproariously entertaining improv performance to conferences and events. Their appearance at the Hub Conference will offer a memorable close to a day focused on sustainability, “From Ideas to Impact”, bringing the audience together through creativity, connection and the joyful art of saying yes.