BIL is TED’s cousin and wherever the TED Conference goes, BIL follows. However, unlike TED’s exclusivity, BIL has a ‘pay what you can’ donation system and it also follows the very welcoming “unconference” model.
What is an unconference? It’s a free-form conference where anyone can be a speaker and the schedule isn’t even created until attendees arrive and put their hat into the ring. It’s also the reason why I have this blog today (thanks to inspiration from similar events in Vancouver in 2006).
Most of you have heard of TED or watched the talks online, but do you know about BIL, the quirky, populist, unconference taking place nearby? Open to the public and fully participant powered, BIL features a wild mix of technologists, scientists, artists, hackers, and those with a passion for community awareness.
BIL emerged from a community of people who aspire to change the world for the better- everyone is on equal standing and we meet to share ideas, problems that need solving, and discoveries we are excited about with a quite diverse national and international crowd. Our attendees are our speakers and our speakers are our attendees and in true unconference style, attendees are responsible for shaping the conference itself through their participation. [About BIL]
Do you want to talk about transit, dog parks, sustainability, LEGO, 3D printing, the DTES, knitting, mobile apps? Bring your topic to BIL and you might just become a speaker.
The first unconference I attended was in Vancouver, back in 2006. It’s where I met amazing people like Kris Krug, Boris Mann, John Biehler, and many others who not only became leaders in the Vancouver tech space but also became friends. It put the “social” in social media for me at an early stage in my career especially since it provided my first liveblogging experience.
To attend BIL all you need to do is sign up and offer up a donation, which could be $5 or $2000. It’s taking place 8:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday, March 22nd and Sunday, March 23rd at Five Sixty (560 Seymour St) in Vancouver. Talks begin at 10:00am but setup of exhibits and art begins at 8:00am.
Be prepared to be involved. If you’re not a speaker, then ask questions, get some coffee, arrange some chairs or share your thoughts on social media. Anyone can help and everyone should help. If you want to formally sign up as a volunteer you can do that too.
There will be parties (awesome networking opportunities) on Friday and Saturday, and you’ll probably fall in love with the unconference format like I did almost ten years ago. More information is available online and on Facebook.
It seems that “March Weather” in Vancouver has always meant that a stroll at the beach is in order, making us the envy of our East Coast counterparts who may still have snow in their forecast. In my search for early spring photos in the City of Vancouver Archives today I found an image of Second Beach that fits the bill just perfectly:
1910s. “March Weather” at Second Beach. Photo: Philip Timms/Rosetti Studios. Archives# CVA 677-984.
View this location 100 years later via Google Maps and enter to win a Nikon 3200 from London Drugs in my “Then and Now Photo Challenge“.
There are two signs of spring in Vancouver. The first is the pink blast of cherry blossoms lining our streets and parks, and the second is the awakening of fun runs in the city. The first on the docket is coming up quickly as the Modo Spring Run Off 8K takes place in Stanley Park on Sunday, March 23rd. This 8km fun run around Lost Lagoon and the Stanley Park Seawall also benefits the Take a Hike Foundation.
Online registration is now closed but you can still register this weekend. Late registration is available on Saturday, March 22, 2014 from 10:00am until 4:00pm at Running Room, 679 Denman St. Walk up 8k registration $60 (tax included).
Included with Registration
When you register for the Modo Spring Run Off 8K you will receive a technical event shirt in gender-specific sizing, all finishers receive the Finisher’s Medal, a clearly-marked course with two aid stations stocked with water for Gatorade. Those who have fundraised for Take A Hike are in the running for some great prizes from Modo carsharing service. There is also a 1-month free Modo Membership + $40 carsharing credit available for all participants. To redeem, email proof of race registration or a pic of your race bib to [email protected].
Finish Activities
The race finishes at the historic Stanley Park Pavilion, which offers a great indoor space where you can warm up by the fire, purchase a burger (proceeds benefitting Take a Hike), or enjoy a refreshing beverage. Enjoy free samples from PowerBar and Oasis Juice, and the Modo Community Fair will include booths from Vancouver Farmers Market, Maker Mobile, the Vancouver Tool Library, Victory Gardens, HUB: Your Cycling Connection, and Take a Hike Foundation.
More information about the Modo Spring Run Off 8K is available by following along on Facebook.
Dining Out For Life is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with over a hundred participating restaurants who will be donating 25% of their total food sales from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the campaign on Tuesday, March 25th.
Dining Out For Life is BC’s largest restaurant fundraiser and it benefits two great Vancouver charities: Friends For Life and A Loving Spoonful.
These organizations provide support to people living in our communities with HIV/AIDS. All proceeds directly benefit the programs and services they provide free-of-charge, including:
- Over 110,000 meals per year delivered to those affected by HIV/AIDS in Metro Vancouver and surrounding regions
- Nutritional counselling and meal planning
- 60+ support therapies ranging from therapeutic massage to naturopathy, music therapy to yoga
- A weekly hot lunch program for youth affected by HIV/AIDS
- End-of-life care to people in their own homes
All you need to do is dine out at the participating bistro, eatery, cafe, or pub and you’ll help make a difference. Invite your friends and make a night of it.
Dine Out For Life Contest
For their 20th Anniversary year, Dining Out For Life is launching a social media contest that brings together two things people love: good food and free cash. On Tuesday, March 25, one lucky, social-media savvy diner will win $500 just for posting a food pic online with the hashtag #DOFL20. Secondary prizes include Official Team Canada hockey gear, restaurant gift certificates and limited-edition Dining Out For Life 2014 wine glasses. Full contest details are available online.
Follow Dining Out For Life on Twitter and Facebook to find out more about the campaign, participating restaurants, specials, and other information. Be sure to book reservations soon as this will be one busy day of dining out in Vancouver.
I’ve partnered with Honda Canada to take their vehicles out for a spin and explore our beautiful region. Most recently John and I took an Odyssey out to Squamish, one of our favourite day trip destinations.
Overnight in Squamish
We love Vancouver but one of its best qualities is that it’s so easy to escape the city. Last weekend we made our way up the Sea to Sky to spend some time in Squamish, where the very tip of Howe Sound meets the Squamish Chief, Shannon Falls, and dozens of options for trail walks and outdoor adventures. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
