The RMA 2023 Fall Convention and Tradeshow will take place November 6 to 9, at the Edmonton Convention Centre. We look forward to welcoming our members and other stakeholders. We have an even more packed agenda than usual so we wanted to provide an overview of some new, different, or notable convention programming.
Pre-Convention Extended Producer Responsibility Workshop
With the Government of Alberta (GOA) shifting to an extended producer responsibility (EPR) model for some waste types, rural municipalities now have an opportunity to register with the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) to participate in the EPR program. This pre-convention workshop will feature speakers from ARMA, the GOA, and producer responsibility organizations to provide an overview of how EPR will work in Alberta and the next steps that municipalities can take to be involved.
The workshop will take place in Salon 4 of the Edmonton Convention Centre from 3:00 to 4:00 pm on Monday, November 6.
Municipal Allyship in Local Government Networking Lunch
As politics at all levels becomes increasingly polarized, it is more important than ever for elected officials to feel safe and supported in performing their duties. The Municipal Allyship in Local Government Networking Lunch is intended to bring together rural municipal elected officials to share their challenges in being local leaders and discuss how elected officials can support one another in maintaining positive council atmospheres and constructive relationships with their communities. The networking lunch will provide an opportunity for participants to connect based on a series of questions and through the guidance of experienced municipal leaders.
The lunch will take place in Salon 4 of the Edmonton Convention Centre from 12:00 to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, November 7. There is no pre-registration for this event; space will be filled on a first come, first served basis and seating is limited. The lunch served during event will be the same lunch available in the tradeshow.
Minister of Municipal Affairs’ Open House
Each year, the Minister of Municipal Affairs hosts an open house as an opportunity for them and other ministers and MLAs to network with RMA members. In the past, the open house has been held immediately following convention programming. This year, the open house is scheduled for later in the evening, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, November 8. While convention programming concludes for the day at 4:45 pm, both Brownlee LLP (Assembly Foyer, 4:30 – 8:30 pm) and ATCO (Riverview Room, 4:45 – 8:00 pm) will be hosting hospitality suites at the convention centre prior to the 6:30 pm kick-off of the open house. Members are encouraged to enjoy those hospitality suites throughout the evening while stopping by the open house to network with provincial leaders at 6:30 pm.
RMA Conversation Café
During the morning coffee break on Tuesday, November 7, RMA board members will be hosting an informal information café on the west side of Hall D. The information café will provide members an opportunity to discuss various priority issues with board members and one another. Each RMA board member will lead a conversation table and members can choose to drop by if they have questions or want to participate in the discussion.
RMA Board of Director Elections
This year, the RMA Vice President and District 2, 3, and 5 director positions are up for election during the convention. Nominations for each position closed on October 23. Kevin Wirsta, Councillor for the County of St. Paul, has been acclaimed as District 5 director, so no election will take place for District 5.
Vice President elections will take place on Wednesday, November 8 at 1:00 pm in Hall D. Elections for District 2 or District 3 will take place on Thursday, November 9 at 8:15 am in Salon 4. The need for an election in districts 2 and 3 will be determined based on the outcomes of the Vice President election. Only one of the two districts will require an election. The director position for the other district will be acclaimed. The RMA will provide this information to members on Wednesday afternoon, following the Vice President election.
For more detailed information on the election process, click here.
Taxi Chits
At past conventions, the RMA has offered delegates a shuttle bus service running between preferred convention hotels and the convention centre. For the 2023 Fall Convention, the shuttle bus will be replaced by taxi chits (vouchers). Registered delegates may use vouchers as needed for transportation between the convention centre and their hotel. This approach will also allow for transportation later in the evening from hospitality suites. Taxi chits and instructions for use will be available at the convention registration desk.
RMA Event Code of Conduct
The RMA has an event code of conduct that applies to all RMA and Canoe Procurement Group of Canada events, including conventions. The intent of the code of conduct is to ensure that all participants behave in an appropriate manner and that events are hosted in a welcoming, inclusive, and harassment-free environment. All convention delegates are encouraged to review the code of conduct.
Cindy Carstairs
Administrative & Convention Coordinator
780.955.4095
cindy@RMAlberta.com
Gerald Rhodes
Executive Director
780.955.4077
gerald@RMAlberta.com