Surrey, BC – April 2026 — Leaders from British Columbia’s independent degree-granting institutions will gather for the 2026 IDGI BC Conference, a two-day event focused on the future of post-secondary education in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Hosted at Western Community College, the conference brings together academic leaders, researchers, and institutional decision-makers to explore how education is adapting to shifts in artificial intelligence, experiential learning, and workforce alignment.
A Sector Coming Together
The conference represents a coordinated effort by institutions across the province to engage in shared dialogue and knowledge exchange — a move toward stronger sector alignment at a time when education systems are under pressure to evolve.
Participants include faculty and leadership from institutions such as Yorkville University, University Canada West, LaSalle College Vancouver, New York Institute of Technology, Acsenda School of Management, and others.
Focus on Experiential Learning and Real-World Readiness
Under the theme
“Beyond Content: Empowering Achievement through Experiential Practice for a Changing World,”
the conference places strong emphasis on applied learning models that move beyond traditional classroom delivery.
Sessions throughout the two days will explore:
● Work-integrated learning and curriculum innovation
● Career readiness and student outcomes
● Reflective learning, assessment models, and real-world application
Multiple presentations examine how experiential approaches are being embedded across disciplines, from business and hospitality to counselling and technology.
Artificial Intelligence and Ethics Take Centre Stage
A significant portion of the conference is dedicated to understanding the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education.
Topics include:
● Ethical use of AI in academic work
● AI literacy across curricula
● AI integration in teaching and assessment
● Student dependency, integrity, and learning outcomes
Research presentations and case studies highlight how institutions are moving from reactive policies to structured frameworks around AI adoption.
Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Integration
The conference also incorporates Indigenous perspectives through dedicated programming, including:
● An Indigenous cooking workshop
● A keynote session by Musqueam artist Debra Sparrow
These sessions emphasize cultural awareness, place-based learning, and the role of Indigenous knowledge in shaping inclusive education systems.
Research-Driven Dialogue Across Institutions
Across both days, dozens of presentations will be delivered by faculty and researchers, covering areas such as:
● Student wellbeing and mental health
● Inclusive and accessible learning design
● Generative AI in education
● Career-integrated learning models
● Curriculum innovation and institutional strategy
The structure of the conference includes multiple breakout sessions, allowing for simultaneous academic discussions across themes and disciplines.
Keynote Speakers
The conference features keynote sessions from:
● Dr. Delbar Niroushak, Leadership and Business Development Coach
● Morten Rand-Hendriksen, Principal Instructor at LinkedIn
These sessions anchor the conference with perspectives on leadership, learning, and professional development in a changing world.
About IDGI-BC
The Independent Degree-Granting Institutions of British Columbia (IDGI-BC) is a collaborative forum representing independent post-secondary institutions across the province. The organization focuses on advocacy, academic quality, and sector-wide collaboration while engaging with government and educational bodies.
