Opening Speaker

June is an Associate Professor of Marketing and is the Co-Founder of The Co-Laboratorio project that works to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, learning, and innovation — for more inclusive resilient solutions in governance, policies, and industry practice. She is also Director of the Institute for Diaspora Research and Engagement at Simon Fraser University. 

Key Dates

BCCIE’s role in contributing to environmental sustainability extends far beyond the start of BCIEW. One environmental sustainability initiative that is important to us in all areas of our work is reducing paper waste. 

  • In preparation for BCIEW 2023, we are refraining from printing whenever possible.
  • Forgoing paper this year, we have optimized our website and mobile app to give you a premier digital experience.

We have asked you to consider your method of transportation to BCIEW, and in the spirit of transparency and working together to make a change, we are doing the same within our team.

  • To reduce the number of vehicles we need to use to get to Victoria, we will be carpooling with staff members.
  • We will be taking the ferry to and from Victoria instead of flying.
  • Encouraging everyone to either use public transport or walk when exploring Victoria.
  • Our staff will also engage with the other environmental sustainability initiatives outlined below.

The Victoria Convention Centre (VCC) has been designated as a Carbon Neutral Venue.

  • The VCC has recorded a 51% decrease in electricity use per delegate, and a 55% decrease in water use per delegate, between 2012-2019.
  • The Fairmont Empress is taking steps within their rooms and food & beverage practices to eliminate single use plastics.
  • The Empress has a rooftop garden that supplies fresh produce to their restaurants, as well as a bee colony making honey for the hotel.
  • The Empress has pre-set lunch buffet menus for each day of the week, to reduce the amount of food waste that coming from catering events.
  • This year we have decided to make Monday, June 26, Meatless Monday at our conference to help reduce the carbon footprint impact of our event.

Our delegates can also play a vital role in contributing to environmental sustainability at BCIEW 2023, here’s how:

  • Reuse! Bring a reusable water bottle and coffee mug to reduce the number of plastic bottles and single-use cups.
  • Get vocal! In programming around SDGs, climate action, and sustainability, share your thoughts, and encourage others to think critically on these topics throughout BCIEW 2023 and into the future. 
  • If you are a sponsor or exhibitor, we encourage you to drastically reduce the amount of swag you distribute, or even better, not have any. Swag is often wasted and ends up in landfills, leading to negative environmental impacts.
  • While at our host venues, please comply with all recycling and waste disposal signage.

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