Halifax, Nova Scotia | April 5 – 7, 2027

SEMM National
Conference 2027

Insights and Innovation for
a Shifting Landscape

Join Canada’s leading higher education professionals as you unlock cutting-edge strategies
in marketing, recruitment, students success, and enrolment management.

Gain Insights to Drive Real Change

At the 2027 SEMM National Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia, attendees will discover transformative enrolment strategies, innovative marketing approaches, and groundbreaking student services that are shaping the future of higher education in Canada.

From engaging keynotes to collaborative sessions, every moment is designed to empower you and your team.

This is where visionary professionals drive real change in the post-secondary landscape.

Janene Christiansen

Registrar and Associate Vice-President, Strategic Enrolment, George Brown College

"What I like about the SEMM Forum Conference is the networking you get to do. We are all on the same SEMM journey, perhaps at different times, different structures, and it is great to see where everyone is at. To network and learn best practices, as it is a constant learning, education journey."

Gord Hunchak

Vice President, University Relations, First Nations University of Canada

"I have been at the SEMM Forum Conference multiple times, and I find that this is one of the best conferences for enrolment professionals in the University system in Canada, on an annual basis. It has been a superb conference every year. Every year we have had an opportunity to network with fellow professionals. Every year we learn a little bit more. Every university goes through different challenges, different opportunities, and those are shared here. The learning is immense."

Why You Can’t Miss SEMM27

In a competitive and rapidly evolving higher education environment, the SEMM National Conference offers unparalleled value:

Cutting-Edge Strategies: Gain forward-thinking insights in enrolment management, marketing campaigns, and admissions practices tailored for modern post-secondary challenges.
Actionable Takeaways: From fostering digital innovation to building resilient student services, every session is designed to power your institution’s growth.
Collaborative Networking: Connect with peers, industry leaders, and experts dedicated to excellence in higher education—building relationships that catalyze change.

Are you ready to revolutionize your institution’s approach?

Shape Post-Secondary Progress

Call for Presentation Proposals

Whether you're pioneering a new enrolment strategy, scaling a student support service, or uncovering insights through data, your work could spark meaningful change across Canada.

We’re calling on educators, administrators, and innovators from coast to coast to share the strategies, initiatives, and research that are making a measurable difference on their campuses.

By hosting a session at this year’s in-person conference, you’ll join a dynamic community of post-secondary professionals committed to driving progress in student outcomes and institutional excellence.

Submit your abstract today and help shape the future of post-secondary education—together. All approved presenters will receive a $400 discount off their conference registration.

Proposal Guidelines

Sessions may include presentations, panels, case studies, or interactive workshops.
Proposals should highlight practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable takeaways.
We encourage submissions from educators, researchers, administrators, and student success practitioners.

Submission Deadline & Process

📅 Deadline: Friday, August 21, 2026.

📩 Submit your proposal via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2027NSEMM

Have questions? Reach out to Jennifer Powell at jennifer@brainstorm.ca — she’d love to support you in shaping a compelling session!

Submit a Proposal

Need to Gain Approval to Attend

Attending the SEMM Conference is a great investment to support the success of students and your institution. We’ve created a template you can use to prepare your business case and persuade your leaders that attending will be an excellent investment. Click the button below to download the template.

Download Business Case

Develop a SEMM culture across your institution:

Explore every factor impacting enrolment

Discover innovative Canadian approaches from SEMM peers

Get your whole team on the same page by learning together

Implement changes to achieve your goals

Who Should Attend

The SEMM Conference is for everyone involved in attracting, recruiting, and engaging students from their first awareness of your school through to their successful graduation.

If you’re committed to having a positive impact on your students and your institution, then this conference is for you.

This includes:

Registrars & Admissions Officers
Marketing & Communications Professionals
Student Services Managers & Support Specialists
Enrolment Managers & Student Recruitment Leaders
Administrators and decision-makers in higher education

Click here to view a list of past attendees' job titles.

Jenn Goodwin

Vice President, Enrolment and College Relations, Okanagan College

"This is my first time at the SEMM Forum Conference, and it has been a fantastic experience so far. There are lots of people who have got experience, knowledge, and understanding of SEMM in different ways. The opportunity to be part of the conversion, and to learn from others is absolutely invaluable."

Recent Participants

SEMM27 Conference Scholarship

We believe that every individual working in post-secondary education deserves the chance to unlock their full potential to support student success, regardless of financial barriers. We're thrilled to offer a unique opportunity for passionate individuals to attend our upcoming conference at no cost through our scholarship program. You can learn more about the process by clicking here.

