2025 BC Egg Conference & AGM

 

February 27 & 28, 2025  ⋅  Fairmont Hotel Vancouver  ⋅  900 W Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC

Join us at the 2025 BC Egg Conference & AGM

We’re very pleased to once again be hosting a Conference and AGM focused exclusively on egg producers. The theme of this year’s conference is “Strength in Farming.” Farming requires physical and mental strength. Often we have all the strength we need but sometimes we must reach out to the farming community for a little help. Whether you need help lifting heavy loads; consulting on bird health; borrowing a part or tool; or fixing equipment, you know you can reach out to a fellow producer. This year’s conference is all about celebrating that strength in farming.

This year’s event will kick off with a late afternoon Welcome Reception and Trade Show on the afternoon of February 27, with the bulk of our programming occurring on Friday, February 28. You’ll be able to relax in the Next Box lounge, engage in education sessions, take in the AGM meeting, enjoy our keynote speaker during lunch, and of course you’ll be treated to our signature Gala Dinner.

Event Registration

Registration for the 2025 Conference & AGM is now closed.

We look forward to seeing you in Vancouver on the 27 and 28!

 

Tickets

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Hotel Reservations

Book your stay at the conference hotel, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver!
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, you’ll be steps away from all the conference events and activities and all downtown Vancouver has to offer should you wish to extend your stay. The Conference Rate will be honoured three days prior and three days after the event (based on hotel availability) so you can enjoy your time in Vancouver.

An exclusive BC Egg rate is available to conference attendees, but space is limited. The hotel has advised us that February 2025 is expected to be unseasonably busy in Vancouver, so hotel rooms will book up quickly.  Please note that the Conference Group Rate is available until January 27, 2025, or while supplies last.

 

To book your stay at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, please click here.

 

If you prefer to book by phone, please call the hotel directly at 604.684. 3131 or 1.866.540.4452. Quote code: BCEG0225

Deposit for one night’s stay and tax will be processed at time of booking.  Please contact hotel for more details.

Conference Programming

This year’s conference will kick off with the pre-dinner Welcome Reception and Trade Show on Thursday afternoon. Join us as we take you on a voyage around the world with a menu of globally inspired appetizers hosted by our fantastic Trade Show vendors.

Friday will be filled with egg-focused programming. The AGM will have centre stage in the morning, but the day will also feature two education sessions, our keynote speaker, a board hot-seat, and of course our signature Gala Dinner Friday night.

Here’s a taste of what’s on offer for 2025:

 

All programming is in the Pacific Ballroom on the Conference Floor unless otherwise noted.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27

4:00 – 6:00
Welcome Reception and Trade Show

The Welcome Reception will be held upstairs, on The Roof.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

 7:00 am-8:00 pm
Nest Box Lounge

7:30-8:45 am
Breakfast 

9:00-9:30 am
BC EPA AGM 

9:30-10:30 am
Welcome Speakers

10:30-11:00 am
BC Egg AGM

  1. Welcome and Intro
  2. Adoption of Agenda
  3. Election Results
  4. Highlights of 2024
  5. Approval of AGM Minutes
  6. Report on National Issues
  7. Marketing Presentation
  8. Supporting the Community
  9. Audit Report and Financial Statements
  10. Appointment of Auditors
  11. PMC Update
  12. Closing


11:00-11:30 am
Coffee and Snack Break 

11:30-12:30 pm
Concurrent Education Sessions

Education Sessions are held in the Boardroom & Waddington rooms.
See the “Education Session” section below for session details, speakers and locations.

 

12:30 -2:00 pm
Lunch 

  • Keynote Speaker: Des Sobool, FCC Director, Economics and Deputy Chief Economist
    Navigating the Economic Environment Amid Tariff Threats, Trade Disruptions, and Productivity Challenges Facing Canadian Agriculture and Food

 

2:00-3:00 pm
Concurrent Education Sessions

Education Sessions are held in the Boardroom & Waddington rooms.
See the “Education Session” section below for session details, speakers and locations.

 

3:15-4:15 pm
Board Hot Seat
(Closed Session*)

4:00-5:30 pm
No Host Bar in the Nest Box Lounge

5:30-6:30 pm
Champagne Reception 

6:30-10:00 pm
Gala Dinner and Dancing 

* Closed Sessions are available to BC Egg Producers only.

Education and Inspiration

This year’s conference features a keynote speaker and two education sessions. Our presenters will help you gain knowledge and skills to help you adapt to the ever-changing landscape of egg farming in BC.

