I first heard of the WABE conference when I was in my first year at SAIT and our Broadcast Systems Technology instructors mentioned it. It was in Edmonton that year, and if we (a few other classmates and myself) wrote a report on the conference, we were allowed to miss class to attend. And as students we could attend the conference for free. What an opportunity my younger brain thought…to miss three days of class! What the mind of a young polytechnic student didn’t realize is that you will absorb more information in those three days at WABE, than you likely would have in class. 

WABE could not have been a more welcoming place for students to go. From vendors on the floor taking the time to explain their products and what they do, even though we had no budget to spend; to a system integrator taking us on a tour of a new radio station they had just finished building when we were in Vancouver at my second conference as a student. Then there is the education we students were trying to avoid, the papers, while most were above our heads at the time. You still learn something new from every session attended, whether it is a part of your day-to-day or not. 

Now here I sit, 12 years after attending my first WABE Conference, as the Vice-President of that same organization, elbows deep into planning this year’s conference. Thinking back to those first few conferences, and how by attending them, ultimately shaped an interest in helping carry this organization forward. To have a place where those who are interested in pursuing careers in our niche industries can come and ask questions. And a place where those of us who actively work in those industries can come for continuing education. 

The 76th edition of the WABE Conference will happen in Vancouver this year, from Oct. 5-7 at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront. Registration is open for all attendees, sponsorship levels, and the exhibit hall. And here is where I quote a WABE president of the recent past, “Just come.” If you have been to WABE before, we look forward to welcoming you back. If you are the least bit curious or interested in what the WABE conference is, we would love to have you.

Another aspect is the annual WABE Awards. This is one of the few places the hardworking people in our industry can be shown appreciation on a regional level. We are actively looking for WABE Award nominations, so if you know of a technical team or team member in your sphere that is deserving of recognition, please let us know. 

The WABE Conference would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, if you are an organization interested in supporting WABE. Please reach out to us at sales@wabe.ca and let’s see how we can work together to give you the best return during our conference. 

The countdown to WABE 2026 is on! If you don’t believe me, just visit our website…I put it on the home page in giant numbers ticking down to Oct. 5th.