MacEwan University is set to host the Community-College-University Exposition (C2UExpo), Canada's leading community-based research conference, from May 12 to 15, 2025. The conference brings together researchers and practitioners from across sectors to showcase how campus-community partnerships are addressing local and global challenges. This also marks the first time the conference will be held in Alberta.
"C2UExpo's 2025 theme, Partners in Place,' aligns with MacEwan's dedication to honouring our place in the heart of O-day'min," says Dr. Annette Trimbee, president and vice-chancellor. "We are committed to partnering meaningfully with community, and are eager to showcase the power of those partnerships in addressing pressing issues that impact all of us."
Hosting this expo will highlight the many ways MacEwan is a leader in community-engaged research and illustrate the university's meaningful collaboration with partners across Edmonton and beyond.
"This conference is an opportunity to showcase how MacEwan really stands apart as a trendsetter in campus-community engagement," says Dr. Craig Kuziemsky, associate vice-president, Research. "At MacEwan, we're firmly in the mix. The drive to make a meaningful impact in communities is at the heart of everything we do."
Organized by Community-Based Research Canada (CBRCanada), a national non-profit, C2UExpo offers a platform for sharing experiences, strategies and ideas about how communities and post-secondary institutions can work together to spark social innovation and change.
"For over 20 years, the C2UExpo has been a space for strengthening communities and transforming institutions through community-based research, service learning and knowledge mobilization," said Dr. Joanna Ochocka, CBRCanada chair and executive director. "We are thrilled that MacEwan University will host the C2UExpo in 2025."
Up to 600 delegates from across Canada and around the world will come to the Edmonton region to participate. With key partners like the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), NorQuest College, the Rural Development Network (RDN) and the University of Alberta's Community-University Partnership (CUP), this conference demonstrates strong collaboration among post-secondary institutions, and a commitment to serving diverse communities across the region. Dynamic collaborations like these are part of why Edmonton was named one of UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities, a group of the top education cities worldwide.
"We're really excited about the opportunity to make an impact," says Dr. Emily Milne, co-chair of the C2UExpo and associate professor, Department of Sociology. "The expo isn't only about showcasing the work we're doing - it is also about providing our communities with opportunities for learning and connection. It will give communities access to much-needed resources and invigorate Edmonton's downtown."
The conference will feature activities such as interactive workshops, panels, symposia, networking events and off-site showcases.
For more information, please contact archerj24@macewan.ca
