COFI 2019 — Afterthoughts
We spent three days last week at the 2019 COFI Convention where more than 600 delegates, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors gathered in Vancouver to discuss all things forestry.
From the ice-breaker reception on Wednesday evening to the opening greeting from Deborah Baker of the Squamish Nation on Thursday, to the keynote address by British Columbia Premier John Horgan on Friday, we were engaged with networking, listening and talking about all aspects of the forest industry in BC and Canada.
The program featured professionals from across the industry, including federal and provincial deputies, indigenous leaders and CEOs of various forestry companies, speaking on subjects ranging from globalization to innovations in local markets.
The panel discussions shared ideas about relationship-building with First Nations, strategies for attracting youth to the industry and expanding our trade markets into Asia. Other important topics included Canada-US relations, softwood lumber, the economic outlook for BC and the future of British Columbia’s forest trade.
Premier John Horgan closed the conference with a discussion about effective ways the provincial government plans to work with the forestry sector and called upon all stakeholders including labour, First Nations and local communities to collaborate in developing a new vision for BC’s forest industry.
As our sales team said “This year’s COFI Convention did not disappoint. There was ample time to network with colleagues that we hadn’t seen in a while. The panels were interesting and informative with thought-provoking conversations from professionals about the uncertainties and opportunities ahead in our industry.”
Thanks to BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) for presenting another outstanding annual conference.
See you in 2020!
