The 2026 Provincial Youth Outreach Worker (PYOW) Annual Learning Conference marks a milestone event—celebrating 20 years of meaningful youth engagement and community impact across Ontario. 

This year, we will not only celebrate two decades of impact, but also come together to reflect, connect, and strengthen our collective approach to youth engagement. Since its inception in 2006, the PYOW program has empowered young people across the province through relationship-based outreach, culturally responsive practice, and community-driven solutions. As the needs of youth continue to evolve, the PYOW network remains committed to adapting, innovating, and leading. 

This milestone event honors the legacy of the program while looking ahead to the shifting landscape and opportunities shaping the future of youth engagement. 

The PYOW Annual Learning Conference continues to serve as a provincial platform connecting peers, amplifying youth voices, and translating data and lived experience into action. Through interactive learning, creative expression, and sector-relevant dialogue, participants will explore how PYOW can continue to respond to emerging youth trends while building resilient pathways forward. 

We are incredibly thankful for our continued partnership with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, whose dedicated support allows the PYOW Program to thrive and make a lasting impact. 

• Celebrate 20 Years of Impact: Reflect on the PYOW Program’s legacy in youth engagement and community outreach. 

• Elevate Regional Voices: Recognize the unique victories, perspectives, and advocacy needs of agencies across the province.

• Reflect on Legacy & Future Impact: Celebrate 20 years of PYOW impact while exploring opportunities to shape the future of youth engagement. 

• Networking & Collaboration: Build meaningful connections, exchange knowledge, and foster cross-regional partnerships with peers and sector colleagues. 

• Peer-to-peer Connections: Engage in peer learning, knowledge exchange, and cross-provincial relationship building.

• Capacity Skill-Building: Enhance frontline skills through interactive workshops and practical learning experiences. 

• Explore Recreation & Sport as Engagement Tools: Understand how sport and recreation programs can enhance youth connection and resilience.

• Data-Informed Practice: Utilizing youth engagement insights to drive innovation and enhance outreach outcomes. 

The 2026 PYOW Conference offers an engaging mix of learning, creativity, and connection, designed to celebrate 20 years of impact while exploring the future of youth engagement.

• Recreation & Sport as Youth Engagement Tools. This year’s conference highlights one of the highest youth engagement priorities, exploring how sport and recreation can foster connection, leadership, and resilience among young people. Participants will engage in a keynote session and an interactive workshop, both offering insights and practical strategies through a sport and recreation lens.  

• PYOW Speakers Corner Activation: Your Voice, Your Story. Your Moment. This new interactive space invites participants to share a short story, celebrate a win, highlight a challenge, or simply contribute to same-day video highlights. Whether you choose to drop in and speak up or simply listen to the experiences of others, this is where the collective voice, spirit and secret sauce of the PYOW community truly shines. 

• Celebrating 20 Years of Legacy Through Art & Performance. At the conference, participants will experience a 20-Year Legacy Performance featuring spoken word, music, and dance. This showcase honours the past, reflects the present, and imagines the future of youth engagement through creative expression.