Conference Highlights
Tuesday
OPEN ED CEO Session - for all affiliate ED CEOs
2:30p.m. to 4:30p.m.
ED CEOs are encouraged to attend this session. HFHC staff will be attendance for 1:1 and small group conversations, with you and your peers. Additionally, if all goes to plan, the composition of the new Affiliate Council will be finalized at this time.
Brewing Connections
Garrison Brewery – 1149 Marginal Rd.
7p.m. to 9p.m.
Join us for this optional networking event hosted by Habitat Nova Scotia.
Please note there will not be food provided, please eat beforehand. Cash bars will be available.
Please register your attendance through the registration platform.
Wednesday to Friday
Habitat Boutique
Atlantic Mezzanine
7a.m. to 1:30p.m.
Stop by the Habitat Boutique to take some branded apparel and goodies home for your staff, volunteers, and yourself. The boutique will be open Wednesday to Friday. See agenda for full details.
Global Programs Booth
Mezzanine
7a.m. to 1:30p.m.
Want to know more about Habitat's global programs? Join Cassie Collins, Manager, Global Village and Stacey Sawchuk, Director, Global & Indigenous Initiatives to learn about Global Village and Global Neighbours. Global Village is a short-term international volunteer experience and Habitat's flagship peer to peer fundraising program. Global Neighbours is Habitat in Canada's international granting program that supports families around the world.
Stop by for a chat, to ask questions and learn about our work, the impact your Tithing has made and how you can do more to fight the global housing crisis.
ReziLink Booth
Mezzanine
7a.m. to 1:30p.m.
ReziLink (formerly known as Home Base) is now LIVE! ReziLink is a cloud-based platform for secure digital record storage and virtual Family Partnerships operations. In one home lives administration, communication, education, and partner family self-realization. Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North and Creativity by Code, with input from Habitat for Humanity Peterborough Kawartha Region, developed ReziLink with Habitat for Humanity Homeowner success as the driving principle. ReziLink exists to help Habitat Homeowners build brighter futures while also serving to create operational efficiencies and improve the Habitat experience for all.
Makers Market
Mezzanine
7a.m. to 1:30p.m.
Make sure to stop by the Makers Market to take a little piece of Halifax home with you. See details below regarding the artisans joining us throughout the week:
Wednesday to Thursday:
Pieces of Wood and BZ Cookies & Crafts
Pieces of Wood is a gift and craft shop that features locally handcrafted products from over 100 artisans in the Halifax/Dartmouth and surrounding areas of Nova Scotia.
Check out their collection on Facebook and Instagram
BZ Cookies & Crafts is a locally owned small business focused on decorated sugar cookies. Owner Jen Ziobrowski has been a baker all of her life and transitioned to focusing on cookies five years ago. She is passionate about creating not only a beautiful, but a delicious tasting cookie for the special event or person in your life.
BZ Cookies & Crafts is excited to partner with longtime friend and collaborator, Christy Goulden of Pieces of Wood, to bring you an amazing selection of curated Nova Scotia themed products to your conference this year.
Check out their collection on Facebook
Wednesday:
Tartan Gal Designs
Discover Tartan Gal Designs, where Nova Scotia craftsmanship meets the finest tartan fabrics from Scotland and Canada. Offering handcrafted apparel and accessories for men, women, children, and even pets, Tartan Gal Designs provides unique products that celebrate heritage and style. Explore their collections, including custom orders tailored to your specific tartan needs.
Visit tartangal.ca to find your perfect piece today.
Thursday:
Sankofa Afrikan Gifts
Sankofa Afrikan Gifts promotes Afrikan culture by offering africentric products to compliment any decor. Stop by the Makers Market on Thursday to check out their latest items and current collections.
Visit their website to explore current collections
Friday:
Indigenous Artisan Gordie Howe
Gordie Howe is a local Indigenous artisan specializing in beautiful, handcrafted dreamcatchers, beaded necklaces and earrings. Meet Gordie on Friday and view his beautiful works of art.
ReCharge Lounge
Bedford Room
7a.m. to 4p.m.
Back by popular demand. Need some time away from the hustle and bustle of conference? Not a problem! The ReCharge Lounge is your number one spot to take some quiet time to recharge and catch your breath.
Wednesday
Wake Up Music with Sarah Hope
Mezzanine
7a.m. to 8:30a.m.
The Home Depot Pro Booth
Mezzanine
7a.m. to 1:30p.m.
Home Depot operates 182 stores across Canada, from coast to coast. Our PRO business is tailored to support the ICI sector, Canadian builders, property managers, restoration companies, and more. Sign up for PRO Xtra rewards today and discover the benefits Home Depot can bring to your business.
For additional information about Home Depot Canada, visit us here.
Welcome Tour and Dinner – Nautical Nights and East Coast Bites
Join us for a true East Coast kitchen party at Habitat for Humanity Canada’s National Conference Welcome Tour and Dinner presented by Home Depot Canada!
