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6 CPA Ontario Conferences and Programs You Don’t Want to Miss in 2026

June 3, 2026

Looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing profession and world? CPA Ontario’s professional development conferences and programs are designed to provide practical insights, highlight emerging trends, and offer valuable networking opportunities to help members grow their skills and advance their careers.

From leadership and AI to tax and entrepreneurship, we are dedicated to creating PD offerings that support the evolving interests or the changing role of CPAs in Ontario.

Here are six CPA Ontario conferences and programs you don’t want to miss this year.

1. The Edge: CPA Ontario’s Industry Conference

Perfect for CPAs who serve in industries, senior executives, finance professionals, business leaders and entrepreneurs. This flagship conference explores the evolving challenges and opportunities facing finance professionals. The conference will consist of keynote sessions, expert panels, hands-on practical workshops, interactive breakout sessions and main sessions including networking opportunities with different sectors of professionals in industry. Attendees will gain insights on emerging trends in technology and the future of work.

Through expert-led sessions and peer discussion, the conference focuses on practical insights, leadership perspectives, and forward looking strategies that support effective decision making in complex organizational environments. High profile speakers include the 25th Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, the Honourable Bob Rae and Michele Romanow, Dragon on CBC’s Dragons’ Den.

2. Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Certificate Program

This certificate program is designed for professionals interested in acquiring and growing an existing business rather than starting one from scratch. Participants will learn the end to end process of entrepreneurship, focusing on areas like due diligence, financing, negotiation and post acquisition leadership. This program is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs and advisors looking to build practical, real world skills and knowledge on the path to business ownership.

When: September 30 – October 2, 2026

Where: CPA Ontario office, 69 Bloor St. East, Toronto

PD Hours: 19 hours

Entrepreneurs, this one is for you.

3. Small & Medium Practitioners Conference

This conference is designed for small and medium sized practitioners looking to stay competitive in areas like AI, tax, audit and advisory. It will feature timely technical updates, practical technology insights and expert perspectives tailored to public practitioners serving small and medium enterprises. With both in-person and virtual options, attendees will benefit from networking opportunities and discussions on emerging issues impacting finance firms today.

Topics include:

Practical use cases for AI and automation
Updates to tax legislation, compliance requirements and regulatory expectations
Strategies for effective team management and leadership

When: October 21-22, 2026

Where: TBD

PD Hours: 14 hours

Learn more about small and medium sized practitioners conference on our Professional Development page.

4. AI Conference

Whether you are new to artificial intelligence or looking to strengthen your knowledge on the subject, this AI conference is designed to help CPAs understand how artificial intelligence is transforming the profession. Emphasizing practical awareness, strategic implications and governance, this is one of the most popular finance conferences of the year.

Last year’s roster included insights on generative AI, how it is affecting CPAs and other professionals, best practices on cybersecurity, strategies for minimizing risk and what’s next for the profession.

When: November 5, 2026

Where: Virtual

PD Hours: 7 hours

Look out for the full line up soon.

5. CFO Program – Leading the Finance Function of the Future

This instructor-led CFO program explores how today’s finance leaders can evolve into strategic partners of their businesses. The program focuses on the evolving role of the CFO, future ready finance functions and the leadership skills needed to drive value in a rapidly changing environment.

Topics include:

Governance, risk management aspects of organizational transformation
Shifting organizational priorities: thinking ahead of the curve
Leading within and outside the finance function

When: November 8-11, 2026

Where: White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa, Niagara-on-the-Lake

PD Hours: 37 hours

You can learn more about CFO program on our PD website.

6. Tax Immersion Programs

The Tax Immersion Program consists of three custom and distinct programs designed to accelerate real-world application of tax knowledge, strengthen advisory skills and prepare participants for more advanced tax-focused roles. These in-depth tax programs combine in-depth technical training with practical, case-based learning led by experienced tax professionals, and participants can take one, two or all three courses in any order that works best for them.

When: Fall 2026, dates TBD

Where: TBD

PD Hours: Up to 80 hours

A full breakdown of the Tax Immersion programs can be found here.

More information on these, and a full list of CPA Ontario professional development courses and events can be found on our PD portal.