2026 BC Emerging Leaders (BCEL) Conference
About this Event
Registration Inclusions
Your conference ticket includes two full conference days, breakfast and lunch on both days, and an evening networking event.
Location
The event is being hosted at: Vancity Head Office, 183 Terminal Ave, Vacouver, BC, V6A 4G2.
Schedule
The conference kicks off at 8:30am on Thursday, October 22nd, ending at 3pm Friday, October 23rd.
Accommodation: Room Block
We have a room block and a great rate of $149/night for Wednesday October 21st and Thursday October 22nd.
By Phone: Reservations can be made by contacting our team at 1-800-SANDMAN (726-3626). Kindly quote the following details to ensure our team can pull up the correct rates:
Hotel: Sandman Signature Vancouver Downtown Hotel
Group Name: BC Emerging Leaders Conference 2026
Block ID: 641874
Online: https://reservations.sandmanhotels.com/113060?groupID=5192177
Accommodation: Other Options
Central 1 has special rates for Credit Union employees at a number of hotels in Vancouver. For more information, contact your credit union to see the Central 1 rate sheet.
Getting to the event
By Plane
Vancouver (YVR)
From the airport to the conference / hotel is approximately a 35 min drive: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rL5Qnh17jJmk8n1v6
By Car
For parking close to Vancity, please see the options below:
Science World (Impark Parking Lot)
1455 Quebec Street
~$20/day
Vantech Centre (Impact Lot #1039)
333 Terminal Avenue
~10/day
Columbia College (Indigo Lot #V129)
438 Terminal Avenue
~15/day
Questions
If you have any questions or need any support, please email us at: [email protected]
Day 1
State of the Union: BC
Host: Jeff Brown
Info: Jeff Brown is the VP Advisory & Regulatory Solutions at Stabilization Central Credit Union. Jeff will deliver a state of the union presentation focused on the provincial and regulatory lens.
Consolidation, Collaboration, Community
Host: Niki Parsons - Prospera
Info: Community investment is at the heart of the credit union difference - and a powerful way to lead with impact.
In this panel, leaders from across BC will share how they shape community investment strategies, make values-driven decisions, and create meaningful outcomes in a changing system.
Reflection and Networking
Info: Led by the BCEL committee, we'll discuss actionable takeaways and have an opportunity to network and get to know each other, reflecting on Day 1.
Keynote Speaker - The Cooperative Advantage
Host: Paula Martin - Global Alliance for Banking On Values
Info: Paula Martin is the regional representative for the Global Alliance for Banking on Values. Her keynote will focus on cooperative values from a global perspective. As part of this session, there will be lots of opportunities for Q&A.
Day 2
State of the Union: National
Host: Jeff Guthrie
Info: Jeff Guthrie is the outgoing CEO of the Canadian Credit Union Association - CCUA. Jeff will deliver a state of the union presentation focused on the national picture of the credit union movement in Canada.
Impact at Every Level (Panel)
Host: Supriya James - Vancity
Info: Leadership isn’t defined by title alone, it’s measured by influence and impact. In this dynamic panel, leaders from across BC will share how they create meaningful impact in their teams, organizations, and communities.
Human Library
Info: Back by popular demand, the Human Library series will include 8 leaders that participants can speak to about their experiences. Our books are Zoe Hunt — Tru Cooperative Bank;
Caitlyn Bryant — FCU Community Financial a division of Vancity;
Angel Clemente-Jones — Vancity;
SB Ekanayake — SASCU;
Abigail Ven — Tru Cooperative Bank;
Aaron Solly — Prospera;
James Thomas — Beem Credit Union;
Reflecting and Networking
Info: Led by the BCEL committee, we'll discuss actionable takeaways and have an opportunity to network and get to know each other, reflecting on the conference.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 495.00
