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UBCM Executive and staff are looking forward to sharing the 2020 convention platform with delegates from September 22-24.
This is a new approach for connecting with each other, and members are really going to enjoy the experience. The platform is designed to be user friendly and easy to navigate. It has all the components that delegates are used to seeing at UBCM in one convenient virtual package.
There will be a second bulletin going out next week with all the "how to" instructions for signing in to the platform, navigating the rooms, voting for resolutions, and getting any technical support needed through phone or on-line chat. Next week's bulletin will also let delegates know when they will be receiving the emails with their credentials to log in to the convention and the voting system. Today's bulletin is to give an overview of what the virtual experience will look like at the 2020 UBCM Convention.
A delegate arrives at the Convention by signing in with their unique credentials and entering the virtual lobby. This is going to be the hub of the Convention. The lobby is the home base delegates will keep coming back to, and where they can see all the options available to them. You do not need to download the platform to participate in the Convention, it is URL based.
Last Day Today to Regiser
Online registration for the UBCM Convention is closing today, September 11th at 4:00 pm. This will be the last chance for members to get access to the great lineup of sessions that has been developed with speakers including renowned author Margaret Atwood; Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer; the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of BC; the Honourable John Horgan, Premier of BC; the Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Isobel Mackenzie, BC Seniors Advocate.
Members need to register separately to fully participate in the Convention. Only registered delegates will be able to engage with presenters in the sessions, and to vote on the policy resolutions and for the election of their representatives.
Convention Program
The 2020 program is available to view on the website at Convention Program. Follow the links to read more details about the individual sessions. There are timely topics to help members navigate the challenges their communities are facing. Workshops have been developed on: Confronting Systemic Racism in Canada; Supporting Communities Responding to Homeless Encampments; Rebuilding Public Transit; Economic Recovery: Building Back Better and Stronger; Seniors Homes: What Has the Pandemic Taught Us? and The New Now: Life After Covid.
In a virtual world, members won't have to miss out when two great sessions are on at the same time. Each session will be recorded and available to delegates (24 - 48 hours after it was live). Delegates can go back and watch the other session when it's convenient. Delegates also don't have to select which workshops they want to go to in advance, all the options are clearly laid out and available with a click of the mouse. No need to rush between buildings or search for the right location.
For those who like to plan, there is an option to set up a custom session schedule for themselves. The platform will send reminders when workshops they selected are starting.
Resolutions
When it's time for the Resolutions Debate on Wednesday, registered delegates will have the chance to have their voices heard - literally. After they enter the Resolutions session on the Pheedloop platform, elected officials who wish to speak to a resolution will call a toll-free number, and give their credentials. They enter a queue for their turn to speak, which is the same process as lining up behind a Pro or Con microphone. When it's their turn at the mic, they will have the opportunity to tell other members why the resolutions on the floor should be supported or defeated. Other members in the Resolutions Session will hear the speeches in real time. Further information for voting members will be shared in a future Bulletin.
Before joining a session, a delegate might want to connect with their colleagues from other regions. They can send a direct message to select delegates inviting them to drop by the delegate lounge sponsored by Young Anderson. In the lounge they'll be able to connect and network with whoever else has stopped in.
Another option available to delegates is to set up a forum or group chat around topics of interest. A few members could get together and start their own group chat to catch up on similar projects they are working on, and share their learnings and experiences. They can invite other members, or perhaps ask a representative from one of the sponsors or exhibitors in the Exhibitor Showcase to come join and share their technical expertise. 
Exhibitor Showcase
Delegates can also drop by the Exhibitor Showcase and visit the "booths" in the trade show. There will be representatives at the booths from a wide range of companies with products and services of interest to local governments. There will be opportunities to share documents, schedule follow up calls and demos, and to chat one on one with the exhibitors either through text or to request a live video chat! All this is within the single Pheedloop platform.
Convention Support
UBCM members have shown themselves to be leaders in coping with the challenges that the pandemic has created, and are up to the challenge of learning new ways of coming together virtually at a convention.
The UBCM Convention is being supported by a professional company who has been hosting virtual events for many years. During the event delegates will have access to a support team who has seen it all, and who can help navigate the platform to make the Convention almost as enjoyable and educational an experience as the in-person version. They just can't provide any coffee or refreshments!
The UBCM Executive is looking forward to hosting members at the first virtual convention in the association's long history. It's another milestone in finding new ways to support and advocate for local governments across BC.
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The UBCM Convention Bulletin is a service provided to all registrants, as well as to staff who are organizing the attendance of elected officials, in advance of the UBCM Convention. If you do not wish to receive updates on the 2019 Convention, you may unsubscribe using the link below. © Copyright Union of British Columbia Municipalities 2016
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