Over 500 dairy farmers and industry affiliates came together from November 27-29, 2013.
Last week, the BC Dairy Industry came together in Vancouver for the 5th Annual BC Dairy Conference to learn, network and socialize with fellow dairy farmers and industry affiliates. The event took place from November 27-29 at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel and Vancouver Convention Centre, bringing together 500 people over three days.
The theme for this year was Conversations: Finding Your Voice. Wally Smith, President of Dairy Farmers of Canada kicked off the annual event with a strong message for dairy producers to be advocates for the dairy industry in their own communities. Dean Lee, Creative Director for advertising agency DDB, spoke about finding his voice through creative inspiration. The morning session ended with a compelling presentation by Andrew Campbell on the power of social media for farmers.
In the afternoon, we were lucky to have Ian Hanomansing, CBC News Anchor and Journalist who answered a myriad of media-related questions to an engaged audience for over an hour! In-between presentations, delegates had the opportunity to attend break-out sessions and partake in networking with conference exhibitors and fellow dairy producers.
We were honoured to have Minister Steve Thompson of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations in attendance at our welcome reception. He spoke on the subject of governmental support for the dairy industry as a backbone of our provincial economy. The formal gala featured a speech by Minister Naomi Yamomoto, Minister of State for Small Business who further asserted government respect for the dairy industry.
Planning for the 2014 event is already underway! Please save the date November 26-28, 2014 at the Vancouver Convention Centre and Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. For more information on the event and the conference speakers, visitwww.bcdairyconference.ca
