The change of venue aligns with shifting Canada-US business relations
Following internal consultations and stakeholder feedback, the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans has decided to move its flagship Canadian Employee Benefits Conference from the United States to a yet-to-be-determined location in Canada.
Initially scheduled for San Diego, California, the 2025 conference will now take place within Canada.
The foundation, which serves professionals managing employee benefits in both the US and Canada, stated that the move was guided by input from its Canadian Board, committees, members, speakers, and sponsors.
The decision aims to increase accessibility and participation for attendees, the foundation explained.
While the foundation did not directly address the reasons behind the relocation, the timing of the move coincides with broader shifts in Canadian business relations with the US.
According to a report by BNN Bloomberg, Canadian institutions have been reassessing their engagement with American firms in recent years, particularly in light of trade tensions and political rhetoric during President Donald Trump’s administration.
A notable example of this shift came last month when Alberta opted not to use Bank of America for a euro-denominated bond transaction.
The province’s decision marked a departure from its established practice of working with the bank for such deals over the last six years.
As reported by BNN Bloomberg, this move, along with others, reflects the ongoing changes in Canada–US business dynamics amidst the president's tariffs and controversial statements regarding Canada.
The Canadian Employee Benefits Conference, which dates back to 1968, provides educational resources for pension plan administrators, trustees, and others managing employee benefits. The event was held in San Antonio, Texas, in 2024, and has been a key platform for professionals in the field.
The foundation did not specify which Canadian city will host the upcoming event but mentioned that further details would be released once the new venue is finalized.
How might this shift affect attendance and the broader employee benefits industry? Share your perspective in the comments below.
