Presented by SummersDirect + Big Bang Communications
Join us at the BC Communications Forum, the premier gathering for communication professionals across the province.
This is your opportunity to connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas with peers, and dive into the latest insights that can transform your day to day work.
Prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with high-impact learning, practical skills, and inspiring conversations. Our mission is to deliver top-notch professional development that’s not just relevant but also scalable and immediately applicable.
Invest your time wisely—come away with a wealth of knowledge, fresh perspectives, and a vibrant network that will elevate your career to new heights!
Join our email list for information about this event.
Hotel Information
Inn at Laurel Point
680 Montreal St, Victoria, BC (250) 386-8721
Room rates from $189/night (& taxes).
Individuals may also book by:
Phone: 250-386-8721
Email: reservations@laurelpoint.com
Please be sure to mention you are part of the ‘Swansea Communications’ group to receive the rate, which is guaranteed until January 9, 2025.
Venue
Online via Zoom
In Person
Inn at Laurel Point, 680 Montreal St, Victoria, BC V8V 1Z8
Contact Us
Speakers
Ravinder Birk, Project Coordinator, British Columbia Energy Regulator
Phil Rygg, Director, Public Trust, British Columbia Energy Regulator
Robyn Quinn APR, MA, Fellow CPRS, Big Bang Communications
Andrew is the co-founder of Tiny, a Canadian holding company that buys and holds wonderful businesses for the long-term
Nicole Sendey, CPRS VI + Communications Manager, General Presidents’ Maintenance Committee for Canada and National Maintenance Council for Canada
Deepali Arora, Senior Principal Data Scientist, Oracle
Johanna Ward, Senior Communications Strategist, BC College of Nurses and Midwives
Alex Sévigny, PhD, APR, Associate Professor, McMaster University
Cynthia Lockrey,
Lockrey Communications
Mike Gregory Senior Communications Officer, Ocean Networks Canada
Stephanie Willerth, Ph.D., P.Eng., FCSSE, FBSE, Full Professor, Biomedical Engineering, University of Victoria
Michal Utko, Director of Marketing and Communications, Okanagan Regional Library
Wyatt Matthews, Manager, Marketing and Content Strategy, EY
Forum
February 24, 2025
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. | Registration and Breakfast
8:30 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks from the Chairpersons, Robyn Quinn APR, MA, Fellow CPRS, Big Bang Communications & Nicole Sendey, CPRS VI + Communications Manager, General Presidents' Maintenance Committee for Canada and National Maintenance Council for Canada
Robyn Quinn is a leading communications strategist and founder of Big Bang Communications (2008), with a proven track record in delivering award-winning public relations and marketing campaigns across Canada. Known for her expertise in media relations and spokesperson training, Robyn has supported diverse sectors including technology, education, government, and not-for-profits in building impactful communication strategies. A Fellow of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), Robyn served as CPRS National President (2004–2005) following five years on the National Board. Her dedication to the field extends to teaching Digital Journalism at Camosun College and mentoring future leaders through UVic’s Gustavson School of Business. A dynamic speaker, Robyn brings invaluable insight and practical strategies for today’s complex communications landscape.
Nicole Sendey, CPRS VI, General Presidents’ Maintenance Committee for Canada and National Maintenance Council for Canada Nicole Sendey is the Communications Manager for the General Presidents’ Maintenance Committee for Canada and National Maintenance Council for Canada (GPMC I NMC) and has over 25 years of experience in strategic communications and stakeholder relations. She has worked with clients in various industries including real estate development, aviation, telehealth, biotech, and unionized maintenance. Nicole has managed comprehensive stakeholder engagement campaigns, media relations, and crisis communications for public and private sector clients. Nicole received her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) designation from the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and serves on the CPRS-Vancouver Island Board.
8:45 – 9:45 a.m. | FIRESIDE CHAT: From Barista to Billionaire: Insights from Andrew Wilkinson's Journey & his thoughts on the Future of Media
Andrew Wilkinson
The co-founder of Tiny, a Canadian holding company that buys and holds wonderful businesses for the long-term
Discover the incredible journey of Andrew Wilkinson, co-founder of Tiny, in this captivating fireside chat. Andrew shares insights from his life, business, and the ideas that shaped his success.
In 2024, he published Never Enough: From Barista to Billionaire, an honest account of his rise, garnering acclaim for its vulnerability. Having started his first business in high school and achieving his first billion by age 36, Andrew now oversees Tiny, a long-term holding company for over 40 businesses, employing more than 1,000 people and generating hundreds of millions in revenue.
Don’t miss this chance to learn from a visionary who’s transforming community media with Overstory Media Group, which encompasses brands like Capital Daily and The Coast. Join us for an inspiring discussion!
