The Future Planners Program is a national, cohort-based professional development initiative designed to support graduating students as they transition from academia into the planning profession. Through the program, students will gain practical career guidance, exposure to national planning opportunities, and early access to professional networks that support long-term career development and progression toward professional certification. The program consists of the following components:

• Foundational webinar modules led by planning practitioners and professionals, including topics such as:
  • The Road to Registered Professional Planner (RPP)
  • Exploring Planning Careers: Understanding the Job Market in Canada
  • Getting the Job: Developing Your Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview Skills
• Specialized program at CIP’s national conference (at no cost to participants)
• Final online discussion

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will have the opportunity to gain practical knowledge, tools, and networks needed to confidently pursue entry-level planning roles across Canada and begin their journey toward professional certification. Participants will also receive a CIP digital badge that verifies the knowledge and skills they have gained through the program.

2026 Program Schedule

The Future Planners Program gives participants firsthand exposure to the planning profession through three interactive modules, in-person conference content, and a final post-conference meeting.

• The program’s three online modules are typically scheduled one month apart in the lead up to CIP’s national conference.
• This year’s national conference, FUSION, takes place in Montreal from July 7 to 9, 2026. At the conference, participants receive:
  • A customized conference schedule aligned with career-focused objectives
  • Exposure to sessions led by recognized leaders in the planning profession, offering insight into leadership styles, career journeys, and real-world planning practice
  • Targeted networking opportunities, including Meet and Mentor, Resume Clinics, and Lunch with the CIP Board of Directors
  • Dedicated opportunities to build meaningful, long-lasting professional relationships with peers and established planners from across Canada.

Please note: Full-day in-person attendance is required on July 6, 2026, for pre-conference workshops and networking events, which are mandatory for all participants.

All participants are required to commit to the full program, including attending the CIP national conference in person, as it is designed to be an interactive, incremental, and iterative experience.

Participants’ conference registration, accommodations, and travel costs will be fully covered by CIP staff. Any additional or incidental expenses (such as meals not included in the conference, personal travel, upgrades, or other discretionary costs) will be the responsibility of the participant.

Travel and accommodation arrangements will be coordinated and booked by the CIP. While we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate participants’ needs and preferences, we retain sole discretion over travel arrangements and accommodation selection.