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British Columbia Institute of Agrologists
68th Conference & A G M!"#
“The Experience Economy”
May 7 - 9, 2015
The Coast Capri Hotel, 1171 Harvey Ave., Kelowna, BC
This year’s BCIA Conference & AGM promises to be an
exciting event. With the theme “The Experience Economy”
the conference will provide:
• Exceptional PD opportunities including: learning how
to be an effective knowledgeable person at hearings;
understanding and communicating with the media;
creating effective and professional presentations; and
understanding the appropriate use of social media as a
professional.
• Educational tours to interesting sites including fruit
production and processing, beef production, biotechnology,
composting, wineries and more.
• A reception and entertainment at the Laurel Packinghouse.
• An awards banquet complete with presentations and dance.
• The opportunity for home stays with local Agrologists.
Registration starts March 2nd. Early bird registration prices
are in effect and registering by March 31st can save you $50.
Conference fee includes: Registration package, reception at Laurel
Packinghouse, field tours (with lunch), Awards banquet & dance,
and PD workshop sessions.
Early Bird Conference fee: $225
Conference fee: $275 (after March 31)
Guest/Spousal Pkg: $160
Those who are unable to attend the entire conference can select
one or a combination of these events:
PD Workshops (Sat, May 9) - $75 Field tours (Fri, May 8) - $75
Banquet (Fri, May 8) - $75
Reception (Thur, May 7) - $55
Pre-Conference Workshop - Wednesday, May 6, 2015
BCIA Ethics for Professionals - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
This course covers professionalism, code of ethics, and responsibilities of professional Agrologists using case studies.
Workshop includes booklet and lunch. Certificate on completion. Facilitator: Ken Long, P.Ag.
Fee: BCIA Members: $95 Non-members: $195
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Registration: Begins 8:00 am
The Profession of Agrology - Articling Agrologists workshop - 9:00 am - noon
BCIA offers this workshop to A.Ag.’s and their mentors from all branches. There is no charge.
BCIA Annual General Meeting (AGM) - 2:00 - 4:00 pm
The BCIA Annual General Meeting will be held at the Coast Capri Hotel, 1171 Harvey Ave., Kelowna.
Networking Reception at the Laurel Packinghouse (part of the Kelowna Museums) - 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Plan on attending the networking reception at Kelowna’s unique Laurel Packinghouse, just down the street from the
Coast Capri Hotel. Entertainment, one complimentary beverage, appies provided. Okanagan wines and beer available.
Friday, May 8, 2015
Professional Development Field Tours - 8:30 am - 3:00 pm (approximate)
Select one of four field tours through the Okanagan region, including visits to wineries, a ranch, a distillery, a nursery,
Agri-Food Research Centre, Agri-Forest Biotechnologies, a solid waste site and more. (Includes lunch & snacks.)
Networking & Cocktails - 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Awards Banquet, Keynote & Dance - 6:00 pm
Keynote speaker (Dr. David S. Chanasyk, PhD, P.Ag, P.Eng, FAIC, FCSSS Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta),
BCIA Recognitions & Awards, dinner, dance
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Professional Development workshops - 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Select from workshops and informative presentations. “Getting Your Message Across. How to Create Effective and
Professional Presentations” (8:30 am - noon, limit 30) “Navigating the Web: Are you missing the boat?” (8:30 am - noon,
limit 30), “Working with the Media” (8:30 - 10:00 am) and “Grace under Fire - Being Effective as a Knowledgeable
Person/Expert Witness” (10:30 am - 12:30 pm)
British Columbia Institute of Agrologists
68th Conference & A G M!"#
“The Experience Economy”
May 7 - 9, 2015
The Coast Capri Hotel, 1171 Harvey Ave., Kelowna, BC
Professional Development Tours and Workshop Details
Page 2
Friday, May 8, 2015
Professional Development Field Tours - 8:30 am - 3:00 pm (approximate)
Select one of four field tours through the Okanagan region.
