FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 
Does the 2024 Conference have a specific theme and title?

While we don’t have an official title for the conference at this time, we are focused on sustainability in culture. We would like to encourage attendees to think about all facets of sustainability while engaging with each other and the presenters.

Is there a schedule available?

We will regularly update the schedule on our website as we confirm events and locations, please see the schedule page for more details.

Gathering attendees will join us from Tuesday, September 24, through Thursday, September 26, with optional activities on Friday, September 27. 

When is registration open?

Registration opened on June 15.  Registration for the 2024 Gathering will close on August 31, 2024. 

What happened to the Lab component?

Due to limited registrations for the innovation lab, we did not reach the minimum number of people required to proceed with this event. All attendees have been informed via email and we are hoping to revisit this concept in the future.

What ticket options are available for the Gathering?

In an effort to make this event more accessible, we are offering the following options:

IBPOC, Underemployed, EMP: These tickets are meant for Indigenous people, BPOC, underemployed delegates, and emerging professionals. 

Subsidized Ticket: Subsidized tickets are meant for delegates who will be paying out of pocket to attend the gathering and are not receiving financial support from their organization for the trip. These tickets are booked on an honour system and we ask those who are able to pay the full price to do so.

Standard Ticket: We ask those who are able to pay the full price to do so.

You can find the ticket prices on our registration page.

What if I need to cancel my Gathering registration?

1. Registration(s) may be canceled for a full refund until August 31, 2024.
2. Registration(s) can be transferred* to another delegate until September 20, 2024.

The easiest way to cancel your registration is to log into your member portal, select “my event registrations” and withdraw/remove your registration. This will ensure that the fee is reimbursed via your payment method. If you have issues with that process, please contact us at bcma@museum.bc.ca

*Delegates who are unable to attend the gathering may transfer their registration to another individual by modifying their registration in the registration portal. For assistance with transfers, please contact us at bcma@museum.bc.ca. The original registration rate and any additional event/workshop tickets purchased will transfer to the new attendee. Transfer requests will be accepted up until September 20, 2024.

How can I make the registration process easy for myself and my employees?

Keeping your membership information updated is a simple way to ensure you can register with ease. Firstly, ensure you can log into your member portal, and that your membership is active and not nearing expiry. Be sure your profile is updated with accurate information and the appropriate email address. For an institutional member, ensure you have assigned any employee seats to those you might be registering on behalf of. If you are registering multiple people, make sure you have their information, including the spelling of their names, their email addresses, and their accessibility and dietary needs.

Learn more about your membership category and benefits, including employee seats, here.

Login to your member portal here.

I am registering for the Conference but when I completed the registration selecting the member rate, it switched to the standard rate, why?

You can only access the member rate if you have an up-to-date membership and have logged in using the email address you registered for your membership with. If you are seeing the rate change through your registration from the member rate to the standard rate, you have not logged in using your registered email address. Try an alternate email address, or contact us at members@museum.bc.ca to confirm which email address your membership is held with.

Will conference bursaries be offered to support travel costs?

The BCMA has offered bursaries to help members access the 2023 Gathering and looks forward to offering bursaries again in 2024 when possible.

Like past BCMA conferences, the goal of bursaries and subsidies is to provide funding to members and delegates from historically underrepresented groups and those needing additional support to access the event. 

If you are interested in attending the 2024 Conference but your attendance is dependent on bursaries, approval of your organization for funds, or other financial decisions that are not made at the time of registration, please select “cheque payment” at the payment stage of your registration to ensure you secure your place until you are able to confirm and pay for your registration.

Please visit this page to learn more about bursaries (more information will be available as it is confirmed).

If I can’t travel to Prince George, are there other ways I can participate in or learn from the 2024 Gathering?

Similar to previous BCMA conferences, we are offering digital access to the Gathering so those unable to join us in person can tune in and virtually attend key sessions.

Learn more and register for Digital Access here.

Can you share any details about travel options, accommodation, and the host community?

Information on hotels, travel discounts, and our host community will be available on this page. More information will be added as it is confirmed.

Can you provide more information on the venue and accessibility of the event?

You can find accessibility information on this page and listed below. Please let us know of any accessibility needs during the registration process by filling out the form provided.

If you have specific concerns and would like to discuss them with us, please email us.

We are asking that attendees not wear perfumes, colognes or scented products to help create a more neutral space for those with scent sensitivities.

Two Rivers Gallery: Two Rivers Gallery has an entry ramp with a handrail at the front door, power doors to the lobby, an elevator to access both floors and gender-neutral washrooms on each floor.

House Of Ancestors: The front doors are power doors. Inside, there is ramp and stair access to go up the half-floor to the conference room spaces and bathrooms. The doors to the bathrooms are not automatic.

There are two multi-stall bathrooms – one for men, one for women – as well as a gender-neutral single-access bathroom. While the multi-stall women’s bathroom has ample space and two larger stalls that could accommodate mobility aids, it seems unlikely that the soap/sink access would be reachable for those in wheelchairs.

The Exploration Place: There are four designated wheelchair-accessible parking spaces directly in front of the entrance. Ramps are available to reach the sidewalk. Entry and exit doors are automated.

There are wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and a designated family bathroom with a change table. An elevator lift is available between floors with a wheelchair available to borrow for those who need it, free of charge. Other than wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, there are men’s and women’s multi-stall bathrooms.

Omineca Arts Centre: This space features gender-neutral bathrooms and a wheelchair ramp upon request to facilitate access. 

Will you implement a code of conduct for the 2024 Conference?

Yes, we are asking all attendees to agree to the code of conduct during the registration process and adhere to it during the Gathering. To read the full code of conduct for the Conference, please head to this page.

What happens if something cannot go ahead as planned?

In the event of changes to the schedule or format of the gathering (due to illness, wildfires, or other unforeseen circumstances), we will do our best to offer an alternate setup for sessions. This may include remote speakers, smaller panels or rescheduling sessions for a later date.

What meals are included in my event registration?

The schedule outlines which events will offer food and drinks and we kindly ask delegates to support local food businesses for the meals that are not provided.

Evening socials may offer some appetizers and beverages.

Venues for learning sessions and workshops will offer water, tea, and coffee unless stated otherwise.

Please let us know of any dietary needs during the registration process by filling out the form provided.