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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We respectfully acknowledge that our conference is held on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Musqueam People.
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
This annual event draws more than 185 perinatal professionals and helping peers from BC and features three full days of opportunities, including a pre-conference session, Networking Reception and a two-day main conference. Attendees will experience a program full of inspiring speakers, best practice updates, skill building sessions, and the strengthening of a provincial network that drives perinatal professionals and helping peers to improve outcomes for perinatal people and their families.
This conference is for perinatal professionals and helping peers: pregnancy outreach workers, nurses, physicians, child welfare workers, family support workers, social workers, health/social service students, outreach workers, shelter workers, detox workers, treatment centre workers, midwives, doulas, birthworkers, childbirth educators, peer support workers and anyone else who supports perinatal people.
FULL CONFERENCE PROGRAM
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS | JESSY DAME, RN, MSN & SARRA FEDICK, RN, MSN-C | A SURROGACY JOURNEY: FRIENDSHIP, ADVOCACY, & THE MAKING OF A FAMILY
This keynote presentation explores the journey to parenthood through surrogacy undertaken by Jessy and Moose, made possible through the generosity of Sarra, a close friend and fellow nurse. It highlights the intersection of personal experience and professional identity, emphasizing the profound role of friendship, community, and shared values in navigating complex reproductive pathways. The presentation critically examines systemic challenges, including heteronormative healthcare policies, inadequate legal recognition, and the lack of inclusive, family-centered care for both intended parents and surrogates. Drawing on their dual perspectives as nurses and patients, Jessy and Sarra advocate for institutional change, including inclusive language, collaborative care models, and policy reform. Their narrative underscores the need for healthcare systems to evolve in recognition of diverse family structures and affirms the transformative power of advocacy grounded in lived experience.
PRE-CONFERENCE | CHRISTINE SEXAUER | WE CAN ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH PRENATAL EDUCATION
MONDAY, APRIL 27th 1:30–4:30PM
ADDITIONAL FEE & LIMITED TO 30 PARTICIPANTS
This pre-conference session will provide an essential introduction to prenatal education for perinatal professionals and helping peers, particularly those new to the field or developing their practice. We will review what expecting families, professionals and helping peers need to know such as:
- stages of labour
- the importance of staying home in early labour
- understanding your values and preferences
- informed consent
- medical interventions that may be recommended and/or required
In addition, this workshop will explore your own biases and provide an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and feelings about birth. Attendees will learn how we all have a role in shaping positive birth experiences, reducing generational trauma, and that an educated birth is an empowered birth.
NETWORKING RECEPTION | OPEN TO ALL
MONDAY APRIL 27th 4:30–6:30PM
With Perinatal Services BC's (PSBC) gracious sponsorship, we are excited to present our Networking Reception the afternoon before BCAPOP ‘s 27th Annual Perinatal Conference launch on Monday, April 27th from 4:30–6:30pm. All conference attendees are invited to join us anytime during the reception for an assortment of delicious canapes and to try our signature alcohol-free refresher beverage that will be served in the Airport Ballroom Lobby. The PSBC team will be on-site with exciting resources, updates, and a chance to hear about their latest projects. In the tradition of all BCAPOP events, there will also be fantastic prizes to be won!
Pre-registration for the conference will be available during the reception, so it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up your conference package, reconnect with previous acquaintances, and meet new attendees. We cannot wait to see you there! We are pleased to offer a safe space for everyone by offering this alcohol-free event. All attendees will be offered a list of local harm reduction resources for those who wish to access them.
EXHIBITORS
- Perinatal Services BC
- Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program
- Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Centre
- BC Women’s Mental Health and Substance Use Programs + Initiatives
- Douglas College
- Pacific Postpartum Support Society
- Karis Support Society
- BC Children's Hospital
- More to be added!
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
The conference will be held at the Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport in Richmond, BC. You are responsible for your own travel expenses and/or hotel accommodations, which are not included in your conference registration fee. The Westin Wall Centre is offering a limited room block rate of $269.00/night plus taxes & parking for BCAPOP conference attendees. Rooms are available until sold out until March 27, 2026, whichever comes first.
BOOK NOW
Alternatively, reservations can also be requested over the phone and by email at reservations@wallcentre.com or by calling 604-303-6565 or 1-888-627-7058 (toll-free). Please quote that it is for the BCAPOP Spring Conference 2026.
SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES
BCAPOP realizes that every dollar matters and that organizations are seeking out opportunities that create reciprocal relationships and are mutually beneficial to both them and conference attendees. BCAPOP has developed several packages to meet the varying needs and budgets of organizations who align with our vision and are working towards better outcomes for perinatal people and their families across BC. Through these opportunities organizations can further their purpose and increase their exposure to a targeted group of over 185 perinatal professional and helping peers who support perinatal people in BC.
LEARN MORE
GROUP RATES
Please email admin@bcapop.ca for group rates of 4 or more registrants.
REGISTRATION IS NON-REFUNDABLE
Substitutions are permitted, please email admin@bcapop.ca for any substitutions. Registration is not complete until payment is received.
PAYMENT DEADLINES
Payment on pending registrations must be received within 30 days of registration, otherwise registration will be cancelled. For registrations made within 30 days prior to the event, payment is due immediately.
