A one-day business conference will bring real-world stories, practical ideas and structured networking to business people gathering in Moncton.
On Thursday, October 22, entrepreneurs, business owners, managers and advisors from across the region will gather in Moncton for the inaugural OMISTA Credit Union SmallBizRIOT Conference. The idea is to bring together people who have built, operated, managed and advised businesses, organizers said in a press release. Speakers will share challenges they encountered firsthand.
“Most business owners don’t need another person telling them they should increase sales, improve systems or hire better people,” said SmallBizRIOT organizer David C. Barnett.
“The useful conversation is how. What did another business owner actually try? What happened? What would they do differently? Those are the conversations we want people having at RIOT.”
He said the event is a compilation of ideas from conferences that he has attended over the last few years.
The day will revolve around four themes:
Revenue — attracting customers, increasing sales, improving margins and creating stronger business models.
Innovation — adapting to change, experimenting with new ideas, embracing technology and remaining relevant as markets evolve.
Operations — fixing bottlenecks, improving processes and systems, managing workflow and making businesses run more effectively.
Team — hiring, leadership, culture, communication, accountability and building organizations where people can perform.
Networking Without the Awkward Networking – the event is being structured to create conversations throughout the day.
“We don’t want somebody to look around at the end of the event and realize they spent the entire day sitting beside the same two people,” Barnett said. “If there are people in that room who could become a customer, supplier, advisor, collaborator or simply a valuable contact, we want to help create the opportunity for them to meet.”
The event will take place:
Thursday, October 22, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Loft 331 Office Space & Coworking
331 Elmwood Drive, Moncton, New Brunswick
Get tickets here.
