Halifax Veteran Pitch Fest

Date: Monday, September 29, 2025

Time(s):
9:00 am (Welcome & Introduction)
10:00 am (Panel Discussion)
12:00 noon (Commemoration)
2:00 pm (Pitch Fest)

Location: Nova Scotia Commissionaires Office (229 Damascus Road, Bedford, NS)

Description:
Hosted by the Nova Scotia Commissionaires! A one day VBNI (Veteran Business Institute Network) Pitch Fest with prize money. We will commemorate Atlantic Canada Veteran Business owners, run training and a panel and in the afternoon conduct a 3 hour pitch fest.

Info & Registration Link:
https://www.vbni.ca/event/halifax-veteran-pitch-fest

ESL Labs Open House

Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Time(s):
1:30 pm

Location: ESL Labs (221 Joseph Zatzman Drive, Dartmouth, NS)

Description:
Join us at ESL Labs for an exclusive Open House showcasing our recent $10M infrastructure and equipment investment at our specialized testing and simulation facilities. This is your chance to see cutting-edge technology up close, including:

• Medium Weight Shock Machine, one of only two in Canada
• Large Base Motion Simulator, designed for advanced dynamic testing up to Sea State 6

These additions are part of an ongoing commitment to expanding our capabilities and supporting clients across the aerospace, defense, automotive and industrial sectors. Discover how ESL Labs is pushing the boundaries of testing, meet the engineering team, and experience firsthand the technology that is shaping the future of product qualification and validation.

Event Highlights:

• Guided tours of the advanced facilities
• Live demonstrations of key equipment
• Networking opportunities with industry professionals
• Insights into expanded service offerings

NOTE: You do NOT need to be registered for DEFSEC Atlantic to attend the Open House.

Registration E-Mail Address:
E-Mail Steve Mercer at steve@esl-labs.com to secure your place

Samuel Group Halifax Citadel Reception

Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Time(s):
5:30 pm to 8:00 pm (Reception)
5:45 pm to 8:00 pm (Bussses Running from Halifax Convention Centre, in front of Sutton Place Hotel to Citadel Hill and back)

Location: Halifax Citadel (5245 Sackville Street, Halifax, NS)

Description:
Join us for an evening of celebration and networking at the Halifax Citadel. This iconic landmark offers historic views of Halifax, Nova Scotia and its harbour blending its deep history with a modern focus on maritime technology and defence innovation.

A highlight of the evening will be live performance by the famous 78th Highlanders, bringing a touch of tradition to the modern focus of the event.

Dress Code: Business / Business Casual

This year, we are proud to highlight the Homes For Heroes Foundation (H4HF), as our featured Veteran’s organization for our Annual Reception. H4HF provides supportive housing and tailored reintegration programs that include mental health counselling, group therapy, skills development, and financial literacy as they empower Veterans to transition to independent, civilian living.

H4HF is a proven model. Currently operating 3 villages across Canada in Calgary, Edmonton and Kingston, they are set to open a village in London, Ontario and Winnipeg, Manitoba by the Spring of 2026, and looking to Halifax as an upcoming village location. With an 87% success rate, they are fiscally responsible with .82 cents of every dollar donated going directly back into their programs. With over 10,000 unhoused Veterans across Canada, their focus is to end Veteran homelessness. Homes For Heroes believes that those who have served our country deserve more than gratitude – they deserve a positive path forward and their mission is to ensure that no Veteran is left behind.

Info & RSVP Link:
https://www.samuel.associates/samuel-associates-halifax-citadel-reception

ACADA Dinner & Industry Excellence Awards

Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Time(s):
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm (Reception)
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Dinner & Awards)

Location: Halifax Convention Centre, Reception Salon, then Ballroom B1

Description:
ACADA’s Dinner and Industry Awards is an evening of celebration, connection, and community bringing together leaders and stakeholders from across Canada and internationally, alongside Atlantic Canada’s Aerospace, Defence, and Security sectors. Taking place during the week of DEFSEC Atlantic, this annual gathering offers an opportunity to recognize the shared momentum shaping our industry. The dinner welcomes a broad audience, including representatives from industry, military, government, and supporting organizations. With a soon-to-be announced keynote speaker, this event is not to be missed.

A highlight of the evening is the presentation of ACADA’s Industry Excellence Awards, which honour individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a lasting impact. Awards are presented in four distinguished categories:

• Innovation Leader
• Business Development Distinction
• Most Promising Start-Up or Business Development Distinction
• Diversity Excellence

It’s more than a dinner – it’s a shared celebration of innovation, leadership, and collaboration, where enduring relationships are built and the path forward for our sector is inspired by the achievements of those driving it.

Info & Ticket Link:
https://ac-ada.ca/events/acada-dinner-industry-excellence-awards/

WiDS Speed Mentoring

Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

Time(s):
1:30 pm to 2:00 pm (Registration)
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (Mentoring Workshop)
4:00 pm to 4:30 pm (Networking Reception)

Location: Halifax Convention Centre, Reception Salon

Description:
Speed Mentoring provides a unique forum for those either just starting out or mid-career to interact with senior-level men and women in industry, military, and the public sector. Mentees will have the opportunity to engage in 15-minute conversations with talented senior leaders who represent a wide array of organizations in the defence and security industries. While these short sessions are designed for participants to seek career advice, they often turn into engaging conversations rather than following a simple question and answer format.

“At WiDS, two of the pillars on which we base our success are Creating Connections and Developing Talent. Our Speed Mentoring event contributes to both. This event is really about putting yourself out there, asking questions, and taking advantage of an opportunity where so many senior-level mentors are in one space. These men and women have compelling stories and come prepared to share valuable career advice,” said Jackie Pothier, former WiDS’ Vice President of Professional Development.

NOTE: You do not need to be registered to attend the DEFSEC Atlantic show to attend the WiDS/WIA event but you MUST register for the WiDS/WIA Speed Mentoring event!

Info & Registration Link:
https://www.wids.ca/events/details&e=99

“Clash of the Titans” Charity Hockey Games

Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

Time(s):
5:30 pm to 6:20 pm (Lame Ducks (Attachés) VS Esprit de Corps Commando Lites)
6:30 pm to 7:40 pm (Esprit de Corps Commandos VS CFB Halifax Mariners)

Location: Halifax Forum (2901 Windsor Street, Halifax, NS)

Description:
Free admission – all are welcome! 50/50 tickets will be available on-site in support of local cadets.

Originally a contest between the CFB Halifax Mariners hockey team and the Esprit de Corps’ Commandos, this charity event was expanded in 2022 to include an exhibition game featuring the Ottawa Service Attache Association (Lame Ducks) and the Esprit de Corps Commando Lites.