BEST 2025 Conference Program

Two Outstanding Receptions and Ample Networking Opportunities
With forty Technical Sessions, numerous networking opportunities took place, including two outstanding receptions. The Opening Reception on Wednesday, hosted by PANAQUA, took place on site on the rooftop terrace of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. On Thursday evening, AGAT Laboratories hosted the off-site reception in the Lower Village at Dublin Gate.

The exhibits area featured products and services from BEST sponsors, and the luncheons featured two amazing Keynote Speakers – Mark Angelo, Globally Renowned River Conservationist, and Jill Heinerth, Explorer-in-Residence, The Royal Canadian Geographical Society. In addition, the BCEIA Scholarship recipients were announced.

Wednesday Indigenous Workshop
The always popular Indigenous Workshop was sponsored by Keystone Environmental, and presented by Brad Spence of Trace Associates.

Special Film Screening: Sam & Me
Pro Skier Mike Douglas Learns Mentorship in the Age of Climate Anxiety*
A short film discussing the problem of climate anxiety brought on by ecological degradation — and demonstrates how it can empower positive change.
Filmed and produced by Switchback Entertainment and Salomon. *The official term coined in 2017 by the American Psychological Association. The phenomenon can affect anyone, but studies show that climate anxiety impacts children and youth disproportionally.