This year’s Canadian Women in Ocean Industries Leadership Conference, or CWOIL, will be in St. John’s from May 9 to 11, with the aim of fostering blue economy participation by women.

CWOIL aims to increase the competitiveness of the oceans sector by expanding its talent pipeline, particularly for women from marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ community and Indigenous women.

Hosted by Newfoundland and Labrador industry group OceansAdvance, the conference is part of a broader, national initiative of the same name, backed by numerous oceans players, such as the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the World Ocean Council, Invest Ottawa, the Halifax-based Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship, and Victoria, B.C.’s Open Ocean Robotics.

“Research shows that gender and cultural diversity along with a society founded on inclusion and belonging, are proven multipliers to innovation, corporate performance, profitability and economic growth,” said CWOIL in a statement.

“To enable and accelerate Canadian innovation, research and technology development, market and export leadership in the marine and ocean tech sector, it is critical to attract, develop and retain a robust, diverse and inclusive talent pipeline that includes women from every walk of life.”

Anyone interested in attending can learn more and register here. 

Provincial economic development agency Invest Nova Scotia also plans to lead an all-female trade delegation to CWOIL and is seeking female oceantech founders and business leaders to attend — especially those with expertise in business development.

Delegates will have access to curated networking opportunities and a shared booth at the conference, and will attend a preparatory briefing on May 2.

“If you are a company founder, a business development representative, or a marketer, you should consider attending CWOIL,” says Invest Nova Scotia on its website. “Whether you are experienced or new to your role, you will make new and meaningful connections in the increasingly diverse world of ocean tech in Canada.”

More information on the Invest Nova Scotia offering and a registration page are here.