Monday, June 9

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Event Registration
The event registration desk will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Westin Nova Scotian.

9:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Halifax Seaport Cruise Facility Tours
Attendees are invited to take part in one of three guided tours, each approximately one hour in length, led by Port Halifax’s Cruise Operations team. The tours will highlight key areas of the Halifax Seaport, including the shore power system and new Operations Centre (OpCen). Watts Marine will join for the shore power portion. A sign-up form will be available soon.

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch on Your Own
Take some time to explore the local flavours of Halifax during your lunch break. We recommend checking out Discover Halifax's Food & Drink Guide and selecting the “Halifax Waterfront” region for nearby options.

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Afternoon Activities: Discover Halifax with Our Shore Excursion Partners
Sponsored by Access Cruises, Inc., Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, F.K. Warren, Spring Garden Area Business Association, and The Sou'Wester in partnership with Ambassatours Gray Line, Global Cruises LLC, J. Farwell Sailing Co. Inc., Maritime Travel Cruise Services, and Ride Solar

Get ready to experience the best of Halifax! Attendees will have the opportunity to join one of five unique excursions curated by top local tour providers. Whether you're drawn to history, culture, or coastal views, there's something for everyone. A survey with more details on each excursion, and a sign-up form will be available soon.

4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. | Recharge & Refresh
Take this time to rest, recharge, or prepare for the evening ahead.

5:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Walk to Tall Ships Quay & Board Harbour Queen I
Just a short stroll from the Westin Nova Scotian lobby, follow the group to Tall Ships Quay to board the Harbour Queen I for the Opening Reception.

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Opening Reception
Sponsored by Port Saint John

Take in the sights and sounds of Halifax Harbour while enjoying light fare, refreshments, and network with fellow attendees.

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Opening Dinner at the Discovery Centre

Sponsored by Port Halifax in partnership with Discover Halifax and Tourism Nova Scotia | Entertainment sponsored by Eastport Port Authority

Experience a reception-style dinner with local flavours, food stations, and live music. This interactive evening is designed to spark creativity, inspire collaboration, and foster meaningful connections.

9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Exploring Halifax on Your Own
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

Take some time to enjoy Halifax’s vibrant nightlife. Ambassatours Gray Line’s signature Hop On Hop Off service will run in a continuous loop between the Discovery Centre, The Old Triangle, and the Westin Nova Scotian. We encourage all guests to explore responsibly and take advantage of the transportation provided.

Tuesday, June 10

7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Event Registration
The event registration desk will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Westin Nova Scotian (upstairs, outside of the Atlantic Ballroom).

7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. | Rise & Shine
Sponsored by Port of Québec 

Start your day with a hearty breakfast buffet. It’s a great time to fuel up and connect with fellow attendees before the day’s programming begins. 

8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Welcome & Opening Remarks
The day begins with a warm welcome to Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people, featuring a traditional Indigenous welcome prayer from Elder Joe Michael and a special performance by Sacred Flight. 

Opening remarks will follow from Fulvio Fracassi, CEO of the Halifax Port Authority, along with greetings from His Worship Mayor Andy Fillmore, Halifax Regional Municipality, and the Honourable David Ritcey, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Anchored in Collaboration: Shaping the Future of Cruise
Sponsored by Port of Québec

Join industry leaders for a focused conversation on the current state and future of cruise tourism. Led by Cruise Atlantic Canada, this panel will explore key trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the Canada New England region.

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Morning Break
Sponsored by The Great Lakes Cruise Association

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Strengthening the Cruise Ecosystem: Balancing Growth, Resilience & Sustainability
Sponsored by Port Saint John 

Explore how cruise lines, ports, and tourism operators are balancing infrastructure needs, environmental responsibility, and economic viability. This conversation will highlight strategies, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of sustainable cruising.