Scholarship Application

Experience Halifax

The spring air is crisp, the summer cruise ship crowds haven’t arrived yet! Visiting Halifax in April will provide an authentic taste of local life. This list of local attractions blends incredible indoor history and culture with outdoor sights—all easily accessible from the Marriott Harbourfront.

Pro-Tip: Purchase the Halifax Experience Pass - a 24 to 72 hour pass that grants discounted access to museums, galleries, tours, historical sites and cruises!

Indoor History & Culture (Rain or Shine)

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (3-minute walk from the hotel): Located right on the boardwalk, this is a must-visit. It houses the world's finest collection of wooden Titanic artifacts (Halifax was the center of the recovery operations in 1912).
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (15-minute walk along the boardwalk): Often called Canada’s "Ellis Island." One in five Canadians has a family connection to this historic gateway. Attendees can even use the on-site research center to trace their own family roots.
The Alexander Keith’s Brewery Tour (8-minute walk): Housed in an iconic 1820s ironstone building, this is one of the oldest commercial breweries in North America. In April, the tour groups are small and intimate, featuring costumed guides, historic tales, and a pint in the underground pub.

Outdoor Explorations & Views

The Citadel Hill National Historic Site (12-minute walk uphill): While the interior fort gates have limited hours in early April, the perimeter walking trail is completely open and offers the absolute best panoramic view of the entire Halifax Harbour and the iconic Old Town Clock.
The Dartmouth Ferry Experience (3-minute walk to the terminal): Tell your attendees to skip the expensive harbor cruises. For the price of a standard transit fare (about $3), they can hop on the historic Halifax-Dartmouth ferry. It’s a scenic 10-minute ride across the water that offers a stunning view of the Halifax skyline. Once in Dartmouth, they can grab a local pastry or craft beer at the Alderney Landing area before heading back.
Halifax Public Gardens & Spring Garden Road (20-minute walk): A beautiful walk up Spring Garden Road (Halifax's main shopping street) leads to a 16-acre Victorian garden. In early April, the grounds are incredibly peaceful as the spring blooms just start to wake up.

Local-ish Day Trips

Peggy’s Cove Coastal Drive (45-minute drive from downtown): April is arguably the best time to see Canada's most famous lighthouse. The massive granite rocks and crashing Atlantic waves are breathtakingly dramatic, and you can experience the silver spring light without fighting hundreds of tour buses for a parking spot. Tip: Be sure to rent a car or book a local shuttle, as public transit doesn't run out to the cove.
Chester (50-minute drive from downtown): If you want a slower, upscale coastal vibe, Chester is a charming seaside village filled with beautiful historic homes, quiet lanes, and a stunning view of Mahone Bay’s islands. It feels like a classic East Coast postcard. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon spent grabbing a coffee, browsing local art galleries, or walking down to the yacht club to watch the boats. Tip: It's much quieter here than in Lunenburg, making it ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Mahone Bay (60-minute drive from downtown): Right on the way to Lunenburg, this picture-perfect town is world-renowned for its iconic view of three historic churches standing side-by-side at the edge of the harbor. The main street runs right along the water and is packed with quirky independent boutiques, hand-crafted pewter shops, and cozy bakeries. Tip: Don't just snap a photo of the churches from the road—park the car and grab a world-class pastry or craft beer along the main strip to really take in the local flavor.
Lunenburg (75-minute drive from downtown): A stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Town Lunenburg is famous for its vibrant, brightly painted 18th-century wooden buildings lining a steep hill toward the harbor. It’s the proud home of the legendary Bluenose II schooner. Visiting in the shoulder season means you can leisurely explore local artisan shops, sample incredible fresh seafood docksides, and walk the historic streets without the peak-summer crowds. Tip: The hills here are remarkably steep—comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable.

Testimonials

Join our growing community of forward-thinking professionals.

Arti Rajendra Kadekar

Communications Officer - Digital & Social Media, College of New Caledonia

"The Virtual SEMM Conference was an engaging and insightful experience, offering valuable perspectives and practical ideas from industry professionals. The sessions were well organized, informative, and provided excellent opportunities for learning and connection."

Anita Nadarajah, M.Ed.

Director of Marketing, Albert College

"I attended the National SEMM Conference with a specific purpose and walked away with a wealth of notes on branding, advertising, inquiries, and global issues facing our sector. The variety of sessions was excellent, and the networking with vendors was incredibly valuable—I’m already in follow-up discussions with a few of them. I highly recommend this conference!"

Danni Kirilenko

International Student Recruitment Officer, College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan

"Attending the National SEMM Conference was an incredible experience. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to participate and be a recipient of the attendee scholarship, which made it even more meaningful. I connected with so many inspiring colleagues and brought back practical ideas that my team is already putting into action."

