"NEXT WAVE" 2026: Canada's Premier Coffee Industry Conference Returns This November
August 8 - 2026
Coffee Geography Magazine
The Coffee Association of Canada (CAC) has officially announced that its flagship annual conference, "NEXT WAVE" 2026, will take place on November 12, 2026, at the Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham (Greater Toronto Area). Following three consecutive sell-out years, this year's edition is projected to draw a record-breaking crowd of coffee professionals, industry leaders, and innovators from across North America.
Organized by the CAC—Canada's leading not-for-profit trade association championing the advancement of coffee from bean to cup—the conference runs from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST. Ticket prices are set at $525 for members and $650 for non-members, with a 10% group discount available for purchases of 10 or more tickets.
Inside Canada's Mature—and Evolving—Coffee Market
Canada ranks among the world's most sophisticated coffee markets, according to the Coffee Association of Canada's consumer drinking trends reports, approximately 71% to 73% of Canadian adults consume coffee daily, averaging nearly three cups per day.
While iconic quick-service giants like Tim Hortons maintain a dominant share of the commercial out-of-home sector, the Canadian landscape is undergoing rapid premiumization. Shifting tastes among younger demographics have fueled a surge in localized, origin-aware specialty roasters, alongside growing demand for iced and espresso-based beverages, and ready-to-drink (RTD) innovations. Yet the industry faces a volatile 2026 economic backdrop, marked by global green coffee price fluctuations, climate-induced harvest stresses, and ongoing cross-border trade tariff uncertainties.
Driving Industry Dialogue and Growth
As consumer expectations evolve, innovation accelerates, and sustainability pressures reshape operations, "NEXT WAVE" 2026 aims to deliver actionable roadmaps for the future. The conference is anchored by four key pillars:
• Bold Conversations: Panels exploring global market forces, labor sustainability, and their implications for the Canadian industry.
• Market Insights: Data-driven presentations on Canadian consumer spending habits and commercial beverage volume trends.
• Strategic Networking: Dedicated spaces designed to foster high-value business relationships among roasters, retailers, and suppliers.
• Pure Inspiration: Showcases highlighting technological advancements, modern branding, and the diverse talent pushing boundaries in coffee curation.
Confirmed 2026 Keynote & Featured Speakers
The conference brings an impressive roster of industry experts, analysts, and thought leaders who will bring data-driven insights and forward-thinking strategies to the stage:
• David Usher (Keynote Speaker): A four-time Juno Award-winning musician and frontman of the multi-platinum rock band Moist, Usher is also a prominent AI entrepreneur and bestselling author. As founder and CEO of REIMAGINE AI—an artificial intelligence venture studio—he specializes in the intersection of interactive technology, digital identity, and human creativity. His keynote will explore leveraging creative thinking to navigate AI disruptions and leadership transformation.
• Dr. Sylvain Charlebois: Known as "The Food Professor," Dr. Charlebois is a distinguished researcher and Professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University, where he leads the Agri-Food Analytics Lab. A frequent media commentator and podcast host, he will deliver critical macro-insights into supply chain disruptions, food inflation, and consumer economic behaviors impacting the Canadian beverage sector.
• Vicki MacDonald: Head of Canada for the iconic Italian coffee brand illycaffè, MacDonald has been instrumental in the brand's North American market growth since joining in 2019. Her current mandate focuses on accelerating premium retail expansion and optimizing go-to-market execution across Canada.
• Vanessa Toperczer: Senior Vice President at IMI International, Toperczer is a veteran brand growth strategist with over two decades of experience driving results-oriented business strategies. Her session will dissect the power of consumer-brand relationships, marketing ROI, and navigating demographic shifts.
Additional industry leaders anchoring localized market panels include:
• Josh Bennett (Director, Dig Insights), sharing tailored data on evolving Canadian coffee consumption habits.
• Vince Sgabellone (Foodservice Industry Analyst, Circana), discussing post-pandemic café foot traffic and commercial beverage volume trends.
• Ilya Byzov (Head of Research & Quant Trading, Sucafina NA Inc.), delivering insights into global green coffee trading and agricultural futures markets.
• Christopher Lebreton (Senior Manager, Coffee Trading and Operations, Tim Hortons), detailing large-scale sourcing logistics and corporate supply chain health.
• Dan Pabst (Manager of Innovations and Product Development, Melitta North America), highlighting advancements in at-home brewing technology and consumer product goods.
The speaker lineup is rounded out by specialized small-business operators and policy experts, including Josh Hockin (Head of Coffee, Eight Ounce Coffee), Ben Put (Co-Founder, Monogram Coffee), and international trade lawyer Sabrina A. Bandali (Partner, Bennett Jones LLP). The entire program is hosted under the direction of Coffee Association of Canada President Robert Carter.
Spotlight on Innovation
This year's conference will shine a light on cutting-edge technological advancements, including automation in espresso technology and sustainable, zero-waste packaging solutions. The event arrives at a pivotal moment when Canadian businesses are seeking to balance premium café experiences with operational efficiency.
With a proven track record of selling out for three consecutive years and limited capacity on the exhibition floor, interested attendees are strongly encouraged to register early.
Coffee Geography Magazine is proud to serve as a media sponsor for the "NEXT WAVE" 2026 Conference.