The 2007 ForestLeadership Conference will see a return to Vancouver. From May 8-10, 2007, key players in forest sector sustainability will gather at a prestigious venue, the Westin Bayshore Hotel.

With seven successful and highly-praised conferences to draw on that have attracted up to 360 delegates, the annual ForestLeadership conference offers a unique opportunity for learning from and networking with many of the most knowledgeable and influential North American forest sector experts and leaders.

An audience of over 300 delegates is expected to attend the 2007 ForestLeadership Conference, including: forest sector decision-makers, corporate executives, sustainable forestry experts, procurement specialists, corporate social responsibility officers, market analysts, government officials, researchers, First Nations, and representatives from conservation and other organizations.

The eighth conference in a series of highly successful events held since 2001, the conference will not only feature plenary sessions and workshops, but also an exhibit area, an awards ceremony, and exceptional networking opportunities during receptions and meals.

The 2007 ForestLeadership conference will be held just prior to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ 20th Annual Global Forest and Paper Industry Conference, which will take place in the same venue.

Principal Features

The conference will feature a dynamic program combining keynote addresses, plenary panels, and workshops. It will also provide exceptional networking opportunities, starting with a welcome reception on May 8 at 6 PM. The reception will follow a one day pre-conference workshop, to be held from 9am - 5pm on May 8.
 
On May 9, the day of the plenary conference, prominent speakers from across North America will deliver either keynote addresses or participate in content-driven plenary panels with the ultimate goal of leaving delegates with lessons, new ideas, and perspectives on critical issues and opportunities for tomorrow's forest sector. A diverse group of highly knowledgeable and influential speakers will address conference delegates. Past speakers who have addressed our conferences include Frank Dottori (Tembec), David Refkin (Time Warner), Mike De Jong (BC Government), David Ramsay (Ontario Government), Monte Hummel (WWF), Mike Brune (RAN), Tyler Elm (Wal-Mart, formerly of Office Depot), Don Roberts (CIBC World Markets), Bruce McIntyre (PricewaterhouseCoopers), Sally Collins (USDA Forest Service); Patrick Moore (Greenspirit); Mike Chenard (Lowe's), Chuck Leavell (Charlane Plantation – known as the "6th Rolling Stone"), Cassie Philips (Weyerhaeuser), Roger Dower (FSC), Chris Ridley-Thomas (KPMG), Colin Moseley (Green Diamond), and Doug Sutherland (Washington State DNR).

The conference workshops, which will be held on May 10 in parallel with the PricewaterhouseCoopers Conference, are opportunities for delegates to expand their conference experience and engage in dialogue with workshop leaders and participants.  Workshops present topics in greater depth; examples of topics covered in the past few conferences include corporate social responsibility, forest certification, biodiversity indicators, and chain of custody / responsible procurement. Past workshop facilitators have included Chris Deri (Edelman), John Innes (UBC), David Nitkin (EthicScan), Robert Hrubes (SCS) and Bill Rockwell (The Plum Line).

Sponsorship and Exhibition Opportunities

Sponsorship: The sponsorships are aimed at supporting key programs associated with the ForestLeadership Conference, particularly the Awards Program and the Scholarship Program. The Awards Program endeavors to recognize excellence in leadership, communication, and partnership. The Scholarship Program strives to ensure truly diverse participation in the conference, including from parties such as environmental and social non-governmental organizations, academics, and woodlot owners. In past events, up to 100 scholarship recipients, selected through an independent committee, were able to participate in the conference, thanks to generous contributions to the Scholarship Program.

Exhibition: Your organization may be interested in experiencing the benefits of being an exhibitor at the 2007 ForestLeadership Conference. As in years past, the strategically-located exhibit area will serve as the central meeting place and the site for all conference breaks to ensure high visibility and attendance levels. We are pleased to offer a heavily discounted early-bird offer for those who decide by the end of November 2006 to sign up for an exhibit. Don’t miss out on this high-profile opportunity—ensure your organization’s participation in this highly-anticipated annual gathering at the exhibit table of your choice!

If you are interested in either sponsoring the 2007 ForestLeadership Conference or in participating in its exhibition, please contact us for details.

Hotel Accommodation

The Westin Bayshore Hotel is both a resort and conference centre. Steps away from the famous Stanley Park, gourmet restaurants, and major shopping districts, the hotel offers luxury accommodations with all the amenities expected in a world-class conference venue.  To benefit from the hotel’s many guest room options and enjoy a gorgeous ocean view, book early—follow this link to book your room.

For any information, please contact ForestLeadership at 1-888-274-4344.