2026 conference - call for speakers extended
Credit: Destination BC and Andrew Strain
We’re gearing up for Building Stronger Communities Through Outdoor Recreation, a multi-day conference hosted by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC from May 20–22, 2026, at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.
This gathering is long overdue. It’s time for BC’s outdoor recreation community to come together - to celebrate, share ideas, have fun, and plan for the future of recreation and stewardship in our province.
Celebrating 50 Years of Outdoor Collaboration
Marking ORCBC’s 50th anniversary, this milestone event celebrates five decades of collaboration to improve access to outdoor recreation, empower volunteers, and champion responsible recreation practices across British Columbia.
Since 1976, ORCBC has brought together recreation groups, land managers, and policymakers to strengthen outdoor recreation and stewardship across the province. The 2026 conference will build on this legacy, bringing together leaders, practitioners, volunteers, and enthusiasts to explore how outdoor recreation can strengthen communities, inspire stewardship, and shape a sustainable future for everyone who loves the outdoors.
Call for Speakers – Deadline Extended to November 14
We want to hear from recreation groups, volunteers, First Nations, land managers, academics, businesses, and community leaders from every corner of BC.
We’re looking for lessons learned, new strategies, fresh research, or creative projects that bring people together, spark new ideas, and help solve shared challenges.
Your idea doesn’t need to be fully developed; it can be a presentation, the seed of something new, or even a topic you want to learn more about. We welcome seasoned presenters and first-timers alike.
Submit your proposal by November 14.
If you’d like to talk through your idea before submitting, we’d love to hear from you. You can also learn more about the conference goals and themes here.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We’re inviting partners to help bring this milestone event to life. Sponsoring the conference is a meaningful way to show your support for BC’s outdoor recreation community and connect with recreation leaders, community builders, land managers, and organizations from across the province.
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here, or reach out directly to our team to start the conversation.
A huge thank-you to Tourism Kamloops, Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, and Flipside Creative for stepping up as early partners and helping make this event possible.
Stay Tuned
We’ll be sharing more details, including program highlights and registration information, in the coming months.
Mark your calendars for May 20–22, 2026, and plan to join us in Kamloops as we celebrate 50 years of collaboration and look ahead to the future of outdoor recreation in BC.