2026 Ski Conference
February 24-26, 2026 | Chateau Fairmont Lake Louise
Welcome to the 2026 VCAA Conference, our annual gathering of the leading voices in the Canadian VC ecosystem. From the majestic Chateau Lake Louise, set in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, we are excited to provide a program of learning and fellowship in a highly energized and interactive setting.
What to Expect
Insightful Learning
The conference offers meaningful learning opportunities through candid conversations, peer-led insights, and forward-looking discussions. Attendees can expect thoughtful exploration of market trends, capital deployment strategies, regulatory shifts, and the evolving dynamics of venture investing in Canada and beyond.
Strategic Relationship Building
VCAA creates space for authentic connection among investors, fund managers, LPs, founders, and ecosystem leaders. The setting and programming are designed to encourage deeper dialogue, helping participants strengthen existing relationships while forming new, high-value partnerships.
Collaboration & Partnership
A key focus of the conference is collaboration across the venture ecosystem. Through interactive sessions and informal networking, attendees will explore opportunities to co-invest, share best practices, and align on strategies that support collective industry growth.
Shaping the Future of Canadian VC
This gathering is about more than discussion, it’s about direction. The conference provides a forum to reflect on where the industry is heading and how leaders can actively shape its future. By contributing perspectives and experiences, participants play a role in advancing the strength and resilience of the Canadian VC community.
Conference Schedule
Tuesday, February 24 | Welcome Skating Party & Reception
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Coffee & Chocolate at Lake Louise’s Fire Pit + Ice Skating
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Opening reception & food stations - Victoria Ballroom
6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Fireside Chat:
Clayton Feick, CEO Ontopical, Sovra
Arden Tse, Investment Manager Accelerate Fund, Yaletown Partners
Moderator: Crystal Phillips, Senior Director, OCIF
Wednesday, February 25 | Ski Day
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Shuttles start from the Chateau to the Ski Resort
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Breakfast at Ski Resort - Sitzmark Private Lounge
9:45 a.m. Ski Groups depart OR
3 hour reservations at Basin Glacial Waters Spa - code provided in advance (morning reservations available). Spa participants welcome to join lunch and apres ski
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch at Ski Resort - Sitzmark Private Lounge
4:00.p.m. - 5:00 pm
Apres Ski at Ski Resort - Sitzmark Private Lounge
5:00 p.m.
Last Shuttle to depart Lake Louise for the Chateau
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Cocktail reception - Victoria Ballroom
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Dinner - Victoria Ballroom
8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Networking
Wednesday, February 26 | Conference Day
7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Mobile Coffee Cart - Get your morning caffeinated!
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Buffet Breakfast (60 mins)
8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Opening Remarks
8:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Keynote: Macro Economic Trends Impacting Venture Capital
9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
VC in Canada: Data, Trends and Opportunities
10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Coffee Break (30 mins)
10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Global Trends in Venture Capital
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m
Emergence of Secondary Markets
12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Buffet Lunch
1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Fireside Chat: BDC's Evolving Role in Canada's Venture Capital Market
1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Defense & Dual-Use Tech: VC Opportunities
2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Coffee Break
2:45 p.m. - 3:55 p.m.
Workshop - Crisis Management Case
3:55 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Meet the Speakers
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Paula Cruickshank
Senior Vice President, BDC
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Glenn Cowan
Partner, One9
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Michael Grantmyre
Partner, Osler
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Patrick Lor
Partner, Panache Ventures
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Taha Mubishir
Partner, iNovia
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Kim Fennell
Partner, True North Fund
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John Rikhtegar
Director, Capital RBCx
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Stéfane Marion
Chief Economist, National Bank of Canada
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Lauren Harris
Managing Director, Northleaf Capital Partners
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Isabelle Hudon
President & CEO, BDC
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Heidi Roizen
Partner, Threshold Ventures
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Crystal Phillips
Senior Director, OCIF
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Clayton Feick
CEO Ontopical, SOVRA
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Benjamin Bergen
CEO, CVC
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Mathieu Provost
Managing Director, Venture Capital & Technology CDPQ, La Caisse
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Arden Tse
Investment Manager Accelerate Fund, Yaletown Partners
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Darian Harris
Founding & Managing Partner, Fuse Accelerator
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Michelle Scarborough
VCAA Board Director
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Heather Barnhouse
Partner, Dentons Canada LLP
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Adam Cragg
Partner, Osney Capital
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Kristina Williams
CEO, Alberta Enterprise Corporation
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Tracey Scarlett
Executive Director, VCAA
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