2027 Partnership Prospectus
WELCOME TO CSMLS PARTNERSHIPS
Thank you for your interest in partnering with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and supporting the medical laboratory profession.
We’re proud to offer a range of partnership opportunities designed to help your organization connect with medical laboratory professionals and showcase your products, services and commitment to the profession at LABCON, Canada’s premier medical laboratory conference.
In this prospectus, you’ll find everything you need to explore our partnership opportunities, benefits and ways to get involved. From exhibitor opportunities and sponsorships to enhanced brand visibility and delegate engagement, there are a variety of ways to make your presence at LABCON stand out.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the opportunities available, please contact us at events@csmls.org.
We look forward to partnering with you at LABCON!
About CSMLS
The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science is the national certifying body for medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory assistants, and the national society for Canada’s medical laboratory professionals. We are a not-for-profit organization funded entirely by membership dues and revenues from goods and services.
Incorporated in 1937 as the Canadian Society of Laboratory Technologists, the society has nearly 14,000 members in Canada and in countries around the world.
Medical laboratory professionals work in a dynamic and ever-changing field. CSMLS is committed to providing professional development and continuing education programs to help members update their skills and knowledge, and achieve their professional goals. We constantly strive to expand our services and discover new ways to meet the continuing education needs of our members.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CSMLS MEMBERS
About LABCON
LABCON, the CSMLS annual national conference, is a place for lab professionals, managers, directors and educators to share knowledge, explore new technology, and connect with colleagues from across the country. We create a conference experience that keeps our delegates coming back year after year. We are excited to host the 2027 event in Ottawa, ON.
CSMLS is pleased to offer a variety of opportunities for industry partners to interact with delegates and we invite you to join us!
Conference Highlights:
- New sponsorship options
- Exhibit Hall hours are dedicated time to explore the tradeshow with NO concurrent sessions
- Exhibitors’ Lunch- a 2-hour brunch allowing dedicated time for participants to mingle with exhibitors
- Opportunity to host Industry Sessions – a 60 min concurrent session during regular programming
Breakdown of LABCON attendance by career stage:
Breakdown of LABCON attendance by profession:
Past LABCON Statistics:
2025 (Montréal, QC) 410 participants, 44 sessions
2024 (St. John’s NL) 307 participants, 38 sessions
2023 (Whistler, BC) 274 participants 31 sessions
2022 (Winnipeg, MB) 220 participants 32 sessions
2018 (Ottawa, ON) 302 participants 35 sessions
2017 (Banff, AB) 348 participants 39 sessions
2016 (Charlottetown, PE) 260 participants 39 sessions
2015 (Montréal, QC) 374 participants 35 sessions
LABCON is funded through registration fees and sponsorship. Industry support significantly enhances the conference’s long-standing reputation and ability to offer high-quality educational programming. At the same time, it also presents a unique opportunity to engage with medical laboratory technologists, assistants, and other health care professionals.
Sponsorship=Partnership
LABCON sponsorship aligns your company with one of the most reputable conferences in the medical laboratory industry in Canada and the only national conference for the profession. Your support demonstrates your commitment to the laboratory profession and the continuous delivery of high quality products and services.
We understand how important it is to see a return on your sponsorship dollars. With this in mind, CSMLS provides post-event reports to our sponsors which include conference statistics and delegate demographic information. In addition, we now provide participant lists of everyone who has indicated their willingness to share this information.
From the time you sign on until the post-event reports are sent, CSMLS will work with you every step of the way to ensure this partnership is a success!
LABCON OFFERS UNIQUE SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
LABCON allows you to choose from a wide variety of options to ensure that your company is getting the return YOU want! Whether it’s brand recognition, to be seen as a subject matter expert or the chance to connect with participants, there’s an opportunity that’s right for you!
WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE
2027 Partnership
All companies are not uniform so why do most conferences make the sponsorship packages uniform?
