Event Overview
The 8th Natural Channel Systems Conference brings together scientists, engineers, policy makers, and industry professionals working in river management, restoration, and watershed planning. With over 200+ expected attendees, this is Ontario’s premier event for the exchange of knowledge and innovation in sustainable watercourse management.
As a sponsor or exhibitor, your organization will have access to valuable networking, brand exposure, and the opportunity to position your products and services directly to a targeted and engaged audience.
Why Sponsor or Exhibit?
- Connect with professionals and decision-makers in the field of natural channel design, restoration, and science.
- Showcase your services and products in an interactive, engaged setting.
- Gain visibility before, during, and after the event through multiple platforms.
- Demonstrate leadership in sustainability and support for ecological solutions.
Make an Impact – No Matter Your Budget
Whether you’re a large organization or a grassroots innovator, there’s a sponsorship opportunity that aligns with your goals and budget. Each package is designed to help you:
- Build meaningful connections
- Increase brand visibility
- Showcase your commitment to sustainability
- Engage with industry leaders and decision-makers
We invite you to be part of the 2026 Natural Channel Systems Conference and contribute to a future where our river systems are functional, resilient, and thriving. We look forward to partnering with you!
Preliminary Monday – Wednesday Conference Schedule
Please note the Conference Schedule is subject to change
Sunday – Training Day and Field Tours |
|
Monday |
|
8:00 – 8:45 |
Registration, Coffee, Continental Breakfast |
8:45 – 9:15 |
Introductory Remarks – Plenary |
9:15 – 10:15 |
Keynote #1 |
10:15 – 10:40 |
Coffee, Tea Break with Exhibitors |
10:40 – 12:10 |
Concurrent Sessions |
12:10 – 1:20 |
Lunch |
1:20 – 3:00 |
Concurrent Sessions |
3:00 – 3:25 |
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors |
3:25 – 5:15 |
Concurrent Sessions |
5:15 – 6:00 |
Poster Session (Speed round) |
6:00 – 7:30 |
Networking Event with Exhibitors |
Tuesday |
|
8:00 – 8:50 |
Registration, Coffee, Continental Breakfast |
8:50 – 11:00 |
Introduction and Keynote #2 |
11:00 – 11:20 |
Coffee, Tea Break with Exhibitors |
11:20 – 12:45 |
Concurrent Sessions |
12:45 – 2:00 |
Lunch |
2:00 – 3:05 |
Keynote #3 |
3:05 – 3:30 |
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors |
3:30 – 5:10 |
Concurrent Sessions |
6:30 – 10:00 |
Banquet (ticket required) |
Wednesday |
|
8:30 – 9:10 |
Registration, Coffee, Continental Breakfast |
9:10 – 10:15 |
Plenary Panel |
10:15 – 10:45 |
(substantial) Refreshment Break with Exhibitors |
10:45 – 12:05 |
Concurrent Sessions |
12:05 – 12:15 |
Bio Break |
12:15 – 1:15 |
Concurrent Sessions |
1:15 – 1:45 |
Presentation Awards, Thank Yous & Closing Remarks |
If you have any questions, or are interested in learning more, give us a call or send an email and we will be happy to help.
Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities
Core Sponsorship Packages
Each package includes increasing levels of recognition, visibility, and engagement opportunities tailored to your investment. River and Stream sponsors receive full exhibit booths and greater visibility across marketing channels. Creek sponsors have a smaller booth footprint, and Brook sponsors gain general exposure through acknowledgments and program listings.
Level |
River Sponsor |
Stream Sponsor |
Creek Sponsor |
Brook Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Price Point |
$4,000 |
$2,800 |
$1,500 |
$500 |
Exhibit Booth |
1 full |
1 full |
½ size |
None |
Complimentary full registrations |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
Recognition during opening ceremonies |
✔ |
X |
X |
X |
Enhanced logo recognition on conference website |
✔ |
X |
X |
X |
Dedicated Signage during 3-day conference |
✔ |
X |
X |
X |
Access to opt-in attendee registration list |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Logo recognition on all on-site conference signage |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Logo recognition in plenary session’s slide show |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Logo recognition in program |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Logo recognition on conference website sponsorship page |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Special Event Sponsorships
All Special Event Sponsorships include:
- Dedicated event signage
- Logo recognition on all on-site conference signage
- Logo recognition in plenary session’s slide show
- Logo recognition in program
- Logo recognition on conference website sponsorship page
Item |
Price |
Additional Inclusions |
Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
Monday Exhibitors’ Meet & Mingle |
$2,500 |
1 complimentary registration + verbal mention |
1 offered |
Monday Exhibitors’ Meet & Mingle [Food Station – selection TBD] |
$1,000 |
1 offered |
|
Tuesday Banquet – Table/Room Décor |
$500 |
1 offered |
|
Tuesday Banquet – Wine Sponsor |
$2,500 |
1 complimentary registration + verbal mention |
1 offered |
Luncheon (Mon/Tues) |
$1,500/each |
2 offered |
|
Breakfast (Mon/Tues/Wed) |
$750/each |
3 offered |
|
Wi-Fi Sponsor |
$1,500 |
Custom Wi-Fi name or password branding |
1 offered |
Keynote Sponsor |
$500/each |
Recognition during keynote sessions |
3 offered |
Refreshment Breaks |
$1,000/each |
5 offered |
Terms & Conditions
Potential sponsors whose goals align with the Natural Channels Initiative will be considered for the 2026 sponsorship opportunity. The Natural Channel Systems Organizing Committee retains the right to reject any sponsorship application.