About Andrew
Andrew Wilkinson is the co-founder of Tiny (www.tiny.com (http://www.
9:45 – 10:00 a.m. | Networking & Refreshment Break
10:15 – 11:15 a.m. | Don’t Be Afraid - It’s Only AI (Future of Comms)
How is AI changing every aspect in leadership and communications? From deep fakes aimed at disrupting democracy to speeding up clinical drug trial data analysis, what can we expect from AI in our fields and how do we prepare?
Expert panelists in data science, AI and public relations discuss the rapidly changing landscape and how senior practitioners can bring the power of AI into their organizations through thoughtful and ethical tools and approaches. Dr. Alex Sévigny, APR (McMaster University), Deepali Arora (Oracle, finalist for the top 20 women in AI for North America) and others will address the threats and opportunities created by this evolutionary tool.
Panel
Alex Sévigny, PhD, APR, Associate Professor, McMaster University
Deepali Arora, PhD, Senior Principal Data Scientist, Oracle
Alex, APR is an associate professor of communication management at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is an expert in public relations, communication management, and data-driven communication strategies, most recently using AI, augmented and virtual reality. He is an active researcher and consultant who maintains a foot in both academia and the dynamic world of the communications industry. He has a forthcoming book on how communicators and marketers can strategically use generative artificial intelligence in their practice.
Deepali is a seasoned professional currently serving as a senior principal data scientist in SaaS Engineering team at Oracle, where she develops AI models for efficient allocation of cloud capacity resources and cost optimization. She holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and has 15 years of experience spanning top-tier industries like Amazon, EA, and more. In addition to her industry work, she has taught AI courses for a couple of years to undergraduate and graduate students in Software and Computer Engineering, and Computer Science at the University of Victoria, Canada. Her contributions also include 35 IEEE publications and a tenure as IEEE CAS Chair. Recently, she was honoured with the Outstanding IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics engineers) Leadership Award and recognized as one of the top 20 women in AI in North America.
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Crisis Communications: Drag Story Time Case Study (Crisis, Diversity)
This session provides a comprehensive look at crisis communication strategies for organizations hosting inclusive events that may attract a range of public responses. Attendees will gain practical insights into handling public feedback professionally, protecting team members, and using AI to enhance communication monitoring. This session will equip you with the tools and strategies needed to manage challenging situations with a cohesive and effective approach.
What You’ll Learn:
- Effective crisis communication techniques for responding to both support and criticism with a unified organizational voice
- Strategies for developing protective measures to support staff and shield them from potentially harmful or threatening interactions
- How to leverage AI tools to manage high volumes of calls and emails, proactively flagging and identifying dangerous language or threats
- Approaches to minimizing negative exposure for both staff and leadership during sensitive situations
- Practical frameworks for anticipating and addressing potential controversies effectively
Michal Utko, Director of Marketing and Communications, Okanagan Regional Library
Michal ia passionate about branding, product, and graphic design. He excels in developing systems that streamline operations and enhance productivity. His pragmatic approach has proved invaluable in steering ORL through challenging discussions on topics like Drag Story Time, ensuring that community engagement remains respectful and inclusive.
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Networking Luncheon
1:15 – 2:30 p.m. | Global Communications Panel (Future of Comms)
Did you know hundreds of global communications campaigns are based here in British Columbia and reaching audiences everywhere? We’ll talk about the challenges and rewards with PR professionals who have mastered the art of global conversations. From sharing complex oceans research to managing controversial climate action learn what makes being grounded in BC a communications advantage.
Moderator
Nicole Sendey, CPRS VI + General Presidents’ Maintenance Committee for Canada and National Maintenance Council for Canada
Panel
Michael Gregory, Senior Communications Officer, Ocean Networks Canada
Stephanie Willerth, Ph.D., P.Eng., FCSSE, FBSE, Full Professor, Biomedical Engineering, University of Victoria
Wyatt Matthews, Manager, Marketing and Content Strategy, EY
Mike is currently a Senior Communications Officer at Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), a world-leading research and ocean observing facility based at the University of Victoria. Prior to joining ONC, he previously served as a communications and engagement specialist for the municipality in Ladysmith, leading the development of public relations materials, managing corporate identity and creating engagement strategies. Mike has 15 years of communications-related experience first honing his skills as an award-winning reporter and editor, including roles at CBC News in Toronto. In his spare time, Mike is a competitive age group triathlete and serves on the board of directors for Triathlon BC.
