Downtown Atlantic Canada Conference 2025

Growing Forward


Hold the Date:  May 28-30, 2025

Location:   Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Theme: Growing Forward 



2025 Downtowns Atlantic Conference Host

 

The 2025 conference is hosted by: Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission


Register Now

REGISTRATION

Registration for the 2025 DAC Conference is now open

REGISTRATION

Registration for this event can be completed on Eventbrite by clicking here.


If you have any questions concerning registration, please communicate with Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission at info@downtowndartmouth.ca or by calling 1-902-466-2997


HOTEL

The conference hotel is the Barrington Hotel, 1875 Barrington Street, Halifax NS. The Barrington Hotel a short ferry ride away from Downtown Dartmouth in Downtown Halifax.


A block of guestrooms will be held for DAC delegates until April 28th. The conference hotel room rate is $179 + tax and fees for single or double occupancy. This rate is guaranteed until April 28th. After April 28th, room rates will revert to general rates and availability.


Guests can book by clicking here or by calling 1-902-429-7410 and speak to their on-site reservations team directly. When speaking to the on-site reservation team, please reference "Downtowns Atlantic Canada" and the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission.


PARKING

Parking is available at hourly and daily rates. Click here for parking options at/near the Barrington Hotel.

Applications for the Inaugural Downtown Atlantic Canada Awards Program are now open!


The program recognizes the exemplary work in our downtowns and on our main streets by the BIAs and BIDs in Atlantic Canada. Learn more about the program and how to apply through the button below.

DAC Awards Program

Conference Schedule and Program


Full, detailed conference program, including speaker bios and session descriptions coming soon...

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Time Activity Location
2:00 PM Registration Desk Opens Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Opening Night Dinner & Welcome Speaker: Colton Leblanc Millstone Public House Kings Wharf (67 Kings Wharf Place Suite 102)

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Time Activity Location
7:30 AM Registration Desk Opens Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
8:00 AM Breakfast Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
9:00 AM Welcome Remarks - Tim Rissesco Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
9:45 AM KEYNOTE - Jennifer Angel Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
10:15 AM Nutrition Break Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
10:30 AM PANEL DISCUSSION - The Redevelopment of Spiritual Brownfield Sites Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
11:15 AM PANEL DISCUSSION - Ground Floor Greatness: Creating an Inviting Retail Mix Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
12:15 PM Lunch & Walking Tours Park Avenue Community Oven (Leighton Dillman Park: 36 Park Avenue)
2:15 PM The DACkies: DAC Award Presentations Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
2:45 PM PRESENTATION - From Concept to Reality: Effective Marketing & Branding for Destinations Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
3:15 PM Nutrition Break Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
3:30 PM PANEL DISCUSSION - Placemaking & Events Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
4:30 PM PANEL DISCUSSION - Gift Cards, Data & Metrics: How to Measure Success Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
5:30 PM Reception The DAHLIA by JUKAI (15 King's Wharf Place #104)

Friday, May 30, 2025

Time Activity Location
8:00 AM Breakfast Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
8:00 AM DAC AGM Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
9:00 AM KEYNOTE - Mary Rowe Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
9:30 AM PANEL DISCUSSION - Clean and Safe Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
10:30 AM Nutrition Break Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
10:45 AM PANEL DISCUSSION - Street Issues Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
11:45 AM CLOSING KEYNOTE - Kris Larson Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)
11:45 AM Lunch Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney Street)

Registration FAQs

  • What does my registration include?

    Your DAC registration includes the following:


    1.   Access to all conference sessions


    2.   Meals: two full breakfasts, two lunches, light snacks and refreshments throughout the day


    3.   Special hotel room rate at the Barrington Hotel if booked before April 28th.

  • Can I can cancel my registration?

    Cancellation up to 30 days prior to the opening date of the event (April 28, 2025) with a $100 Cancellation Fee. Cancellation after this date forfeits registration; however, transferring the registration to another member of the same organization is permissible. Eventbrite fees are non-refundable.

  • Is the DAC registration transferable?

    If the original registrant is unable to attend, the DAC registration can be transferred to another individual before the conference. However, the DAC registration is not shareable between two or more individuals during the conference. There are no day rates available.

  • Is there parking available for delegates?

    Parking is available by the Barrington Hotel. Click here for more information.


     In downtown Dartmouth, there are a number of parking options include both free & paid areas. Click here for more information. 


    Much of the conference will be hosted in the Alderney Landing Theatre. Alderney Landing has parking available at an hourly rate of $3 and daily rate of $20. More informaiton on parking at Alderney Landing is available here. 

  • Can I invite non-registered stakeholders to any of the conference sessions?

    All daytime sessions are limited to panelists and DAC conference attendees. Guests registered by DAC conference attendees are welcome to attend the opening night reception and Thursday evening dinner.