Helicopter Association of Canada - HAC Convention & Trade Show

Name: Helicopter Association of Canada - HAC Convention & Trade Show
Start: 2026-11-04
End: 2026-11-06
Location: Victoria Conference Centre

Notable exhibitors

Companies exhibiting at Helicopter Association of Canada - HAC Convention & Trade Show include Action Aero, AeroNet, Air Trail, Airbus Americas, Inc. and Annex Business Media.

Action Aero
AeroNet
Air Trail
Airbus Americas, Inc.
Annex Business Media

Event overview

Overview

The Helicopter Association of Canada - HAC Convention & Trade Show is a premier event for the helicopter industry, bringing together key stakeholders for networking, education, and collaboration.

This year's event will take place from November 4 to 6, 2026, at the Victoria Conference Centre in Victoria, Canada.

TL;DR

1Dates and Venue: The HAC Convention & Trade Show runs from November 4 to 6, 2026, at the Victoria Conference Centre in Victoria, Canada.
2Scale and Focus: This event serves as a key gathering for the helicopter industry, focusing on networking and collaboration among industry leaders.
3Organiser: The event is organised by the Helicopter Association of Canada, with more details available at h-a-c.ca.
4Buyer Authority: Attendees include helicopter operators, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders with significant purchasing influence.
5Entry / Access: Registration details and pricing can be found on the official website.

Why visit

Visitors will gain insights into the latest industry trends, network with key decision-makers, and explore innovative solutions tailored for the helicopter sector. Dates and Venue: The HAC Convention & Trade Show runs from November 4 to 6, 2026, at the Victoria Conference Centre in Victoria, Canada. Scale and Focus: This event serves as a key gathering for the helicopter industry, focusing on networking and collaboration among industry leaders.

Why exhibit

Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience, enhancing visibility and generating valuable leads in the helicopter market. Scale and Focus: This event serves as a key gathering for the helicopter industry, focusing on networking and collaboration among industry leaders. Buyer Authority: Attendees include helicopter operators, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders with significant purchasing influence.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Helicopter operators and owners

Aviation safety professionals

Regulatory bodies and government officials

Helicopter manufacturers and suppliers

Industry consultants and advisors

Aviation training organizations

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Helicopter manufacturers

Aviation safety equipment suppliers

Helicopter maintenance service providers

Flight training organizations

Helicopter parts and accessories vendors

Insurance and financial service providers

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Helicopter airframes and components

Safety equipment and gear

Maintenance and repair services

Flight training programs

Helicopter accessories and upgrades

Aviation software and technology solutions

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Halls & areas

Main Hall

Victoria Conference Centre

720 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 3M6, Canada

Entrances & gates

Main Entrance

Main Hall

Facilities

Parking

Yes. Victoria Conference Centre has a two-level underground parkade for about 305 to 310 vehicles, entered from Douglas Street, open roughly from early morning until midnight daily. Street parking is also available downtown.

Food options

Catering services available

On-site dining

Parking: Parking availability and rates should be confirmed on the venue's official site.

Attend

Entry & tickets

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

4 November –9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5 November –9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

6 November –9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

General Admission
Early bird registration available until September 30, 2026.
CA$300.00

Ticket info

Ticket notes

Visit the registration page for detailed ticket information.

Registration deadline

2026-10-31

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Next edition

Not announced yet

New this edition

1
New host city and venue for 2026
After the 30th annual convention at Tradex Abbotsford in November 2025, the HAC Convention & Trade Show relocates to the Victoria Conference Centre in Victoria, British Columbia for the 4 to 6 November 2026 edition.
Source

