Québec City 2026 Canadian Cultural Resources Association (CCRA) Conference

The Canadian Cultural Resources Association (CCRA) hosted its 2026 Conference in Québec City, bringing together cultural resource management (CRM) and archaeology professionals from across the country for a day of meaningful discussion and collaboration.

The conference created a dynamic space for entrepreneurs, practitioners, and industry leaders to exchange ideas and address some of the most pressing challenges facing the sector today. Throughout the day, participants engaged in thoughtful conversations focused on strengthening the business side of CRM, an area that continues to evolve alongside increasing demands and expectations.

Key discussions explored practical strategies to support the growth and sustainability of CRM firms, including approaches to move beyond the traditional commodity model and instead build long-term value within organizations. Participants also highlighted the importance of making more effective and intentional use of administrative tools and artificial intelligence, as well as seeking strategic financial guidance, including working with financial professionals such as CFO consultants, to support informed decision-making and business development. This perspective was notably reinforced by our keynote speaker, Allison Ruch (Syncopate CPA Professional Corporation), who brought valuable insights into financial strategy and business structuring within the sector. Another important theme that emerged from the conference was the need to rethink how the industry communicates and positions itself. Participants emphasized the value of adapting marketing approaches to better reflect client needs and expectations, moving away from highly specialized internal terminology toward clearer, more accessible messaging. This perspective was strongly highlighted by Christopher Dore (Heritage Business International and President of the Society for American Archaeology - SAA), whose insights underscored the importance of aligning communication strategies with broader industry and client realities.

In addition to business-focused discussions, the conference also generated important reflections on the relationship between academia and the professional world. Many participants expressed a shared interest in improving the transition from university training to careers in CRM. As a result, the idea of establishing an Education Committee within the CCRA was identified as a potential next step to support this work and foster stronger connections between academic programs and industry needs.

The CCRA would like to extend a sincere thank you to all participants for their engagement, openness, and willingness to share their perspectives. The energy and ideas generated during the conference represent an important step toward strengthening the future of cultural resource management in Canada.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and building on this momentum in the months ahead.