Education Sessions

With an education session in the morning and a second session in the afternoon, this year there’s no need to choose between our offerings! Both topics will be offered in both time slots, so you’ll have ample opportunity to enjoy our presenters.

SESSION 1 (Morning & Afternoon Tracks)
White Hens are From Venus, Brown Hens are From Mars

Speaker: EFC Research Chair, Dr. Tina Widowski

When laying hens were mainly housed in conventional cages, the most notable differences between strains came down to size, feed efficiency and the colour of their eggs. In today’s more complex housing systems, an understanding of genetic differences in behaviour, especially between white and brown feathered strains, is critical for successful management.

In this session Dr. Widowski covers our recent research findings on differences in the behavioural biology between white and brown strains including  feather pecking, their physical ability and motivation to use furnishings, their fearfulness and reactions to fear, and even their preferences for different enrichments.

  • Tina M. Widowski, PhD, is Professor of Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare in the Department of Animal Biosciences.  She has spent over 30 years teaching and researching about how housing, transport and management practices affect the behaviour and welfare of farm animals. In 2011 Dr. Widowski was appointed the Egg Farmers of Canada Research Chair in Poultry Welfare, and since then, her research group focuses mainly on developing best practices for housing and management of growing pullets and laying hens.Dr. Widowski has supervised over 60 Masters and 12 PhD students and published over 200 scientific papers and book chapters. Many of her former students now hold leadership positions in agricultural industries.She has served on a number of scientific advisory committees for animal welfare guidelines including the National Farm Animal Care Council (Canada) Scientific and Codes of Practice Committees for Pigs, for Meat poultry and for Laying Hens. She was a member the Animal Care Program Team which wrote the on-farm animal welfare assessment for all laying hens in Canada and serves on the United Egg Producers Scientists Committee on Animal Welfare which develops animal care guidelines for 90% of laying hens in the USA.

 

SESSION 2 (Morning & Afternoon Tracks)
Farmer Feud Quiz Show

Speaker: BC Egg Board Chair, Al Sakalauskas

Join BC Egg board chair Al Sakalauskas as he takes us on a deep dive into the history of BC’s egg industry. He’ll test the knowledge of our three Farmer Feud contestants as they pit their wits against supply management trivia and each other! You’ll get a chance to help (or hinder!) our valiant contestants as they’ll each have an opportunity to poll the audience for help on particularly challenging trivia questions and egg-ceptional historical facts. Join us for what promises to be an entertaining, and egg-ucational, hour with Al.

  • Al is familiar to many egg producers as prior to joining BC Egg as board chair in November of 2023 he served as Executive Director of BC Egg from 2007 to 2015. Al has had a long career in both the agricultural industry and with the BC Government. From 2016 to 2023 Al was with the BC Farm Industry Review Board (FIRB). His last position with FIRB was as Vice Chair. Al also served as an Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture.Al got both his Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Agricultural Science degrees from the University of British Columbia. As fate would have it, Al’s first job after graduation was working for the poultry sector in Abbotsford. BC Egg is happy to welcome Al back to Abbotsford and the poultry sector.

 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Navigating the Economic Environment Amid Tariff Threats, Trade Disruptions, and Productivity Challenges Facing Canadian Agriculture and Food

1:00 pm in the Pacific Ballroom, over lunch

Speaker: Des Sobool, Farm Credit Canada Director, Economics and Deputy Chief Economist

In recent years, Canadian agriculture and food sectors have faced significant economic challenges due to tariff threats, trade disruptions, and productivity issues. The ongoing tariff threats, particularly from the U.S., have led to increased production costs and reduced competitiveness in key markets. Trade disruptions have further strained supply chains, making it difficult for Canadian producers to secure alternative markets. Additionally, productivity challenges, such as labour shortages and adverse weather and disease impacts, have compounded these issues.

To navigate this complex economic environment, Canadian agriculture and food sectors must adopt innovative strategies, such as diversifying export markets, investing in technology and automation, and enhancing sustainable practices. Collaborative efforts between government, industry stakeholders, and research institutions will be crucial in developing resilient and adaptive solutions to ensure the long-term viability and growth of Canadian agriculture and food sectors.

  • Des Sobool is the Director, Economics and Deputy Chief Economist at FCC. His insights help support strategy and monitor risk throughout the corporation. In addition to acting as an FCC spokesperson on economic matters, Des provides commentary on the agri-food industry through economic reports and the FCC Economics blog.Prior to joining FCC in 2006, Des was a professional research associate at the University of Saskatchewan. He was also a relationship manager at another financial institution. Des earned his master of agricultural economics degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2005.

