MacEwan University to host C2UExpo 2025

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 President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee. “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 excels in community-engaged research. 

“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. “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. Early Learning at MacEwan will also be providing childcare for expo delegates who may require it. If you are interested in attending this conference, please tell us more about your childcare needs here.

We are thankful for the ongoing dedication and support of all our community partners:

·       Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT); 

·        NorQuest College; 

·        University of Alberta’s Community-University Partnership (CUP); 

·        University of Alberta’s Research Partner Network;

·        Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society; 

·        Bissell Centre; 

·        Boyle Street Community League; 

·        Boyle Street Community Services; 

·        City of Edmonton; 

·        Early Learning at MacEwan (ELM); 

·        Edmonton Downtown Business Association; 

·        Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues; 

·        Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board; 

·        Edmonton Police Service; 

·        Edmonton Public Library; 

·        Edmonton Unlimited; 

·        Explore Edmonton; 

·        Government of Alberta; 

·        Green Violin; 

·        Homeward Trust; 

·        khiêw waciton Indigenous Centre; 

·        Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton City Centre, David Shepherd; 

·        Radius Community Health & Healing 

·        Rural Development Network; 

·        Technology North; 

·        Telus World of Science; 

·        The Family Centre of Northern Alberta;

·        The Mustard Seed; 

·        Thirdspace Playback Theatre; 

·        Town of Morinville; and 

·        United Way - Alberta Capital Region 

If you are interested in partnership, sponsorship, or learning more about the C2UExpo, please contact the conference organizers at c2uexpo2025@macewan.ca. 

About the Community-College-University Exposition “C2UExpo”

The C2UExpo is the largest community-based research conference in Canada. Since 2003, it has brought together diverse partners to re-imagine the relationship between higher education institutions and the community. Held every two years, it offers opportunities to mobilize knowledge, build skills, and advocate for systemic change. In doing so, it has been a critical forum for addressing societal problems in ways that combine academic excellence with community relevance. https://www.communityresearchcanada.ca/c2uexpo 

About Community-Based Research Canada (CBRCanada)

CBRCanada is a national non-profit organization contributing to equitable, just, and sustainable communities within and beyond Canada. CBRCanada works to strengthen partnerships, build capacity, mobilize knowledge, and champion community-based research as an approach to addressing our most challenging societal problems.  https://www.communityresearchcanada.ca/ 

About MacEwan University

MacEwan University is a post-secondary institution located on Treaty 6 Territory, in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton), Alberta. It provides a transformative education in a collaborative and supportive learning environment. For over 50 years, MacEwan has fostered research and innovation that engages students, faculty, and the community. https://www.macewan.ca/about-macewan/ 

For media inquiries:

Rebecca Kerrison (she/her) kerrisonr2@macewan.ca 

Marketing & Communications Consultant Office of Research Services MacEwan University

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