Come together with over 300 delegates from the minting and related industries at the 2023 Mint Directors Conference in Ottawa, to discuss the future of circulation coins, collector coins and bullion, as well as Industry contribution to the sustainability agenda.
Mint Directors Conference 2023
Canada – Ottawa
15-18 October 2023
Minting For The Future
About MDC
Founded in 1962, the next MDC takes place in Ottawa, Canada, hosted by the Royal Canadian Mint – . Join us as we meet in person for the first time in five years.
Discussion Topics
How mints can and do contribute to the sustainability agenda?
Coexistence of cash and digital currency – myth or reality?
How can mints play a part in the payment ecosystem of the future?
What are the new trends in numismatics that could increase revenues?
Do we need to rethink the numismatic ecosystem?
Bullion, Sustainability and Appealing to New Investors
As an industry, where will we be in 10 years’ time… and more importantly is this where we want to be?
Welcome from Marie Lemay
It is a great pleasure and privilege to have the Royal Canadian Mint host the 31st International Mint Directors Conference (MDC) in Ottawa Canada.
Read more …
Welcome message from Marie Lemay - CEO Royal Canadian Mint
It is a great pleasure and privilege to have the Royal Canadian Mint host the 31st International Mint Directors Conference (MDC) in Ottawa Canada.
Steeped in history, the Royal Canadian Mint facility in Ottawa is where our team produces world-renowned numismatic coins, medals and bullion products. Our plant in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is where our foreign and domestic circulation coins are struck.
When we meet in 2023, it will have been five long years since the last MDC conference and we are looking forward to share, collaborate and learn together face-to-face.
The 2023 Conference will focus on sustainability and future readiness as the coin ecosystem evolves to meet the changing demands. We are working on putting together a vibrant and complete program that will help us look at the evolution of minting today, to help create a better tomorrow.
Please stay tuned as we continue to share information with you over the coming months. In the meantime, mark your calendars for October 15-18, 2023, when the minting world comes together, once again, in Canada’s capital.
Destination
As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is where you can experience some of the country’s best attractions, celebrations and flavours in one welcoming city. With its unique blend of urban and rural beauty, year-round outdoor activities, and vibrant neighbourhoods, the Ottawa region is best explored over three days or more.
The region is framed by beautiful waterways, including the Ottawa River, the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal. You are minutes away from Parliament Hill, national museums and local shopping. The best part, October will delight you with its burst of fall foliage.
Things to do in Ottawa
If you are looking for things to do in Ottawa during your stay see the ‘flash your badge programme’ – flash your MDC delegate badge to take advantage of discounts on many attractions.
See flyer of participating businesses – click here for English or French and below for
Itineraries and activities for packaged travel | Ottawa Tourism
Programme Outline
Sunday 15 October
IMDA meeting
Technical Committee meeting
Welcome Reception
(sponsored by MKS PAMP)
Monday 16 October
Keynote address
Plenary / panel discussions – ciculation coinage
Industry Workshops
Technical Committee presentations
Canadian Experience evening
(sponsored by Poongsan)
Tuesday 17 October
Keynote address
Plenary / panel discussions – sustainability
Industry Workshops
Technical Committee presentations
Gala dinner
(sponsored by A-Mark Precious Metal, Inc and Sunschine Minting, Inc)
Wednesday 18 October
Tour of Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa
Keynote Address
Monday 16 October – Keynote Address by Stephen Poloz
Stephen Poloz is one of the world’s foremost economists with over 40 years of experience in economic and investment research, forecasting, banking, and policymaking, including seven years as Governor of the Bank of Canada. Today, he is a Special Advisor for Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, a corporate director, and Chair of the Advisory Board of the Lawrence National Centre, Ivey School of Business, Western University. Previously, he was with Export Development Canada for 14 years, first as Chief Economist, then Senior Vice-President of Lending, and finally as President and CEO.
Stephen is a sought-after speaker for business and investor audiences and is quoted frequently in the news media. Stephen is also the author of the book titled The Next Age of Uncertainty: How the World Can Adapt to a Riskier Future that maps out the powerful economic forces that are shaping our future and the ideas that will allow us to master them.
By applying the macro lens of the economic and financial landscape in an increasingly complex and uncertain world, and looking at the forces behind it, Stephen’s presentation titled ‘In an ever-changing world – what is next?‘ will set the stage for the Mint Directors Conference by prompting discussions on a wide range of topics pertinent to our international audience. These will include post-pandemic business risks and opportunities; the importance of social inclusivity in a world of growing inequalities; the spread of digital technology; and the transition to net zero carbon emissions.
Tuesday 17 October – Keynote Address by Dr Farah Alibay
Farah Alibay is a French-Canadian Aerospace Engineer. Born in Montreal (Quebec, Canada), she spent most of her childhood in Joliette (Quebec) and of her teenage years in Manchester (United Kingdom) tinkering with any project she could get her hands on and fascinated with space and exploration. These passions led her to pursue a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Aerospace & Aerothermal Engineering from the University of Cambridge (Cambridge, United Kingdom) before moving back across the Atlantic ocean to pursue a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Boston, USA) with a focus on Systems Engineering. She is currently part of the M2020 mission, working on the Perseverance rover, which landed on Mars in February 2021, and the Ingenuity helicopter, which performed the first powered flight on another planet in April 2021. Prior to joining the M2020 team, she worked on several other missions, including the InSight Mars Lander and its companion mission the Mars Cube One (MarCO) CubeSats.
Outside of her day-to-day job, Farah has a passion for science communication, having appeared in newspapers, tv and radio shows, and conferences across the world. She is a fierce advocate for women and minorities in STEM and has given herself the mission of contribute towards making this field more diverse and equitable. She is also active in her local community, notably as a Big Sister in the Los Angeles Big Brother Big Sister program, and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, helping children navigate the foster care system. Finally, in her spare time, Farah can be found exploring the mountains near her home where she enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and mountaineering.
