2026 Arctic Development Expo

Arctic Development Expo 2026 brings northern decision-makers, builders, innovators, and community leaders to Inuvik for three days of conversations and connections focused on responsible development in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.

Come for the conference — stay for the community.

Hosted in the heart of Canada’s western Arctic, the Expo is designed for people doing the work: infrastructure and housing, clean energy, transportation and logistics, telecommunications, workforce development, community planning, and northern entrepreneurship. Alongside keynotes, panels, and workshops, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet partners, share ideas, and learn what’s already working in the North.

When it happens

Date & Time: June 17th to 19th, 2026

Where it takes place

• Midnight Sun Complex: Main conference venue, trade show, keynote sessions
• Chief Jim Koe Park: Outdoor networking and community activities (weather dependent)
• Local businesses and community spaces: Breakout sessions, partner meetings, and tours

What is the Arctic Development Expo?

Launched in 2017, the Arctic Development Expo was created to support northern-led economic dialogue and generate practical solutions that reflect the realities of northern communities. The event highlights development that balances investment with environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and community wellbeing.

Expect a mix of keynote talks, panels, breakout sessions, project showcases, and a trade/exhibitor floor. Topics may include climate-resilient infrastructure, digital connectivity, housing, clean technology, supply chains, and workforce development — with a focus on what’s actionable in northern conditions.

Conference features

Keynote speakers and panels

Hear from Indigenous leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and researchers addressing the priorities shaping northern communities and the Arctic economy.

Trade show and exhibitor showcase

Meet businesses, Indigenous corporations, agencies, and organizations sharing technologies, services, and projects. It’s a practical space to find suppliers, explore partnerships, and discover what’s being built across the North.

Workshops and training sessions

Hands-on sessions dig into northern-specific realities — procurement, project planning, climate adaptation, workforce models, and community-led approaches.

Networking in Inuvik

From receptions to delegate mixers, the Expo is built for relationship-building — the kind of conversations that turn into contracts, collaborations, and long-term partnerships.

How this event supports Inuvik

The Arctic Development Expo doesn’t just bring people together — it brings economic activity to town. Delegates support local accommodations, restaurants, transportation, event services, and suppliers, and the Expo creates a strong platform for northern businesses and organizations to showcase their work to a wider Arctic audience.

Visitor information

Where: Inuvik, NT — accessible by air from Yellowknife and via the Dempster Highway
Who should attend: Economic development professionals, policymakers, investors, Indigenous leaders, business owners, innovators, researchers, and community builders

Plan ahead: June is a popular time in Inuvik. Book flights and accommodations early, and consider adding extra days to explore community attractions, local dining, and seasonal experiences under the midnight sun.

Registration typically opens in early spring — early booking recommended due to limited space and high demand.

Why you should attend

• Learn what’s driving northern growth — and what’s needed next
• Build partnerships with Indigenous, public, and private-sector leaders
• Showcase your organization, service, or technology to a northern and global audience
• Experience Inuvik during one of the busiest and brightest seasons of the year

Shaping the Arctic future together

The Arctic Development Expo is more than a conference — it’s a catalyst for northern innovation, collaboration, and investment. Join us in Inuvik to share your perspective, connect with partners, and help shape a sustainable Arctic future.