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

The Helicopter Association of Canada - HAC Convention & Trade Show is a premier event for the helicopter industry, bringing together key stakeholders for networking, education, and collaboration. This year's event will take place from November 4 to 6, 2026, at the Victoria Conference Centre in Victoria, Canada. The HAC Convention & Trade Show is vital for fostering collaboration and innovation within the helicopter industry, addressing regulatory challenges, and enhancing operational safety.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Visitors typically include Helicopter operators and owners, Aviation safety professionals, Regulatory bodies and government officials, Helicopter manufacturers and suppliers. Dates and Venue: The HAC Convention & Trade Show runs from November 4 to 6, 2026, at the Victoria Conference Centre in Victoria, Canada. Scale and Focus: This event serves as a key gathering for the helicopter industry, focusing on networking and collaboration among industry leaders. Organiser: The event is organised by the Helicopter.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Why it matters

Attending Helicopter Association of Canada - HAC Convention & Trade Show on 2026-11-04 to 2026-11-06 in Victoria lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Digital buyer journeys

What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Sustainability in procurement

What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Automation and labour efficiency

What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Regional supply-chain resilience

What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Hybrid engagement models

What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Technology trade fair circuit

Book hotels and meetings 8–12 weeks before opening day; peer shows in the same sector often fall in adjacent months.

Buyers covering technology often plan Helicopter Association of Canada - HAC Convention & Trade Show alongside regional peer shows to compare products, pricing, and service coverage across markets.

Pre-show

Confirm exhibitor meetings and product demos for Helicopter Association of Canada - HAC Convention & Trade Show.

Show week

Hall walk-throughs, live demos, and supplier negotiations.

Peer events are widely known sector fairs; verify dates on each organiser website before booking.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · CAD

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites

Downtown VictoriaAbout 160 m from Victoria Conference Centre to venue

Closest upscale option to the venue; strong guest rating and frequently discounted.

Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center

Strathcona Hotel

Downtown VictoriaAbout 240 m from Victoria Conference Centre to venue

Mid-range hotel a short walk from the venue entrance on Douglas Street.

Free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), breakfast, bar, restaurant, accessible

Hotel Grand Pacific

Inner Harbour / Douglas StreetAbout 460 m from Victoria Conference Centre to venue

Eco-certified harbourfront hotel with a 4.5 guest rating.

Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center

Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria On The Harbour

Inner HarbourWalking distance to Victoria Conference Centre to venue

Value option within the downtown core.

Breakfast, free Wi-Fi, parking, air conditioning

Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria Uptown

Victoria UptownShort drive from Victoria Conference Centre to venue

Budget-friendly with free parking and an airport shuttle.

Free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, pet-friendly, breakfast, bar, airport shuttle

Ocean Island Inn Backpackers Suites

Downtown VictoriaWalking distance to the downtown core to venue

Lowest-cost lodging for budget-conscious attendees.

Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), bar

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

On-site parking

Estimated costApprox CAD 15 to 25 per day (estimate); street parking also available

Victoria Conference Centre has a two-level underground parkade for about 305 to 310 vehicles, entered from Douglas Street, open roughly from early morning until midnight daily.

Walking

Estimated costFree

Downtown hotels sit within 2 to 6 minutes of the venue: Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites about 160 m, Strathcona Hotel about 240 m and Hotel Grand Pacific about 460 m.

Taxi and ride-hail

Estimated costApprox CAD 10 to 20 for short downtown trips (estimate)

Downtown Victoria is compact; taxis and ride-hail connect the Inner Harbour hotel district to the venue along Douglas Street.

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa required

ATA Carnet: check with organiser

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)	Visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada, which covers many European and some other travellers	—	Usually minutes to a few days when applied for online
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV, visitor visa)	Nationals of countries that are not visa-exempt who attend the conference as business visitors	—	Typically weeks to months depending on the visa office and season
U.S. citizen business visitor	United States citizens travelling to Victoria by air or land	—	Not applicable

U.S. citizens and most visa-exempt nationals can attend without a formal visa. U.S. citizens normally need only a valid passport, while other visa-exempt travellers must hold an approved eTA before boarding a flight to Canada.

