The Gathering welcomes anyone interested in sustainability in Alberta. This includes professionals from all sectors, such as non-profits, government, building industry, energy resources, academia, and Indigenous and local communities.

The theme for the 2025 Gathering, Building Bridges, highlights the importance of trust, collaboration and connection in co-creating a sustainable and resilient future.  

Attendees will engage with inspiring speakers,  participate in collaborative programming, and learn practical tools and innovative solutions. It is an invitation to connect across sectors, perspectives and ideas to address environmental challenges with actionable solutions.

5:00 PM - Appetizers and refreshments served 

5:45 PM - 7 PM - Live music, networking and optional tours of cSPACE 

7:00 - 8:00 AM - Doors open, breakfast, registration 

8:00 AM - Program starts, opening comments from Rod Ruff, CEO & President 

8:45 AM - Keynote Speaker: Ross Pambrun | Artificial Intelligence | Innovation Expert | Métis | Professional Fire Captain

9:45 AM - Keynote & Panel: Navigating Alberta's Green Building Landscape

Keynote: Andrea Linsky (Alberta Ecotrust) | Panel: Audrina Lim (Chandos Construction), Melanie Ross (SAIT), Grace Gillman (Biosphere Institute), Carleen Etmanski (City of Edmonton) 

Securing Funding for Climate & Environmental Initiatives: Funders’ Perspectives | Elizabeth McCallion (Peter Gilgan Foundation), Karen Wilkie (Carthy Foundation), Jerilynn Daniels (RBC Foundation), Gabriela Pino (Alberta Ecotrust Foundation)

Environmental Law and the Rights of Nature: Bridging Communities, Values, and Legal Relationships | Jason Unger (Environmental Law Centre)

Government are People Too: Getting Over Fears Around Government Relations | Counsel Public Affairs

Case Study of Co-Benefits: Home Upgrades Program | Kambo Energy Group, Alberta Ecotrust

1:00 PM - Plenary Session: Details coming soon

Stronger Together: Collaborative State of the Watershed Reporting for Shared Stewardship | Bow River Basin Council

The Power of Collaboration: Multi-Interest Holder Success Stories | Megan Evans (Alberta Native Bee Council), Marina Krainer (Ghost Watershed Alliance), Sabrina Huot (Alberta Emerald Foundation)

Opportunities in Building Retrofits: Financing, Innovation & Real-World Solutions | Peter Amerongen (Retrofit Canada), Deeti Makkar (Alberta Ecotrust Foundation)

Building & Strengthening Partnerships with Municipal Governments to Maximize EV Impact | Maya Chorobik and Kate Letizia (Community Energy Association)

Building Bridges Through Communications | Amber Bennett (Re.Climate)

3:45 PM - Keynote Speaker: Cliffton Cross, Council Member, Frog Lake First Nations

4:30 - 6 PM - Networking reception at MRU

6:15 PM - Optional social activities: Details coming soon

7:15 AM - Yoga Class (MRU Recreation) - sign up, no payment required

7:30 - 8:30 AM: Doors open, breakfast served

8:30 AM - Program starts, opening comments

8:40 AM - Keynote Speaker:  Alkarim Devani, CEO & Co-Founder, mddl

AI & the Environment: Opportunities, Challenges, and Impacts | Solway AI, Community Energy Association, Intelligent Futures, Applied Energy Consulting

Advancing Natural Infrastructure in Alberta – Lessons, Opportunities, and Next Steps |  Josée Méthot (International Institute for Sustainable Development), Amy Berlando (Cows and Fish), Jinny Toffelmire (Town of Okotoks)

Mobilizing Alberta: Bridging Information, Community and Climate Action | Rachelle Haddock (University of Calgary), Maria Granados (Silver Spur Strategies)

Otipemisiwak Métis Government session | Details coming soon

11:15 AM - Plenary session: Scaling Innovation: Blatchford - An Urban Development Case Study | Christian Felske, Director - Renewable Energy Systems, City of Edmonton 

Navigating Difficult Conversations - A Hands-On Workshop | Jennifer Janzen (Alberta Tomorrow), Kelsey Spicer-Rawe (Cows and Fish)

Futures Thinking: Exploring AI’s Role in Shaping Environmental Futures | Solway AI, Community Energy Association, Intelligent Futures

Empowering the Next Generation | Speaker details coming soon

Supporting Indigenous Climate Action | Speaker details coming soon

We are still adding details, so this program is subject to change. 

