Canadian Biomass • JulyAugust 2018 • WPAC Show Guide

On behalf of the board of directors of the Wood Pellet Association of Canada I would like to extend an invitation to everyone to attend the 2018 annual general meeting and industry conference September 17th to 19th in Vancouver.

There is lots of exciting activity happening in the pellet industry lately. The emergence of the Asian market and recent off-take agreements with western Canadian producers is one of the most notable. Demand from Europe for Premium Pellets has bolstered interest for that product here as well and many Canadian producers are well positioned to participate in those markets. WPAC is focused on helping Canadian producers develop both the international and Canadian markets for both industrial and premium pellets.

Our venue this year is the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle located at 1128 W Hastings St., Vancouver, B.C., V6E 4R5. Elegance, convenience and modern comfort await you at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle. Ideally situated in the heart of the city centre just moments from all of the things that make Vancouver such a popular destination.

This year we will kick off our conference on Monday Sept. 17 with an industry golf tournament. Seymour Golf and Country Club is North Vancouver’s original social network. It has been an integral part of the North Vancouver and North Shore community since 1953, when the course was formed out of the wilderness to create a community for members who love the game of golf. www.seymourgolf.com Much of that wilderness still surrounds the golf course, providing a retreat from the noise and hectic pace of city life. You can leave downtown Vancouver and be there in 15 minutes, but when you step onto the first tee, you’ll feel as if you’re miles away! Known for its superb conditioning, treed fairways and tough greens, Seymour has allowed generations of members, their children and their grandchildren to learn and enjoy the game of golf together.

As an extra bonus, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. there is a welcome reception aboard the MV Magic Charm. Join us aboard for a three-hour cruise through Indian Arm, a steep-sided glacial fjord formed during the last ice age. This two-level yacht has a fully functional bar at the bow with an outdoor seating area perfect for networking and capturing stunning pictures. The second level is a sleek, modern lounge that opens onto a large, outdoor deck that offers the perfect arena to mingle and take in the breath-taking views. The Magic Charm departs from Westin Bay shore Marina promptly at 6:00 p.m. for a trip along Burrard Inlet to Deep Cove.

Don’t think twice, come on out and join the fun! Golf is a great way to forge lifelong friendships and partnerships and there is no better way to see Vancouver than from the water.

The Wood Pellet Association of Canada’s conference and annual general meeting is Canada’s largest gathering of the Canadian wood pellet industry. Each year, this event attracts hundreds of wood pellet, biomass and bioenergy professionals from across the country, as well as the U.S., Europe and Asia, to discuss the issues and opportunities that are impacting the industry here in Canada.

Our theme this year is “Powering Asia with Canadian Wood Pellets.” Day One of our conference will include an update on the global pellet market, sourcing sustainable fibre, wood pellet supply chains and world-class research and development.

We will wrap up the day with a pellet barbeque and reception. Back by popular demand is John Swaan and his world-famous ribs. Don’t miss this opportunity to network, socialize and experience the taste of wood pellets in a grill.

Day Two of our conference will focus on the Canadian market and the work being done here on safety and the growth of the pellet option. Be sure not to miss our special keynote!

The wood pellet industry is still a new and emerging industry with incredible potential. The Wood Pellet Association under executive director Gordon Murray’s leadership has played and will continue to play a leadership role globally as our industry grows. Come and attend WPAC’s board at our AGM and hear first-hand about the work being done by your association. The AGM will immediately follow the conference.

On Thursday Sept., 20 and Friday, Sept., 21, join association members as they head north and tour some of B.C.’s pellet producers and the Westview Terminal in Prince Rupert. Thanks in advance to Pacific Bioenergy, Premium Pellet and Pinnacle Renewable Energy for the opportunity to visit world-class producers.