 

 

Become a Sponsor

Join us as a Sponsor

Our 2025 Conference and AGM event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors. Response this year has been outstanding and many of our sponsorship opportunities have sold out! We do still have a  number of Conference Partner opportunities for those who still wish to support our event. 

To download our 2025 Sponsor Package with details on each sponsorship opportunity, please click here.

 

Ready to book a Conference Partner spot? Please click here to fill out our Sponsor Registration form and lock in your sponsorship. 

 

 

Join us on a Global Voyage with our “Bites Around The World” Welcome Reception and Trade Show!

This year, our Welcome Reception and Trade Show will be a celebration of delicious food from around the world. We’re inviting our vendors to join us for an afternoon of fun as we welcome our guests to our 2025 event. Vendor spots are limited so register early to avoid disappointment.

The event will run from 4-6 pm on Thursday, February 27. We’re asking each Trade Show Vendor to host one food table or “port of call” station featuring a delicious appetizer or beverage. You’ll have an opportunity to engage guests when they come to sample the food at your station. All food will be provided by the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

In addition to the food table, you will also have a table for your vendor display and room for up to a 10′ wide backdrop (free standing only, please). We encourage you to embrace our “Bites Around the World” theme with appropriate decorations for your table. If you have questions or need inspiration, please contact our BC Egg Communications team.

Your vendor fee includes admission to the Reception for two staff to manage your booth. Should you require additional staff support, we ask that you purchase “Welcome Reception Only” registration through our general Event Registration access. All vendors will receive an announcement once Registration launches.

Please note that your Vendor fee does NOT include regular registration to the full Conference & AGM event or meals. 

Your Vendor Booth includes:

  • Complimentary attendance at Thursday’s Welcome Reception and Trade Show for two booth staff
  • Table, 2 chairs, table cloth and travel-themed décor item
  • Room for a free standing backdrop (no more than 10’ wide) or pop up banner

Welcome Reception & Trade Show Vendor Booth – $400 SOLD OUT! 

Thank you to all our amazing vendors! We look forward to enjoying a fantastic Welcome Reception and Trade Show with you on Thursday, February 27.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Our sponsorship packages are listed below, or to download a pdf version, click here.

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, we are almost sold out! Limited Registration Gift sponsor and Conference Partner spots remain. To book one of these opportunities, please click here to register. 

Please note that delegate registration is available via our ticketing window above.  An email has been sent to all eligible sponsors with instructions to redeem any Complimentary Full Registrations that maybe included in your particular sponsorship package. The deadline to redeem Complimentary Full Registrations is the same as for purchasing event registrations and closes on Tuesday, February 18. 

 

Gala Dinner Sponsor – $5,000  SOLD!

The Gala Dinner is one of the signature elements of the BC Egg Conference & AGM. Your title sponsor of this prestigious event includes:

  • 2 Complimentary Full Registrations to the Conference & AGM (including the Gala Dinner)
  • Welcoming remarks at the Gala Dinner (5 minute limit)
  • Can provide a gift item for delegate bags if you wish (item must be pre-approved by BC Egg and delivered to BC Egg’s office by February 3, 2025)
  • Your company name and logo on our event website and on-site signage

Welcome Reception Sponsor – $3,000  SOLD!

Our Conference kicks off on Thursday afternoon with Welcome Reception and Trade Show. Your title sponsorship of this event includes:

  • Complimentary Trade Show booth at the Welcome Reception, with all amenities outlined above (including attendance for two staff to the Welcome Reception only, to manage your booth)
  • 1 Complimentary Full Registration to the Conference & AGM (including the Gala Dinner)
  • Welcoming remarks at the Welcome Reception (5 minute limit)
  • Your company name and logo on our event website and on-site signage

Lunch Sponsor – $3,000 SOLD!

Sponsor our lunch February 28 and have an opportunity to greet our delegates as they join us. Your sponsorship includes:

  • 1 Complimentary Full Registration to the Conference & AGM (including the Gala Dinner)
  • Welcoming remarks at lunch (5 minute limit)
  • Opportunity to meet and greet attendees as they join us for lunch
  • Your company name and logo on our event website and on-site signage

Keynote Speaker Sponsor – $3,000  SOLD!

At every conference, BC Egg features an amazing speaker to educate and inspire. This year our keynote speaker will present during lunch in the Pacific Ballroom. Your sponsorship of the keynote speaker includes:

  • 1 Complimentary Full Registration to the Conference & AGM (including the Gala Dinner)
  • Opportunity to introduce our Keynote Speaker (5 minute limit)
  • Your company name and logo on our event website and on-site signage

“Nest Box” Lounge Sponsor – $3,000  SOLD!

