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2026 Energy & Environment Forum

April 21, 2026 (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM) (EDT)

Description

The Brampton Board of Trade’s annual Energy & Environment Forum will take place on April 21, 2026, at the Canon Canada LEED Gold-certified headquarters. The event brings together business leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore how energy transition and environmental sustainability intersect with economic growth, competitiveness, and job creation.

As industries navigate rising energy demand, evolving climate policy, and increasing expectations around environmental responsibility, the forum will focus on practical pathways for businesses to reduce emissions, strengthen resilience, and remain globally competitive. The program will feature keynote presentations, case studies, and expert panels highlighting real-world examples of how organizations are integrating energy innovation, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship into their business strategies.

7:45 AM: Doors Open and Registration Check In

8:00 AM: Opening Remarks

8:15 AM: Minister Address

Hear from the Honourable Todd J. McCarthy, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks

8:45 AM: Sponsor Remarks

9:00 AM: Networking Breakfast & Visit Showcase

9:45 AM: Welcome Remarks

10:00 AM: Keynote Speaker

The Power Behind the Prompt – The Environmental Reality of AI

AI is transforming how businesses operate, however behind the innovation is a growing environmental footprint that deserves closer attention. In this keynote, Joel MacCharles, founder of Polaris Reach explores the real-world impacts of AI, from energy, to water use, to emissions, separating fact from hype.

More importantly, this session is about what comes next. Attendees will gain practical insight into how to mitigate these impacts and what responsible AI adoption looks like in action while balancing performance, cost, and sustainability.

For businesses navigating rapid technological change, this is a timely and essential conversation - providing real-world examples, and data, focused on solutions, and designed to help you make smarter decisions.

11:00 AM: Networking Break & Visit Showcase

11:30 AM: Panel Discussion

From Insight to Impact - Cutting Emissions, Boosting Efficiency

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions doesn’t have to come at the expense of performance - in fact, the opposite is often true.

This results-focused panel brings together participants from Brampton’s Business Climate Action Program (BCAP) to share real-world lessons on lowering emissions while improving operational efficiency. From conducting effective site assessments to navigating available incentives (including over $1 million in funding), panelists will walk through what works and what doesn’t - based on direct experience.

Featuring leaders from some of Brampton’s largest businesses, this session is designed to be highly practical. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies, proven approaches to managing change, and clear pathways to access resources that support both sustainability and the bottom line.

12:15 PM: Networking Lunch, Visit Showcase, and Canon Facility Tours

1:00 PM: Panel Discussion

Powering the Transition - Practical Pathways to Smarter Energy

As energy systems evolve, businesses are facing a fundamental question: how do we meet growing operational demands while transitioning to more sustainable, cost-effective solutions?

This panel brings together experts from the utilities sector to explore how organizations can navigate that shift with confidence. Topics will include energy monitoring and management, optimizing facility performance, and the realities of fleet electrification along with the role of diverse energy sources in building a resilient mix.

Grounded in today’s constraints and tomorrow’s ambitions, this discussion will focus on the practical steps businesses can take to move from where they are now to where they need to be - without compromising reliability or cost.

1:45 PM: Networking Break & Visit Showcase

2:15 PM: Panel Discussion

What’s Next - Innovation Driving the Future of Sustainable Business

Sustainability is no longer just about reducing impact - it’s about unlocking new opportunities for growth.

In this forward-looking panel, innovative companies at the cutting edge will showcase the technologies and solutions shaping the future of green business. From emerging tools to scalable platforms, these leaders are bringing ideas to market that help organizations reduce their footprint while improving performance and competitiveness.

For businesses looking to stay ahead, this session offers a glimpse of what’s coming next and how today’s investments in sustainability can drive tomorrow’s success.

3:00 PM: Closing Remarks

3:15 PM: Networking, Canon FacilityTours, and Visit Showcase

4:00 PM: Event Ends

Recap of 2025:

At the 2025 Energy + Environment Forum, hosted by the Brampton Board of Trade, hundreds of business leaders, policymakers, and innovators came together at Canon Canada’s advanced headquarters for a full day of meaningful dialogue on sustainability, energy innovation, and environmental responsibility. From engaging keynotes by experts like Dr. Jack Mintz to panel discussions tackling climate policy, cleantech, and the future of energy, the forum sparked new ideas and built momentum toward a greener Brampton. The vendor showcase added even more value, connecting attendees with cutting-edge organizations and solutions.

Want a closer look at what made this event such a success? Our 2025 digital program and photo gallery is still available and is a great resource to learn more about the speakers, sessions, and sponsors.

Want to be part of this impactful event in 2026? We’re seeking sponsors who share a commitment to sustainability and innovation. To explore sponsorship opportunities, reach out to Jaipaul Massey-Singh at jaipaul@bramptonbot.com.