Join us for the 81st CDDA AGM & Convention in Victoria, BC

We look forward to welcoming our registered delegates to the 81st Annual General Meeting & Convention, taking place May 24–26, 2026, at the Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria, British Columbia is now open.

With the vibrant theme “Viva Victoria,” this year’s event will feature keynote speaker John Westhaver and three days of networking, technical sessions, exhibits, and industry recognition.

We look forward to welcoming contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, and industry leaders from across Canada as we celebrate safety, innovation, and collaboration in the diamond drilling industry.

Primary Hotel: Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort

Book Your Group Rate:

Room Block has sold out for some of the dates; please see below secondary room block hotel option if you are unable to book your desired dates.  

Overflow Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria

• Saturday May 23 to Tuesday May 27, 2026
• Starting at 449.00 CAD per night

Booking Instructions:
Link: CDDA AGM 2026
• Select a Room and click on “Quick Book”
• Follow the page by page instructions from there
2. Call our toll-free Central Reservations number at 1-800-222-TREE…
3. Contact HOTEL’s In-House Reservations department at 250-940-3106 or email reservations@doubletreevictoria.com…
• Ask for the CDDA AGM 2026 group rate – OR – reference group code DDA
• PLEASE NOTE: In-House Reservations is available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
In-House Reservations is closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

 81st Annual Mini-Tradeshow– SOLD OUT

Exhibitors at the 81st Canadian Diamond Drilling Association Convention (May 24–26, 2026, Victoria, BC) receive prime visibility by hosting their booths inside the technical presentation room May 25-26, 2026. Your products and services stay front and centre while attendees engage in leading technical sessions; so you can network, learn, and connect with decision-makers without being tied to your booth all day.

Booth Registration Includes

• 1 delegate registration

• 8ft × 10ft booth space

• 1 table

• Recognition in the official event program

• Opportunity for a brief sales pitch

• Ability to display products and promotional materials

• Website advertising

Elements Casino 

Get ready to roll the dice at the 81st CDDA AGM & Convention because this year, we’re bringing Vegas to Victoria!

Our Viva Victoria themed AGM & Convention promises an unforgettable experience filled with energy, connection, and excitement. We’ll kick things off in true Vegas style with an exclusive Welcome Reception at Elements Casino Victoria, hosted in their stunning Platinum Room, a private, modern event space featuring a chic lobby, stage, and versatile layout perfect for mingling and celebration.

As delegates arrive, you’ll be greeted with wine and charcuterie, setting the tone for a vibrant evening of networking with Contractors, Manufacturers, Suppliers, and Training Associates in the diamond drilling and exploration industry.

The reception is included with official delegate and companion registration. Get ready to experience the thrill of Vegas, CDDA style!

Please note that Elements Casino does offer slots, live tables, poker, and electronic games,  we just ask that all attendees who choose to play remember to play responsibly.

John Westhaver

A Global Leader in Resilience, Safety, and Mental Health.

The Canadian Diamond Drilling Association is proud to announce this year’s Keynote Speaker, John Westhaver.

John Westhaver is the embodiment of resilience. A thriving trauma survivor who overcame life-altering burns, he has transformed his personal journey into a powerful mission, helping people rise above challenges, take control of their well-being, and unlock their full potential. As a married father of three, he understands the importance of balance, perseverance, and leading by example.

As an international speaker and social leader, John Westhaver specializes in transforming corporate cultures through the power of resilience, safety, and responsibility. With a life story that is both compelling and transformative,

John has more than two decades of experience delivering over 850 keynote presentations worldwide. He’s not just a speaker; he’s a catalyst for change. He is an award-winning speaker, receiving recognition with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012) and the Courage To Come Back Award by Coast Mental Health (2017).

We’re excited to begin the 81st CDDA AGM & Convention technical sessions with keynote speaker John Westhaver, delivering an inspiring address on the importance of safety.

Gilbert Huard, CDDA Director 

Operations Manager Surface and Underground, Forage Orbit Garant Drilling 

The CDDA is pleased to announce this year’s Technical Program Chair, Gil Huard.

Gil is a highly respected professional in the diamond drilling industry, bringing over 27 years of experience to the role. He currently serves as Operations Manager for both Surface and Underground at Orbit Garant Drilling, where he demonstrates a strong commitment to operational excellence, safety, and innovation.

Throughout his career, Gil has accumulated 16 years of international project management experience, working across Canada, Australia, Europe, and the United States, and contributing valuable insight and leadership to projects around the world.

We look forward to having Gil welcome our delegates and extend our sincere thanks to Orbit Garant for their continued support. We are also proud to recognize Orbit Garant as an official Platinum Sponsor of this year’s event.

Vegas Night

Entertainment: Iconic Tributes 

The Canadian Diamond Drilling Association is proud to present the 2026 Annual Safety Awards Gala a Red Carpet Vegas Night to remember!

Dress to impress and join us for an evening of celebration, entertainment, and recognition as we honour the outstanding achievements and dedication within our industry. This exclusive gala will shine a spotlight on excellence, safety, and innovation across the diamond drilling community.

Throughout the evening, we will recognize the recipients of the prestigious Lifetime Member Award, Bring it to the Surface Ambassador Award the Contractor Safety Award, the Manufacturer Award, and the Supplier Award, each representing remarkable commitment, leadership, and contribution to the advancement of our industry.

Adding a touch of classic Vegas flair, guests will Meet & Mingle with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, followed by a show-stopping performance from Elvis and Rod Stewart impersonators. From the glitz of the red carpet to the sparkle of the stage, this event promises a truly unforgettable night celebrating the best of the CDDA with Iconic Tributes.

Olympic View Golf Club, Victoria BC 

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Testimonials