Canadian Engineering Competition 2025: A Weekend of Innovation, Fun, and Networking, by Ikhlas Iqbal
From March 14th to 17th, 2025, Dalhousie University’s Sexton Campus played host to the prestigious Canadian Engineering Competition (CEC), bringing together 213 of the brightest engineering students from nearly every engineering school across Canada. Over the course of the weekend, competitors showcased their technical prowess, problem-solving skills, and teamwork across a series of intense engineering challenges, while also enjoying a vibrant lineup of social events.
Engineering Excellence at Sexton Campus
The competitions at CEC 2025 mirrored those of previous years, featuring a variety of challenges designed to test participants in areas such as Design, Consulting, Programming, Debate, Communications, and Innovation. Competitors tackled real-world engineering problems with creativity and analytical thinking, making for an engaging and ultra-competitive environment. Each event was meticulously planned by an outstanding organizing committee, with logistics handled by a dedicated team, including myself. Alison Brennan and Carter McNeil, both third-year engineering students, led the event as co-chairs, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Throughout the competition, sponsors played an integral role in supporting the event and providing invaluable career opportunities for students. Major industry leaders such as Michelin, Irving Oil, MDA, and PepsiCo not only sponsored the competition but also hosted career sessions and a public career fair, giving students a chance to network and explore future career paths. Dalhousie’s own Sextant Publication was also present at the fair as a proud sponsor of the event.
Unforgettable Social Events
Beyond the competition, the weekend was packed with exciting social events, allowing students to unwind and build lasting friendships. Each evening featured a unique activity, making for a lively and memorable experience:
• Friday Night: Karaoke at The T Room, where students showcased their vocal talents (or lack thereof) in a spirited sing-along. Celebrations of Pi Day included the classic Pi Walk and a surprise moment where a student got pied, adding a hilarious touch to the festivities.
• Saturday: The Pool Party at Zatzman Sports Complex and the Paint Night on Campus gave everyone a chance to relax before the grand finale.
• Final Night: The weekend concluded with an epic night out at Pacifico nightclub and Board Room Café, capping off an unforgettable experience.
A Grand Finale at Pier 21
CEC 2025 came to a spectacular close with the awards banquet at Pier 21, where competitors, judges, and sponsors gathered to celebrate the incredible achievements of the weekend. Students who excelled in their categories received well-deserved recognition, with winning teams earning both cash prizes and the honor of representing their schools on the national stage.
The event would not have been possible without the hard work of the dedicated organizing team and the generosity of our sponsors. As a member of the logistics team, I was proud to witness the seamless execution of the event by the team and the enthusiasm of every participant. Congratulations to all the winners and competitors for making CEC 2025 an unforgettable success!
Looking ahead, the Canadian Engineering Competition continues to be a pillar of excellence, innovation, and camaraderie within the engineering community. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year!