TUESDAY, MAY 5

AFTERNOON

2:00 – 3:15 Pm  |   OPENING SESSION: THE NEXT RING OF GROWTH

Join us for a traditional welcome and opening remarks to kick off the 2026 SFI Annual Conference and celebrate the theme, “The Next Ring of Growth”.

3:15 – 3:45 pm  |   BREAK

3:45 – 4:45 pm  |  CHALLENGING TIMES AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN FOREST SECTOR MARKETS

In an era defined by shifting supply chains, evolving trade policies, tariffs, and rapid market transformation, the forest sector must rethink how it operates across borders. In this executive-level conversation, we will explore global market challenges and opportunities created through investment in the forest sector.

4:45 – 5:00 pm  |   PRESENTATION OF CEO’S AWARD

EVENING

5:00 – 7:00 pm  |  PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6

MORNING

7:00 – 8:00 am  |  5 K FUN RUN/WALK

8:00 – 9:00 am  |  BREAKFAST

9:00 – 9:15 am  |  WORDS OF THANKS TO RETIRING CEO, KATHY ABUSOW

9:15 – 10:15 am  |  LEVERAGING SFI CERTIFICATION FOR GLOBAL REPORTING FRAMEWORKS AND MARKET ASSURANCES

10:15 – 10:45 am  |  BREAK

10:45 – 11:45 am  |  SUSTAINING MARKET DEMAND: THE ROLE OF SFI CERTIFICATION FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE PRODUCTS

AFTERNOON

12:00 – 1:15 pm  |  LUNCH

Tables will be reserved for Women’s Forest Congress/Women In Wood meet up.

1:15 – 1:40 pm  |  INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP IN FORESTRY

SFI is working to increase Indigenous participation in forestry and engages with many partners to elevate their stories. Hear from Indigenous organizations on their sustainability leadership.

1:40 – 2:00 pm  |  PRESENTATION OF INDIGENOUS FOREST LEADERSHIP AWARD

2:00 – 2:15 pm  |  PRESENTATION OF SIC AWARD

2:15 – 2:45 pm  |  BREAK

2:45 – 3:45 PM   |   FROM DATA TO DECISIONS: SPATIAL TOOLS FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT

As new Earth observation technologies generate unprecedented insights, SFI and partners are focused on navigating that data in support of sustainable forest management and climate smart outcomes on the ground. Join leading North American data collaboratives and tool providers to see how cutting-edge analytics are being integrated into real-world forestry operations—improving planning, strengthening resilience, and helping practitioners make smarter, faster decisions in a rapidly changing world.

3:45 – 4:00 PM   |   FROM FORESTS TO FRONT YARDS: IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTS THROUGH SFI

In this short session, conference attendees will learn about SFI’s commitment to elevating sustainably managed forests where people live, work, and play. Hear a brief update on the implementation of the SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard and how this work extends sustainable forest management into urban and community settings. The session will set the stage for Thursday’s full-day program focused on goals and resources that support health, well-being, and resilience in communities of all sizes.

4:30 – 6:00 PM   |   DOWNTOWN MONTRÉAL URBAN FORESTRY TOUR

Explore the conference host city through the lens of managing trees and green spaces for long-term community benefit. Attendees will learn about the social and political context that shaped the development of Canada’s second-largest city. As an island city nestled between river and mountain, Montreal’s history reflects a longstanding connection between plants, place, and people. Walking through the streets will reveal how past decisions continue to influence contemporary urban forestry practices, while speakers share insights into Montreal’s vision for a resilient and biodiverse urban forest. Additional registration required.

6:00 – 9:00 pm  |  OFFSITE RECEPTION

THURSDAY, MAY 7

MORNING

8:00 – 9:00 am  |  BREAKFAST

9:00 – 10:00 am  |  FROM RESEARCH TO RESULTS: SCALING SFI CLIMATE SMART FORESTRY ACROSS CERTIFIED LANDS

The SFI Climate Smart Forestry (CSF) Initiative brings leading researchers and practitioners together to translate cutting-edge climate science into practical, forest-focused solutions through collaboration, vulnerability assessments, and on-the-ground action. Join experts for insights on advancing climate resilience across certified forests.

10:00 – 10:15 am  |  PRESENTATION OF CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP AWARD

10:15 – 10:45 am  |  BREAK

10:45 – 11:50 am  |  SFI CLIMATE SMART FORESTRY ON THE GROUND

This second session will feature partners leading Climate Smart Forestry practices, including SFI Certified Organizations, members of the SFI Climate Smart Forestry Initiative Advisory Committee, and grantees. These speakers will share real-world insights, innovative approaches, and early outcomes from projects that are strengthening forest resilience, supporting sustainable forest management, and delivering measurable climate benefits across diverse landscapes.

11:50 – 12:00 pm  |  CLOSING REMARKS

12:00 – 1:00 pm  |  CLOSING LUNCH

AFTERNOON — CONCURRENT OPTIONS

1:00 – 4:00 pm  |  SIC SESSION AND REGIONAL BREAKOUTS

Open to SIC members and partners. SFI responds to local needs through SFI Implementation Committees (SICs) at the state, provincial, and regional levels. The SIC General Session offers a forum for SIC members to share ideas and best practices about community outreach through social media, logger training, and partnering with local businesses and community leaders.

1:00 – 3:30 pm  |  AUDITORS FORUM

Open to auditors only.

URBAN FORESTRY DAY

Click here to view the schedule