BUILD THE NORTH CONFERENCE & AGM
Get Ready For Build The North 2025!
Details on the 2025 event will be coming in Fall/Winter 2024.
Ticket Pricing:
- 2023 Early Bird Tickets: $249.00 (Member) / $299.00 (Non-Member)
- 2024 Early Bird Tickets: $269.00 (Member) / $319.00 (Non-Member) – Starting January 1, 2024
- 2024 Tickets: $329.00 (Member) / $369.00 (Non-Member) – Starting February 12, 2024
Tickets Include:
- Full conference attendance
- Access to awards gala dinner on April 3rd
- Access to networking and pre-conference events
- Your choice of two (2) breakout sessions
- Access to tradeshow with industry professionals
- Meals & refreshments throughout the conference
Groups of 6 individuals or more will receive a 15% discount on ticket purchases. Please contact our team for more information at office@nrca.ca.
Please see the #BTN2024 schedule and speaker lineup below! Session titles will be updated when available. For more information, please contact our team at office@nrca.ca.
April 3rd | Day One
1:30pm | Registration, Networking & Tradeshow Opens
2:30pm | Opening Remarks
- Mary Van Buren, Outgoing President, the Canadian Construction Association
- Chris Atchison, President, British Columbia Construction Association
- Nicole Bryant, CEO, Northern Regional Construction Association
3:30pm | Annual General Meeting
4:30pm | Keynote: Managing Your Mental Wealth – Sponsored By Equity Plumbing & Heating Ltd.
- Bob Wilkie; Former NHL Hockey Player, Mental Health and Peak Performance Expert
5:30pm | The CIF Construction Networking Reception
6:30pm | Conference Gala – Sponsored by Coastal Gaslink & TC Energy
7:30pm | NRCA Constructing Excellence Awards Presentation
- Individual Awards Sponsored by Terus Construction
- Company Awards Sponsored by Northbridge Insurance
April 4th | Day Two
7:30am | Morning Check-In
7:45am | Breakfast & Opening Remarks – Sponsorship Opportunity Available
8:15am | Digitization With Process and People in Mind to Optimize Your Business
- Presented by Waleed Rizvi (Consulting Manager, MNP) and Tanner MacDonald (Manager – Digital Platforms, MNP)
9:00am | BCCA Workforce Development Panel – Moderated by Chris Atchison
10:00am | BCCA Program Discussions
- Attendees will have the opportunity to visit program leads of their choice to learn about the programs and the services they offer.
10:30am | Break – Sponsored by Allpoints Fire Protection
11:00am | Morning Breakout Sessions
- Fostering Professional Development with Gold Seal Certification – Presented By Chanel Roberts | Manager, Education and Gold Seal Certification Program, Canadian Construction Association
- How to Give and Receive Feedback – Presented By Bob Wilkie | President of I Got Mind
- Skilled Trades Certification: What You Need to Know? – Presented by Taylor Rizzo | Certification Advisor, SkilledTradesBC
- Ready To Become a Mentor? – Presented By Joy Magnell | Community Engagement Manager, Building Builders
- BC’s Energy Landscape – Presented By John Drazic | Regional Energy Solutions Manager, Fortis BC
12:00pm | Lunch – Sponsored By Acera Insurance
1:00pm | Unraveling Risk: Navigating Supplementary Conditions in Construction Contracts
- Presented by Katy Fairley | Industry Standard Practices Consultant, British Columbia Construction Association
2:00pm | Afternoon Breakout Sessions
- Fostering Professional Development with Gold Seal Certification – Presented By Chanel Roberts | Manager, Education and Gold Seal Certification Program, Canadian Construction Association
- How to Give and Receive Feedback – Presented By Bob Wilkie | President of I Got Mind
- Ready To Become a Mentor? – Presented By Joy Magnell | Community Engagement Manager, Building Builders
- BC’s Energy Landscape – Presented By John Drazic | Regional Energy Solutions Manager, Fortis BC
- You Deserve the Right Tools: Addressing Substance Use in Construction – Presented By Kayla Cardinal | Harm Reduction Coordinator, Tailgate Toolkit
3:00pm | Break
3:30pm | Efficiency Unleashed: Navigating the Future with Generative AI in Construction – Sponsored by KPMG
- Presented By Shelley Buchi, CPA, CA, CFP (Senior Manager, KPMG) and Zach Smith, CPA, CA (Tax Partner, KPMG)
Tradeshow Booth Information
Member Pricing: $750.00 | Non-Member Pricing: $850.00
- 8′ x 10′ Pipe and Drape Booth with Table & Linen Provided
- 2 Exhibitor Passes
- Includes Attendance to Conference Sessions, Lunch & Networking Events. Gala access is NOT included.