Michael Shouldice

Manager, Partnerships and Collaborations, Office of the Provost, Athabasca University

"This was my first time attending the National SEMM Conference. My entire conference was made during the opening plenary, where I received enough actionable inspiration to justify my attendance. Each of the following sessions was gravy and provided either support for initiatives we have completed, are working on or are planning to undertake."

Sydney Nicholauson

Communication and Events Coordinator, Student Recruitment, University of Winnipeg

"The National SEMM Conference provides an essential annual overview of the sector and an invaluable chance to connect with colleagues from other schools across Canada. This is our time to work through the most challenging issues in enrolment and help each other to advance with confidence."

Anita Gilliam

Professor, Advertising and Marketing, Communications Management, St. Clair College

"The National SEMM Conference was enriching, rewarding and greatly enhanced my professional development. I left the conference feeling inspired, excited to share knowledge with colleagues and continue to stay connected with the brilliant minds that I connected with over two information- and networking-packed days! "

Natalie Leung

Former Social Media Manager, Humber College

"I am really excited to be at this event today because I get to meet a lot of people from various colleges and universities across Canada, and outside of Canada as well. It is a great opportunity to share insights, discuss everything happening in the post-secondary sector, and learn from one another."

Jen Alabiso

Manager of Admissions, Registrar's Office, University of Prince Edward Island

"Brainstorm events are always so informative precisely because we are learning from our peers who are leading innovation! "

Tom Brophy

Associate Vice President, Student Affairs and Services, Saint Mary's University

"This is a high-quality, high-impact event. My team, who attended the June 2025 SEMM Conference, came back very much professionally invigorated and with a much stronger grasp of the enrolment interconnectivity that is needed to make significant inroads to improve student success. There is a renewed focus on breaking down silos and seeking ways to further collaborate within Saint Mary’s University. Talks have already begun about launching our internal student success conference as a result of the inspiration that my team brought back from attending this conference! "

Susan Blake

Instructor, College of New Caledonia

"Attending the SEMM Conference this year again was an absolute game-changer for me! The sessions were incredibly insightful, offering practical strategies and fresh perspectives on everything from recruitment to student success. I especially appreciated the emphasis on data-driven decision-making and the inspiring examples of how other institutions are innovating their enrollment strategies. This conference is a must-attend for any institution/person serious about strategic enrollment management!"

Karen Bravo

Registrar, Northern Lights College

"The SEMM Conference program helps me shape my understanding of the process of managing enrolment and how I can support it through my current role as Registrar. SEMM, in my opinion, is about applying common sense to the work we do, thinking outside the box, and collaborating amongst the team to approach a desired outcome."

Shelby Verboven

Registrar, and Assistant Dean of Strategic Enrolment Management, University of Toronto Scarborough

"I love coming to this conference and hearing from colleagues. I always get new ideas, and it is great to see that universities and colleges from across the country are dealing with similar challenges and issues."

Erika Wright

Manager, Corporate Partnerships and Communications, Humber Polytechnic

"I thoroughly enjoyed and found all sessions I attended over the two days to be very timely, relevant, and ultimately valuable in my work."

Holly MacDonald

Assistant Registrar, Student Retention and Academic Services, Cape Breton University

"The conference was such a valuable experience, as attending allowed me to give myself permission to put away other work and focus on the key topics at hand. Although the ability to network, research and analyze enrolment management content is always available to us, conferences with colleagues offer a unique opportunity to sink into the information and networks both organically and with attention. I found it helpful to learn how others were putting the sessions into context for their specific institutions and to get a sense of where we all were, along the SEMM path, in relation to one another. I took many notes, had aha moments, ate well and made new friends! Thanks to the hosts and presenters!"

Blessie Mathew

Assistant Dean, Student Success, Careers, and Experiential Learning (Dean of Students) , University of Alberta

"This was my first SEMM Forum and I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of the sessions and the opportunity to connect with and learn from colleagues across the country. It was a fulfilling experience to hear what challenges we were all facing and to put our heads together to discuss creative solutions. I returned to my institution with a lot to share."

Dan Seneker

Associate Vice-President Enrolment Management & Registrar, Enrolment Services, Saint Mary's University

"Having a National SEMM Conference dedicated to the Canadian higher education space is crucial in our current climate. Brainstorm is the Canadian leader in this field, bringing together people from all levels of PSE and from coast to coast to coast. If you work in higher education and don't know where to start, Brainstorm and this conference are the first letter of the SEMM alphabet."