Start the evening with a short stroll from the Westin Nova Scotian to the Tall Ships Quay, where you’ll hop aboard one of two boats, the Harbour Queen or Kawartha, for a beautiful harbour cruise. As we cruise the stunning Halifax waters, you will enjoy light snacks, Maritime tunes and a cash bar – the perfect recipe for an authentic salty breeze and good vibes. Adding to the experience, we’re excited to announce that East Coast Lifestyle will be onboard selling their iconic merchandise. It’s a great chance to take home a piece of the Maritimes! You can check them out here.
Next, we’ll make our way to Pier 21’s Kenneth C. Rowe Hall to keep the party going. Enjoy the chance to mix and mingle with delegates and exhibitors with the option of a cash bar before the evening officially begins with a warm welcome from Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia’s CEO Donna Williamson and our presenting sponsor, Home Depot Canada.
Then, dig into a hearty lobster dinner while Jimmy Flynn, the ultimate East Coast entertainer, gets everyone clapping, laughing, and singing along. His signature mix of comedy, storytelling, and toe-tapping tunes will have the room buzzing with Maritime spirit.
Wrap up the night with more Maritime tunes and plenty of chances to raise a glass and connect. It’s a kitchen party you won’t forget!
Agenda:
3:45p.m. - Depart from the Westin Nova Scotian on foot to Tall Ships Quay (Behind Discovery Centre)
4p.m. - Harbour tour with light appetizers, music, and cash bar
6p.m. - Depart Tall Ships Quay on foot to Pier 21, Kenneth C. Rowe Hall
6:10p.m. - Networking and cash bar with delegates and exhibitors
6:45p.m. - Welcome address by HFHNS CEO & Home Depot Canada
7p.m. - Dinner service begins, lobster eating demonstration by Jimmy Flynn
8p.m. - Jimmy Flynn performance continues
9p.m. - Post-dinner music (TBC) and networking opportunities
Meal Choices:
For dinner, you’ll enjoy a true East Coast experience with a “Parade of Lobster” where servers will bring large platters of locally caught Clearwater Lobster, steamed in sea water (not boiled), pre-cracked, and served with drawn butter, lobster picks, plastic bibs, and plenty of napkins. Accompaniments include country jars of dilled carrots, pickles, and olives, dinner rolls, corn on the cob, Lunenburg County potato salad and tangy coleslaw. To top off the meal, enjoy a traditional Annapolis Valley apple crisp and freshly brewed Starbucks coffee and Tazo teas.
For those who prefer an alternative, a barbecued chicken dinner with all the trimmings to match the portions of lobster is also available. Additionally, vegetarian and kosher meal options can be provided with advance notice.
*Please note meal selections will be asked for during the registration process under the ADD-ON ticket selection.
Event Cost:
Delegates: $20
Guests: $100
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening – be sure to reserve your spot today!
*PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to forgo the Harbour Cruise tour, you still have the option to attend the dinner at Pier 21's Kenneth C. Rowe Hall. The ADD-ON ticket will prompt you for your choice during registration.
Thursday
Wake Up Music with Drummers From Home
Mezzanine
7:30a.m. to 8:30a.m.
Meaning of Home Winner Presentation
Mezzanine
12:30p.m.
Make sure to put this on your conference “to do” list! We will be announcing this year’s winners at the conference.
Awards Celebration Gala and Dinner: A Coastal Affair
Commonwealth Ballroom
Reception – Mezzanine - 6p.m.
Dinner and Awards – Commonwealth Ballroom – 6:45p.m.
Welcome to the National Awards Celebration Gala and Dinner! Imagine the sun on your face, the sand between your toes, and a refreshing drink in your hand as you enter into A Coastal Affair. Together we will celebrate another outstanding year of incredible achievements with dinner, awards, and live entertainment, performed by Halifax’s own Newbird and Big Fish throughout the evening and after the formal presentation.
The Awards Celebration Gala and Dinner is your chance to dress up and get into the spirit of the theme. Come dressed to impress in beach elegant attire. Don’t forget to grab your sunglasses, oversized hat or sailor’s cap and meet us by the coast!
*Cash Bars will open at 6p.m. in the Mezzanine with doors opening to the Ballroom at 6:45p.m.
Need some inspiration? Check out these beach elegant options.
Friday
Annual General Meeting
Commonwealth Ballroom
12:30p.m. to 2:30p.m.
Gather from 12:30p.m. to 2:30p.m. on Friday, May 16 to vote on important items of business and elect the next National Board of Directors. Official documents will be sent in advance.
Post Conference Networking at Durty Nelly’s
1645 Argyle Street
5p.m.
Feel like doing some post conference networking? Join us at Durty Nelly’s, a legendary Halifax institution.
Please note, this is not included in any of the registration packages and is a pay on your own activity. Advance registration is requested.
Check out Durty Nelly’s Authentic Irish Pub