LABCON allows companies choose from high impact, pre-determined sponsorship levels as well as exclusive lower-cost à la carte options.
Looking for something different? Contact us and we can customize a sponsorship to align with your company goals or budget! Contact us at events@csmls.org for more information.
All opportunities are designated as “LABCON” (available during the conference) or “CSMLS” (available throughout the year).
Let’s get started!
- Priority Booth Placement (agreements must be received by February 27, 2026, to qualify)
- Badge ribbon recognizing your company as a sponsor
- Social media mentions
- Use of LABCON logo for promotional purposes
- A list of participants* provided post-event (depending on the event sponsored, i.e., LABCON, symposia, or other learning events)
- Full-page ad in the CJMLS publication
- Logo on onsite materials
- Logo & link to company website on LABCON website
- Recognition during opening ceremonies
- 2 inserts into delegate bag
- LabBuzz banner ad (2 issues/month)
- Ad in bi-weekly eNEWS (4 ads)
- Your choice of co-brand material (notebook, water bottle, or participant bag)
- Lead retrieval in event app
LABCON Event App Promotions
- Presence in the event app
- Home screen ad in app
- Alerts to attendees through the app (one per day)
- Banner ad in event app
- Presence in Event app gamification
*those who gave permission for information to be shared
- Booth
- Badge ribbon recognizing your company as a sponsor
- Social media mentions
- Use of LABCON logo for promotional purposes
- A list of participants* provided post-event (depending on the event sponsored, i.e., LABCON, symposia, or other learning events)
- 1/2-page ad in the CJMLS publication
- Logo on onsite materials
- Logo & link to company website on LABCON website
- Recognition during opening ceremonies
- Insert into delegate bag
- Ad in bi-weekly eNEWS (2 ads)
LABCON Event App Promotions
- Presence in the event app
- Alerts to attendees through the app (one per day)
- Banner ad in event app
- Presence in Event app gamification
*those who gave permission for information to be shared
- Booth
- Badge ribbon recognizing your company as a sponsor
- Social media mentions
- Use of LABCON logo for promotional purposes
- A list of participants* provided post-event (depending on the event sponsored, i.e. LABCON, symposia or other learning events)
- Email to CSMLS membership (must be booked and approved by CSMLS in advance, will be sent out via CSMLS email system)
- 1/3-page ad in the CJMLS publication
- Logo on onsite materials
- Logo & link to company website on LABCON website
- Recognition during opening ceremonies
- Insert into delegate bag
LABCON Event App Promotions
- Presence in the event app
- Alerts to attendees through the app (one day)
- Banner ad in event app
- Presence in Event app gamification
*those who gave permission for information to be shared
Sponsor à la carte
Saturday Night Social
(LABCON)
- Help CSMLS bring people together for a social event filled with food, drinks, and entertainment
- 2 representatives included
- Logo with QR code and branded collateral on the tables
- Company name listed on the website and onsite daily schedule
- Alert in the app
Saturday Only
Breakfast Host
(LABCON)
- Give the people what they want – food!
- Logo and company messaging on screens in the plenary room (arranged by CSMLS)
- Company name listed on the website and onsite daily schedule as sponsoring the breakfast
- Provide branded collateral or promotional items during breakfast (can be placed on tables or distributed by staff)
- Opportunity to address participants during breakfast
- Alert in the app
Multiple opportunities (Friday, Saturday or Sunday)
Lunch Host
(LABCON)
- Give the people what they want – food!
