Mark your calendars for May 24–28, 2026! The Canadian Societies for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering 2026 Conferences and Exhibition (x2026), hosted by CSC and CSChE, will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada. This innovative pilot concurrent conferences will bring 3,000+ of the brightest minds in chemistry, chemical technology, and chemical engineering together under one roof, offering an unparalleled opportunity to connect, collaborate, and inspire.
Conference Organizing Committee (COC) Positions
Being a part of the pilot x2026 Conference Organizing Committee presents an exciting opportunity to help reimagine a unique conference structure. We are currently accepting applications to join the Conference Organizing Committee (COC) and invite you to help us shape this landmark event. Self-nominations are encouraged.
The x2026 COC will be composed of volunteer Chairs, Technical Program Chairs, Fundraising Chairs, Transition Program Chairs, and members of the Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC) National Team (NT). Together, they will develop the conference program and collaborate with the x2026 Advisory Committee, which will provide strategic guidance and oversight.
This is a unique opportunity to design an event tailored to the needs and experiences of our fellow members. If you are interested in contributing your expertise, and helping make x2026 a success, please read the following volunteer position options and then apply at Conference@Cheminst.ca.
How to Apply
Volunteer Applications must include the following:
- A written statement explaining why you should and would like to be selected, a brief description of any prior conference organizing experience (particularly, anything relevant to the position you are nominating for), and what contributions you hope to make to x2026 (maximum of 2)
- A brief resume (maximum of 2).
Do you know someone who would be a great fit? Please introduce them to us via email at Conference@Cheminst.ca and include the following:
- A written statement explaining why you think this nominee should be selected
- Nominee’s contact information
Positions Available
EDI Chair (one position from either the CSC or CSChE)
This chair will support the organizing committee in prioritizing EDI through both adherence to EDI principles across programming and through specific EDI initiatives.
Eligibility
- Active Society member living in Canada
- Event planning experience is preferred
- Experience in EDI advocacy is preferred
- Bilingual (English, French) encouraged
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
- Plan EDI initiatives
- Support other Chairs in developing EDI frameworks for their programs
- Work with the NT to ensure accessibility and diversity in x2026 execution
Technical Program Co-Chairs (two positions – one CSC member, one CSChE member)
The Technical Program Co-Chairs will lead the design and plan of the technical program. These individuals should be well-versed and well-connected in their respective Society’s subject domains. Along with the Conference Co-Chairs, the Technical Program Co-Chairs need to be familiar with all aspects of the conference plans. The Technical Program Co-Chairs, with the assistance of the Conference Co-Chairs, and the NT’s Program and Conference Coordinators, develops the technical program theme and the list of plenary speakers.
Eligibility
- Active Society member living in Canada
- Experience as a past symposia chair required
- Bilingual (English, French) encouraged
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Social Justice) principles are being incorporated by symposia organizers
- Help determine the conference theme
- Liaise with the divisional program chairs to form the technical program sub-committee
- Prepare and finalize symposia topics
- Oversee the abstract review process
- Identify plenary speakers
- Judge technical program competitions
Sponsorship Co-Chairs (two positions – one CSC member, one CSChE member)
The Sponsorship Co-Chairs will spearhead conference fundraising. x2026 is an ambitious event requiring strong efforts. These individuals should be familiar with fundraising, proactive, and well-connected to diverse contacts that could be potential sponsors or exhibitors. These individuals will work closely with the NT’s Partnerships Coordinator, Society Champions, and the CIC Executive Director and Director of Finance.
Eligibility
- Active Society member living in Canada
- Experience with fundraising required
- Bilingual (English, French) encouraged
Key Responsibilities
- In partnership with the NT, define and implement plans and strategies to meet conference fundraising goals
- In partnership with CIC’s Executive Director and Director of Finance, oversee conference budget and related finances
- Meet and liaise with potential sponsors
- Partner with other Chairs to make their proposed conference events financially feasible
- Help identify areas to diversify conference revenues
Industrial Liaisons (two positions – one CSC member, one CSChE member)
The Industrial Liaisons are responsible for engaging the industrial community relevant to their Society with the x2026 conferences by creating individual Society and interdisciplinary industrial programming opportunities. These individuals should be well-versed and well-connected in their respective Society’s industry network.
Eligibility
- Active Society member living in Canada
- Industry connection required
- Event planning experience preferred
- Bilingual (English, French) preferred
Key Responsibilities
- Design industry program and develop new events
- Work with the NT to execute industry events at x2026
- Support the Sponsorship Chair in defining and implementing plans and strategies to meet the conference fundraising goals
Volunteer Coordinator (one position from either the CSC or CSChE)
The Volunteer Coordinator recruits and organizes the volunteer team and coordinates their responsibilities and activities on-site, along with the NT’s Conference Coordinator.
Eligibility
- Active Society member living in Canada
- Event planning experience preferred
- Bilingual (English, French) encouraged
Key Responsibilities
- Recruit volunteers and liaise with them prior to and during the conference
- In partnership with CIC’s Conference Coordinator, develop and facilitate volunteer training
- Monitor volunteer activities at the conference and fill in where necessary
Transitions Program Co-Chairs (two positions – one CSC member, one CSChE member)
The Transitions Program Co-Chairs organize the undergraduate and graduate specific program activities in collaboration with the Industrial Liaison, and the NT.
Eligibility
- Active Society member living in Canada
- Event planning experience is preferred
- Bilingual (English, French) encouraged
Key Responsibilities
- Design undergraduate and graduate student program, including workshops, and develop new events
- Work with the NT to execute the student program at x2026
- Manage undergraduate and graduate student competitions and student awards ceremony by finding judges, reviewing submissions, and scheduling contestants
- Plan social events and industry tours
- Support the Sponsorship Chair in defining and implementing plans and strategies to meet the conference fundraising goals
When you are ready to apply, please email the following information to Conference@Cheminst.ca.
- A written statement explaining why you should and would like to be selected, a brief description of any prior conference organizing experience (particularly, anything relevant to the position you are nominating for), and what contributions you hope to make to x2026 (maximum of 2 – A4 pages)
- A brief resume (maximum of 2 – A4 pages).