FAQ & Code of Conduct
Frequently Asked Questions
Accessibility at the Conference
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience. Visit our our Accessibility & Venues page for detailed descriptions of the physical accessibility at all conference venues. This includes wayfinding, accommodations for visually and hearing-impaired attendees, sensory considerations, and washroom details.
We kindly ask attendees to refrain from wearing perfumes or colognes to create a scent-neutral environment for those with sensitivities.
If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact us at conference@heritagebc.ca before the event.
Will the presentations be available virtually?
This year’s conference is focused on in-person engagement, and sessions will not be available virtually. We encourage all delegates to take advantage of the opportunity to connect directly with speakers, facilitators, and peers.
What if I have to cancel?
- Refund Policy: 80% refunds are available for cancellations made by May 1, 2025.
- Transferring Registration: You may transfer your registration to another individual.
Please email kclausen@heritagebc.ca for assistance.
What should I do if I become ill before or during the conference?
If you feel unwell before the conference, please stay home and prioritize your recovery. We encourage all attendees to take a rapid test before traveling.
If you experience symptoms during the event, inform the organizing team, return to your accommodation, and rest. Contact us at conference@heritagebc.ca if you develop symptoms within 10 days after the conference so we can notify other attendees.
Masks are not required but are encouraged based on your comfort level. We support any measures you take to prioritize your health and safety.
Can I earn professional development credits for attending sessions?
Members of the Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC) can self-report Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) credits for attending eligible sessions.
Where will the conference be held?
All conference events will take place at historic and cultural sites in downtown Kamloops and on the T’kemlúps Reserve.
Transportation for offsite events will depart directly from the DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops. Walking distances between venues range from 100–500 meters, so please wear comfortable footwear.
What are the sponsorship opportunities?
Organizations interested in supporting the conference can view our Sponsorship Opportunities Booklet online or reach out to jhoffman@heritagebc.ca. Your contributions help ensure the success of this important event.
Conference Code of Conduct
Heritage BC is committed to fostering a professional, respectful, and inclusive environment. All delegates are expected to uphold principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
If you have questions about the Code of Conduct, contact conference@heritagebc.ca.
Harassment Policy:
Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. Delegates are encouraged to report incidents to kclausen@heritagebc.ca or a member of the conference planning team.
For more details, visit our Conference Code of Conduct page.
Cultural Safety & Support Liaison
Designated Cultural Safety & Support Liaisons will be available throughout the conference. These individuals are trained to provide a safe space for delegates to discuss sensitive situations or emotions. Liaisons will be introduced at the start of the event and listed on the conference website.
Do you have other questions?
If your question isn’t answered here, feel free to contact us at conference@heritagebc.ca.
Conference Code of Conduct
Heritage BC aims to promote an environment that is characterised by professionalism, collegiality, respect, dignity, and cooperation. Conference delegates are expected to uphold the commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by maintaining an environment that respects diverse traditions, heritages, and experiences.
If you have questions about our Conference Code of Conduct, please contact Kirstin Clausen at kclausen@heritagebc.ca
Harassment Policy
Personal harassment or discriminatory conduct will not be tolerated. If you experience or witness harassment or discriminatory conduct, we encourage you to reach out to info@heritagebc.ca or a person at the conference with a badge that identifies them as a member of the conference planning team. Heritage BC will carefully review all reports and take appropriate action.
Examples of Harassment and Discriminatory Conduct:
- Threats, acts, or the endorsement of violence, specifically:
- Threats, acts, or the endorsement of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, etc.
- Unwanted physical contact or sexual attention
- Purposefully intimidating, isolating, or destabilizing an individual
- Slander/gossip with the intent of discrediting or embarrassing
- Intentionally devaluing an individual based on their identity
- Intentional outing and/or deliberate disregard for aspects of an individual’s identity. This includes but is not limited to:
- Sustained misgendering
- Use of a rejected or deadname
- Sharing private details of a person’s lived experience without their consent.
Examples that are NOT Harassment and Discriminatory Conduct:
- “Reverse Racism”
- Reasonable levels of stress, conflict, or disagreements that may arise from the exploration of challenging ideas and perspectives
- Having problematic or oppressive behaviours challenged
- Physical contact between consenting individuals
- Communication of boundaries, including but not limited to:
- An individual’s desire to retain a physical distance due to COVID-19.
- An individual’s refusal to hold space for ignorance and/or refusal to educate.
The Government of Canada provides detailed information on harassment and a tool to guide conference delegates here.
What to do if you witness harassment in the workplace:
In any given situation involving harassment, bullying, or discrimination, there is a multitude of ways to respond or react. As a bystander, you have the power to create real-deal change. If you report an incident to Heritage BC, we will ask for the following information:
- The name of the perpetrator;
- The date, or approximate dates, that the situation that forms the basis of the complaint occurred;
- A description of the complaint and how the situation breaches the Code of Conduct;
- Any information that might substantiate the complaint;
- Note: Your private information will only be accessible to the designated Heritage BC safety coordinator and won’t be shared without your express permission.
If you would like to discuss an incident directly with a Heritage BC team member, please contact us at kclausen@heritagebc.ca or leave us a voicemail at 604-417-7243 ext. 101.
What to expect after reporting an incident:
If a conference delegate has been deemed to have violated the Code of Conduct, the following disciplinary action may be taken:
- The delegate may have their conference registration revoked and would not be reimbursed for any registration fees that have already been paid.
- The delegate may be prohibited from participating in Heritage BC online and/or in-person events for a period of time or indefinitely.