What to put on your business agenda in May

Nourishment for the corporate mind and soul. Find out how good marijuana actually is for you at the Cannabis Hemp Conference and Expo

 MANAGE 

Power Up, May 2 and 3
Previously called the Human Resource Management Association (HRMA), the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia and Yukon (CPHR BC & YK) is holding its annual HR conference and trade show in Vancouver. In between networking and socializing, check out four keynote speakers and 24 breakout sessions on topics ranging from the straightforward (Managing the Mobile Workforce; Shifting from Performance Management to Enablement) to the intriguing (The Power of Play; Is Your Baby Ugly?).
Vancouver Convention Centre, Full conference: $1,349 (members), $499 (student members), $1,649 (non-members); single day: $899 (members), $299 (student members), $1,099 (non-members); cphrbc.ca /conference

 GO 

Cannabis Hemp Conference and Expo, May 6 and 7
With the federal government slated to introduce cannabis legislation this year, event organizers expect 1,000 participants wanting to learn about the therapeutic, medical, recreational and environmental benefits of cannabis. An array of speakers, exhibitors, musicians and hands-on workshops cover such topics as cannabis juicing and healthy edibles; growing your own cannabis; and cannabis in magic and religion. Plus, not to be missed: lots of samples and giveaways.
The Nest, UBC, Vancouver; $89 (full conference + expo), $69 (conference only, one day); $19 (expo only); cannabishempconference.com

 CONSTRUCT 

Building Lasting Change, May 30 to June 1
This year’s Canada Green Building Council conference kicks off on May 30 with the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Summit, followed by walking tours of Vancouver and the Canadian Green Building Awards. The second and third days are devoted to education sessions, a new Green Building Showcase of industry developments and, also new this year, the first annual EGP Innovation Challenge, where some of the industry’s brightest young professionals and future leaders will share their ideas.
Vancouver Convention Centre;  $850 (members), $1,150 (non-members), $100 extra to register on-site; additional events extra; cagbc.org

 DISCUSS 

BC Chamber AGM & Conference, May 25 to 27 
The BC Chamber of Commerce represents almost 130 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, and 36,000 businesses across the province. Themed The People that Power BC, this year’s get-together features speakers and panel discussions along with an opportunity for members to network and develop policies to shape the Chamber’s advocacy approach next year.
Victoria Conference Centre, $740; bcchamber.org

 LEARN 

2017, May 25 to 27
The focus of this year’s British Columbia Pharmacy Association conference is how to build connections with patients, interprofessionally and online. Topics include: connecting with patients for better outcomes and job satisfaction; the pharmacist perspective on national pharmacare; pharmacy’s hottest topics for 2017; and looking under the hood of Parkinson’s drug therapy.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Full conference: $450 (members), $700 (non-members), $125 (student); one day: $250 (members), $400 (non-members); trade show only: $50; gala only: $90 (members), $125 (non-members); bcpharmacy.ca

 READ 

THE CLEAN MONEY REVOLUTION

It‘s time to shift investing to regenerative uses, according to Vancouver co-authors Joel Solomon, chair of ethical investment firm Renewal Funds, and environmental writer Tyee Bridge. Based on anecdotes from Solomon’s life and interviews with investment experts and business owners, the book argues for new, ethical, sustainable companies that will revolutionize the economy. New Society Publishers $29.99 (paperback); newsociety.com

 READ 

MOVE OR DIE

Despite his name, Toronto family therapist Tim Sitt is devoted to combatting a sedentary lifestyle. After turning to exercise to treat his back pain, Sitt lost 20 pounds of “office fat.” Here he outlines the harmful effects of staying in one position for too long and how to incorporate movement into your workday. Self-Counsel Press $19.95 (paperback); self-counsel.com

 READ 

THIS I KNOW

Terry O’Reilly ran an ad firm for 30 years and hosts CBC Radio‘s Under the Influence. Now he’s written a book for small business owners, with tips like how to figure out what business you’re really in and how to make a persuasive presentation. Penguin Random House Canada $34 (hardcover); penguinrandomhouse.ca