- Additional Exhibitor Pass – $100.00
- Awards Gala Pass – $75.00
For more information, contact our team at office@nrca.ca.
2024 Keynote Presenters
Keynote Description
Former NHL Hockey Player and Mental Health and Peak Performance Expert, Bob Wilkie, offers a unique and transformative perspective on mental health. He introduces a fresh outlook on the significance of mental well-being and delves into the reasons why individuals can find themselves emotionally bankrupt. Wilkie emphasizes the personal responsibility each individual has in managing their wellness and highlights the powerful narrative of navigating life’s challenges. By shedding light on the potential consequences of a lack of awareness and skill sets, the presentation aims to empower participants to proactively take charge of their mental health. Wilkie’s narrative not only explores the pitfalls of emotional bankruptcy but also provides a roadmap toward becoming mentally wealthy, underlining the importance of having a plan and seeking help when needed. Advocating for embracing life’s challenges is a necessary component for crafting a life to be proud of, making a compelling case for the commitment required to achieve mental wealth.
About Bob Wilkie; Former NHL Hockey Player, Mental Health and Peak Performance Expert
After enduring years of mental health challenges as a result of a tragedy, Bob shares the importance for all of us to double down on our commitment to improving our mental wellness every day to be able to move through and recover from such experiences. Bob speaks about the path he took to restore his own mental health after a very tragic bus accident that took the lives of four of his teammates. He shares how he built his resilience by being willing to reach out for help. By openly sharing his challenges, including alcohol and drug abuse and getting the help he needed, he was able to overcome the shame, guilt and stigma around his own mental health issues and heal them.
Presented By Shelley Buchi, CPA, CA, CFP (Senior Manager, KPMG) and Zach Smith, CPA, CA (Tax Partner, KPMG)
If you’re losing sleep at night when you think about this topic, you are NOT alone. Many are in the same boat – worrying about all the ways they need to stay ahead, keep up to date, digitize, transform, integrate AI… innovate! Especially in the current climate.
A recent KPMG study of the Canadian Construction industry revealed that “The pandemic, supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, and the surge in material costs disrupted lives and business activity. In response to these challenges, many construction companies came to realize that investments in technology were needed to improve productivity, workflow inefficiencies, and worker safety.” Further, the survey found that despite this intense need, “only 13% of (construction industry) respondents feel that their company has realized full integration across their value chain from supplier to customer and 59% feel they are partially integrated.” Source: 2023 KPMG “Cue Construction 4.0 report”
Join KPMG Tax Partner Zach Smith and Risk Consulting Senior Manager Shelley Buchi on April 4th to gain assurances that there are solutions available to help you and your construction business!
They’ll review current AI, digital and tax trends within the construction industry and explain how you can optimize your operations and structure through an integrated and strategic approach to digitization
Breakout Session Descriptions
Presented By Chanel Roberts | Manager, Education and Gold Seal Certification Program, Canadian Construction Association
Nationally acclaimed, the Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) Gold Seal Certification is a recognized standard of excellence for construction management professionals. Earned through industry experience, education and examination, Gold Seal Certification:
- Enhances your professional development,
- Improves your job mobility, and
- Markets your skills, competence, and experience.
Gold Seal Certified (GSC) construction management professionals have attained the highest standard of excellence, have proven industry experience, and are held in the highest regard. Companies that employ GSC professionals are seen as leaders for their commitment to quality through education, training, and continual skill development.
Join a special information session presented by Chanel Roberts, Gold Seal Certification Program Manager, to learn what it takes to become certified.