Chanelle Landriault

Manager, Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS), Laurentian University

"Every presentation I attended was well prepared, delivered professionally and had clear takeaways. It doesn't matter if you have been in the field for less than two years or 15 years. You will leave with knowledge you can start applying now."

Allie Bear

Manager: Marketing and Communications Strategy, Wilfrid Laurier University

"I have worked in higher education communications for seven years but I just recently started a role focused on strategic recruitment communications. SEMM Forum was an incredibly timely and valuable introduction to a side of the student life cycle that is largely unfamiliar to me. I have some building blocks for success as I enter into this next chapter of my career. Thank you!"

Mark Kolanko

Regional Manager Student Services - Eastern Region, Nova Scotia Community College

"The SEMM Forum offers an insightful and engaging look at leading research and activity taking place across the higher-education landscape in Canada. It is a high-value learning opportunity for SEM professionals!"

Alison Pickrell

Senior Consultant, Academica Group Inc.

"As an Associate Vice Provost, Strategic Enrolment Management, at one of Canada's medical doctoral universities, I appreciate the opportunity to connect with a variety of individuals (senior leaders through to those new to the field) to discuss emerging topics, trends, and best practices. I have not attended in a few years, and it reminded me that our environmental and cultural contexts are continuously changing and it is important to keep engaged."

Lorretta Neebar

University Registrar and Executive Director, Student Services, Algoma University

"The information presented was relevant to a wide range of post-secondary administrators. This is extremely important as communication between all levels of administration such as recruitment, marketing, student services, admissions and all other facets is needed in recruitment, retention and graduation initiatives."

JP Rains

Director, Digital Strategy & Communications, Laurentian University

"The SEMM Forum is one of Canada's best opportunities to grow a deep understanding of enrolment management and marketing. The program is top-notch and so are the attendees; rarely do I see this type of high quality interaction between presenters and participants."

View All

Your Path to a Brighter Higher Education Future

Step 1: Register Today

Secure your spot at the best rates with our streamlined online registration process.

Step 2: Engage Fully

Participate in sessions, connect with peers, and be empowered with strategies in enrolment, marketing, and student services.

Step 3: Transform Your Institution

Implement innovative techniques that drive lasting success in the rapidly evolving post-secondary landscape.

Pre-Conference Workshop Early-Bird Rates (April 5, 2027)

Half-day (1-4 pm)

$300

each

Learn More

Main Conference Early-Bird Rates (April 6 & 7, 2027)

Individual

$995

per person

Group of 2 to 4

$895.50

per person

Group of 5 to 7

$796

per person

Group of 8+

$696.50

per person

Registration

Are you trying to calculate and/or hold a rate for your group? Is payment by credit card a challenge? Let us know and we'd be pleased to help. Email jennifer@brainstorm.ca with any questions that you have.

Cancellation Policy

No refunds will be provided within three weeks of the conference. Cancellations three weeks or more before the event date will be refunded less a $100 administration fee. Substitutions from the same organization are welcome at no cost up to three weeks before the event date.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Where will this event take place?

This is an in-person conference and will take place at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront, 1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5. See the When & Where page for more information.

When is the event?

All Pre-Conference Workshops (separate registration required) will take place on April 5, and the main 2-day conference will be held on April 6 & 7, 2026. The program will end on April 7th at 4 pm.

Is the SEMM Conference right for me?

Are you involved in attracting, recruiting, or engaging students in their post-secondary experience in Canada? If the answer is yes, then the SEMM Conference is right for you. This includes strategic enrolment leaders, marketers, recruiters, registrars, senior administration, deans, student services and other professionals. Check out the Who Should Attend? section here.

What's the benefit of a program focused on Canadian practices?

We’re Canadian, eh? SEM is very different in other countries. We believe that when professionals learn from peers at other institutions who have similar goals, students, systems and constraints and share Canadian-made solutions across silos, organizational goals can be achieved, and students benefit as a result. The SEMM Conference provides an opportunity for everyone on campus to have a positive and sustainable impact on the institutional outcomes that support student success.

What is the meal situation for the Pre-Conference Workshops on the 5th?

Attendees for the pre-conference workshops are responsible for their own meals throughout the day. Light snacks and drinks will be provided midway through each workshop.

What meals and beverages are provided on the 6th and 7th?

Hot Breakfast Buffet
Morning Break (hot and cold beverages and snacks)
Lunch Buffet
Afternoon Break (hot and cold beverages)
6th only - Networking Reception (drinks and light hors d'oeuvres)

Sponsors & Partners

Sponsoring the 2027 SEMM National Conference is your gateway to meaningful brand exposure and post-secondary education impact. Please contact Jennifer Powell at jennifer@brainstorm.ca with any questions.