Convention Countdown The UBCM Convention, September 13-17, 2021 is proving once again to be the must attend event on the BC local government events calendar. Delegate Registrations have been rolling in and with less than a month until Convention kick-off, our planning and preparations are in full overdrive. More than 1,000 participants experienced the first all-digital UBCM Convention last year, and we’re excited to build on that success to create another engaging online opportunity for our members with #UBCM21. The annual UBCM Convention is the only event where BC local government leaders and elected officials from every community all come together to represent, learn, share, and capitalize on their mutual experiences. We’re curating a slate of special speakers featuring relevant topics, robust content as well as unique engagement and networking experiences. We’re delighted to have you join us online this September!

Pheedloop Returns Pheedloop, the virtual platform selected to host UBCM’s inaugural virtual convention experience is back again. With the platform now familiar to many delegates, this intuitive program facilitates online networking with individual colleagues or groups in easy and authentic ways, via real-time text or video chat. Delegates can access and view sessions, either live or through quality recordings later at their convenience. As both a primer for new delegates and refresher to those returning, learn how to navigate the Pheedloop virtual platform with this Video Tutorial. As we move closer to September 13th, we’ll provide more details in future Convention Bulletins, on the 2021 Convention Page and through ongoing updates posted to our FAQ.

Convention Program The 2021 UBCM Convention Program is continually evolving and available to view on ubcm.ca. Here are a few highlights for workshops we’re working on now: Global Warning: Lessons from the 2021 BC Heat Wave. A pivotal discussion on what can be done to prepare for future extreme weather events in the face of worsening climate change and global warming. Is Your Local Government Safe From a Cybersecurity Attack? As an elected official, are you asking the right questions of your staff and dedicating an appropriate level of resources to this evolving threat? And one more top-of-mind topic, Meeting the Need: Shared RD Services. This session will highlight best practices from around BC, to guide and inspire Regional District members as they forge forward. A major advantage of the virtual world is that UBCM Delegates will never have to miss out when two great sessions are live at the same time. All sessions will be recorded and available on the platform within 24-48 hours after the live stream, and then available for months after Convention closes.

Executive Nominations Results UBCM’s Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the results of the 2021 Call for Nominations that closed on July 30th. The Committee wishes to congratulate Councillor Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, Councillor Jen Ford, Councillor Claire Moglove, Director Grace McGregor and Councillor Sarah Fowler, Councillor Trish Mandewo and Mayor Val van den Broek on their acclamations. Two candidates are running for Second Vice President, and six candidates are running for five Director at Large positions. Elections for these positions will be held online through the Pheedloop virtual convention platform.

Watch For Your Convention Welcome Box As any UBCM Member who has attended Convention prior to the pandemic can attest, it all begins in the Lobby. It's the epicentre, the hub, a space to catch up, make new contacts, or just idly chat. And while we may all have grown more accustomed to a digital life for our meetings and events, it's still the human connection when we SEE one another in 'The Convention Lobby' that we miss. While we eagerly wait to gather again in real life, we wanted to give you a little taste of that in-person lobby experience—but at your desk or home office. Recall when you first arrived at the Lobby to pick-up your Badge and Welcome Bag… well this year, watch your mailbox for a special delivery in early September. Every UBCM Member officially registered before August 27th will receive their own Welcome Box. Not only will you receive a physical gift, but you'll also learn about our co-sponsors The Moose Hide Campaign and Laid Back Snacks, two incredible BC based organizations that are doing great things and making a difference. Your box is packed with purpose, and we are proud to share their stories of meaningful impact. So spread the word with your UBCM Member colleagues, if they’re not registered before August 27th they’ll miss out!

Resolutions Book Available Now The Resolutions Book for the 2021 UBCM Convention, which includes 170 resolutions on topics identified by BC local governments is now available. A total of six hours have been officially designated in this year’s Convention Program for the consideration of resolutions. We look forward to many lively debates and seeing the direction that our members’ decisions will provide. The perspective of every local government matter, so join in online to have your say! Your VOTE will count ONLY if you are an officially registered Convention Delegate, so get the word out to your colleagues and connections to register today. Detailed instructions for Voting Members will be shared in future Bulletins.

Read Our Annual Report The 2021 UBCM Annual Report and Financials have just been published. After a busy year, this report proudly details the accomplishments and significant work undertaken by UBCM on behalf of its members. We’re a small footprint - high output organization that concentrates our resources on efficient program delivery and effective advocacy. Log-on to the virtual convention platform, Tuesday, September 14th at 9:30am where the report will be considered at the UBCM Annual Meeting.

Shining A Spotlight On Sponsors With deep appreciation, UBCM would like to recognize and thank our sponsors for their continued support. COVID-19 has meant that we have all had to adapt and become used to working within the virtual way of doing things. We truly appreciate their flexibility and openness to change. When planning your screen time at #UBCM21, please set aside dedicated time to visit our Sponsors booths in our Virtual Tradeshow. Engage with these organizations that support us to bring you this event. Without them – our Convention would not be possible!

Code of Conduct During #UBCM21 we are committed to providing a safe, enjoyable and inclusive space for all our Delegates. UBCM will not tolerate any communication or behavior that demeans, threatens, or harasses anyone at its events, whether online or in-person. We’d like to remind registered Delegates that each of you agreed to comply with the UBCM Convention Code of Conduct and digitally signed the Agreement and Acknowledgement Form as a condition of completing your online registration. Let's make sure this year's UBCM Convention is a safe and encouraging collaboration space.

The UBCM Convention Bulletin is distributed to all registered delegates as well as to designated local government staff who are coordinating registration for elected officials. If you do not wish to receive these updates, you can opt-out to unsubscribe by using the link below. Copyright © Union of British Columbia Municipalities 2021

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