At the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE), advocacy is about building a community of engineers engaged in the issues that shape our world. That’s why the 2025 Engineering Conference is built around the themes influencing both our advocacy work and the future of the engineering profession.
From climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure to smart transportation and inclusive design, this year’s sessions highlight how engineering innovation can address today’s most pressing challenges and create a better tomorrow. The agenda reflects the priorities we care about and the professional, forward-thinking solutions that will define engineering in the years ahead. Here is an overview of the conference agenda:
Energy & Climate Resilience
Our sessions encourage investment in clean energy systems, electrification, and building decarbonization are echoed in sessions such as:
- Positive Building – A Carbon-Negative and Nature-Positive Buildings Design Solution
- Net-Zero | Nature Positive: Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy in a Post-Fossil Fuel World
- Pathways to Building Decarbonization and the Impact on the Electricity Grid
- Integrating Climate Action into Practice by Advancing Engineering Competencies
These sessions explore practical pathways to achieve energy transition and reinforce the need for research and development funding, regulatory reform, and investment in sustainable technologies.
Infrastructure, Land Use & Transportation
The following sessions bring inclusive design, asset management, and strategic transportation to life:
- Effective Transportation as the Key to Sustainable Cities
- Inclusive Design in the Transportation Sector
- The State of Asset Management in Canada: Trends, Challenges, and Success Stories
- The Interrelation Between Consulting Engineering and Urban Planning for Land Development
- Public and Private Perspectives in Land Development: Best Practices for Stakeholder Engagement
These sessions spotlight the importance of systems thinking in engineering and people-centered infrastructure planning.
Engineering Innovation & Regulation
These sessions explore the ethics of AI and protecting emerging disciplines:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the Water Sector
- Machine Safety: Collaborative Robots
These topics cover public safety and professional relevance in a rapidly changing field.
Innovation in Transportation
The Fireside Chat on Train Automation with Ron Mitchell and Yousef Kimiagar demonstrates how engineers are leading future-forward mobility projects.
Complementing these themes, we will feature a panel led by WatSPEED (University of Waterloo) on Digital Transformation, exploring how engineers must adapt to evolving technologies while maintaining professional standards. Another key session will focus on Liability and Insurance for Engineers, highlighting procurement and regulatory frameworks that reflect the complexity and risk inherent in engineering practice.
Whether you’re an advocate, innovator, or curious learner, this year’s Engineering Conference is your chance to explore the ideas and innovations shaping the future of our profession.
Leave a Comment