Dear IRMA Members,

IRMACON 2026 is shaping up to be our strongest conference yet — and we hope you’ll be part of it.

This September, we’re returning to Calgary for three days of bold ideas, honest conversations, and the kind of connections that carry you through the year.

Joining us again is the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association, broadening our reach to include speakers and delegates from across North America and the UK.

Mark your calendars for September 16–18. Expect keynotes and sessions covering the full breadth of the publishing business — from editorial and revenue to operations and audience development — led by some of the sharpest minds working in regional media today. And of course: the awards gala, networking, and the moments in between that remind you why this industry is worth fighting for.

Registration is open now — we’d love to see you there.

View the Full Conference Agenda

The speaker lineup includes:

• James Hewes, Founder & Lead Consultant, Soho Consulting International, on how shifting global dynamics — from economic uncertainty to AI-driven disruption — are reshaping publishing revenue models and where new opportunities for growth lie
• Dan Oshinsky, Founder, Inbox Collective, on finding your unfair advantage in the AI era and building loyalty, engagement, and revenue through newsletters and membership
• Shelby Blackley & Jessie Willms, Co-Founders, WTF is SEO?, on how AI has upended search traffic for publishers and what opportunities remain in an AI-powered future
• Kim Pittaway, on smarter editorial planning — from brainstorming sessions to editorial calendars that excite your team, audience, and advertisers
• Michelle Kelly, Editor, Cottage Life, on the redesign of one of Canada’s most beloved magazines — balancing legacy and innovation from cover to cover
• Robert Stieve & Emily Withnall, on crafting editor’s notes that readers actually look forward to, from finding your voice to building recurring reader trust
• Nicola Hamilton, Creative Director, Serviette, on building trust between art and editorial teams, and why the people behind the magazine matter as much as the magazine itself
• Curtis Gillespie, on the evolving relationship between writers and editors, and how to survive and thrive in a media landscape of ever-increasing pressure
• Janice Liu, on the future of digital advertising, performance media, and how regional publishers can transform audience data into scalable advertising revenue
  AND!
  Hits and Misses and the 46th Annual IRMA Awards

Get in touch if you have any questions, or secure your spot now!

Date and time:
Wednesday September 16, 2026 (arrival)
through Saturday September 19, 2026 (departure).
Calgary, Alberta

To Make Your Room Reservation

Standard Room $174.00

Premium Room $204.00

Booking Instructions

Call: +1-403-253-1101 or toll free 1-800-661-9566

Email: reservations@carriagehouse.net

Please reference AMPA / IRMA Conference when booking hotel accommodations

Please reserve rooms prior to Tuesday, September 01, 2026

Online Booking Link: https://bookings.travelclick.com/73865?groupID=5202733