Business events and books to check out in May

A THOUSAND SHIPS | Vancouver is hosting an international conference on Port Expansion: The Challenges, which includes a tour of Port Metro Vancouver

Things to do and read this month to nourish the corporate mind and soul

IHMA CONGRESS
Port Expansion: The Challenges–the theme of the 10th biennial congress of the International Harbour Masters’ Association–is especially relevant to Vancouver, the first North American port city to host the event. Port executives and harbour masters from all over the world share their expertise on topics including reclaiming land from the sea for port use, mega-ships, climate change considerations and security. On Thursday morning, there’s a tour of Port Metro Vancouver–by water.
Pinnacle Hotel Vancouver Harbourfront, May 30 to June 2  Delegates $2,495, members $2,095, honorary members/academics $1,095 

LNG EXPORT CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
Held in Calgary for the past three years, the conference is moving to Vancouver–“the heartland of Canadian LNG project development”–to address challenges in the LNG industry and strengthen relationships with key Asian markets vital to Canada’s LNG success. In addition to the main conference program, the popular Centre of Operational & Technical Excellence (COTE) seminars offer insights into the latest technology enabling the LNG industry today.
Vancouver Convention Centre, May 10 to 12 Two-day pass $2,199; three-day pass $2,950

CIM 2016 CONVENTION
The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum convention brings together more than 6,000 industry professionals to explore mining excellence, starting with a panel discussion by Don Lindsay and Colin Joudrie from Teck Resources, Phillips Baker from Hecla Mining and Randy Smallwood of Silver Wheaton. The CIM Expo, Canada’s Mining Marketplace, will feature the latest in mining equipment, tools, technologies and services from almost 500 exhibitors.
Vancouver Convention Centre, May 1 to 4 Members: $950 business class, $850 regular, $750 presenter, $100 student/retired/unemployed/life member; non-members: $1,150 business class, $1,050 regular, $900 presenter, $200 student/unemployed/retired; single day $350

I’M RIGHT AND YOU’RE AN IDIOT
I'm Right and You're an IdiotJust as the natural environment can be polluted, so too can public conversations. Author (and BCBusiness contributor) Jim Hoggan takes a provocative look at the sorry state of public discourse, showing how highly polarized rhetoric and failed communications–whether intentional or inadvertent–can create gridlock and discourage people from taking action on critical issues. His book demonstrates how to become an effective, persuasive communicator by tapping into deeply held values.
New Society Publishers $19.95 paperback 

AIBC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
With global warming a hot topic, the focus of the 2016 Architectural Institute of British Columbia conference is Building a Resilient Future: how architecture can address rising temperatures, severe weather patterns and compromised resources. Architects, builders, engineers and members of the design community will learn about new industry trends, technological advances and best practices through plenary sessions, seminars, workshops, panel discussions and an industry exhibitor show.
Vancouver Convention Centre, May 16 to 18 Full conference $975 members, $490 interns/students, $1,100 non-members; one day $540 members, $275 interns/students, $590 non-members; single session $150 members, $75 interns/students, $175 non-members

BUSINESS LAUREATES OF B.C. GALA
Junior Achievement B.C. created the BLBC Hall of Fame to honour business leaders who have demonstrated a unique vision, provided leadership, lived with integrity and built a legacy. The 2016 inductees are: Norm Francis, co-founder, former chair and CEO of Pivotal Corporation; Ian Telfer, Goldcorp chair; and the late A.E. “Dal” Grauer (1906-1961), president of the B.C. Electric Railway. CBC Vancouver news host Andrew Chang will emcee the black-tie event, and John Manley, president and CEO of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives and former deputy P.M., is the guest speaker.
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, May 12 Sponsorships (table of 10) $6,000 to $35,000