Official visa page

Weather

November in Victoria, British Columbia is cool and damp. Average highs sit near 9 to 13 C (48 to 56 F) and nighttime lows near 3 to 6 C (38 to 43 F). The month is one of the wettest, with roughly 160 to 190 mm of rain across about 17 rainy days, so attendees should expect changeable coastal conditions and shorter daylight hours during the 4 to 6 November 2026 show.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Canadian carriers provide broad LTE and 5G coverage across Victoria, including the downtown conference district. Business visitors typically use hotel Wi-Fi or a local SIM/eSIM for video calls, VPN access and tethering; check roaming rates or buy a Canadian eSIM before travelling.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Registration

Confirm registration and venue access with the organiser before travelling to Victoria.

Arrival

Arrive early on the first show day for orientation and security screening.

Territory acknowledgment

Victoria Conference Centre sits on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and the Xwsepsum Nation; many Canadian events open with a land acknowledgment.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Victoria; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.

Visa

Conference and trade-show attendance counts as a business visit to Canada. Depending on nationality, business visitors need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA); U.S. citizens generally need only a valid passport. Carry proof of the event, your employer and your accommodation for border officers.

Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

Processing: Varies by nationality and visa office. IRCC advises applying well before travel, so submit a TRV or eTA application at least several weeks ahead of the 4 November 2026 show.

Apply through the official IRCC portal. A letter of invitation from the organiser or your employer strengthens a business visitor application; check whether your nationality requires a TRV or only an eTA before booking flights.

Official

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Victoria; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.

Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Victoria Conference Centre: Downtown Victoria: Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites; Downtown Victoria: Strathcona Hotel; Inner Harbour / Douglas Street: Hotel Grand Pacific.

Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Victoria; confirm local availability before travel.

Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Victoria Conference Centre.

Parking: On-site parking is available at Victoria Conference Centre; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: November 2026

Temperature: Daytime highs of about 9 to 13 C (48 to 56 F) and nighttime lows of about 3 to 6 C (38 to 43 F) in Victoria during November.

Seasonality: November is one of Victoria's wettest months, with roughly 160 to 190 mm of rain across about 17 rainy days as coastal autumn shifts toward winter.

Packing: Pack a waterproof jacket, an umbrella and warm layers, plus comfortable walking shoes for Victoria's damp, changeable coastal weather. Add business attire for conference sessions and training courses.

Plan your trip

Planning

Confirm passport validity and visa or eTA status for Canada — Apply early through the official IRCC portal if a Temporary Resident Visa is required for the 4 to 6 November 2026 show.

Book flights to arrive in Victoria the day before the 3 to 4 November 2026 opening — Allow connection time and consider arrivals into Victoria the day before badge collection.

Reserve a hotel near Victoria Conference Centre — Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites (about 160 m), Strathcona Hotel (about 240 m) and Hotel Grand Pacific (about 460 m) are walkable to 720 Douglas Street.

Complete HAC visitor registration and confirm your badge — Register through the organiser at h-a-c.ca ahead of the 4 to 6 November 2026 convention.

Download the show guide, floor plan and conference programme — Review the exhibitor list and session tracks to shortlist priority stands and talks.

Pre-schedule meetings with exhibitors and other operators — Email target suppliers to lock meeting slots before the trade show floor opens.

Shortlist conference sessions and training courses — HAC runs specialist courses such as vertical reference long-line external cargo; note any separate fees.

Plan local transport to the venue — Walk from downtown hotels or use the Victoria Conference Centre underground parkade entered from Douglas Street.

Pack rain-ready layers and business attire — November in Victoria is damp with highs near 9 to 13 C; bring a waterproof jacket and umbrella.

Prepare meeting documents, business cards and product specs — Carry digital and printed material for supplier and operator discussions.

Arrange an eSIM or roaming plan and a Canadian payment method — Confirm hotel Wi-Fi or a local eSIM for calls, VPN access and tethering.

On arrival, collect your badge and walk the trade show floor — Arrive early on 4 November 2026 for orientation at Victoria Conference Centre.

