2025 MNL Conference, Trade Show and AGM: Progress Through Community Leadership
Join us in Corner Brook November 20-22 for the 75th annual MNL Conference, Trade Show and AGM. The conference takes place primarily at the Corner Brook Civic Centre.
This year, as we look forward to the work yet to be done – to the ongoing community building, partnerships, and advocacy to equip municipalities with the tools and resources they require to thrive – we also look back at the past 75 years of municipal progress as we prepare for MNL’s 75 anniversary celebrations in 2026.
From the beginning, networking has been an important part of MNL events, as you can see by looking at this first agenda.
Today, the event looks vastly different, with an expected 350 members representing more than 100 towns; 50 vendor booths; 100 corporate partner representatives; members of the provincial and federal government; and nearly 40 sessions over three days. This is the largest gathering of municipal sector council and administration in the province.
Registration – SOLD OUT
We are thrilled to announce that the 2025 MNL Conference, Trade Show, and AGM is now sold out. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list, please use the “register here” button below.
Attendance at the MNL Conference is open to MNL members and to those interested in the municipal sector.
- MNL Members (council members and municipal administrators): $575
- Observers/non-members: $675
- Sponsor representatives: $675 less 25%
- Non-profit organization representatives: $575
- Students (requires a valid student ID): $350
We also encourage Members of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador and Members of Parliament to attend. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with municipal leaders while gaining a deeper understanding of the municipal sector. MHAs and MPs interested in attending the 2025 MNL Conference, Trade Show and AGM are encouraged to contact Wendolyn Schlamp, MNL Engagement Officer, by email at wschlamp@municipalnl.ca.
Funding Available to Cover Your Costs
The Municipal Training Fund provides up to $2,000 per municipality annually to cover costs related to attending professional development events, including the MNL Conference, Trade Show and AGM.
The Municipal Training Fund application form is available here.
Keynote speaker
This year’s event kicks off with a keynote presentation from actor and comedian Jonny Harris, host of the CBC show Still Standing.
Born and raised in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland, Jonny Harris has appeared regularly at The Halifax Comedy Festival, The Winnipeg Comedy Festival, CBC Radio’s The Debaters, and as both a stand-up and sketch comic at Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival. He has been a staff writer for the award-winning This Hour has 22 Minutes and was a contributing writer and star of Mary Walsh’s Hatching, Matching and Dispatching, for which he later reprised his character along with the rest of the original cast in the feature length presentation A Christmas Fury. Harris did a more dramatic turn for the dark indie film Grown Up Movie Star, with which he attended the Sundance Film Festival. His stand-up special for Comedy Now! earned a Canadian Screen Award nomination.
He currently plays Constable George Crabtree on CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries, for which he has garnered two Gemini nominations and two Canadian Screen Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor in a Dramatic Series. He also is a writer, producer and host for CBC’s Still Standing, for which he has won 9 Canadian Screen Awards.
Agenda
A preliminary version of the agenda is now available. Session descriptions and speaker information will be added on an ongoing basis.
Appreciation Banquet
The Appreciation Banquet, including the presentation of Long Service Awards for municipal elected officials, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Corner Brook Civic Centre. Registered attendees have the option to purchase additional tickets for guests.
The Long Service Awards for elected officials are administered by the Department of Municipal Affairs and Community Engagement. The application form is available here.
Women and Gender Diverse Networking Breakfast and Leadership Awards
MNL is pleased to once again recognize women in leadership within the municipal sector through the presentation of the Leadership Awards and a networking breakfast for women and gender-diverse individuals.
When: Thursday, Nov. 20
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Cost: $50 per person (not included in the event registration fee)
Registration is through the main Conference registration form.
Leadership Awards for Women and Gender-Diverse Individuals
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 Corner Brook on Thursday, Nov. 20 during the 2025 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;
- Shannie Duff 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 14, 2024
For details on how to nominate someone, download this guide.
Send completed nominations to afoster@municipalnl.ca
Youth Parliament
We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Parliament to provide a space for young people to experience municipal council.
This year’s simulated council meeting will take place in the City of Corner Brook council chambers. Apply here to be a part of this year’s event.
Application Form for the Municipal Youth Council Debate – click here
Pre-Conference Professional Development Sessions
MNL is offering two professional development sessions on the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the Conference. The option to register for either session is included in the Conference registration form. Please note, there is an additional cost to attend these sessions.
Emergency Operations Centre Management (EOCM)
This course is designed for those who may be required to function effectively as members of an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The course introduces the candidate to the principles of emergency operations and control. Candidates receive an introduction to the standard operating procedures applied in an EOC. The focus of the course will be establishing, organizing and exercising an EOC. This is a two-day course that consists of lectures and tabletop exercises. Candidates must have successfully completed the BEM/EPO or equivalent course prior to being accepted to EOCM.
Presenter: Jeremy Keeping, Regional Emergency Planner, Emergency Services Division, Department of Justice and Public Safety
Dates: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 19, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Includes morning and afternoon nutrition breaks, plus a one-hour break for lunch. Please note, lunch is not provided.
Cost: $50
Compassion Fatigue & Burnout Prevention
Compassion fatigue, also called “the cost of caring,” can be experienced by people working in environments where there is a high chance of exposure to secondary trauma. These individuals are at risk of potential mental health challenges, relationship problems, and the inability to perform work responsibilities. The symptoms of compassion fatigue are hard to recognize and require adequate support for the individual experiencing it.
This workshop is meant to help employers, employees and volunteers who may develop compassion fatigue, including first responders and individuals who are the first point of contact for those going through a crisis or disaster. The workshop will equip participants with the language to talk about mental health, the understanding to support employees with challenges, and the steps to move towards greater self-care.
By the end of the workshop, you will:
- Understand symptoms and effects of compassion fatigue and fatigue risk factors.
- Recognize personal and systemic barriers to receiving help.
- Learn how to manage daily perceived threats and stress in more effective ways.
- Create a self-care plan with resiliency-building skills and steps to improve workplace mental health.
Presenter: Janice Preston, Western Regional Manager & Educator, Canadian Mental Health Association, Newfoundland and Labrador
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Nutrition break included
Cost: $25
AGM
This year’s MNL Annual General Meeting takes place November 22.
Please visit the 2025 AGM page for full details.
Voting Delegate information
Each member municipality may designate up to two voting delegates, chosen from sitting members of council. Voting delegates must have approval from their council. When MNL members are registering, there is an option to select either voting or non-voting delegate.
Accommodations
MNL has reserved room blocks at several hotels in the region. These rooms are not open for individuals to book as they will be assigned by MNL to registered delegates upon request.
Requests for a room assignment from within MNL’s room blocks can be submitted as part of the registration process. Our initial priority will be to assign rooms to voting delegates, and then to non-voting delegates.
Delegates are welcome to book their own accommodations outside of MNL’s reserved blocks.
Please note that in all cases accommodation costs are the responsibility of the delegate.
Sponsor and Trade Show Information
Interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2025 MNL Conference or having a trade show booth at Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest municipal sector gathering? Visit our Sponsorship Information page for all the necessary information.
Download the 2025 MNL Sponsorship Information Package
To reserve a Trade Show booth or to become an event sponsor, please email Bradley Power, MNL Director of Programs, at bpower@municipalnl.ca.