The Canadian Ocean Mapping Research and Education Network (COMREN) is a national group of academic, non-profit, and federal researchers in ocean and coastal mapping. Since 2016, COMREN has focused on developing research activities, technology transfer to industry, and educational programs that support ocean mapping as a network of dedicated individuals. The group partners with government agencies and international organizations to increase Canada’s domestic and global ocean and coastal mapping research, education capacity, and presence. Central to this is providing opportunities to train highly qualified personnel (HQP) who can help advance ocean technologies and solve problems within hydrospatial science.With support from the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR), COMREN has been established as a growing Community of Practice over the past two years. While many initiatives have been established during that time, including a Hydrospatial Summer School, a student mapping challenge, and support for HQP travel opportunities to ocean mapping conferences, the current focus is improving and expanding the COMREN membership model and establishing dedicated research programs. This presentation focuses on the past, present, and future directions of COMREN while reviewing the lessons learned along the way.