2025 Ontario Biodiversity Summit - Participant E-Newsletter

Our FINAL program has been released! Find it here.

With only 7 days to go,

here's everything you need to know

It's only seven sleeps until we see you at Trent University, so here's some important information and a few reminders to help ensure you have a smooth and engaging Summit!

 

Location:


  • Most of the Summit activities are taking place at Gzowski College, on the East Bank of Trent's campus. Look for the big yellow building, you can't miss it! Address: 1 Gzowski Way, Peterborough, ON K9L 1Z8
  • If you're staying at Trent, your accommodation will be on the upper floors of the Gzowski/Enwayaang building. The Dining Hall is on the ground floor, and the registration desk, refreshment breaks, concurrent sessions and exhibits/posters are all on the lower level.


Parking & arrival:


  • On-site parking at Trent University is included in your registration cost. To receive free parking you must follow these instructions. (Don't worry, if you run in to trouble we will help you at the registration desk.)
  • Staying at Trent? Follow the signs to check in on the ground floor of Gzowski College. You will receive information about parking when you check in and get you room key.


Biodiversity Breezeway:


  • Most of the Summit activities are taking place in the 'Biodiversity Breezeway' which can be found on the lower level of Gzowski College. This is where refreshment breaks, networking, exhibitors, and the student posters are located. Conveniently, most of the concurrent sessions are found just off the Breezeway. Not sure where to go? Grab a map from the Registration Desk or use Trent's handy ClassFind online tool to help you navigate!


Registration Desk:


  • The registration desk is ready to welcome you starting at 8:00am on Wednesday. Check in and pick up your name badge and a copy of the Summit program. We'll also have maps available that identify all the locations where Summit activities are taking place.


Food & refreshments:


  • Breakfast will be available in the Gzowksi Dining Hall (just upstairs from the Biodiversity Breezeway) on Wednesday from 8:30am - 10:00am and on Thursday from 7:00am - 9:00am.
  • Lunches both days are portable so you can explore, network, visit the exhibitors and posters, participate in lunchtime side events, or relax outdoors. Pick up your lunch in the Gzowski Dining Hall. Packed lunches are organized by sandwich type — check the signage and enjoy! The re-usable lunch bags are yours to keep.
  • Snacks and refreshments are available in the Biodiversity Breezeway during the networking breaks.
  • Trent is green! Please support sustainability efforts by bringing a reusable water bottle and refilling it at one of the water stations.
  • The Biodiversity under the stars reception in The Great Hall on Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00pm includes food stations. Pizza will be available later at the Conservation Social.

Gzowski College (c) Trent University

Key activities on Wednesday May 21st



  • The plenary starts in Wenjack Theatre promptly at 10:00am. Please be seated by 9:50am.
  • Check out the Student Poster Session from 5:00 - 6:00pm in the Biodiversity Breezeway. Drinks available for purchase (debit/credit only).
  • Be sure to vote for the 'People's Choice Award' for the Student Posters. Ballots due by 6:00pm.
  • Join the Ontario Biodiversity Council at 6:00pm to celebrate 20 years of protecting what sustains us. Drinks available for purchase (debit/credit only). Food stations and live music!
  • The fun continues 'til late - join a screening of The Monarch Ultra documentary or network at the OLTA conservation social. Pizza will be served at 9:00pm!

Key activities on Thursday May 22nd



  • Happy International Day for Biodiversity!
  • The morning plenary begins at 9:00am. Please be seated by 8:50am.
  • The closing ceremony will take place at 2:45pm in the Courtyard.
  • If you have registered for any of the additional Thursday activities you will receive instructions and information in a separate email. All activities are now full. Email us to join the waitlist: info@ontariobiodiversitycouncil.ca

After the Summit

  • We would love to hear about your Summit experience.
  • A post-Summit survey will be emailed to all participants on Friday May 23rd. Please reply by June 9th to help us improve future events.

We can't wait to see you!

Have questions in the meantime? Please email info@ontariobiodiversitycouncil.ca

Monarch movie night!

Enjoy a screening of the Monarch Ultra documentary on Wednesday evening at 7:30pm. Stay after for a Q and A with the filmmakers!

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