We know conferences can be hectic. Our delegates appreciate a quiet, comfortable space to take a break and recharge – quite literally! The “Nest Box” lounge is a spot where attendees can relax, take advantage of courtesy charging stations, connect with colleagues, and enjoy a light snack. Your sponsorship of the Next Box includes:

  • 1 Complimentary Full Registration to the Conference & AGM (including the Gala Dinner)
  • Branded tent cards on the tables and logoed charging stations (cost will be covered by BC Egg)
  • Can provide a gift item for giveaway in the Nest Box
  • Your choice of food and beverage items to be served in the Nest Box (cost will be billed back to the sponsor)
  • Your company name and logo on our event website and on-site signage

Gala Reception Champagne Sponsor – $2,000  SOLD!

Before the doors open for our Gala Dinner, we’re hosting delegates at our Gala Champagne Reception. As sponsor, you’ll have an opportunity to put your brand at the forefront with a branded printed ring on each glass of bubbly. Your sponsorship includes:

  • Branded champagne glass ring on every glass served at our Champagne Reception
  • Your company name and logo on our event website and on-site signage

Breakfast Sponsor – $2,000  SOLD!

The early bird catches the worm and your sponsorship of our Friday morning breakfast allows you to do just that! Your sponsorship includes:

  • Opportunity to meet and greet delegates as they join us for breakfast
  • Your company name and logo on our event website and on-site signage

Conference Bag Sponsor – $3,000  SOLD!

Each guest at our Conference & AGM will receive a reusable shopping tote packed with conference goodies. You Conference Bag sponsorship includes:

  • Name or logo on our reusable conference bags given to each delegate (these bags are pre-approved by BC Egg with specs available on request)
  • Your company name and logo on our event website and on-site signage

Lanyard Partner – $2,000  SOLD!

Each delegate at our event will be wearing a name tag, and each and every name tag will hang from a signature, branded lanyard! Become our Lanyard Partner and enjoy the following:

  • Name or logo on our name tag lanyards, given to each delegate
  • Your company name and logo on our event website and on-site signage

Sweet Treat Sponsor – $1,500  SOLD!

Become our Sweet Treat Sponsor and put a branded logo sticker on the back of an individually packaged sweet treat. The Sweet Treat (think cookie, chocolate egg, or bonbon) will await each guest at their Gala Dinner place setting. Your sponsorship includes:

  • Logo sticker on the packaging of our sweet treat given to each Gala Dinner guest
  • Your company name and logo on our event website and on-site signage

Education Segment Sponsor (Two Sponsorships Available) – $1,000 SOLD!

This year we’ll be offering delegates the opportunity to attend two different education sessions during the day on Friday. Each segment will run in the morning and the afternoon, so each sponsorship will encounter two different audiences. Your sponsorship of an Education Segment includes:

  • Opportunity to introduce the segment speaker
  • Your company name and logo on our event website and on-site signage

Coffee Networking Break Sponsor  – $1,000  SOLD!

Our Coffee Networking Break will allow our guests a chance to connect and recharge during our Friday programming. Your sponsorship  includes:

  • Branded tent cards on food and beverage tables during the Coffee Networking Break
  • Your company name and logo on our event website and on-site signage

Hydration Station Sponsor – $1,000  SOLD!

We know that hydration is important so we’re providing water refill stations throughout our conference venue with chilled, fruit-infused water. As our Hydration Station Sponsor, your sponsorship will include:

  • Branded signage at all water refill stations featuring fruit-infused water
  • Your company name and logo on our event website and on-site signage

Registration Gift Sponsor – $500  SOLD!

Delegates love to receive small gifts and information from sponsors in their conference bag. Popular gifts include pens, key chains, note pads, hand sanitizer, branded chocolate/candy, branded snacks/drinks (non-alcoholic only). Sponsors are invited to also include a one-page paper item (postcard, brochure, etc.) that describes your company and its services. The cost of the gift item and paper insert are the sponsor’s responsibility. The gift must be pre-approved by BC Egg and must be delivered to our office no later than February 3, 2025.

Your Registration Gift Sponsorship includes:

  • Inclusion of a gift and one-page paper item in the conference bag
  • Your company name and logo on our event website and on-site signage

Conference Partner – $1,000  

Want to support our event, but don’t want to fuss with other details? Just send us your logo and join us as a Conference Partner! Includes:

  • Your company name and logo on-screen at the conference
  • Your company name and logo on our event website