- Logo and company messaging on screens in the plenary room (arranged by CSMLS)
- Company name listed on the website and onsite daily schedule as sponsoring the lunches
- Provide branded collateral or promotional items during lunch (can be placed on tables or distributed by staff)
- Opportunity to address participants during lunch
- Alert in the app
Multiple opportunities (Friday or Saturday)
Sunday Mother’s Day Lunch
(LABCON)
- A way of saying thank you and celebrating the day
- Company name listed on the website and onsite daily schedule as a sponsor
- Provide branded collateral or promotional items during lunch (can be placed on tables or distributed by staff)
- Opportunity to address participants during the event
- Alert in the app
Sunday Only
Drink Ticket Sponsor
(LABCON)
- Give participants the chance to “wet their whistle” with a beverage at the Exhibitors’ Brunch
- The signature drink (alcoholic and nonalcoholic versions) will be named after your company to keep your name on their lips
- Signage at the bar will include drink name and details, as well as company logo
- Drink tags on glasses with your logo on them
1 opportunity available
LABCON Saturday night social Entertainment
(LABCON)
Creating lifelong memories with live entertainment at the The Canadian Tuxedo Party on Saturday May 8, 2026 at the Lowertown Brewery.
- Acknowledgment at the event
- Introduce entertainment
- Logo on website
- Acknowledgment through the app alert
- There will be a live band and DJ
1 opportunity available
LABCON Break Host
(LABCON)
- Provide coffee, tea, and some treats at one break per day
- Logo and QR code displayed at break station
- Logo and company messaging on screens in the plenary room (arranged by CSMLS)
- Company name listed on the website and onsite daily schedule as sponsoring the breakfast
- Provide branded collateral or promotional items during break (can be placed on tables or distributed by staff)
- Alert in the app
Water Bottle
(LABCON)
- Create brand ambassadors!
- In our efforts to go green, water and juice will be served in pitchers instead of disposable bottles
- Logo (and/or message) on reusable water bottles distributed to all participants at registration (CSMLS to order and arrange shipping of bottles with sponsor approval)
- Bottles can be used onsite and after for continued exposure
1 opportunity available
Coffee Tumbler
(LABCON)
- Tumblers will be given out Friday morning at each coffee station, with your logo imprinted on them
- Company name listed on the website as sponsoring the event
- CSMLS to arrange creation and shipping of Pocket Protectors to the venue
1 opportunity available
Participant Bag
(LABCON)
- Be seen throughout the conference with your logo on the attendees’ bags
- Bags can be used during and after the conference for continued exposure (CSMLS to order and arrange shipping of bags with sponsor’s approval)
1 opportunity available
Notebook Sponsor
(CSMLS/LABCON)
- Aid delegates in remembering everything they learned at LABCON with a notebook
- Add your company logo and/or message for attendees to see every day (CSMLS to order and arrange shipping of notebooks with sponsor approval)
- Notebooks can be used onsite as well as after for continued company exposure
1 opportunity available
Lanyard Sponsor
(LABCON)
- Have your company name in front of all delegates on the lanyards holding their name badges
- Company name listed on the website as sponsoring the event
- Sponsor to arrange creation and shipping of lanyards to the venue
1 opportunity available
10’ x 8’ Booth
(LABCON)
- Space on the tradeshow floor is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment
- Each booth space is 10’ x 8’ with back and side drape
- Included are one covered/skirted table, 2 chairs, and Wi-Fi access
- Registration for two representatives per booth
- Additional details on pages 20 & 21
LIMITED SPACES!
