The Best Insurance Industry Events and Conferences in Canada (2026)
Your Career Grows at the Speed of Your Network
In insurance, who you know matters as much as what you know. The broker who lands the big account often met the decision-maker at a conference. The underwriter who gets recruited for a VP role was introduced at an industry dinner. The newcomer who breaks in without "Canadian experience" connected with a mentor at a networking event.
Canada's insurance industry runs on relationships. And the fastest way to build those relationships is by showing up at the right events.
Here are the conferences and events that are actually worth your time and money in 2026.
National Conferences
Insurance Institute National Education Conference
This is the big one. Organized by the Insurance Institute of Canada, this annual conference brings together insurance professionals from across the country for two days of educational sessions, keynote speakers, and networking. Topics cover everything from emerging risks to leadership development. If you attend one national event all year, make it this one.
Best for: All levels, especially those working toward CIP/FCIP designations. The education sessions can count toward CE credits.
IBAC (Insurance Brokers Association of Canada) Annual Convention
The premier event for insurance brokers nationally. Focuses on distribution trends, regulatory updates, and broker technology. The networking here is exceptional — you'll meet brokers, carrier executives, and industry vendors from every province.
Best for: Licensed brokers and those considering a brokerage career.
CatIQ Connect
Canada's leading catastrophe and climate risk conference. Brings together insurers, reinsurers, government officials, and climate scientists to discuss natural disaster risk. With climate change reshaping the industry, this conference has become one of the most relevant in the country.
Best for: Claims professionals, underwriters, catastrophe modellers, and anyone interested in climate risk careers.
InsurTech North
Canada's premier InsurTech conference, typically held in Toronto. Showcases insurance technology startups, digital transformation case studies, and innovation strategies. Great place to connect with InsurTech companies that are hiring.
Best for: Tech-savvy insurance professionals, data analysts, product managers, and anyone exploring the InsurTech space.
Provincial Events Worth Attending
RIBO (Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario) Annual General Meeting
Ontario-focused but nationally significant given Ontario's market size. Covers regulatory updates, market trends, and professional standards. The networking is particularly good for brokers in the GTA.
IBAA (Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta) Convention
Alberta's largest insurance event. Strong focus on energy-sector insurance, agricultural risk, and Western Canadian market trends. The Alberta market has unique characteristics and this event is the best way to understand them.
IBABC (Insurance Brokers Association of BC) Annual Conference
British Columbia's premier event. Covers earthquake risk, flood insurance, and B.C.-specific regulatory issues. Also great for connecting with brokerages across the province.
Chambre de l'assurance de dommages (ChAD) Events — Quebec
For French-speaking professionals, ChAD runs several events throughout the year covering Quebec's distinct insurance regulatory environment. Essential if you work in or want to enter the Quebec market.
Networking and Professional Development Events
Young Insurance Professionals (YIP) Events
Run by local chapters across Canada, YIP events are specifically designed for professionals in the first 10 years of their insurance career. Casual networking, educational sessions, and social events. This is where you'll build your peer network — the people who'll be running companies in 20 years.
Best for: Entry-level to mid-career professionals. Low cost, high value.
WICC (Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade) Events
WICC combines charitable fundraising with industry networking. Events range from galas to golf tournaments to educational seminars. Strong community of women in insurance leadership, though events are open to all genders.
Best for: Anyone looking to build cross-company relationships while supporting a great cause.
Insurance Institute Local Chapter Events
The Insurance Institute has local chapters across Canada that run monthly seminars, networking events, and professional development workshops. These are often free or very low cost for members. The consistency is what makes them valuable — regular attendance builds familiarity and trust with peers and leaders.
Best for: Everyone. These are the most accessible and consistent networking opportunities available.
CAIW (Canadian Association of Insurance Women) Events
Regional chapters host educational and networking events focused on professional development for women in insurance. Mentorship opportunities and leadership development programming.
Industry Awards and Galas
Insurance Business Canada Awards
Annual awards celebrating top brokers, insurers, and industry professionals. Attending the awards gala puts you in a room with the industry's most accomplished professionals. Even if you're not nominated, the networking value is significant.
CIP Society National Leadership Awards
Recognizes industry leaders who've made outstanding contributions to the profession. The event is a masterclass in what leadership looks like in Canadian insurance.
How to Get the Most Out of Insurance Events
Have a goal before you go. "Network" is too vague. Set specific targets: meet three people from companies you'd like to work for, learn about two emerging market trends, or connect with a potential mentor. Specific goals lead to specific outcomes.
Follow up within 48 hours. The connection you made at the conference is worthless if you don't follow up. Send a LinkedIn request with a personalized note referencing your conversation. Suggest a coffee meeting. The follow-up is where relationships actually form.
Attend consistently. One event won't change your career. Showing up at the same events regularly — quarterly local chapter meetings, the same annual conference each year — builds the repeated exposure that turns acquaintances into genuine professional relationships.
Volunteer to help. Event organizing committees always need help. Volunteering gives you a reason to talk to everyone, a visible role at the event, and gratitude from organizers who are often senior industry professionals.
Ask your employer to pay. Most insurance companies have professional development budgets that cover conference registration, travel, and accommodation. Ask. The worst they can say is no — and most will say yes, especially for nationally recognized events.
Virtual Events Worth Your Time
Not every valuable event requires travel. Several organizations now offer high-quality virtual programming:
The Insurance Institute's webinar series covers current topics monthly and is free for members. Swiss Re's thought leadership webinars cover global and Canadian trends in reinsurance and risk. IBC (Insurance Bureau of Canada) runs virtual events covering regulatory updates and industry data.
Virtual events are especially valuable for professionals in smaller markets who can't easily travel to Toronto or other major cities for in-person events.
Build Your 2026 Calendar Now
The professionals who advance fastest in Canadian insurance are the ones who invest in relationships consistently. Pick three to four events this year — a national conference, a few local chapter events, and at least one virtual webinar series. Show up. Be curious. Follow up.
Your next job, your next client, or your next mentor might be at the next event you attend.
While you're building your network, browse the latest insurance openings at FinSureJobs.ca — Canada's dedicated insurance and finance job board.