11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch
Sponsored by Port Charlottetown in partnership with Tourism Prince Edward Island 

Discover why Prince Edward Island is known as Canada’s Food Island, celebrated for its world-class ingredients and coastal culinary culture. This lunch will feature a curated menu designed to showcase the authentic flavours of the Island.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | From Arrival to Departure: Reimagining the Shoreside Guest Experience Through Innovation & Meaningful Engagement
Sponsored by Port Charlottetown

As guest expectations evolve, destinations are embracing innovation, technology, and local storytelling to deliver seamless, personalized, and culturally rich experiences. Join destination experts for a dynamic discussion on best practices shaping the future of shoreside engagement.

2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Grab & Go Afternoon Break
Sponsored by Watts Marine

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Halifax Seaport Cruise Facility Tours
If you missed the tours on Day 1, this is your chance to explore key areas of the Halifax Seaport with a guided, one-hour tour led by Port Halifax’s Cruise Operations team. The walkthrough includes highlights such as the shore power system and the new Operations Centre (OpCen), with Watts Marine joining for the shore power portion.

2:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Stretch & Stroll
Take this time to relax, reset, or enjoy a stroll along the Halifax waterfront at your own pace. Spanning 4 kilometres (2.5 miles), Halifax is home to one of the world’s longest urban boardwalks, making it a perfect spot for a scenic walk before the evening begins.

4:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. | Depart the Westin Nova Scotian for the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

Meet in the Westin Nova Scotian lobby to join the group transfer by bus to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

4:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. | Closing Reception at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Sponsored by Port of Sydney in partnership with Parks Canada 

Step back in time at one of Halifax’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy an engaging evening of networking, hands-on activities, and local hospitality.

6:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Depart the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site for the Cable Wharf
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Closing Dinner at the Cable Wharf
Sponsored by Promotion Saguenay | Entertainment sponsored by Destinations North America

Nestled on the edge of a picturesque Halifax wharf, the Cable Wharf offers stunning seaside views and a sophisticated atmosphere. Join us for a memorable evening presented by Promotion Saguenay and a preview of next year’s CCNE Symposium.

9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Exploring Halifax on Your Own
Sponsored by Ambassatours Gray Line in partnership with Coach Atlantic

Take some time to enjoy Halifax’s vibrant nightlife. Ambassatours Gray Line’s signature Hop On Hop Off service will run in a continuous loop between the Cable Wharf, Durty Nelly’s, and the Westin Nova Scotian. We encourage all guests to explore responsibly and take advantage of the transportation provided.

Wednesday, June 11

7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. | Rise & Shine
Sponsored by Port of Corner Brook in partnership with City of Corner Brook and Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association 

Start the day off right with a light breakfast and a warm welcome from our hosts. Enjoy a relaxed morning atmosphere that reflects the culture and hospitality of Newfoundland and Labrador.

8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | CCNE Marketplace (1:1 Meetings)
Exclusive for CCNE member ports, marine agencies, and tour operators 

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Morning Break
Sponsored by Port Baie-Comeau & Lemoneight

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | CCNE Marketplace (1:1 Meetings)
Exclusive for CCNE member ports, marine agencies, and tour operators

11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Closing Remarks

11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Grab & Go Lunch 

12:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Depart the Westin Nova Scotian for Lunenburg

2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | An Afternoon in Lovely Lunenburg
Sponsors by Niche Ports of Atlantic Canada in partnership with the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and provincial tourism partners

Explore Old Town Lunenburg, one of only two urban UNESCO World Heritage Sites in North America, on a guided walking tour, including a visit to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. The afternoon concludes with a harbourside picnic and a showcase highlighting Atlantic Canada’s niche ports. Space is limited and a sign-up form will be available soon.

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Depart Lunenburg for the Westin Nova Scotian

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Stay Connected
This program is subject to updates as additional details are confirmed. Please check back regularly for the latest information on speakers, session updates, and links to sign-up forms for tours and activities.

For questions or more information, please contact us at [email protected].