Presented By Bob Wilkie | President of I Got Mind
Uncover the art of effective communication and team synergy in Bob Wilkie’s “How to Give and Receive Feedback” breakout session. Participants will explore diverse perspectives within their group, assess current feedback practices, and gain practical skills for delivering and receiving constructive feedback. Bob introduces strategies to identify and overcome communication barriers, fostering enhanced team leadership and performance. Attendees emerge with a fresh perspective on feedback, refined skills, increased leadership confidence, and improved communication methods, all contributing to elevated team success.
Presented By Joy Magnell | Community Engagement Manager, Building Builders
Join the Building Builders Mentorship Program information session to learn how you can give back to the industry by becoming a Mentor to a Mentee interested in construction. Hear from current Mentors about best practices, their experience, and how mentoring has contributed to their leadership. Mentors have access to free training and connections with potential employees, and mentoring supports industry recruitment and retention.
Learn how to make a difference in a tradesperson’s career through the BC Construction Association’s (BCCA) Building Builders program. Find out how easy it is to become a Mentor through the Building Builders program (mentorship made easy). Community Engagement Manager – Joy Magnell will provide a quick program overview, share success stories, and answer your questions.
Presented By John Drazic | Regional Energy Solutions Manager, Fortis BC
During his presentation, John Drazic will explain what the Energy landscape in BC currently looks like, the importance of energy choice for a sustainable and resilient future, as well as explaining the key characteristics energy sources should have.
Presented by Taylor Rizzo | Certification Advisor, SkilledTradesBC
Skilled Trades Certification, commonly known as compulsory trades, is in effect for seven electrical and mechanical trades. This means that uncertified and unregistered workers in the named trades below are now required to be registered as an apprentice, be a certified journeyperson, or have applied as a Trade Qualifier or Uncertified Experienced Worker.
In this session, SkilledTradesBC Certification Advisor Taylor Rizzo will walk participants through the benefits of Skilled Trades Certification and how it will strengthen B.C.’s skilled workforce, as well as what affected tradespersons and employers can do to ensure they are on the pathway to meeting the requirements.
Participants will also be introduced to the Employer Workforce Submission and learn what supports are available. At the end of the session, participants will have the opportunity to answer any questions they may have about Skilled Trades Certification.
Presented By Kayla Cardinal | Harm Reduction Coordinator, Tailgate Toolkit
In this workshop, participants will learn about the Vancouver Island Construction Association’s innovative and award-winning harm reduction initiative, the Tailgate Toolkit Project. The session will cover the project’s four components, how to implement its principles, a demonstration of a Toolbox Talk, and a naloxone demonstration. Participants will witness firsthand harm reduction outreach in action and learn from project staff about their approaches, challenges, insights, and strategies. They’ll gain valuable knowledge to apply not only in their workplaces but also within their communities, families, and personal lives.
Furthermore, this workshop will offer insights gleaned by the Tailgate Team over the past year and a half. Topics will include engaging staff in addressing the toxic drug crisis, understanding the Duty to Accommodate when employees disclose addiction, exploring Indigenous perspectives, and fostering a culture shift at job sites to destigmatize addiction and substance use.
Testimonials’ From BTN 2023 Attendees
Thank you To Our 2024 Sponsorships
Please click here to download the 2024 sponsorship guide. If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact our team at office@nrca.ca.
Title Sponsor
Media Sponsor
Opening Keynote Sponsor
Closing Keynote Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Gala Sponsor
Panel Sponsor
Individual Award Sponsor
Company Award Sponsor
Networking Reception Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Lanyard Sponsor
Break Sponsor
Breakout Session Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that is not listed below or if you would like clarification, please contact the office.
What is the Build The North Conference?
Build the North is an annual conference presented by the Northern Regional Construction Association that aims to address the biggest issues facing the construction industry in Northern BC. We will deliver education, information and presentations to help you make the best decisions that will impact your business.
Who Should Attend?
All members of the industry will benefit from this conference. Those in attendance will be from construction companies, tendering authorities, consultants, architects, engineers and others roles and organizations engaged in the construction industry.
Why Should I Attend?
You should attend if you are in the construction industry and interested in developing your professional skills and networking with others that are part of the Northern BC construction industry.
How Can I Register?
Register for 2024 will be available at a later date!
Is There Tradeshow Booth Opportunities?
Yes, there is! Tradeshow booth packages will be available late 2023 to early 2024.
If you are interested in having a booth, please contact the office at (250) 563-1744 or office@nrca.ca.