The theme for the CDA Annual Conference and Trade Show 2026 is Tides of Change and the CDA is seeking abstracts for the event. Technical sessions will consider performance and design criteria of dams; environmental, regulatory, social, economic and technological changes; construction and operation. Prospective authors are asked to please check the conference website for a formal call for abstracts with further instructions and important dates.

Technical Themes

• Applications of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis Methods
• Risk Assessments and Adaptation 
• Design and Safety Assessment
• Coastal Flooding and Protection
• Dam Breach Analyses
• Climate Impacts to Design and Operations Parameters
• Dam Safety Management Case Studies
• Emergency Management and Public Safety Case Studies
• Design Flood Estimation
• Small Dams
• Generation Development Challenges and Opportunities
• Reliability Assessments and Performance of Aging Infrastructure
• Tailings Dams
• Role of Public Policy in the Setting of Dam Safety Criteria
• Stakeholder Engagement and the Communication of Risk

Timely submission of abstracts and papers will help improve the quality of the technical program for all conference attendees. Authors are encouraged to take note of the deadlines found on the website as the technical presentation program is expected to fill up.

Please remember to check the CDA website regularly for updates and any changes to the schedule and/or information.

Who Should Submit a Poster?
The 2026 Technical Committee strongly encourages students, EITs/GITs and young professionals to submit an abstract for a poster!

How do I submit an Abstract?
Abstracts must be between 300 and 500 words and may be submitted in either English or French. Individuals will need to submit their abstracts through the online system, please continue to check the conference webpage for updates.

If you have any questions, reach out to our conference team at events@cda.ca or 604-952-5507 (Lauren).