The Engage 2015 Conference, which will focus on global innovation, will take place on Nov. 9 and 10 at St. Mary’s University in Halifax.

The first Engage Conference in 2013 focused on exporting outside of the Maritimes and Canada, and the 2014 Conference focused on research and development. Delora Media owner and Engage organizer Mark Taylor said that this year’s conference will focus on connecting exports and R&D through lectures and workshops surrounding scaling a startup or an existing business.

The 2015 conference will feature keynote speakers such as Yobie Benjamin, Co-Founder of Avegant Davelopment, a technology that enhances viewing experience of all kinds of media, and Joyce Carter, president and CEO of Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

Benjamin raised $5 million via crowdfunding to fund San Francisco-based Avegant—and the product hasn’t even gone to market yet. He continues to raise money through investment rounds.

“He has done what we’re talking about,” Taylor said. “He’s used R&D to create some amazing and innovative products that respond and continue to respond to what customers are looking for.”

Other speakers include Robert Orr, previously CEO of Ocean Nutrition, which sold for $540 million in 2012, and Peter Conlon, CEO of LED Roadway Lighting. These speakers exemplify how Maritimers can take their companies to a global level, something that Taylor said he wants to show conference attendees is possible.

“I think it will translate into having a really positive impact on the economy because more companies will be growing that are competitive,” Taylor said. “And one of the reasons why they’ll be competitive is because they’ll have a vibrant customer base in different parts of the world.”

Engage 2015 will also include two discussion opportunities. One, Business After Hours, allows conference attendees to speak one-on-one with industry decision-makers in IT, energy, defence, healthcare and aerospace; the other, Export Camp, includes various discussion groups related to topics voted on by conference attendees.

There will also be a showcase of innovation vendors so that attendees can see what kind of resources and opportunities for R&D are available in the region to take their businesses global. The reason Taylor chose Halifax as the location for this year’s conference is because of all the resources that are available here, especially the accelerators and universities.

“We want to make sure people leave the event saying, ‘I’m ready to go, I have a lot of good information, good resources to be successful,’” Taylor said.

People have already started buying tickets for Engage 2015 during early registration. Tickets are available here.