Co-host a Virtual
CSMLS Symposium
(CSMLS)
- Work with CSMLS to offer an in-depth educational virtual symposium
- Logo included on marketing materials (emails, website)
- Provide branded collateral pre- or post-event
- Address participants at the event
Multiple opportunities available
Sponsor a speaker
(LABCON)
- Share engaging content by sponsoring a breakout speaker(s)
- This speaker could be one selected by CSMLS or a speaker selected by the sponsoring company
- Opportunity to address participants and introduce the speaker
- Company name listed on the website and onsite daily schedule as sponsoring the session
- Ability to have self-standing signage on display on stage/in room
- Sponsor to pay speaker costs and expenses (if any)
Participant Bag Insert
(LABCON)
- Give an item to every single participant as soon as they arrive
- Include a brochure or promotional item in the participant bag handed out to all delegates at registration onsite
- Sponsor to arrange creation/print and shipping to the venue
Multiple opportunities available
Plenary Chair Drop
(LABCON)
- Highlight your message in the plenary room
- Include a brochure or promotional piece on each table/chair in the plenary room
- Sponsor to arrange creation/print and shipping to the venue
- Event staff to place materials in the plenary room onsite
4 opportunities available
(Friday and Saturday)
App Banner Ad
(LABCON)
- Include your banner ad on the LABCON website and on the LABCON App
Multiple opportunities available
Exhibiting at LABCON
SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH DELEGATES
LABCON gives you a unique opportunity to meet your customers face-to-face, get to know their needs and concerns, and build your connections. The conference schedule has been designed to allow multiple opportunities for delegates to visit the exhibits and to learn about the exciting products and services that you have to offer. The tradeshow also gives you a sneak peek at emerging industry trends and a unique look at your target market.
Only 60 spaces are available for 2026 so book early to avoid disappointment!
EXHIBITOR FOCUSED
At LABCON, we program the tradeshow hours around the educational programming. This way, you’re not in competition with any concurrent or plenary sessions.
During the exhibit hall hours, it’s all about YOU – the vendors!
2-DAY TRADESHOW FOR 2027*
The tradeshow will be open to attendees from Friday, May 7 – Saturday – May 8, 2027.
Set up: Thursday May 6 from Noon – 10 pm
Exhibit day: Friday, May 7 (1:00 PM- 4:30 pm) and Saturday, May 8, 2027 (10:00 am – 3:30 pm)
Exhibitors Brunch: Friday May 7 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Tear down: Saturday May 8 from 3:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Breakfast will not be included.
*These time are subject to change
Floor Plan
Exhibit Hall:Location:
Westin Ottawa
11 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J1
Room: Confederation 2/3 and Foyer
Booth Includes:
- 8′ High back wall
- 3′ High siderails
- (1) 6′ Draped table (3 sides)
- (2) Grey side chairs
- (1) Wastebasket
- Registration for two people per booth (Additional staff may register for a fee – forms will be provided)
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Booth Allocation
Allocation of specific booth numbers will be done in early 2027 and notification will be sent via email to the contact supplied. Booth assignment is done in order of receipt of Partnership Agreements.
Please indicate the preferred booth location on the agreement. CSMLS cannot guarantee that preferred booth numbers selected will be the booth numbers assigned.
CSMLS makes every effort to arrange the exhibit hall to facilitate fair business interactions. If you prefer exhibit space away from competitors, please list them on the agreement. Requests are first-come, firstserve. We may not be able to accommodate all requests.
Show Services
GES has been appointed as the official Show Service Company. GES can assist you with all your exhibiting needs, including shipping, booth storage, extra furnishings, as well as move-in and move-out services. Order forms will be provided in early 2027 in the Exhibitor Kit.
Shipping & Transportation:
Advanced shipping and material handling arrangements are
required for all goods. To make arrangements with GES for
these services at Westin Ottawa, please contact:
TBD
Delivery:
Shipments should be made to GES advance warehouse.
Information regarding shipping will be included in the
Exhibitor Kit.
Extra Furnishings:
If you would like to order additional furnishings, tables,
chairs or plants for your booth, please contact Show in
Motion. Note that all extra furnishings are at the
exhibitor’s own expense. All display material, furniture
and selling aids must be kept within the perimeter of your
allocated 10′ x 8′ area.
TBD
Customs Clearance:
Goods entering Canada from a foreign country, even for
temporary use, require customs clearance. Consult Expo for
Customs Brokers is the preferred customs broker.
Contact: TBD
Email:
Audio Visual: TBD
Catering:
The Westin Ottawa is licensed to serve food and beverages.
No outside food or beverage may be brought in; this
includes distribution of food and beverage from your booth.
