Join us in Cataracoui/Katarokwi/Kingston to commemorate Interpretation Canada’s 50th anniversary and investigate how spaces have been, and are, informed by interpretation. This year’s conference is taking full advantage of Kingston’s reputation as Canada’s museum capital. You will be invited to engage with some of the Kingston area’s many museums, historic sites, and natural parks. Gather with us at Fort Henry National Historic Site as we ask: what does it mean to engage with place, and how can it help us survive and thrive in an uncertain future?
Engaging Place, Shaping Futures invites interpreters to reflect on the ideas, values, and practices that have shaped the field, while critically exploring how interpretation must continue to evolve in response to changing social, cultural, and environmental contexts. Grounded in the Kingston region’s layered natural, Indigenous, military, and cultural histories the conference will explore interpretation as both a continuity and a catalyst—linking past, present, and future in meaningful ways. For more information on the conference theme, see this page.
Schedule
The conference format is as follows:
Monday 14 – pre-conference workshops and evening welcome reception
Tuesday 15 – concurrent sessions and study tours
Wednesday 16 – concurrent sessions and study tours
Thursday 17 – concurrent sessions and study tours, and evening wrap-up event
Our full schedule will be released in due course.
Registration and Costs
Interpretation Canada offers several registration options for members and non-members.
Your conference fees provide:
- Access to a dynamic program of engaging, interactive sessions delivered by leading voices in interpretation from across Canada, designed to inspire, challenge, and energize your work
- Participation in immersive place-based learning experiences that connect conference themes directly to real-world practice and showcase Kingston’s rich natural, Indigenous, military, and cultural heritage—including experiences at Fort Henry and surrounding sites
- Meaningful in-person networking and ideas-exchange with peers, mentors, and sector leaders from across the country, not just at sessions but at social events, shared meals, and unique heritage settings
- Exposure to innovative approaches, emerging trends, and practical tools shaping the future of interpretation
- Access to conference materials and resources to support ongoing learning beyond the event
- Celebration of 50 years of interpretation in Canada, with space to reflect on the field’s evolution and future directions
- Access to the conference platform (Pheedloop) for all communications and resource sharing.
Registration fees are per person and include study tours, the opening reception on Monday evening, lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, plus the wrap-up event on Thursday evening. They do not include the pre-conference workshops (Monday), or other additional 'add-ons'.
| Member Early Bird (until June 1) |
$550.00 + GST |
| Member Regular (until June 1) |
$600.00 + GST |
| Non-member Early Bird (June 2–August14) |
$650.00 + GST |
| Non-member Regular (June 2–August14) |
$675.00 + GST |
| One Day (until August 14) |
$195.00 + GST |
| Pre-conference workshops and other activities |
Will be posted later |
| Team rates |
A main registrant can add 3-5 team members from their organization for the non-member early bird rate of $650. Only available from June 2–August 14. If the team are all IC members, register individually for a more cost-effective option. |
Cancellation Policy
Notice of Cancellation must be received via email to info@interpretationcanada.ca. The timeline for refunds is as follows.
- Until August 31 – Receive a full refund, less a $50 administration fee per registrant.
- Between September 1 to 9 – 50% refund, less a $50 administration fee per registrant.
- September 10 onwards – all fees are non-refundable
- For pre-conference workshop or other add-on events, full refunds are available until August 31, less a $50 administration fee per registrant. After this date, no refund will be given.
Registrations may be transferred to another person until August 31, as long as membership status and fee matches. As our fees for venues, catering or other bookings are fixed, once a registration becomes non-refundable, there will be no refund given for any reason. In extenuating circumstances, IC may consider a credit to IC members for future IC events. Reach out to us should this situation arise.
Non-attendance at the conference or activity is also not eligible for a refund, partial refund or credit for future events.
Please allow 3 weeks for the processing of refunds. Note that refunds can only be provided by e-transfer.
Questions
For full conference details, including location, accommodation options and calls for proposals (until May 31), see our main conference page.
If you have any questions about the upcoming conference, please email conference-program@interpretationcanada.ca for program or schedule related questions. For all other queries, please email info@interpretationcanada.ca.
