PROGRAM
3 Days of Learning and Networking!
For over 28 years, the Coast Waste Management Association’s annual conference has brought the British Columbia waste management industry together for unsurpassed opportunities to network, discuss pressing challenges, learn current innovations, and share our successes.
Our Virtual Hall opens early (October 10) for Bonus Events
A unique and well-received part of CWMA’s Hybrid conference is our balance of virtual and in-person events. We open our Virtual Hall on October 10 to all registered delegates to ensure you have a chance to update your networking profile, familiarize yourself with the virtual hall, and enjoy some relevant Bonus Events and On-Demand (pre-recorded) content.
Pre-Conference Virtual Events are included in conference registration!
Thursday
October 12, 2023
9:00 – 9:40 am
& 3:30 – 4:40 pm
Pacific Time.
The event will be split
to accommodate
our awesome participant time zones!
Waste Reduction Strategies from Around the World
Virtual Only – Via EventMobi
9:00 AM Marquee Speaker: Athanasios Polychronopoulos, Poly Green on making Tilos, Greece, the first Zero Waste Island in the world.
Moderator: Sheila Molloy, CWMA
3:30 PM Marquee Speakers: Dorte Wray and Sei Brown of the Zero Waste Network in New Zealand | James Slattery, the Construction and Demolition Debris Recovery SpecialistSan Francisco Department of the Environment | Learn about the fantastic community zero waste hubs across New Zealand and how San Francisco maximizes reuse and recycling of material and debris generated during construction and demolition projects!
Moderator: Gil Yaron, Light House
We are (virtually) leaving the comfort of home to learn about zero waste progress and strategies from around the world. Let’s hear from some of our colleagues globally on the work being done to divert and work towards zero waste.
Tuesday
October 17, 2023
.
10:00 – 10:50 am
Pacific time
Big Companies-Bold Actions in Waste Diversion
Virtual Only – Via EventMobi
With Heléne Loberg, IKEA Canada and Manuel Gorrin, Nature’s Path Organic Foods
Moderator: Sheila Molloy, CWMA
Learn about the progress these two international companies are making in creating more sustainable ways with a focus on all aspects of a more circular business from circular design to value recovery.
Wednesday
October 18, 2023
10:00 – 11:30 am
Pacific time
Community-based approaches for Addressing Food Loss and Waste
Virtual Only – Via EventMobi
With Belinda Li, Food Systems Lab | Oliver Berger, Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society | Nathan Harben reFRESH Cowichan |
Bruce Currie, 4Ward Consulting
Moderator: Tamara Shulman, Tamara Shulman & Associates
Food waste is a growing challenge in regions across BC, impacting many aspects of a community: environmental, economic, and social. It takes creative thinking and coordination to transform food waste generation into an opportunity. This panel will share ideas, challenges, and successes for all of us to consider.
WEDNESDAY October 25, 2023
Wednesday is Action-Packed!
Wednesday is focused on boosting networking and discussion opportunities with roundtables, tours, panel events and a few private meetings. NEW! In addition to our Exhibitors and food stations, we have added space dedicated to mingling and meeting. Visit the spacious Gathering Place & Networking Café in Arbutus B/C/D to meet with friends, nosh, and network. Check out the cool Up-cycling showcase and display. Coffee and tea will be available throughout the day.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE:
ALL DAY!
Up-cycling Showcase Display
Gathering Place & Networking Cafe in Arbutus B/C/D
Timber Tiles | Ergo Eco Solutions | Salt Legacy | ChopValue | Flipside Plastics | ANIÁN | Eunoia Collective | Ocean Legacy Foundation
Check out all the great up-cycled products made right here in BC! Unique, creative and diversion stories to inspire.
7:30 am
In-person only
Exhibition / Light Breakfast / Visiting and More!
Arbutus Foyer & Gathering Place & Networking Cafe in Arbutus B/C/D
Registration Desk opens in the Arbutus Ballroom Foyer. Come Visit our premier and one-day Exhibitors! Drop off your Book for the book exchange or clothes for clothes swap later that day.
8:00-10:00 am
Virtual + In-Person
Educators & Communicators Roundtable
Harbour Room (downstairs) & Zoom (hybrid)
Hosts: Abby McLennan, Ingalisa Burns, Tai Uhlmann, Let’s Talk Trash
Bringing solid waste diversion educators and communicators together to discuss current initiatives, challenges and successes. Solid waste management educators and communicators can register to attend.
