COMMUNITY IDEAS FESTIVAL 2026
April 29 - May 1, St. John's NL
Emera Innovation Exchange & Virtual
Community Ideas Festival brings together community leaders, practitioners, funders, policymakers, and innovators from across Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada.
Together, we will explore one central question:
How can we strengthen the people, partnerships, and prosperity needed to ensure long-term resilience in the community sector?
Join us for three days of learning, collaboration, and connection.
Community organizations across Newfoundland and Labrador are navigating significant change. Funding landscapes are shifting, workforce pressures are increasing, and community needs continue to evolve.
At the same time, new approaches to social innovation, partnerships, and financing are creating opportunities for stronger and more resilient communities.
Community Ideas Festival creates space to:
- Learn from peers and national leaders
- Build meaningful connections across sectors
- Explore new models and approaches
- Co-create solutions for the future
This is not only a conference. It is a space to shape what comes next for the community sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Shared Communities. Shared Future.
Strong communities are built through:
- People who feel supported and equipped
- Partnerships that open new possibilities
- Resources that sustain long term impact
THREE THEMES
People
Strengthening the foundation of the community sector
Partnerships
Building stronger relationships across communities and sectors
Prosperity
Advancing financial and operational sustainability
WHAT TO EXPECT
Agenda
(All times are communicated in GMT-2:30)
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Meet the Speakers
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FAQs
Yes, you’ll need to fill out our registration form to gain access to the event. Please fill in the registration form with some basic information to get started.
Yes. The festival offers a fully integrated virtual experience.
To keep the festival accessible while ensuring sustainability, we use a transparent, tiered pricing model. Those who can contribute more help expand access for others.
Options include: Virtual or In-person, Free Ticket (full bursary), Cost-Recovery Rate (partially subsidized) or Full Festival Rate, as well as add-ons to sponsor other participants.
This approach allows individuals and organizations to choose a level that reflects their capacity, while supporting broader participation across the community sector.
Yes. We believe that cost should not prevent participation.
We offer three ticket options for both in-person and virtual attendance, so you can choose what best fits your situation: Full Festival Rate, Cost-Recovery Rate (partially subsidized) and Free Ticket (full bursary).
All options include full access to the three days of the festival.
Simply select the option that works best for you when registering — no application or additional steps required.
We trust our community, and we want you to be part of this.
Yes, the vFairs platform is compatible with any computer or mobile device and any browser.
Yes. Organizations can apply to host a virtual exhibitor booth to showcase their work, resources, and opportunities.
Reach out to dianafranco@cscnl.ca for more information.
Yes, we offer a range of sponsorship opportunities for organizations and partners who would like to support the festival and help expand access for others.
If you're interested in becoming a sponsor or learning more, please reach out to kellysandoval@cscnl.ca — we’d love to connect.
In-person tickets for Community Ideas Festival 2026 are now sold out due to high demand.
If you’re still hoping to attend in person, you can join the waitlist here
Virtual registration remains open, and we’d love to have you join from anywhere.
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