Reflections on the 2025 BC TEAL Annual Conference
By Matthew Levan, Conference Chair

When we first envisioned the BC TEAL Conference, our goal was to create more than just a professional gathering. We wanted to build a space for connection, inspiration, and renewal. On May 2nd and 3rd, that vision came to life at Vancouver Community College’s downtown campus, where over 300 attendees from across the LINC, private, and post-secondary sectors came together to share, learn, and grow.

As we began planning the conference, one of our first and most important decisions was selecting a theme. We wanted something that captured both the current instability we are experiencing and the transformative nature of education itself. After much reflection, we chose the theme “Disruptive Educational Practices: Strategies for Transformation.” We hoped it would resonate across sectors and spark meaningful dialogue about the future of education. From the earliest meetings, we envisioned a conference that would challenge norms, elevate innovation, and center equity. This theme became our compass, guiding session selection, speaker invitations, and even the tone of our promotional campaign.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this year’s conference was the venue itself. Nestled in the heart of downtown Vancouver, VCC’s downtown campus offered a rare blend of accessibility and atmosphere—just minutes from transit, major hotels, and vibrant restaurants. The atrium, with its open layout and natural flow, became the social heartbeat of the event, effortlessly guiding attendees through exhibitor booths and creating a central space for announcements and spontaneous networking. Most importantly, the venue fostered a sense of togetherness, making it easy for attendees to connect and collaborate.

Equally important was our approach to food. We knew that meals are more than just nourishment—they are moments for unstructured, organic connection. The choice of caterer reflects the values of the conference, so we partnered with local company, Zaatar W Zeit. Their food was not only delicious and portable but also aligned with our commitment to sustainability and simplicity.

In food and so much more, the conference planning committee owes a huge thank you to our volunteers. Behind the scenes, they were the unsung heroes—coordinating pickups, brewing coffee in rented urns, setting up snack stations, guiding attendees, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. With 43 volunteers, many from local TESL programs, we ensured coverage across all floors and supported both speakers and attendees. We look forward to welcoming these dedicated individuals into our sector as new instructors.

We are also deeply grateful to the sponsors and exhibitors whose generous support helped make the 2025 BC TEAL Annual Conference a truly transformative experience. The exhibitor booths in the atrium added vibrancy and connection, offering attendees a chance to engage with sector leaders and explore the latest curriculum design resources. It was a pleasure to collaborate with all our sponsors and exhibitors, and we look forward to reconnecting as we plan for 2026.

As with any event, a tremendous amount of work happened behind the scenes. The conference planning committee deserves immense credit for their countless hours of dedication. Meeting weekly in the lead-up to the event, the team carefully considered every detail—from food logistics to volunteer coordination. Special thanks to Gordon Moulden, Angela O’Sullivan, Janice Penner, Garima Yadav, Amy Mak, Vesna Radivojevic, Bita Rezaei, Leila Ghodrat, Margaret Buxton, Matthew Levan, Vanessa Valerga, Gregory Moskos, and Jennifer Cummins for their tireless efforts. And a heartfelt thank you to Crystal Kee, BC TEAL’s operations manager, for her invaluable logistical support.

This conference was a collective effort, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed. The lessons we’ve learned will shape a stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful event next year. Let’s keep the momentum going. Let’s keep building community. And let’s keep learning—together.