2025 EG Sponsorship Proposal.pdf

Support the 2025 Environmental Gathering and help shape a sustainable Alberta! Sponsorship opportunities are still available—join us in building connections for a healthier environment. As a sponsor, you'll showcase your commitment to sustainability, enhance your brand’s impact, and engage with leaders and changemakers across the province. 

Download our sponsorship package to learn more, or contact Gabriela Pino, Director of Development, at g.pino@albertaecotrust.com.

The Gathering welcomes anyone passionate about championing environmental protection and fostering sustainability in Alberta. This includes, but is not limited to: 

Environmental and sustainability professionals

Policymakers and government representatives 

Corporate sustainability leaders and ESG professionals

Indigenous leaders, communities, and organizations

Communications, media, and marketing professionals

Local community members interested in climate action in Alberta

Your ticket includes access to the Kick-Off (May 7) and Networking (May 8) receptions, as well as two full days of presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities. It also includes breakfast, lunch and refreshments served at the event. 

In addition to the regular programming, the Gathering usually features additional activities for attendees to connect and experience Calgary together. In the past, this has included a conference bar, yoga, art class, a tasting at a local brewery and more. These additional social activities are usually provided at an extra cost. Details will be shared later.

May 7, 2025 | 4:30 - 7 PM at cSPACE Marda Loop, 1721 29 Ave SW, Calgary, AB

This reception offers Gathering attendees, speakers, and guests the opportunity to connect with each other the night before the conference starts, as well as an informal networking setting. This reception will be cocktail style, with drinks, appetizers, music and a very short program of speeches. 

It will be drop-in, so feel free to come and go as you need!  More information about this reception will come later. 

Can’t attend the Kick-Off? Don’t worry; there will be plenty of other opportunities to connect and network with Gathering attendees. 

We have arranged with the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino for a discounted rate for the Gathering’s attendees ($229 + applicable fees per night). Reserve your room by April 21 to confirm your discounted rate (subject to room availability).


The Grey Eagle Resort and Casino is a short trip from the Mount Royal University campus with a shuttle service to the event venue.  Call 844-719-8777 or 403-719-8777 and ask to speak with the Reservations Department and reference either the block name Ecotrust 2025 Gathering or state the Block ID: 729200

We aim to provide a high-quality event at a minimal cost for attendees. Alberta Ecotrust is pleased to offer a limited number of bursaries to help participants attend the Environmental Gathering. If you require financial assistance, please complete this form and submit it by March 21. If you have questions, please email Tori Grant at t.grant@albertaecotrust.com or call 403.209.2245. 

We are presently pursuing sponsorship opportunities. If you would like to be involved, financially or otherwise, please contact Gabriela Pino at g.pino@albertaecotrust.com  or 403.209.2245.

Join us May 7-9 in Calgary for Alberta Ecotrust's 2025 Environmental Gathering. Since 2016, Alberta Ecotrust's annual Environmental Gathering has been a hub for people to connect, learn and collaborate on climate and environmental solutions in Alberta.

Environmental Gathering

About

Keynote speakers announced!

Ross Pambrun | Artificial Intelligence | Innovation Expert | Métis | Professional Fire Captain

Andrea Linsky | Director, Emissions Neutral Buildings, Alberta Ecotrust Foundation

Cliffton Cross | Council Member, Frog Lake First Nations

Alkarim Devani | CEO & Co-Founder, mddl

Program Schedule

May 7 - Kick Off Event at cSPACE Marda Loop

May 8 - Day 1 at Ross Glen Hall, Mount Royal University

May 9 - Day 2 at Ross Glen Hall, Mount Royal University

Early bird tickets are on sale now!

Early Bird Tickets

Regular Price Tickets

Sponsorship Opportunities!

2025 Sponsors

Frequently Asked Questions

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