#1 - South Okanagan Tour - Learn about Byland’s Nurseries’ sustainable production technologies and then head to the
Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre in Trout Creek where the tour will focus on water and sustainable fruit production. Lunch in
the PARC gardens , visit Mission Hill Winery and then enjoy a wine tasting at Volcanic Hills Winery.
#2 - North Okanagan Tour - Travel north to Vernon for a tour of the Solid Waste Composting facility in Vernon, followed by a
visit to the historic Coldstream Ranch, guided by Ted Osborn, P.Ag. After lunch a visit to the new Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery.
#3 - East Kelowna Tour - The experience economy is featured in this tour of Agri-Forest Biotechnologies, producer of berry,
tree fruit and ornamental horticulture products from tissue culture; Dendy Orchards cherry orchards and packing line; and
Okanagan Lavender and Herb Farm. Wine tasting at Summerhill Pyramid Winery follows a picnic lunch in Mission Creek Park.
#4 - Lake Country Tour - Tree Fruit production and processing are the focus of this Lake Country Tour. Visit Dorenberg
Orchards for a first hand look at tree fruit and vineyard production. Tour the BC Tree Fruits Co-operative Winfield packing plant,
enjoy a picnic lunch, and then visit Arrow Leaf Cellars and ExNihilo Vineyards.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Professional Development Workshops - 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Session #1 & #2 are limited to 30 participants and go from 8:30 am - noon. Registration is on a first come first serve basis.
Session #3 consists of two Informational Presentations. You may register for both or one of these. Conference attendees will be
registered in Session #3 once Sessions #1 & #2 are filled.
#1 - Getting Your Message Across: How to Create Effective and Professional Presentations
Facilitated by Dr. Carolyn Labun (UBCO) Topics include: Preparing and presenting technical information to a range of audiences,
preparing effective PPT slides, improving delivery skills, and getting your message across. (8:30 am - noon, limit 30) Note: While
not necessary, having a laptop may be beneficial for this session.
#2 - Navigating the Web: Are you missing the boat?
Facilitated by Laura Patterson (UBCO) Topics include professionalizing your online presence, understanding the tools (Facebook,
Twitter, Hash Tags, Instagram, etc), applying principles to the tools, and the appropriate use of social media in communication.
(8:30 am - noon, limit 30) ) Note: It is recommended to bring a Laptop or Tablet to get the most from this session.
#3A – Working with the Media
An interactive discussion with Karen Mason (former journalist/communications consultant) and Tamara Leigh (Senior
Communications Strategist, Investment Agriculture Foundation). This presentation will provide practical information and ideas
in understanding and communicating with the media including: the media’s role; preparing for and responding to media queries;
tips and traps; getting your message out and other useful information.(8:30 - 10:00 am)
#3B - Grace Under Fire - Being Effective as a Knowledgeable Person/Expert Witness
Presented by a panel of experts, this session will review the semi-judicial processes of both the Farm Industry Review Board
(FIRB) and the Environmental Appeal Board (EAB) hearings/tribunals to provide practical information when acting as a
knowledgeable person or expert witness. (10:30 am - 12:30 pm)
Accommodations are available at the Coast Capri Hotel - $114 (single) or $134 (double) per night plus taxes
Includes a Full hot buffet breakfast served daily in Vintner’s Poolside Grill.
Reservations: Delegates can phone the hotel directly at 250-860-6060 (ask for in-house reservations) or call Central
Reservations Office toll-free at 1-800-663-1144. Provide Group Block Name: BC Institute of Agrologists AGM and Group Block
Confirmation Number: CCH-GFC16877. Group block rates are valid until April 6, 2015.
BCIA members may register online at www.bcia.com through the BCIA members login.
Email form to: [email protected] or Mail to: BC Institute of Agrologists, 277 Claude Road, Victoria, BC V9B 3T7
Fax: 250-380-9233 Phone: 250-380-9292 or BC toll free: 1-877-855-9291