2024 MNL Conference, Trade Show, and AGM: Charting the Course

The 2024 MNL Conference, Trade Show and Annual General Meeting is about delivering solutions and action on municipal issues.

Join us in Gander, November 7-9 for networking, collaboration, professional development and knowledge sharing.

This year’s conference will be held at the Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre and the Steele Community Centre.

About MNL

Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador is a non-profit membership organization that advocates on behalf of municipal government in Newfoundland and Labrador and provides programs, services, and events to its membership.

Find out more here

Keynote Speaker: Shaun Majumder

Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) is excited to announce that actor, comedian, and entrepreneur Shaun Majumder will be the keynote speaker at the 2024 MNL Conference, Trade Show and AGM.

A proud Newfoundlander and Labradorian from Burlington, Shaun Majumder has become a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry, known for his sharp wit and compelling storytelling. Beyond his achievements in acting and comedy, Shaun has channelled his passion for his roots into revitalizing his hometown through his eco-tourism project, ‘OME.

Shaun’s keynote address, scheduled for Thursday, November 7 at 9:30 a.m., will focus on his deep connection to his home province and his commitment to “Rewriting the Rural Story” of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Agenda

A preliminary agenda is available here. Please note, this agenda is subject to change.

View the AGENDA here

Appreciation Banquet

This year, the Appreciation Banquet and Long Service Awards will happen on Saturday evening, preceded by sessions and the AGM.

This year attendees have the option to purchase Companion Banquet Tickets for the Saturday night banquet for $125. This option is included in the registration process.

Networking Breakfast for Women and Gender Diverse Individuals

We’re pleased to announce the Networking Breakfast for Women and Gender Diverse Individuals, happening Thursday.

Leadership Awards

MNL is celebrating leadership in the municipal sector. MNL is currently accepting nominations to recognize women and gender-diverse councillors in our sector who are making a difference in the community and inspiring other leaders. Two awards will be presented during the Networking Breakfast for Women and Gender-Diverse Individuals in Gander on Nov. 7 during the MNL Conference, Trade Show and AGM. The two awards are as follows:

Achievement Award: will be presented to an individual relatively new in their role as a municipal leader, but who has demonstrated guidance or management which led to specific actions and/or observable changes or accomplishments within their community;
Inspiration Award: will be presented to an individual whose long-time dedication to local government has benefited the people of their community and has inspired others to step forward into leadership roles.

If you think your nominee demonstrates these criteria and that their contribution stands out from other people’s, please consider nominating them for one of our recognition awards. Nomination packages should include one (1) nomination letter and one (1) testimonial letter.

Deadline for nominations is November 1, 2024

Download the awards information package here

Send completed nominations to dwalsh@municipalnl.ca

Pre-Conference: Basic Emergency Management Training

MNL is offering Basic Emergency Management (BEM) training on Nov. 5-6 in Gander, prior to the 2024 MNL Conference, Trade Show, and AGM.

The training will be provided by the Department of Justice and Public Safety.

About the course:

The intent of the Basic Emergency Management Course is to provide an introduction to the basic concepts of emergency management common to all Municipalities/Local Service Districts, as well as provinces and territories across Canada. It is designed for officials from all levels of government, emergency management coordinators and/or planners, emergency responders, volunteers, private sector representatives etc., to be better prepared to fulfill their emergency roles. The course material will enable emergency management personnel to implement processes for mitigating, preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies and disasters.

Date and time: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m Tuesday, Nov. 5 and 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Location: Quality Hotel, Gander
Cost: $50 per person

A separate registration is required for this training. Register here.

Youth Municipal Council Meeting with NL Youth Parliament and MNL

We are once again partnering with NL Youth Parliament to jointly host a special youth municipal council meeting in Gander on Nov. 8.

Annual General Meeting

This year’s MNL Annual General Meeting takes place November 9 at the Joseph R Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre in Gander, NL.

Click here to go to the AGM information page

During the AGM and Conference, voting delegates from member municipalities will select regional directors for MNL’s Board of Directors, in addition to voting on resolutions.

Board of Directors nominations

The nomination period for the board of director positions is open from Sept. 18 until Oct. 17.

MNL is accepting nominations for the following positions:

Labrador Director
Northern Director
Western Director
Central Director
Eastern Director
Avalon Director

Information on how to nominate a candidate and the nomination form can be found on this page.

Resolutions

The deadline to submit resolutions for the 2024 AGM is October 7, 2024. Resolutions can be submitted by email to info@municipalnl.ca or by fax to 709-738-0071

Download Guidelines to Drafting Resolutions PDF
Download Resolutions Writing Tips PDF

Accommodations

The block of hotel rooms reserved for MNL Conference attendees has now been filled. Attendees registering after Sept. 26 will be responsible for finding their own accommodations.

Room reservation information will be sent within the next few business days to the invoice email provided by those who registered on or before Sept. 26. Please confirm your reservation and payment details with the hotel indicated in that email at your earliest convenience.

Although hotels in Gander are nearly at full capacity, there are still accommodation options in the Gander area. In addition to hotels in Gander and nearby towns, there are several options available on Airbnb and Vrbo. The Province’s website also has accommodation listings for the Gander area here.

Sponsor and Trade Show Information

Interested in being a sponsor or trade show participant? Head to the Sponsorship Information page.

Download the 2024 MNL Sponsorship Information Package.

Trade Show Booth Listing

Registration

Registration for members, observers, charities, students, MHAs and MPs includes access to all sessions, meals and networking events. Trade show vendors and presenters have the option to purchase meal packages.

MNL Members (members of council and municipal administrators): $550
Observer/Non-Members: $650
Non-profit/charity organization representative: $550
Student: $250

Click here to access the registration form in a new browser window

Cancellation and refund policy