CAO Forum

February 17-19, 2026

Westin Wall Centre, Richmond, BC

Weathering Change


Registration is limited to CAOs and appointed Deputy CAOs. CAO Forum sessions can be used towards Continuous Professional Learning credits.


The CAO Forum is an annual offering for local government chief administrative officers (CAOs) to connect, share experiences and in-depth discussions on key topics impacting their work. The Forum will feature interactive, two-way discussions with speakers on subjects of interest to local governments and provide an excellent opportunity for frank and open dialogue. This year’s theme, Weathering Change, will provide a lineup of interactive sessions with expert speakers covering topics such as leading with compassion, strategic plans, emergency service cost management, legal updates, and more. A pre-forum workshop is also offered. 


Pre-forum workshop: The CAOs’ Compass for General Local Elections


Review the CAO Forum program and register online before February 3, 2026.

  • Early Bird Fees before December 31, 2025:  $847 + GST member, $984.50 + GST non-member
  • Regular fees starting January 1, 2026: $957 + GST member, $1,039.50 + GST non member


Hotel Accommodations:

Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport: $219 plus taxes per night.

Pre and post dates are also included with this rate.

Reservations must be made by January 26, 2026.

Book your hotel room via the hotel reservation passkey link.


Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are accepted without penalty before 4:30 p.m. on February 3, 2026. No refunds provided after this date but registration can be transferred to another colleague.


$500 Travel Grant:

Through financial support from Lidstone & Company Law Corporation and Young Anderson Barristers & Solicitors,  grants in the amount of $500 each are available for eligible local government professionals travelling to the 2026 CAO Forum.

Review the eligibility requirements and submission form.




LGMA gratefully acknowledges the financial support of this program from:

and funding from our Travel Grant partners: