The 2026 BC Poultry Conference was a highlight for over 250 chicken growers, hatching egg producers, turkey farmers, hatcheries, processors, and industry partners for two days of connection and conversation.
The anticipated annual event was hosted in collaboration between the three BC feather boards and their respective associations—Chicken, Broiler Hatching Eggs, and Turkey—on March 12 to 13, 2026, from the Coast Langley City Hotel and Convention Centre in Langley, BC.
The gala night stood out, providing a lively atmosphere hosted by Kevin Lim through his humorous candor and creative games. Attendees enjoyed a delectable turkey dinner that showcased cupcake centerpieces iced to mimic plants. Door prize draws — sponsored by various allied trades featuring various stays to Whistler, Harrison Hot Spring, Pacific Sands, Sparkling Hill Spa, and others — added an exciting element and kept attendees laughing (especially when one’s spouse perhaps didn’t choose the “right” prize). The evening ended with DIVAS dazzling gala attendees with their shimmering costumes and musical covers from across several decades.
Of course, the main sessions were organized around respective board or association AGMs, where farmers leaned in to reviews of 2025, industry updates, and strategic plans for the coming year. Growth was a common theme.
This year’s guest speaker lineup delivered plenty of useful insights on relevant research for the poultry sector. Matt Klassen, Avigen North America, updated attendees on poultry genetics during the BC Broiler Hatching Egg Commission AGM. At the BC Chicken AGM, Dr. Chelsea Himsworth, BC Deputy Chief Veterinarian, shared recent findings on the effects of weather and wind on the transmission of HPAI in the Fraser Valley. Dr. Elana Huong, Hybrid Turkeys, capped off the BC Turkey AGM with a thorough review of major poultry viral afflictions, recent studies, and what farmers can do about it.
Over a plated chicken cordon bleu lunch, the keynote speaker, Mandy Gill, shared personal experiences and research on resilience — particularly on individual response to failure and the habits people build. Gill is a local Vancouver author, ultra-marathoner, outdoor-enthusiast, and speaker.
Outside the main sessions and AGMs, the exhibit hall was bustling with vendors showcasing services and products that support the industry day-to-day. Special events like an Exhibitors Reception on Thursday afternoon and a Breakfast on Friday morning, featuring full spreads of hot foods and drinks, gave everyone a chance to catch up and network. A photographer’s booth was even set up where attendees could refresh their professional headshots.
All in all, it was a great few days that really showed the strength and community behind BC’s poultry industry.
The conference planning committee is extremely thankful to the many sponsors who made the event possible.
Next year, the BC Poultry Conference will be hosted from downtown Vancouver in collaboration between all four of BC’s feather boards and associations.
For more, visit bcpoultryconference.ca
2026 BC Poultry Conference photos by Volkan Caglar Photography.