What is the CALM conference?
Each year, CALM brings together union communications folks – professionals, volunteers, voluntolds, presidents, secretaries – anyone who does communications for their union. At a CALM conference, delegates will participate in skills-building workshops and networking opportunities.
This year, the conference will be held at Chateau Lacombe in Edmonton from June 7-8, 2024 (Advanced Day is June 6).
What is the Advanced Day?
For delegates who want a little extra, Advanced Day is an advance conference event where we drill down into one issue for the entire day. There is only one session and space is limited. This year, Advanced Day will feature Anna Jover, filmmaker and in-house video genius with OPSEU. Anna will show you everything you need to shoot, edit and publish videos for social media platforms like TikTok or for your principal website. There is an extra fee to attend the Advanced Day that you can choose when you register.
I’m booking travel. When do I need to be there?
The conference starts the morning of June 7 and ends with our Awards Banquet on June 8. Advanced day starts in the morning of June 6. If you’re travelling, you will want to be in the night before the start of the conference and leave the morning after the Awards Banquet.
When will the Agenda come out?
It’s here! https://uniontraining.ca/calm-conference/conference-workshops/
Is the CALM conference livestreamed?
No. But we will ask popular presenters to re-do their presentations in a webinar later on in 2024. Plus, all slide decks will be made available. However, the AGM will be livestreamed so that all CALM members can participate. Watch your emails for details about how to register for that. The AGM will be at 11AM on June 8, Mountain Time.
Talk to me about food.
We would love to. All conference fees will cover breakfasts and lunches during the conference. There will be a social on the evening of June 8 but delegates are on their own for supper. The Awards Banquet ticket is also included in the cost of your delegate fees. If you want to buy a banquet ticket so that your wife/best friend/long-lost friend/union president can attend with you, please order at www.calm.ca/awards
Is this conference worth attending?
Yes.
Will I be able to get a list of other conference attendees so that I can stay in touch?
Yes, this year we will be working hard to make sure that you have everything you need to maintain the connections that you make at the main conference.
How do I register?
Just go here: https://uniontraining.ca/calm-conference/registrationmain/
I can’t make it any more. What are my options?
Ideally, you can pass your convention pass to someone else. If you do this, please let us know if that person has any accommodation or dietary needs that are different from your own. You can switch delegates right until the last minute. If you need to cancel, we will offer a full refund up until our food order is placed (usually one week before the conference). After that, we will bill you for costs related to your conference pass (food, mostly).
Is there a hotel room block?
Yes. Please book here: https://reservations.travelclick.com/114528?groupID=3905481
If you miss the room block, you might find yourself at the West Edmonton Mall so please book as soon as you’re confirmed to attend.
What should I bring?
Please be sure to bring swag and newsletters/magazines. Our swag exchange is a highlight of all of CALM’s conferences. If you would like to ship your swag in advance so you don’t need to carry it, please be in touch with Virginia to arrange.
I can’t afford this and that sucks.
Yes, that does suck. CALM has been increasing the number of miniconferences we offer to broaden out the participation in our events. Because it’s expensive to attend national events, we organize one-day miniconferences anywhere that we can ensure 20 people or more would attend. To see the upcoming miniconferences we have booked, please go here:
If you want to help us bring a miniconference to your town, all you need to do is contact CALM staff and ask. If you have access to two rooms, your union will get free access to the miniconference for hosting.
Each year I sit through the Awards Banquet being mad that I didn’t submit anything. How can I avoid self-loathing?
You just missed your chance! But don’t worry: our hosts present the annual award winners with enough speed that no one should find themselves bored.