Sherwood Park business owners have a local opportunity to step away from daily operations and consider what comes next.

Future Forward: Strathcona County Business Conference 2026 takes place Tuesday, October 20, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The venue is the Strathcona County Community Centre, 501 Festival Avenue, with the conference gathering in the Agora.

Presented by the County’s Economic Development and Tourism team, the event is aimed at entrepreneurs, business owners, managers and professionals.

Its focus is on understanding change, exploring opportunities and connecting with people working across the region.

Insights beyond the daily to-do list

The announced speakers include ATB Financial Chief Economist Mark Parsons and entrepreneur Graham Sherman.

Kevin Weidlich, Linda Hoang and Sean McRitchie are also listed among those contributing presentations or discussions.

The programme brings together perspectives on the economy, business, tourism, communications and regional development.

For a small-business owner, the useful question is how those broader trends connect to choices already sitting on the desk.

An attendee might arrive thinking about a customer challenge, an opportunity to collaborate or a decision that needs better information.

Preparing a couple of specific questions could make it easier to turn a presentation into a productive conversation.

Connections are part of the programme

The conference is designed to bring entrepreneurs and industry professionals together, alongside the speaker sessions.

Resource tables will provide access to business tools, programmes and contacts.

After the conference, networking continues at Gallery@501.

The programme also includes local food and drinks and a complimentary professional headshot from Infinite Eye.

Anyone interested in that opportunity should check the current event arrangements before making it part of their plans.

Networking need not begin with an elaborate pitch; a clear introduction and a genuine question can be a useful starting point.

Think about what you would like another business owner to understand about your work and what kind of connection would be helpful.

Plan the day before registering

The announced window runs from morning into late afternoon, so allow for the full schedule when arranging staff coverage or other appointments.

Check the registration page for the current ticket price, availability and any purchase conditions.

The ticket cost has not been independently confirmed for this draft and should not be assumed from an older listing.

Readers can reach the registration link through the County’s business-learning page.

For questions about the conference or accessibility arrangements, contact Economic Development and Tourism at 780-464-8095.

Make a note of anything you need answered before purchasing, rather than leaving an essential question until arrival.

A useful result starts with a clear purpose.

Consider identifying one subject you want to understand better and one kind of professional connection you hope to make.

During the day, record practical ideas separately from the actions you are actually ready to try.

Afterwards, choose a manageable follow-up rather than adding every suggestion to an already full workload.

If several people from one workplace plan to attend, consider comparing their questions beforehand so each person has a useful focus for the day.

A short conversation afterwards can help separate ideas worth exploring now from those better kept for a later stage of the business.

The conference offers a local setting for learning and conversation; what attendees take forward will depend on their own business priorities.

Sources and useful links

Conference announcement and hours · Programme and registration link · Tickets