Now in its 12th year, ACADA’s Maritime & Arctic Security & Safety Conference (MASS) has solidified its place as the signature event for exploring the challenges and opportunities associated with northern and maritime environments. Hosted by the Atlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association (ACADA), MASS dives into the topic of emerging threats and how Canadian companies are leading the way to provide a safe, secure, and successful future for Canada, North America, and the world with their innovative products, services, and research in this three-day international event.
For event Sponsorship information, download our Sponsorship Kit.
To learn more about exhibiting at MASS, download the Exhibitor Package.
Special thanks to our event Sponsors to date: 
Special thanks to our Exhibitors to date: 
Now in its 12th year, ACADA’s Maritime & Arctic Security & Safety Conference (MASS) has solidified its place as the signature event for exploring the challenges and opportunities associated with northern and maritime environments. Hosted by the Atlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association (ACADA), MASS dives into the topic of emerging threats and how Canadian companies are leading the way to provide a safe, secure, and successful future for Canada, North America, and the world with their innovative products, services, and research in this three-day international event.
MASS 2025 WILL FEATURE:
200+ attendees • 15+ exhibitors • Networking breaks • Facilitated B2B/B2G meetings • 10+ expert panels and presentations • Global attendee and speaker list • Panel discussions on trending topics • Breakthrough R&D presentations
For event Sponsorship information, download our Sponsorship Kit.
To learn more about exhibiting at MASS, download the Exhibitor Package.
*All prices are plus HST. Exhibit passes include one conference registration.
Special thanks to our event Sponsors to date:
Special thanks to our Exhibitors to date:
Sponsorship at MASS25 puts your business front and center during the Conference.
We have a variety of sponsorship opportunities to suit your budget and desired brand impact.
See the MASS25 Sponsorship kit by clicking HERE!
Special thanks to our event sponsors to date:
We have a limited number of spaces available for MASS25 event exhibitors!
These booths are an efficient way to promote your brand while interacting with our MASS25 conference guests.
Click here for our Exhibitor kit!
Special thanks to our Exhibitors to date:
Looking to raise the profile of your business at MASS 2025? Contact Darren Machado at Darren.Machado@ac-ada.ca to secure your sponsorship!
The St. John’s airport (YYT) is a short 10-minute drive to the Delta Hotels & Conference Centre (120 New Gower Street) and cabs should be available at the arrivals door of the airport.
Take advantage of MASS25 room rates at the Delta Hotel & Conference Centre. Available for July 16 & 17, 2025.
For additional nights please call the Delta Hotel directly. Toll Free: +1-888-793-3582
As details are organized and special guests confirm, this agenda will continue to update and is subject to change.
July 15 – Special Event
17:45 MASS/RNC Canadian Leaders Event – Crow’s Nest (Invite Only)
July 16 – Meetings and Special Event
11:00 ACADA AGM (Hybrid event) – All ACADA Members welcome
12:00 CADSI / ACADA Roundtable (Invite Only)
15:00 Arctic Showcase & Opening Reception at The Launch Marine Institute in Holyrood Bay, Newfoundland
Transportation departing the Delta at 14:30 – returning 18:30
MASS CONFERENCE DAY ONE – Thursday, July 17
07:00 Registration, Networking, and Breakfast
Exhibit Hall is open!
08:30 Opening Remarks – Welcome from ACADA and notable special guests
08:45 Panel #1 – NEW Geopolitical World: Changing landscape of Maritime and Arctic Security and Sovereignty
09:45 Conference Keynote Speaker
10:30 Networking in Exhibit Hall
11:00 Panel #2 SETTING THE STAGE: Arctic Opportunities as the Canada / US look north to strengthen North America’s Defence and Sovereignty
12:00 Networking Lunch – Speaker TBD
13:00 Canadian Arctic Outlook – Featuring leaders from Canadian Armed Forces and Canada Coast Guard
14:30 Networking in Exhibit Hall
15:00 Industry Spotlight – ACADA is once again welcoming four members to show off their arctic and maritime capabilities in dynamic 10-minute presentations.
16:00 B2B Program / Networking in Exhibit Hall
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18:00 An Evening at Quidi Vidi – A Signature MASS 2025 Experience.
Join us for a special offsite event at Quidi Vidi Brewery, a picturesque and iconic location 10 minutes from downtown St. John’s. Nestled in the heart of the historic fishing village of Quidi Vidi, this exclusive evening offers MASS delegates a unique opportunity to network, connect, and unwind in an unforgettable coastal setting.
Separate Ticket Required – not included in Conference Registration
Purchase Tickets HERE!
Sponsored by North Atlantic
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MASS CONFERENCE DAY TWO – Friday, July 18
07:30 Networking Breakfast
08:30 Opening Remarks – Welcome to Day 2
09:30 Networking Break in Exhibit Hall
10:00 Conference Keynote & Fireside Chat – Future of Shipbuilding
11:00 Panel #3 – Icebreaker Collaboration Effort or “ICE PACT” – Innovating Icebreakers – What does this mean for Shipbuilding in Canada?
12:00 Lunch & Panel #4 – Under the Surface: Enhancing Operational Readiness and Mission Effectiveness in Canada’s Submarine Fleet
13:30 Conference Closing Summary & Key Take-Aways
14:00 Conference Close
MASS 2025 Guest Contributors
Check back as we continue to confirm speakers and panelists.
Udlu Hanson, Vice President, Community and Strategic Development, Baffinland
Udloriak Hanson (Udlu) is the Vice President, Community & Strategic Development for Baffinland Iron Mines. She most recently served as Deputy Minister of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation for the Government of Nunavut.
She also served as Chief Operating Officer with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) as well as NTI’s Chief Negotiator for Devolution.
Udlu worked as Senior Advisor to the Clerk of the Executive Council for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on Aboriginal Issues and Arctic Economic Opportunities. She also served as A/Executive Director and Special Advisor to Her Excellency Mary Simon, who was then the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), the national organization representing Inuit across Canada.
Udlu is co-founder and President of Annauma Community Foundation, Nunavut’s first community foundation. She is a Director Emeritus with the Board of Directors for the Rideau Hall Foundation.
Udlu holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Okanagan University College and a Bachelor of Education from Brock University. She was born and raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
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Garry Best, President / CEO of Nunatsiavut Group of Companies
Garry Best is a Beneficiary of the Nunatsiavut Land Claim Agreement. Prior to his recent appointment as President and CEO of the Nunatsiavut Group of Companies (NGC), he was
Board Chair of the Labrador Inuit Capital Strategy Trust, the body that oversees NGC’s operations.
Garry holds both a Bachelor of Engineering from Memorial University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Naval Architecture from University College London, UK. He served in various leadership roles as an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy for more than 23 years, followed by a 17-year career as an executive in the Federal Public Service.
Garry has more than 35 years of progressively senior leadership and management experience, as well as experience working with Boards, developing corporate business strategies, managing budgets/ finances, and engaging in Indigenous-government relations.
Most recently, he was a Senior Advisor with Indigenous Services Canada as part of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB).
Member Conference Pass: $625
Non-Member Conference Pass: $900
Military or Coast Guard Conference Pass: $450
Government Conference Pass: $625
Student Pass: $120
Exhibits – Member: $1,250
Exhibits – Non-Member: $1,750
