The Western Association of Broadcasters (WAB) and the British Columbia Association of Broadcasters (BCAB) are coming together to launch FWD, a new joint conference the organizations say will look “boldly to the future of media in Western Canada.”
The inaugural FWD event is set to take place in Kelowna, June 3-4, promising to bring together media professionals, industry leaders and others from within broadcasting and parallel sectors.
The new conference sees the two organizations join forces on an annual gathering after experiencing declining attendance numbers at their respective events in recent years. WAB held its 89th annual conference in Banff this past May, while BCAB last hosted a gathering of its members, its 74th, in 2024.
“FWD symbolizes progress, innovation, and a collective drive to move our industry forward,” the organizations said in a joint announcement. “This event will bring together media professionals, industry leaders, and creative thinkers to explore what’s next — from emerging technologies to new models of storytelling and audience engagement.”
WAB President Caralee Parr, Regional Manager, Alberta Central & Northwest for Vista Radio, told Broadcast Dialogue that the ultimate vision for FWD is to create an event that elevates the entire industry.
“By bringing our organizations together, we can combine our strengths, eliminate duplication, and deliver a conference that is more innovative, more impactful, and better aligned with the needs of today’s broadcasters,” said Parr. “Instead of competing for many of the same sponsors, speakers, and attendees, we can offer one consolidated event that truly represents the full breadth of our sector. This unified approach not only amplifies our collective voice, but also positions us to grow, modernize, and remain relevant long into the future.”
Parr confirmed the event will rotate between B.C. and Alberta each year. She acknowledged that WAB has mixed feelings about abandoning its annual gathering at Banff Fairmont Spring after nearly 90 years of history.
“There is a deep sense of pride and sentiment tied to the WAB Conference. That legacy matters, and it’s something we carry forward with respect. But the overwhelming feeling is one of optimism. WAB recognizes that the industry has evolved, and so must we. This move isn’t about letting go of our past—it’s about honouring it by building something even stronger for the next generation. The opportunity to collaborate rather than compete, to broaden our reach, and to offer more value to our members ultimately outweighs any hesitation. It’s an exciting step forward, driven by the belief that we can achieve more together than we ever could alone.”
