64th Annual CAGS Conference
Empowering Excellence: Innovating Graduate Education for a Changing Canada
3-6 November 2026
Regina, Saskatchewan
Hotel Saskatchewan
The Canadian Association for Graduate Studies (CAGS) will host its 64th Annual Conference at the Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina from 3-6 November 2026. The title of this year’s conference is Empowering Excellence: Innovating Graduate Education for a Changing Canada.
The conference will examine the shifting landscape of graduate education in Canada and beyond, with a particular focus on innovative solutions to new and recurring challenges. As our society grapples with an series of overlapping crises — both domestically and abroad — graduate research remains essential in shaping outcomes and preparing for an unpredictable future. Now more than ever, the graduate studies community must demonstrate leadership in difficult times, advocate for student success and well-being, and effectively communicate the immense value of graduate research and training to decision-makers and the public.
For more than six decades deans, associate deans, graduate administrators, faculty members, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and stakeholders have met at our annual conference to learn and share ideas about the future of graduate education in Canada.
The conference will feature a variety of practical, results-driven panel discussions, roundtables, lightning presentations, and workshops, as well as daily plenary sessions dedicated to exploring the pressing challenges and unique opportunities that confront the graduate studies ecosystem in Canada. The conference will feature CAGS’ annual general meeting (AGM) and an enhanced presentation of the 2026 National 3MT Showcase. A pre-conference workshop for deans, associate deans, and directors will be held in afternoon on Tuesday, 3 November (separate registration required), followed by the conference opening ceremony. The annual CAGS Awards Banquet will be held in the evening on Wednesday, 4 November. Opportunities for networking and reconnecting with colleagues will be a feature of the conference experience.
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS
The CAGS Conference Planning Committee is currently accepting proposals for individual and group presentations. We invite submissions in English and in French from deans, associate/assistant deans, directors, faculty members, administrators, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students from CAGS member institutions. Presentation topics should relate to the conference title – Empowering Excellence: Innovating Graduate Education for a Changing Canada.
Proposals will be considered for the following formats:
In-Person
- Single Presenter: Lightning Talk (1 speaker, 10-15 minutes)
- Multiple Presenters: Lightning Talk (2-3 speakers, 30 minutes total)
- Multiple Presenters: Panel Presentation (3-5 speakers, 60 minutes total)
- Multiple Presenters: Roundtable (4+ speakers, 60 minutes total)
- Multiple Presenters: Workshop (60 minutes total)
Please note that all presenters will be responsible for covering the costs of their conference travel and accommodation if selected by the Conference Planning Committee. Accepted presenters will be granted a 10% discount on their conference registration fees. Conference registration fees include access to all events, presentations, and activities, as well as all meals and coffee breaks served during the conference.
The deadline for submitting a proposal is 4:00 PM (ET) on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. The conference committee will make its final decisions by 31 May and will notify all applicants by email.
For more information about the 64th Annual CAGS Conference, please write to ian.wereley@cags.ca.
Future CAGS Conferences
2027 – Moncton (Delta Beausejour Hotel)
2028 – Québec City (Hôtel Delta)
2029 – Calgary (Westin Hotel)
2030 – Halifax (Marriott Harbourfront)
