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Business Trade Missions

Trade missions offer SE Alberta businesses access to new markets, growth opportunities

Oct 8, 2026 | 10:30 AM

Southeast Alberta businesses have opportunities to connect with new markets, industry leaders, and potential partners through a trade missions program promoted by the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce.

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce Trade Missions program gives businesses opportunities to attend industry events, site visits, networking sessions, and business-to-business meetings across Alberta and Canada.

The Chamber says the program can help local businesses find new customers and suppliers, explore different industries and identify investment opportunities as economic conditions continue to change.

Lisa Dressler, executive director of the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, said trade missions are about creating opportunities, not just travel.

“Whether a business is looking to expand sales, strengthen supply chains, explore new industries, or build strategic partnerships, these missions help open doors that might otherwise remain out of reach,” Dressler said.

Upcoming missions include opportunities in aerospace, aviation and drone technology through the AEAC Drone Conference & Exhibition in Montréal, as well as agri-food and food processing through SIAL Canada in Toronto.

Other opportunities include Web Summit Vancouver for technology and innovation, the Spark Indigenous Energy Summit in Calgary, Agri-Trade Equipment Expo in Red Deer and Builders Connect Expo in Edmonton.

The program also provides preparation before each mission and follow-up support afterward to help businesses turn new connections into longer-term opportunities.

The Chamber says participating in trade missions can help Southeast Alberta businesses diversify their markets and strengthen their competitiveness while bringing new ideas and relationships back to the region.

“Expanding beyond local and regional boundaries is becoming increasingly important for businesses of all sizes,” Dressler said.

“These missions provide valuable insights, connections, and opportunities that can help businesses grow while bringing new ideas and relationships back to Southeast Alberta.”

Businesses interested in upcoming trade missions can find more information through the Alberta Chambers of Commerce.