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.

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!

 

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:

About MASS

July 16-18, 2025 | Delta Hotels & Conference Centre, St. John’s, NL

 

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

REGISTER HERE!

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:

Location

MASS25 will take place at the Delta Hotels & Conference Centre in St. John’s, NL.

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

Click HERE to book your accommodations

MASS 2025 AGENDA

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 

  • Arctic Opportunities Roundtable with Northern Leaders & Conference Attendees

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 

Questions about MASS25?

Email info@ac-ada.ca

 

Speakers

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).

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Register

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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