CALL FOR SPEAKER PROPOSALS IS OPEN!

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Call for Proposal Submissions 

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We are excited to announce the call for proposal submissions for the 2026 Building Resilient Communities Conference in Nanaimo, BC.  ​

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This year’s theme recognizes the significant changes taking place across British Columbia, driven by new and emerging regulations, community initiatives, innovative approaches, and an ever-evolving economic and industry landscape. Now more than ever, strong collaboration and trust are essential to navigating complexity and driving positive, lasting change.

We are seeking sessions that are interactive and led by speakers who are innovative, engaging, and inspiring sessions that encourage dialogue, shared learning, and genuine connection. While the format and design of each session may vary, there are five different types of sessions this year:

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Plenaries: Opportunities to speak to all delegates on topics that embody the conference theme and that are relevant to all attendees. Style: Presentation with question time if appropriate.

Sessions: Built around the four pillars of emergency management and governance, these are a series of connected sessions designed to build upon one another and allow for deeper exploration of key topics.

 

Styles: Presentation / Case Study / Interactive / Workshop / Training / Open Forum. This flexible approach is intended to enhance engagement and ensure practical relevance for participants. Please see the program topics below. 

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Expectations of Speakers: 

The following are expectations that we have of our conference speakers and their presentations:

• Presentations should appeal to different learning styles.

• Any audio-visual tools used will supplement the presentation. 

• Presenters will not read from their slides.

• Presenters will be well rehearsed and professional in their delivery. Note: Presenters will be supported in completing a practice run of their presentation with a member of the Program Committee. 

• Presentations should be evidence based, innovative, and applicable across organizations and organization types.

• Presentations should clearly convey how the content relates to and can be applied by delegates. 

• Presentations should not be a sales pitch of a service or product. 

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Logistics: 

• Final copies of accepted speaker presentations and or materials are due no later than October 7th, 2026

• At a minimum, all presenters will have access to a microphone, a screen, and WiFi in their presentation space. Additional requests can be submitted but are not guaranteed.

• Most sessions are one hour in length which includes question time, five sessions on Tuesday are 30 minutes only. 

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Fees and Expense Reimbursement: 

With some exceptions, speakers should be willing to share their knowledge and experience without the expectation of financial compensation. The conference provides the opportunity for presenters to share with others and build the capacity of our industry. 

To acknowledge the time required to prepare a quality session, presenters will receive:

• A discounted registration fee.

• Feedback from Session will be provided.

• Bio and Presentation Summary will be displayed in the app, and online program.

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Submitting a Session Abstract: 

Prospective speakers may submit proposals via "Submit Abstract" button on pre-identified topics from the program topic examples, or on a topic of their choosing aligned with the themes of governance, preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. There is no expectation for applicants to select a specific session slot. The program will be developed to ensure sessions are complementary and aligned where possible.

Please indicate the type of session being proposed (Plenary or Session), as well as the presentation style (Presentation, Case Study, Interactive Session, Workshop, Training, or Open Forum).

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• Have an idea about speaking at the conference but not quite sure how it fits?

• This year’s program is being shaped by Sandra, Dianne, and Paul—and they’d happily connect and chat through your idea.

• Don’t feel constrained by the abstract guidelines—they’re there to help, not limit you.

• If you have a resiliency project or learnings to share to the wider audience of practitioners, reach out and start the conversation!

• For additional questions about your abstract submission, or program contact

• Sandra@brcconference.ca, dianne@brcconference.ca, paul@brcconference.ca

• Questions
  If you have general questions about the conference, feel free to email info@brcconference.ca

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We look forward to your submissions and to building bridges together at the Building Resilient Communities Conference! 

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