Please check to ensure an edible giveaway is permitted.
For information on catering services, please contact the
catering sales department.
Terms and Conditions
Contract Acceptance
CSMLS reserves the right to accept or to refuse exhibitor
contracts from any exhibitor. Once an exhibitor is setup on
the show floor, CSMLS may require a modification or
removal of its booth, or any part thereof, including printed
material, products, signs, lights or sound should CSMLS
consider such exhibit to be detrimental to its business,
professional or ethical interests or if presentation is
objectionable to CSMLS or to other show participants.
Cancellation
If an exhibitor fails to pay by 30 days prior to the start of
the conference, CSMLS has the right to reassign the booth.
If the conference is cancelled, a full refund will be issued.
If the conference is postponed or relocated, exhibitors will
have the option to cancel with a total refund.
Competing Events
Exhibitors are prohibited from holding events (educational
sessions, social events, etc.) that compete with the official
conference program.
Subletting/Sharing
Subletting or sharing of exhibit space is prohibited except
between affiliated companies and must have prior approval.
Dismantling
Packing up or dismantling exhibits will not be permitted
until the official closing time. Doing so will result in your
company receiving last choice for booth assignment the
following year.
Insurance
While every effort will be made to provide security for
exhibits in the trade centre, neither CSMLS nor the
conference centre will assume responsibility for loss or
damage to exhibits or other exhibition property. CSMLS
requires that each exhibiting company secure a rider policy
through its insurance agent to cover all booth and display
items during transportation to and from the conference as
well as during installation, show dates and dismantling.
Violations
Violation of any provisions, terms and conditions, or rules
and regulations will result in penalties, which may include
immediate expulsion and/or banning from future CSMLS trade
exhibitions.
Distribution of Material
Distribution of advertising materials at the hotel or
conference centre is limited to distribution from within your
booth. This restriction also applies to outside the hotel or
conference centre such as near entrances or shuttle bus
locations. Any such material found will be discarded.
Anyone handing out materials outside of their exhibit
booth will be removed from the facility. Distribution of
advertising materials in hotels is prohibited including
promotional pieces slipped under guestroom doors or stacked
on registration counters. The host venue has been advised to
refuse such requests.
Booth Requirements/Minimal Expectations
Exhibit displays must comply with all requirements of CSMLS
and of the venue, including maximum height requirements.
The exhibitor must provide at least one staff per booth to
maintain display during show hours. The exhibitor agrees to
confine its display to the contracted space only. Signs and
other articles on floors, hanging walls, ceilings or other
areas must have prior authorization.
Only companies officially registered as an exhibitor for the
conference are permitted to conduct business on the trade
show floor or in the venue throughout the conference.
Aisles must remain free of obstruction at all times.
Exhibitors are responsible for their own liability insurance.
Liability
In the event that the facility or any part of the exhibit area
is unavailable for the entire event or a portion of the event,
as a result of fire, flood, tempest, inclement weather,
pandemic or other such cause or as a result of government
intervention, malicious damage, acts of war, terrorist
activities, strike, lock out, labour dispute, riot or other
cause or agency over which the CSMLS has no control, or
should the CSMLS decide that because of such cause that it is
necessary to cancel, postpone or relocate the event, or reduce
installation time, show time or dismantle time, CSMLS shall
not be liable to indemnify or reimburse the exhibitor in
respect of any damage or loss, direct or indirect, arising as
a result thereof.
Security
The hotel doors will be locked. Exhibitors must carry their
own fire, theft and other insurance. No one is permitted to
enter the exhibit area without proper identification, which
will be issued at the conference registration desk. The CSMLS
and conference centre are not responsible for loss or damage
to exhibitors’ material while in the facility.
Lori Tarbat, RT-CRA, CAHP, RRPr, RYT, DES
Learning and Events Manager
1-800-263-8277 ext. 8696
events@csmls.org