Conferences & Festivals

Conferences

ABPBC Events: The Association of Book Publishers of BC (ABPBC) is a provincial association of BC owned and controlled book publishing companies. The ABPBC works to support the long-term health and success of the Canadian-owned book industry in British Columbia. Visit Site

Alberta Magazines Conference: An annual seminar series and conference hosted by the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association. Visit Site

American Library Association Conference & Midwinter Meeting: Conference and meeting in June/July and January of each year in major cities in the continental U.S. Includes exhibitor area. Visit Site

American Copy Editors Society Annual Conference: ACES is a yearly conference which is focused on essential fundamental skills of copy editing and the discussion of issues related to future trends of the industry. Virtual conferences also held in the fall annually. The discounted conference fees are applied for other communications associations, including Editors Canada. Visit Site

BNC Technology Forum: BookNet Canada’s annual conference explores changes in the publishing landscape in the last year as well as shifts in the expectations of readers. It helps attendees determine what context is most relevant to making decisions about future strategy. Visit Site

Canada Council for the Arts Annual Public Meeting: CCA annual meeting to share insights into future initiatives and updates on the council’s strategic plan. Includes a Q&A session. Held in person in Ottawa, ON and online. Register here.

Canadian Imaging Conference & Expo: This conference is a yearly photographic conference and trade show for professional and enthusiast photographers from various sectors. Visit Site

Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences: The largest annual academic conference in Canada. Organized yearly by the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences at universities throughout Canada. Includes exhibitor space. Congress Site

Editors Canada Conference: Editors Canada Association is an organization which promotes professional development through seminars, online training and conferences. The conference is held in spring in a different city each year. The goal of the conference is to create an opportunity for members to build connections and networks. It is open to both members and non-member attendees. Visit Site

MagsWest: The Magazine Association of BC’s annual conference, typically held each year in Vancouver. Sign up for our newsletter to find out the latest about our next conference.

Science Writers and Communicators of Canada Conference: The SWCC annual conference has been organized by the Canadian Science Writers’ Association since 1971. The conference is open to media professionals, technical writers, journalists, and any others who are interested and involved in communicating science and technology to non-specialist audiences. Visit Site

Surrey International Writers’ Conference: An annual development conference and festival of literature, happening every October in Surrey, BC. Visit Site

TMAC Conference & AGM Update: Travel Media Association of Canada is a non-profit organization whose goal is to create connections and opportunities for industry and media travel professionals. The conference is held annually. Visit Site

Festivals

Denman Island Readers & Writers Festival: Held over a weekend on Denman Island, an intimate festival celebrating British Columbian and Canadian authors. Visit Site

Elephant Mountain Literary Festival: The EMLF is an annual Canadian Literary event held in the town of Nelson, BC offering workshops, readings and talks. Visit Site

FOLD | Celebrating Diverse Authors and Storytellers: Canada’s first festival for diverse authors and storytellers, held in historic downtown Brampton. Some events also held online. Visit Site

The North Shore Writers Festival: A celebration of Canadian writing, held at the West Vancouver Memorial Library. Visit Site

Paper Covers Rock: Salt Spring Island Readers and Writers Festival. Featuring Canadian authors, writing workshops, plus speakers in publishing, marketing and business. Visit Site

Sidney and Peninsula Literary Festival: The festival first began in 2013 in Sidney, BC. The activities feature literary arts in and around the Peninsula. The festival will return for 2025. Visit Site

Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts: An annual festival of literature, happening every August in Sechelt, BC. Visit Site

Vancouver Writers Festival: Vancouver’s premier literary event, happening every October on Granville Island. They also hold special events year-round. Visit Site

Victoria Festival of Authors: Vancouver Island’s largest celebration of books and book lovers. Events held in-person and virtually. Visit Site

Whistler Writers Festival: The festival takes place in Whistler annually in October. The festival gathers Canadian and international authors through a series of activities: workshops, speaker panels, spoken word events, music and more. Visit Site

Wiscon Feminist Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention: May of each year. Madison, WI – Now ONLINE. Visit Site

Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival: The festival occurs annually in Salmon Arm, BC. The event brings together writers, publishers and editors. Visit Site

Words on the Water – Campbell River Writers Festival: Weekend long contemporary writing festival featuring author talks and Q&As. Held in Campbell River, B.C. Visit Site

WORD Vancouver Readers and Writers Festival: Held the last week of September every year. Visit Site