Our 2026 Conference
Conference Background
The Women in Business Society (WIB) at St. Francis Xavier is honoured to host the largest undergraduate Women in Business conference across Atlantic Canada. The first annual WIB conference was initiated in 2015, and thus began the high-calibre learning experience shared with like-minded students. Each year we are extremely excited to share what we have in store!
About This Year’s Conference
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This year’s conference theme embraces the powerful theme of self-discovery and cultivating inner confidence. Like a garden bursting with life, the theme represents growth and resilience, and speaks to the quiet strength that flourishes when leadership is nurtured from within. We will celebrate the unique journey women have taken to bloom in business and beyond!
This event will feature a range of successful and empowering female speakers, workshop hosts, and panelists; offering attendees valuable insights and networking opportunities, allowing them to connect with like-minded peers, alumnae, and industry professionals. This event is not just limited to female business students, in fact, we encourage students from every program, with any gender, race, ethnicity, and beyond to join us. Our goal is for every delegate to leave feeling empowered, motivated, and ready to bloom into the leader they were meant to become.
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This year, we are hosting our conference over Friday, March 6th and Saturday, March 7th at St. Francis Xavier University. The welcome evening will be hosted in the Coady Institute, the Saturday speakers and workshops will be hosted in the Schwartz School of Business, and the Gala on Saturday evening will be hosted in the McKay Room in the Bloomfield Center.
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Our conference is open to all StFX students regardless of their program, year, or gender. We look to foster an inclusive environment where likeminded individuals are able to come together and learn from industry professionals.
Last year, for the first time ever, WIB opened the 2024 Conference to StFX alumnae leaders. It was a resounding success — our largest conference to date — with over 150 attendees, including 100 students and 50 alumnae. The response was so positive that we are doing it again this year!
What to Expect
A welcoming, inspiring space to step outside the classroom or workplace and into the broader world of business. This conference is designed to help you connect with industry leaders, build meaningful relationships, and explore what success can look like on your own terms—through conversation, curiosity, and community.
❋ Meaningful ConnectionsMeet students from diverse programs and backgrounds, form genuine friendships, and expand your network in ways that feel natural and authentic—not forced or transactional.
❋ Industry InsightEngage with professionals who are shaping their fields. Through panels, talks, and conversations, you’ll gain real-world perspectives on careers, leadership, and the many paths business can take beyond textbooks.
❋ Personal & Professional GrowthThis is a space to rethink what “business” means to you. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on your values, interests, and goals—and how they can translate into fulfilling careers and impactful work.
❋ A Supportive, Inclusive EnvironmentCome as you are. The conference prioritizes respect, comfort, and openness so everyone feels empowered to participate, ask questions, and share ideas.
Last year, students and alumnae gathered for a weekend filled with connection, learning, and celebration. The experience created meaningful intergenerational relationships and highlighted the strength of the StFX Women in Business community! The event was such a success that we are thrilled to invite alumnae back again this year!
We would love for you to join us in Antigonish - it would be a memorable way to celebration International Women's Day.
SCHEDULE
Location: Coady Institute, Dennis & Desmond Hall
St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS
FRIDAY, MARCH 6TH, 2026
Dress Code: Business Casual
Registration & Networking
Opening Remarks
Beverages & Appetizers
Fireside Chat with Johanne Belanger
Interactive Activity
Hotseat Q&A
Closing Remarks
Kick-Off 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Gerald Schwartz School of Business
St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS
SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH, 2026
Conference Day 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Registration
Opening Remarks
Keynote Speaker - Tia Upshaw
Workshops with all Attendees
Lunch at Morrison Hall
Opportunities Fair for Students & Workshop for Alumnae
Alumni Association Panel
Closing Remarks
Dress Code: Business Formal
SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH, 2026
Location: Bloomfield Center, McKay Room
St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS
Gala 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Red Carpet - Music, Refreshments, & Networking
Opening Remarks
Speeches
Dinner - 3 course meal
Keynote Speaker - Ann-Marie Flinn
Awards & Closing Remarks
Dress Code: Cocktail Formal
Meet our Speakers:
Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEO 2025 | 25 Most Powerful Women in Atlantic Canada 2025 | Top 100 Black Women in Canada to watch 2023 | CEO | Founder of BWIE & CEO | Founder It Is Tia Upshaw
Tia Upshaw
Johanne Belanger
CEO, Sodexo Canada
Champion Change Agency - Helping individuals, teams and organizations navigate through Change. Certified Diverse Supplier |Proud P&G Alumni | Leadership Coach | Facilitator | Board of Directors member
Ann-Marie Flinn
Consultant | Facilitator | Life-long Learner
Doreen MacAulay
TICKETS
Tickets are now available for purchase!
Follow the link(s) below.
Want to see what we have hosted in the past?
OUR PAST CONFERENCES
Let’s Create A Partnership.
We work alongside our corporate partners to promote diversity as a catalyst in organizational success and empower business students to develop into business leaders. We create a multitude of brand recognition channels, networking opportunities, and platforms to engage with directly with students. Schwartz Women in Business would not have been able to grow, and continue to grow, without the generous support of our sponsors. If you are interested in learning more about our organization or partnering with us in 2023/24, please contact our Sponsorship team. We look forward to creating a mutually beneficial and rewarding partnership for both you and your organization.
Meet Our Valued Partners,
Whose Support Makes Our Initiatives Possible.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS
Halifax
Thank you SPONSORS for the Continuous Support.
Without YOUR contribution, none of this would be possible.
Conference Leads Contact
Have any further questions, ideas you would like to share, or suggestions on how we can improve? You can email our Conference Directors directly, or email the WIB Society by filling out the form below!