Decoda Literacy Conference

Decoda Literacy Conference 2022 participants The Decoda Literacy Conference 2022
The Decoda Literacy Conference 2024

Join us for interactive group learning.

April 17-19, 2024 at the Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport, Richmond, BC.

Every two years the Decoda Literacy Conference brings together BC’s provincial literacy network for interactive, dynamic and informative learning sessions.

Attendees include leaders in adult learning, key members of the public and private sector, and literacy practitioners working in community-based literacy programs for people of all ages.

Registration is now open!

Check out our conference program guide (also available as a pdf) to browse the schedule and sessions.

Register now

The conference is held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) people.

Craig Alexander, Thursday April 18, 8:30 – 9:30 am

Craig Alexander

Craig Alexander is a senior executive and leading economist in applied economics and forecasting, with more than 30 years of experience in the private sector. He currently runs an independent economic consulting practice. Craig has served as the Chief Economist at TD Bank Financial Group, Deloitte and The Conference Board of Canada. He is also the former Vice President Economic Analysis at C.D. Howe Institute.

Craig is a passionate public speaker who travels across the United States and Canada discussing economic, financial and public policy issues. Craig holds a graduate degree in Economics from the University of Toronto. He received a Queen’s Jubilee medal for his work on literacy.

The Marine Detective, Jackie Hildering, Friday April 19, 2:30 – 3:15 pm

A woman standing in diving gear in the water. An island and sunset can be seen in the background.
Photo: Andrew Topham made possible by Melanie Wood

Jackie Hildering is a biology teacher, cold-water diver, underwater photographer and Humpback Whale researcher living and learning in the Territories of the Kwakwala-speaking Peoples, northeast Vancouver Island. She is co-founder of the Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) nonprofit. 

Her work has been featured on Animal Planet’s Wild Obsession series, BBC’s New threat to Canada’s Pacific humpback whales, BBC’s Ingenious Animals, PBS’ Lineage / When Whales Walked; and will be in an upcoming episode of Planet Earth III “Humans” – narrated by Sir David Attenborough!

Jackie has been recognized with an ECOSTAR Educational Leadership Award; Canadian Power Squadron Environment Award; Science Writers and Communicators of Canada People’s Choice Award for best Canadian Science Website; Black Press “Local Hero” awards, Environmental Hero of the Year, Northern Vancouver Island.

Panel discussions: BC Literacy strategy, Thursday April 18, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Decoda wishes to develop a BC Literacy Strategy that identifies solutions to achieve a British Columbia where everyone has the literacy skills to thrive in their communities. Through this initiative, the literacy skills of the province would be enhanced, leading to stronger, more resilient, and sustainable communities.

A BC Literacy Strategy will layout a clear path to help individuals, families and communities succeed. It will also assist the BC Government achieve various policy goals.

To launch this initiative, we have assembled a panel of government representatives, an industry expert, a university dean, an Indigenous educator, a social services non-profit representative, and a member of the justice system.

After the panel discussion, there will be Q & A session, followed by facilitated small group discussions on various aspects of the “BC Literacy Strategy.”

Social – Thursday, April 18, 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Join us for a casual social gathering Thursday from 4:30-6:30 in the mezzanine for appetizers, cash bar and poetry!

April is Poetry Month and we invite you to bring your favourite poem or write your own to share with the group or on social media using our conference hashtags #DecodaConf24 and #LiteracyRippleEffect.

You can also take photos at our #PutOnYourPurple photobooth!

Six women - four standing and two crouching, dressed in purple accessories

This exciting two-day conference offers opportunities to connect, share and learn with the provincial literacy network, leaders in adult learning, key members of the public and private sector, and literacy practitioners working in community-based literacy programs.

We’re in search of an exceptional team of volunteers to play a pivotal role in ensuring that this immensely popular event is an enjoyable and information-rich experience for all attendees. Your contribution is vital, as you will be the welcoming face and the initial point of contact for conference attendees.

This is your chance to stand out in the literacy community and enhance your resumé while actively contributing to the success of the conference!

Volunteer application deadline: March 20, 2024

Why should you volunteer?

  • Opportunities to meet, listen, learn and engage with literacy professionals
  • Get an insider’s view on running an event
  • Gain useful job experience and satisfaction
  • Meet like-minded people as well as the leading experts in various literacy-related fields

In return for volunteer services, Decoda gladly offers the following benefits:

  • Complimentary conference attendance
    • Attend sessions outside of your shift on your scheduled working day only.
  • 1 meal during your shift

Requirements

  • Commit to a minimum of 4 hours of volunteering, including 1 hour of training (date TBD).
  • Exude a positive attitude and high degree of flexibility.
  • Act as an ambassador for Decoda. Good customer service skills.
  • Agree to wear black shirt, pants and shoes.

Volunteer Roles

Your role will be assigned as needed. You may be asked to complete more than one role.

