IIBA OTTAWA-OUTAOUAIS CAREER & NETWORKING FAIR 2026

 

This full-day event is thoughtfully designed to support business analysts at different stages of their careers. Sessions are organized into three streams—New Business Analysts, Intermediate/Senior Business Analysts, and Business Analyst Consultants—each featuring hands-on workshops in the morning and insightful panel discussions in the afternoon. Attendees are encouraged to follow the stream that best aligns with their experience or explore sessions across streams to tailor the day to their professional goals.

For more information, see detailed workshop pages (panel discussion pages coming soon) linked in the agenda below.

Overview & Purpose

The Career & Networking Fair will combine practical learning with meaningful networking opportunities. Through targeted workshops, expert-led panel discussions, and direct engagement with peers, leaders, and industry representatives, the event aims to equip attendees with relevant skills, real-world insights, and perspectives they can apply to their careers. Whether you are entering the field, advancing into more senior roles, or working as a consultant, this event provides a focused environment to learn, connect, and take the next step in your professional development.
 

Venue

Ottawa Conference and Event Centre
200 Coventry Road
Ottawa, ON K1K 4S3
 
Free underground parking or free above-ground parking (with kiosk ticket).
 
Within walking distance to public transit and O-train.

Booking a Room

Use the links below to reserve a room. These links offer discount rates for both hotels located in the building.
Please note that the rates are not static, they fluctuate based on availability and inventory levels, which means they may be higher or lower depending on when you check.
 
 
 

AGENDA

8:00 AM DOORS OPEN

  • Doors open for check-in at the registration desk is the Foyer
  • Continental breakfast will be available in ballroom 118 C/D and includes the following items:
    - Freshly Baked Croissants, Danishes and Muffins
    - Strawberry Blonde Muffins, Scones and Loaves (for those requiring Gluten-Free/Dairy Free/Vegetarian/Vegan)
    - Sliced Seasonal Fruits and Berries
    - Van Houtte(TM) Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Herbal and Traditional Teas (available throughout the day)
  • Network with your fellow BAs!

8:45 AM WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS

Ziad Sakr, IIBA Ottawa-Outaouais Chapter President, will start the day off with a few words in Ballroom 118 C/D

9:00 AM - 10:20 AM WORKSHOPS

Your Job Description Is Lying to You:
A Survival Guide for BAs

New BA Stream

The AI-Augmented BA: Reframing Your Value Proposition in an Agentic World

Intermediate/Senior BA Stream

Independent Contractor vs. Employee:
A BA Framework for Deciding Which Path Is Right for You

BA Consultant Stream

10:20 AM - 10:40 AM BREAK

Take this time to refresh yourselves and network a little more. Light refreshments will be served in Ballroom 118 C/D. 

10:40 AM - 12:00 PM WORKSHOPS

Everyone Did Their Job... So Why Did It Still Fail?
Make It Make SENSE!

New BA Stream

The Business Analysis AI Playbook
How to Use AI Effectively in Your Business Analysis Work

Intermediate/Senior BA Stream

Beyond Requirements:
Whose Job Is It Anyway?

BA Consultant Stream

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM LUNCH BREAK

  • The following will be available from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m:
    - Representatives from academic institutions and recruitment agencies
    - Photographer will take professional headshots, to be emailed to you after the event
  • Lunch will be served in Ballroom 118 C/D and includes the following items:
    - Soup of the Day (Gluten-Free/Dairy Free/Vegetarian/Vegan)
    - House Blend of Baby Spinach and Arugula, Kale and Mesclun Greens, Shredded Carrot, Cucumbers
    - Tomatoes, Sliced Radish, Roasted Chickpeas and Feta Cheese with an Assortment of Dressings
    - Kosher Pickles
    - Medley of Marinated Olives
    - Assorted Sandwiches and Wraps:
    --- Oven Roasted Chicken Breast with Provolone Cheese, Tomatoes and Arugula, Finished with a Sundried Tomato Pesto Spread
    --- Roast Beef with Smoked Cheddar Cheese, Tomatoes, Pickled Onion and Spinach, Finished with a Sriracha and Cilantro Aioli
    --- Miso and Orange Marinated Tofu with a Ponzu Black Bean Spread, Pickled Carrots, Cucumber and
    Napa Cabbage (Dairy Free/Vegetarian/Vegan)
    - Crispy French Fries (Gluten-Free/Dairy Free/Vegetarian/Vegan)
    - Seasonal Fruits and Berries Platter
    - Van Houtte(TM) Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Herbal and Traditional Teas

AFTERNOON PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Ask Analysts Anything

Description coming soon
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Life of a BA Consultant

BA Consultant Stream

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

The Future of Business Analysis

Description coming soon
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

3:45 PM - 4:00 PM CLOSING REMARKS

Ziad Sakr will close the day with some final remarks, and door prizes will be drawn. You must be physically in attendance to win.