Sunday 15 October – Opening reception at the Westin Ottawa
We look forward to welcoming you to Ottawa. The conference will begin with a meet and greet evening reception overlooking the Nation’s capital. Sponsored by MKS PAMP
Monday 16 October – Canadian Experience
The evening event will take place at the Fairmont Le Château Montebello, the world’s largest log cabin, offering a true Canadian experience along the banks of the Outaouais River and surrounded by spectacular fall foliage. A true French Canadian experience awaits. Sponsored by Poongsan
Tuesday 17 October – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony
The gala and awards evening will be held at the Canadian Museum of History in the Grand Hall which houses one of the world’s largest indoor collections of totem poles with views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill. Sponsored by Sunshine Minting Inc and A-Mark Precious Metals
Wednesday 18 October
We welcome MDC 2023 delegates to visit our Ottawa manufacturing facility on Wednesday, October 18 for a behind‑the‑scenes look at the coin production that has been taking place in the heart of Canada’s capital since the Mint first opened its doors in 1908. These VIP tours, led by our most senior production and engineering experts, will showcase the full spectrum of the production cycle by focusing on:
- Engraving
- Die Production
- Blanking production, Rolling Room, Burnishing
- Numismatic and Bullion press rooms
- Finished coins
- RCM Boutique
We look forward to hosting you where art and science come together to make innovative and award-winning coins. The tours will start at 8:30 a.m. and go until 2:00 p.m. with staggered start times. Once you have confirmed your interest by reaching out to [email protected], further details will be emailed to you including security and health and safety measures.
Thursday 19 / Friday 20 October
For anyone considering visiting the Royal Canadian Mint facility in Winnipeg, here is what you need to know:
It is important to note that you are responsible for your own travel, hotel bookings and transportation arrangements as Winnipeg is not part of the conference
- Tours can be arranged on Thursday, October 19th in the afternoon or Friday, October 20th in the morning
- Winnipeg is a 2.5 hour direct flight from Ottawa
- You can book through Air Canada or West Jet
- Hotel recommendations include Inn at the Forks, Delta Hotels by Marriot Winnipeg, Mere Hotel
- Taxi service is available at the airport
- For tourism information, please visit: https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/
- For more information, please contact Deneen Perrin at [email protected]
Coin Awards Now Open for Nominations
Nominations are now open for the prestigious Coin Awards. Last held in 2018, the awards recognise industry achievements in the design, production and packaging of coins, as well as, for the first time for 2023, sustainability in minting.
The winners will be announced at the MDC Gala Dinner to be held at the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa, on Tuesday 17 October.
The five categories are:
1. Best Collectible Gold Coin
2. Best Collectible Silver Coin
3. Best Circulating Coin or Coin Series
4. Best Sustainability Initiative
5. Best Packaging (of a collectible coin)
To be eligible for the MDC 2023 Coin Awards, projects must have been launched between May 2018 and May 2023. The deadline for nominations is 31 July 2023.
All nominations can be submitted online via the Awardforce platform, where you can also find out about the qualifying criteria for each category. The highest quality nominations will include brief, well-written descriptions of the projects nominated, together with good quality photographs or other illustrations that support the reasons for the nomination.
A panel of five Mint Directors will draw up a shortlist of three finalists in each category, and they will be displayed to all delegates at the MDC. All Mint Directors will then vote for the winners, which will be announced and presented during the Gala Dinner.
The nomination period is now closed!
Want to Get Involved
Delegate Fees*
* Please note that all delegate fees are inclusive of HST
Further discounts apply for early registration – ends on 15 April 2023
Ends 15 Apr 2023
After 15 Apr 2023
Mint Member (IMDA)
USD 1,320
USD 1,595
Mint Member (non-IMDA)
USD 1,620
USD 1,900
Special Member*
USD 1,470
USD 1,750
Associate Member**
USD 2,750
USD 3,025
Social Partner
USD 900
USD 1,080
Special Member* – government issuer (central bank, treasury or government finance ministry)
Associate Member** – industry supplier
Mint Member (IMDA)
Ends 15 Apr 2023
After 15 Apr 2023
USD
USD 1,595
Mint Member (non-IMDA)
Ends 15 Apr 2023
After 15 Apr 2023
USD 1,620
USD 1,900
Special Member*
Ends 15 Apr 2023
After 15 Apr 2023
USD 1,470
USD 1,750
Special Member* – government issuer (central bank, treasury or government finance ministry)
Associate Member*
Ends 15 Apr 2023
After 15 Apr 2023
USD 2,750
USD 3,025
Associate Member* – industry supplier
Social Partner
Ends 15 Apr 2023
After 15 Apr 2023
USD 900
USD 1,080
Our Venue
Fairmont Château Laurier
Located in the downtown core, with ByWard Market on one side and the Rideau Canal locks on the other, Fairmont Château Laurier has been revitalized to offer you even more luxurious accommodations in a historic chateau. From traditional guest rooms to the luxury of Fairmont Gold, Fairmont’s sophisticated signature can be found throughout the majestic castle.
Making Your Hotel Reservation
Delegates are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation.
Sold-Out
If you need assistance with your accommodation, please get in touch with us at [email protected]. We’ll be happy to help you with any accommodation-related questions or concerns you may have.
The Westin Ottawa
Within walking distance to the main venue.
Making Your Hotel Reservation
Delegates are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation.
Sold-Out
If you need assistance with your accommodation, please get in touch with us at [email protected]. We’ll be happy to help you with any accommodation-related questions or concerns you may have.
Social Events