Budget

Costs & budget

Build your working budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

Number of nights

Estimated budget

Live estimate

Per diem × 2CA$150.00

Estimated totalCA$150.00

This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

Cost reference

Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

visitor_ticket

visitor · General Admission

CAD 300 / per person

official

Item	For	Tier	Estimated range	Status	As of
visitor_ticket	visitor	General Admission	CAD 300 / per person	official

Decision

Visit, exhibit, or skip?

Should you go?

Use this quick check to decide whether Helicopter Association of Canada - HAC Convention & Trade Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.

QUESTION 1 OF 6

What is your primary role?

Decision matrix

Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

visit

Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.

Best for

Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.

Min. budget

$400.00

Timeline

4–8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.

Risks

Limited session times published — confirm agenda before booking.

exhibit

You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.

Best for

Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.

Min. budget

$2,500.00

Timeline

3–6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.

Risks

Booth pricing not published in captured sources — confirm with organiser.

skip

Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.

Best for

Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.

Timeline

N/A

Risks

No major risks listed.

Gallery

Photos

Official imagery from Helicopter Association of Canada - HAC Convention & Trade Show

Official Helicopter Association of Canada - HAC Convention & Trade Show event branding

FAQs & glossary

Answers

Frequently asked

When and where is the HAC Convention & Trade Show?

The 2026 edition runs 4 to 6 November 2026 at the Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The previous 30th annual convention was held 4 to 6 November 2025 at Tradex Abbotsford.

Do I need a visa to attend as a business visitor?

Conference and trade-show attendance counts as a business visit to Canada. Depending on nationality you need either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA); U.S. citizens generally need only a valid passport. Apply through the official IRCC portal before booking travel.

What is the weather like in Victoria in November?

Expect cool, damp conditions with daytime highs near 9 to 13 C and nighttime lows near 3 to 6 C, plus roughly 160 to 190 mm of rain over about 17 rainy days. Pack waterproof layers and comfortable walking shoes.

Is parking available at the venue?

Where should I stay near the venue?

Several downtown hotels are within walking distance of the conference centre: Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites about 160 m, Strathcona Hotel about 240 m and Hotel Grand Pacific about 460 m. Uptown options such as Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria Uptown offer free parking and an airport shuttle.

Who attends the HAC Convention & Trade Show?

Canada's helicopter operators, manufacturers, suppliers, regulators, educators and students gather for the annual convention, which combined a conference programme with a trade show of 145 exhibitors at the 2025 edition.

How do I register for the event?

Registration is handled through the organiser's online system, with event details and links published on h-a-c.ca. Check the annual conference and trade show page for delegate rates, the programme and badge collection details.

Glossary

HAC: Helicopter Association of Canada, the national trade body that hosts the annual HAC Convention & Trade Show for the Canadian helicopter industry.
Vertical reference long-lining: An aerial work technique in which the pilot flies with reference to a line and mirror or spotter rather than the ground to place external cargo; HAC offers specialist training courses on it.
External cargo / sling load: Equipment, materials or supplies carried on a hook and line outside the helicopter cabin rather than inside.
Static display: A dedicated exhibition area where aircraft are parked for attendees to inspect up close, a highlight of the HAC trade show floor.
OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer, meaning the factory that builds helicopters, engines or major components, a core exhibitor category at HAC.
Operator: A company that flies helicopters commercially, such as aerial work, emergency medical, utility or tourism operators, and a primary HAC attendee group.
Aerial work: Commercial helicopter missions such as firefighting, surveying, heli-logging, pipeline patrol and utility line work.
TRV: Temporary Resident Visa, the Canadian visitor visa required by non-visa-exempt travellers attending the conference.
eTA: Electronic Travel Authorization, the online pre-travel clearance required by visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada.
Trade show floor: The exhibition hall where suppliers showcase aircraft, components, avionics, training and services to operators and buyers.

Trust footer

Sources

References

Publishers

Date checked

Helicopter Association of Canada

h-a-c.ca
Lang: EN
event_website
Facebook - Helicopter Association of Canada
Lang: EN
event_social
X - Helicopter Association of Canada
Lang: EN
event_social
Instagram - Helicopter Association of Canada
Lang: EN
event_social

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