Sponsors are asked to provide their organization’s logo within 10 days of confirmation of their sponsorship.
For sponsorship submissions received by October 31st, payments are due by November 30, 2025. For all subsequent sponsorship submission payments are due 30 days from submission date.
Sponsorship does not automatically include a registration unless expressly stated in the sponsorship package details.
Sponsors may not sublet, assign, or apportion any part of the item(s) sponsored, represent, advertise, or distribute literature or material for the products or services of any other organization or firm except if approved in writing by the Natural Channels Organizing Committee.
The Natural Channels Organization Committee will not be liable for damage or loss to a sponsor’s property through fire, theft, accident, or any other cause, whether the result of negligence or otherwise.
In the event of cancellation by the exhibitor, cancellations fees are as follows:
- 10% until January 31, 2026
- 50% after February 1, 2026 until March 31, 2026
- 100% after April 1, 2026
Cancellations should be sent to the Events Coordinator at karen@allsetinc.com
If exhibiting: In the event of changes to the venue, or floorplan, the exhibitor will be assigned an alternative booth space.
The sponsoring organization is responsible for obtaining insurance related to their participation as an exhibitor. All exhibitor property on location at McMaster University shall be at the sole risk of the exhibiting organization.
Exhibitors are required to keep their exhibit open and appropriately staffed during the specified exhibit hours. Exhibits may not be closed or removed until the official closure of the exhibit area.
Once assigned, complimentary exhibit hall passes are non-transferrable.
Natural Channels Imitative (NCI) reserves the right to prohibit any activity and/or evict any exhibitor that, in NCI’s opinion, is objectionable and/or detracts from the general character of the exhibits area. This includes but is not limited to persons, things, conduct, printed matter, noise, material or method of operation. In the event of such restriction or eviction, NCI is not liable for any refund of rental fees or other exhibit expenses.
The exhibitor/sponsor understands that the Natural Channels Imitative Committee (NCI) may share with other exhibitor/sponsor upon request a list of all attendees of the Natural Channel Systems 2026 Conference, where those attendees have provided consent for the disclosure of their information to exhibitors/sponsors. The personal information of the attendees that may be shared includes: full name, name of organization/company, phone number and email address. NCI does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided to the exhibitor/sponsor. The exhibitor/sponsor undertakes that it will only use the specified personal information for the discrete purpose of contacting attendees about the exhibitor/sponsor’s products. The exhibitor/sponsor agrees that it will not use or disclose the specified personal information for any other purpose, unless required by law. The exhibitor/sponsor shall take all reasonable steps and measures to maintain the confidentiality of the information and prevent unauthorized disclosure with standards contained in any applicable privacy legislation. The exhibitor/sponsor shall notify NCI of any breach of its obligations under these terms and conditions.
I hereby agree that the Natural Channels Imitative Committee (NCI) shall not be liable for and is hereby released from all suits, claims, costs or demands of any nature arising or resulting directly or directly from the Activities, the use of the Location by the me or any invitees of mine, or this Agreement, including but not limited to personal injury or death or property damage. All property, if any, kept by myself at the Location shall be at the sole risk of myself. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, NCI shall not be liable for any loss, injury, damage or vandalism to persons or property, however caused (including without limitation theft, negligence, falling plaster, steam, electricity, water, rain, snow, dampness or any other cause) or for any inability to perform, provide or comply with any term, covenant or condition in this Agreement because of any strike, lockout, civil commotion, closing of the Location due to poor weather conditions, act of God or other cause beyond the reasonable control of NCI. In no event shall the liability of NCI for any breach of this Agreement exceed the Fees provided for in this Agreement.
Natural Channels Initiative (NCI) may be recording the Source to Stream 2025 Conference through photographs. As part of my participation in this conference, I understand and acknowledge that my likeness/image has been digitally recorded (“Digital Image”) by or on behalf of NCI, for use by NCI or an authorized third party in promotional and other activities as described below. “Digital Image” includes photographs, testimonials, quotations, and any image technology.
I hereby authorize and give my full consent to NCI the right to use, reproduce, distribute, and display my name and likeness/image and the Digital Image in all forms and media by NCI and/or an authorized third party for purposes of publicity, advertising, sale and promotion including but not limited to use in flyers, brochures, web site, digital media, videos, displays, and general NCI promotion throughout the world. I hereby assign all rights in the Digital Image to NCI and hereby waive all rights in and to the Digital Image including any moral rights I may have in my likeness/image and/or the Digital Image.
I expressly release NCI from any and all claims and demands arising out of or in connection with any such use of the Digital Image, including, without limitation, any and all claims for invasion of privacy, infringement of my right of publicity, defamation (including libel and slander), or any other cause of action arising out of the production, distribution, broadcast, exhibition or other exploitation of the Digital Image.
I give this release voluntarily, with full understanding of its contents and with the knowledge that NCI is relying on the foregoing