  • Registration Desk
    • Check in conference presenters and attendees, give instructions and assistance if requested.
  • Greeter/Host at the conference venue
    • Welcome attendees to the conference.
    • Offer directional assistance and assist in managing the flow at the registration desk.
    • Answer questions.
  • Convener
    • Assist presenters with session set up.
    • Ensure room requirements are met.
    • Present gift at session completion.
  • Runner
    • Complete tasks for Decoda staff who cannot leave their stations. This can include bringing supplies to staff, keynotes or presenters, assisting with IT and other tasks as required.
    • Cover breaks for registration desk, library table and/or WCR table.

Scheduling Availability

From Thursday April 18 to Friday April 19, between 7:00am to 3:30pm.

Times are subject to change and may vary based on your role. The volunteers will be chosen based on their experience and availability, followed by a first come/first serve basis.

Contact: Jade Chan at jchan@decoda.ca

 

Apply now!

The conference will take place at the Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport in Richmond, BC. The Radisson is now fully booked at the discounted conference rates.

Accommodation details

Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport Hotel & Resort

10251 St. Edwards Drive, Richmond, BC V6X 2M9

We have secured an additional block of rooms nearby at the Sandman Hotel for $189 per night.

Book online

 

Reservations can also be made on an individual call-in basis. Direct reservations must be made prior to March 27, 2024. After this date, the Hotel cannot guarantee the group rate, but will continue to accept reservations on a space available basis at the current available rates.

Guests can contact the 24-hour Central reservations at 1-800- sandman (726-3626) and press 1.

The reservations also can be made by sending email to reservations@Sandman.ca

In order to receive the correct rates, callers must identify themselves by quoting the hotel name (Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport Hotel & Resort), group number (357905) and group name (Decoda Literacy Conference 2024). A valid credit card is required at the time of reservation to secure any guests rooms.

Directions from the Sandman to the conference

See Google Map directions

Transit: Catch the 410 Brighouse Station bus westbound Cambie Rd at Shell Road (~700 m from the hotel). Get off at Cambie Rd at Hazelbridge Way. Walk 200 m to the Radisson.

Walking: 39 mins, 2.8 km. See driving directions below.

Taxi: Richmond Taxi Co.: 604-272-1111

Ride share: Uber and Lyft are available.

Driving:

  • Head southwest toward St Edwards Dr.
  • Turn left onto St Edwards Dr.
  • Turn right onto Cambie Rd.
  • The Radisson Hotel will be on the right.
  • Turn right into the President Plaza.

Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport

A few premium suites might be available at the Radisson’s regular rate.

Book online

or:

Call hotel’s central reservations at toll free number 1-800-333-3333, call the hotel directly at (236) 305-5339, or e-mail at reservations@radissonvancouver.com.

Complimentary parking details

Complimentary parking for attendees is available in the following locations: 

  • Parking lot at the front of the hotel.
  • Level 5 (Blue Zone only) in the President Plaza Parkade. Please DO NOT park in the Red Zone on Level 5.
  • Level 2 and 3 in the President Plaza Parkade.

(Please also note there is no Level 4) 

In particular, please DO NOT Park at the Yaohan Shopping Centre at any time.  Vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense. 

Cancellations must be received in writing 30 days before the event to receive a refund less 10 percent.

Cancellations received less than 30 days before the event will receive a refund of 50 percent of the registration fees paid.

We try our best to accommodate refund requests. Email info@decoda.ca for refunds.

How do I see my session selections?

Eventbrite no longer emails your ticket details with the session selections. Instead, log into your Eventbrite account. Under your name at the top right of the screen, click on “Tickets”. Full ticket details are available there, including your session selections.

Eventbrite menu showing the ticket option

 

 

 

Can I change my session selections?

Yes. Log into your Eventbrite account:

  1. Go to “Tickets”.
  2. Select your order.
  3. Click “Edit”.
  4. Save your changes.

You may only change your selection to sessions with availability. You cannot join a full session.

Please make changes prior to the closing date (March 27). If you change your sessions after the closing date, your schedule provided at registration will be incorrect.

Please contact us if you require changes after the closing date.

The Decoda Literacy Conference will be an interactive, dynamic and informative learning experience! Together, through an exciting knowledge exchange, over 200 participants will focus on emerging trends and critical issues and develop skills to tackle literacy challenges that face British Columbians.

Our conference theme is “Literacy: The Ripple Effect.”

Literacy touches every aspect of people’s lives. Literacy programs, supports and practitioners have a ripple effect throughout communities.

Literacy intersects with and contributes to our health, employment, food security, personal wellbeing, continued learning, communication, community and the economy.

The conference will have keynote speakers, networking and workshops and learning sessions on a variety of literacy topics that may include:

  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
  • Poverty reduction
  • Adult literacy
  • Family literacy
  • Financial, health, AI and/or digital literacy
  • Literacy and essential skills
  • Clear language and design
  • Community capacity building
  • Nonprofit leadership and management
  • Services for immigrant and refugee adults, children and families

We value diversity in the communities we bring together. Our goal is to create an inclusive, respectful conference environment that invites participation from people of all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, abilities, religions, and sexual orientation.

Thank you to our supporters

Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills


If you have any questions, please contact info@decoda.ca.

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