Stephanie is a Full Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Victoria where she holds joint appointments in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Division of Medical Sciences. Stephanie Willerth is not only a leading research scientist – she is a global entrepreneur, creating excitement around her expertise and discoveries whether she is speaking on stage at conferences or meeting with investors or world leaders looking to improve medical outcomes. In 2020 Dr. Stephanie founded and became CEO of award-winning biotechnology start-up company Axolotl Biosciences here in Victoria. Born from the demand for bioinks for 3D printing human tissues Axolotl Biosciences leveraged the internationally recognized bio-printing focused research group she led at University of Victoria.
Wyatt is the marketing and content strategy lead for EY’s Customer Transformation Practice. Wyatt partners with organizations across North America enabling change, innovation, and operational excellence through marketing transformation. He has worked across a variety of industries and excels at crafting impactful solutions for challenging and unique problems. Wyatt refined marketing approach focuses on people, perception, and creating stories to inspire action. He is known for executing impactful marketing campaigns tailored to include the right mix of traditional and innovative channels.
2:30 - 2:45 p.m. | Networking Break
Did you know hundreds of global communications campaigns are based here in British Columbia and reaching audiences everywhere? We’ll talk about the challenges and rewards with PR professionals who have mastered the art of global conversations. From sharing complex oceans research to managing controversial climate action learn what makes being grounded in BC a communications advantage.
Moderator
Nicole Sendey, CPRS VI + General Presidents’ Maintenance Committee for Canada and National Maintenance Council for Canada
Panel
Michael Gregory, Senior Communications Officer, Ocean Networks Canada
Stephanie Willerth, Ph.D., P.Eng., FCSSE, FBSE, Full Professor, Biomedical Engineering, University of Victoria
2:45 – 3:45 p.m. | Communicating a Re-brand with Multiple Internal and External Audiences (Re-branding, Integrated Comms)
Established in 1998, the British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission (BCOGC) was granted an expanded mandate by the provincial government in 2023. In addition to our current responsibilities with respect to oil, gas and geothermal development, we would become the regulator for the production of hydrogen, ammonia and methanol, and have an expanded role in carbon capture and storage.
To reflect this new mandate – and the changing energy landscape – the 25 year-old organization set out to re-brand itself, with a new name and new logo. After more than a year of planning and execution, the successful rebrand is complete; the BCOGC is now the British Columbia Energy Regulator (BCER).
During this presentation, we’ll discuss what worked well, what didn’t and what the organization could’ve done differently along the way to becoming the BCER.
Attendees will learn:
- How we engaged staff early and often to gain internal acceptance – and saved some money too.
- How we used informal channels to communicate with external partners to avoid any ‘red flags’ later on.
- How we utilized a project management framework to keep every department involved, but not overwhelmed.
Phil Rygg, Director, Public Trust, British Columbia Energy Regulator
Ravinder Birk, Project Coordinator, British Columbia Energy Regulator
Phil joined the BC Oil and Gas Commission in 2016 and is the Director of Public Trust. He was the co-chair of the Commission’s Rebrand project team which oversaw the organization’s move to become the BC Energy Regulator. Phil has held similar communications positions at BC Hydro and the Government of BC. Phil began his career as a print journalist in Ontario and B.C.
Ravinder has been with the BC Energy Regulator for over five years as part of the Strategy and Culture Team in Project Management. As the Project Manager for the Rebrand project she worked with cross-divisional leaders to support the organizational rebrand. Ravinder is Certified Management Consultant and supports the BCER in strategic change initiatives.
3:45 – 4:45 p.m. | Reconcili-action in Health Care: One Regulator’s Journey (Diversity)
In 2020, the B.C. Ministry of Health released In Plain Sight, a report detailing the devastating presence of racism and discrimination in health care for Indigenous Peoples in B.C. The report called on all partners in the health-care system—including regulators—to take action to dismantle Indigenous-specific racism.
The BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) regulates all nurses and midwives in the province, some 73,000 health-care professionals. Join Senior Communications Strategist Johanna Ward as she discusses BCCNM’s reconciliation journey from commitment to action to redress, and how this work has impacted virtually every aspect of the college’s communications. Attendees will learn:
- Why humility, listening, and a willingness to admit past wrongs are integral to the work
- The vital role communications plays in shifting the narrative, including specific language choices and approaches
- How we move together into the next phase of reconciliation
Johanna Ward, Senior Communications Strategist, BC College of Nurses and Midwives
Johanna is the Senior Communications Strategist at the BC College of Nurses and Midwives. She has worked in communications for 20 years, doing media relations, issues management and providing strategic counsel to senior leadership. She has also worked as a journalist, copy editor and PR strategist. Through her career, she’s provided thought leadership and powerful storytelling for clients in a broad range of industries.
