DEFSEC West took place from March 24 to 26, marking the expansion of the long-running DEFSEC Atlantic conference format beyond Halifax. The event took place at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre and convened representatives from government, industry, and academia, alongside international participants. Organisers positioned the new Western edition as a platform to address regional gaps in the defence sector and to facilitate collaboration and business development.

Event Establishes Platform for Collaboration and Economic Impact

The inaugural edition generated an estimated economic impact of approximately three million dollars for the host city. Participants engaged in discussions on supply chains, innovation, and national security priorities, with a focus on strengthening connections across Western Canada and beyond. The event also incorporated community involvement through volunteer support, highlighting its broader engagement beyond industry stakeholders. DEFSEC West is expected to continue as a recurring forum for dialogue and partnership in the defence and security sector.