8:00-9:30 am
Virtual + In-Person
The Role of AI in Waste Diversion
Panel followed by q&a | EventMobi Virtual Hall & Arbutus A (watch together)
Artificial intelligence technologies can be a game changer for different areas of waste diversion. Learn from four organizations using AI to revolutionize our industry.
10:00-11:30 am
In-person only
Bold Strategies for Recruitment and Retention in the Waste Industry
Panel Speakers & open room discussion | Arbutus A (in-person only)
With Parviz Karmali, Fractional CHRO/Consultant | Brian & Ron Schwab, Capital City Recycling| Frank Baker, Habitat for Humanity Victoria | Speaker TBF, Capital Regional District
Moderator: Kris Ord, KO Consulting
Everyone is feeling the challenges of recruiting and retaining employees across our industry. Let’s take time to discuss some effective strategies and consider some new ways to build your team for the future.
11:45 am-1:00 pm
Exhibition / Lunch / Visiting and More!
Arbutus Foyer & Gathering Place & Networking Cafe in Arbutus B/C/D
Lunch is available for those in heading to events, private meetings, and those who want to just come to network!
CWMA takes food waste seriously – all registered guests will be asked to confirm the times they will be noshing at conference to ensure we do not order additional and unnecessary amounts.
12:15-2:15 pm
In-person only
Local Government Roundtable
Roundtable & open discussion | Arbutus A (in-person only) | for those who work for local government including First Nation leaders in solid waste management
Update leaders: Avery Gottfried, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy | Sonam Bajwa, Regional District of Nanaimo | Rory Tooke, City of Victoria | Paul Henderson, Metro Vancouver
Moderator: Sheila Molloy, CWMA
Roundtable updates. Local Governments come together to share updates on solid waste management initiatives and challenges. Working lunch provided. Registration required. This event is specifically for waste management leaders from local governments or First Nations.
2:30-5:00 pm (ish)
Tours! Networking & Learning
First come first served basis for the limited spaces. Tours will be offered for registration starting October 2. Subsidized pricing goes toward buses, venue fees, and donations.
TOUR ONE: Hartland Landfill + Brewery Visit ($20)
TOUR TWO: Soap for Hope + Compost Education Centre ($10)
TOUR THREE: Ecologyst + Upcyling Showcase (Free)
We have three great tours this year!
Textile Up-cycling Showcase & Ecologyst Tour (walking)
Soap for Hope Canada + Compost Education Centre (bus)
5:00-7:00 pm (ish)
Welcome Reception
Arbutus Ball Room & Foyer | In-Person
Get your networking shoes on! Our welcome reception is a mingling and networking good time. Appetizers are served but we encourage you to make dinner plans with colleagues following.
THURSDAY October 26, 2023
Thursday
October 26, 2023
7:00-7:45 am
Morning Start Activities
Group Morning activities are optional. All delegates will be sent information on ways to get active and network before the day get’s started. Choose from Plogging (Jogging and piking up waste) OR Around the Harbour Walk (varying paces).
Get out for some active time with your colleagues. Information will be sent to all in-person registrants.
7:30-8:30 am
Exhibition Opens / Breakfast / Networking
Arbutus Ballroom & Foyer | In-Person
Get your day started with a fresh breakfast in the Arbutus Ballroom. Be sure to stop by our Exhibitor booths!
8:20-8:55 am
Welcome & Special Greetings
Arbutus Ballroom In-Person / EventMobi Virtual
With Sheila Molloy, Executive Director, CWMA | Brendan McShane Chair, CWMA | + Special Guests
A warm welcome to all of our in-person and virtual attendees.
9:00-10:00 am
Keynote Speaker: Colin Angus!
Arbutus Ballroom In-Person / EventMobi Virtual
We are in for another great start to conference with the 2023 keynote speaker, Colin Angus, a leading adventurer, filmmaker and bestselling author of Amazon Extreme, Lost in Mongolia, Beyond the Horizon and Rowed Trip.
This is going to be epic!
10:00-10:30 am
Break Time
Exhibitors and Sponsor virtual and/or in-person booths are the highlight of our break time. We cannot hold this event without them. Be sure to stop by!
10:30 am-Noon
Bold Moves in Waste Diversion in BC
Arbutus Ballroom In-Person / EventMobi Virtual
Faisal Mirza, City of Vancouver | Glyn Lewis, Renewal Home Development + Jeremy Nickel, Nickel Bros | Jacomien van Tonder, MetalTechAlley | Speaker tbf, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Moderator: Brian Bastien, Product Care Recycling
Our 2023 Conference theme is all about Bold Moves and Big Ideas! Let’s explore some courageous policies, ideas, organizations and programs in our industry in BC.