4:45 p.m. | Forum Concludes
4:45 - 6:00 p.m. | Post-forum Networking
Details to come!
Workshops
February 25, 2025
OPTIONAL POST-FORUM WORKSHOPS
Workshops are in person attendance only.
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Workshop A: Leverage the Power of Email Communications
Email—it’s often underappreciated but remains one of the most effective tools for targeted, measurable communication. Forbes puts it into perspective: “With 4.48 billion users globally, the reach is immense, and analysts predict growth to 4.59 billion by 2025 and 4.73 billion by 2026, proving it’s still relevant and has plenty of potential.” That reach is invaluable, but the real strength of email lies in its flexibility to engage highly specific audiences with meaningful, measurable impact.
Want to create a safe space for feedback on a complex issue? Or reach younger audiences with credible information? According to Statista, 79% of millennials and 57% of Gen Z welcome email communications. Emails are a powerful channel for building trust, sharing knowledge, and connecting with communities.
The key, however, is to craft every email with a clear outcome in mind, integrated into your overall communications strategy. This workshop will show you how to build impactful, results-driven campaigns—regardless of platform.
In this session, you’ll learn how to:
- Define clear, strategy-aligned goals
- Segment audiences with precision
- Craft compelling subject lines
- Develop relevant, engaging content
- Implement a consistent, strategic schedule
- Analyze performance data and refine tactics
- Integrate AI and automation tools effectively
- Build a trusted platform for knowledge-sharing
Whether you’re seeking greater engagement, actionable insights, or streamlined communications, these email strategies will elevate your approach.
Robyn Quinn APR, MA, Fellow CPRS, Big Bang Communications
Robyn Quinn is a leading communications strategist and founder of Big Bang Communications (2008), with a proven track record in delivering award-winning public relations and marketing campaigns across Canada. As a seasoned communications professional Robyn has used many platforms and channels to achieve goals. Her preferred method of measurable and impactful engagement is… email. Specifically, she considers Constant Contact a top tier platform and she demonstrates that trust as a Certified Constant Contact Expert for over 15 years. “I love teaching how to make the platform your own. Recent updates include AI integration and flexible building blocks to customize emails.” A speaker and entertaining workshop facilitator, Robyn brings invaluable insight and practical strategies for today’s complex communications landscape.
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Workshop B: How to Create a Crisis Communications Plan
A crisis communications plan is a document many organizations know they need to have, but often procrastinate in creating or updating regularly. There are lots of businesses and organizations that are still without a current or relevant crisis communications plan, despite likely having experience with crisis communications thanks to the pandemic.
While a crisis communications plan can be as big or small as you need it, there are some key pieces it needs to contain. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to write an easy-to-use crisis communications plan.
Cynthia Lockrey is a change maker + communications expert. She shifts people, teams,
organizations and cultures to go from overwhelmed to clear and activated. She does this through her writing, speaking, training and coaching. Having started her career as a reporter and newspaper editor, she draws upon storytelling to get people to tune-in and be engaged with the content she’s sharing. Over her 25+ career, Cynthia has worked as a post-secondary instructor, media and crisis communications lead for a Venue City for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, emergency/public information officer for three local governments, communications manager, consultant and leadership coach.
Cynthia Lockrey, Lockrey Communications – Change maker + communications expert
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Workshop C: Scaling Your Practice Using Generative AI
In this hands-on workshop, Alex Sévigny will give participants a tour of several AI tools in the four areas of communications practice, focusing on their strategic value to:
- Research,
- Strategy/Planning,
- Communications (Audio, Video, Text),
- Evaluation/Analytics
He will demonstrate how AI can be used to drive strategy, achieve business objectives for clients and revolutionize your practice by scaling it in ways you may not have thought possible before AI.
Alex Sévigny, PhD, APR, Associate Professor, McMaster University
Alex Sévigny, APR is an associate professor of communication management at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is an expert in public relations, communication management, and data-driven communication strategies, most recently using AI, augmented and virtual reality. He is an active researcher and consultant who maintains a foot in both academia and the dynamic world of the communications industry. He has a forthcoming book on how communicators and marketers can strategically use generative artificial intelligence in their practice.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Interested in Sponsorship? Please contact us by emailing andrea@swanseacommunications.com.
Register Here
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Substitution of delegates is permissible without prior notification. Refunds will be given for cancellations received in writing no later than 10 days prior to the conference date subject to an administration fee of $250 plus $12.50 for GST. After this time, you are liable for the full registration fee even if you do not attend the conference. If you register during this 15 day period, you are also liable for the full fee. Summers Direct reserves the right to change program date, meeting place or content without further notice and assumes no liability for these changes.