12:00-1:00 pm
Lunch & Networking
Arbutus Ballroom In-Person
1:00-2:30 pm
Perspectives on Big Developments in Producer Responsibility
Arbutus Ballroom In-Person / EventMobi Virtual
With Emma Hobbs, Gowling WLG | Michael Zabaneh, Retail Council of Canada | Allen Langdon, Circular Materials | Christina Seidel, Recycling Council of Alberta | Cindy Coutts, Return-It
Moderator: Michael Zarbl, Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR)
Big changes abound in the world of producer responsibility across Canada. Let’s hear from various perspectives and discuss what is happening today and what the future may hold.
2:30-3:00 pm
Break Time
Exhibitors and Sponsor virtual and/or in-person booths are the highlight of our break time. We cannot hold this event without them. Be sure to stop by!
3:00-4:30 pm
Small Communities ~ Big Strides in Waste Diversion
Arbutus Ballroom In-Person / EventMobi Virtual
With Tim Ames, Recycle BC First Nations Recycling Initiative (FNRI) | Shannon White, District of Squamish | Laura Zapotichny, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George | Melissa Tokarek, Malahat First Nation
Moderator: Kelly Duran, Interchange Recycling
Small populations, remote, and rural communities are often motivated to focus on clever ways to divert waste by necessity and opportunity. Let’s learn from different organizations who have made big strides in diversion despite unique challenges and complex logistics.
5:30-9:00 pm (ish)
Reception, Dinner and maybe a little dancing!
Book Swap starts at 5:30 / Reception starts 5:30 PM / Dinner starts at 6:30 PM Arbutus Ballroom In-Person
Those attending in person come together to dine and network. Meet your colleagues across BC and Canada. This year we will let the conversation flow (best networking ever) with good music as a backdrop … we will open up the dance floor later if there is an interest!
FRIDAY October 27, 2023
Friday
October 27, 2023
7:30 am
Exhibition Opens / Breakfast / Networking
Arbutus Ballroom & Foyer | In-Person
Get your day started with a fresh breakfast in our Main Hall.
8:00-8:35 am
Virtual Marquee Speaker
EventMobi Virtual Speaker / Main Hall Conferenced In
With Megan Hamilton, Plastics Regulatory Affairs Division Environmental Protection Branch Environment and Climate Change Canada
Moderator: Sheila Molloy, Coast Waste Management Association
Going to be another great Marquee Speaker — a virtual Keynote that everyone can enjoy.
8:35-9:45 am
I’m with the Ban: Are Waste Bans working in BC?
Main Hall In-Person / EventMobi Virtual
With Lynne Vidler, Metro Vancouver | Rory Tooke, City of Victoria | Tracey Tobin, City of Burnaby
Moderator: Veronica Bartlett, Morrison Hershfield
From landfill bans to plastic bags — bans are happening everywhere. Are they working? This will be a big discussion to help guide your planning for similar (or different) ideas for effective diversion.
9:45-10:00 am
Short Break Time – 15 Minutes
Fast break time to fill your coffee, tea and be ready for the last great plenary sessions!
10:00-11:25 am
Private Sector Engagement for Marine Plastic Litter
Main Hall In-Person / EventMobi Virtual
With Caitie Frenkel, T Buck Suzuki Foundation | Abby McLennan, Let’s Talk Trash | Charlie Short, Coastal Marine Stewardship Branch in the Ministry of Lands, Water and Resource Stewardship | Clark Chow, Plascon Plastics
Moderator: Chloé Dubois, Ocean Legacy Foundation
CWMA has a unique focus on marine debris prevention and removal. This time we will explore ideas for getting the private sector more engaged in helping us manage this important area.
11:30 am-12:15 pm
Epilogue: Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Main Hall In-Person / EventMobi Virtual
Ministry Speakers to be finalized.
Moderator: Andrea Panich, Capital Regional District
Our recurring finale! Thanks to the Ministry for their time and care to complete our event and inform our delegates.
12:15-12:30 pm
A Fond Farewell
Main Hall In-Person / EventMobi Virtual
Boxed Lunch to go!
Just a few more minutes…you got this…Give us a chance to thank you, our speakers, staff, and volunteers.
Don’t miss your ferry or flight! A ‘to go’ lunch can be enjoyed as you commute or at a park along Victoria’s beautiful harbour!