Conservation Experts Lead Discussions at First Annual BC Conservation Symposium

Vancouver, BC CANADA - July 24th, 2013 - Artists for Conservation, world's leading group of artists supporting the environment, announced today the first British Columbia Conservation Symposium on October 3, 2013 during AFC's annual festival. Leading experts from BC-based conservation organizations will gather at Grouse Mountain to offer their perspectives on the state of wildlife and habitat conservation in British Columbia. The symposium will feature talks from executives and a panel discussion. The event will provide a platform for business and conservation leaders, and academics, to collaborate on current challenges in conservation, while simultaneously highlighting the initiatives that conservation NGOs are spearheading.

The Symposium will bring together guest speakers from some of B.C.s top organizations; Artists for Conservation, Pacific Salmon Foundation, Grouse Mountain Wildlife Refuge, The Nature Trust British Columbia, Pacific WildLife Foundation, Raincoast Conservation Foundation, The Bateman Foundation, and World Wildlife Fund Canada.

"We're excited to have presenters from some of the top conservation organizations speaking at the first symposium," said Jeff Whiting, founder of Artists for Conservation." Attendees will benefit tremendously from our line-up of speakers' expertise and insights on the state of conservation in BC. AFC places great importance on facilitating collaboration and dialogue to broaden knowledge and engagement. The delegates will have the opportunity to engage with some of the well-respected leaders in conservation during the day."

This is a one-day event and advance tickets can be purchased online. The early-bird registration deadline is September 3, 2013 and space is very limited.Many of the organizations will host tables in the Grouse Mountain chalet giving them an opportunity to collaborate with public attending the festival. To learn more and to attend the First BC Conservation Symposium, visit http://www.artistsforconservation.org/symposium.

Presented by RE/MAX and sponsored by Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada, the third annual Artists for Conservation Festival features an incredible schedule of art and environmental education activities, including the world's top conservation-themed art exhibit. The exhibit features 80 original paintings and sculptures by world-renowned artists such as Robert Bateman, Guy Harvey, Mark Hobson, David Kitler, Pollyanna Pickering and Ed Spera. All artwork is for sale with 40% of proceeds benefiting conservation. Also featured at the festival will be live painting demonstrations, artist lectures, workshops, music and film screenings. The festival opens to public at 10am on Saturday, September 28 and runs until Sunday, October 6 on Grouse Mountain. For detailed Festival information, tickets, program schedule and regular updates, visit: http://www.artistsforconservation.org/festival

About Artists for Conservation
Artists for Conservation (AFC) is the world's leading group of artists supporting the environment. Founded in 1997, the non-profit organization comprises a membership of 500 of the world's most gifted nature artists from 27 countries, across five continents. Dedicated to nurture, promote and leverage its world-class community of artists in support of our natural world, AFC drives its mission through three key programs: Art & Environmental Education; Field Work & Research; and Artist Development. The Artists for Conservation Festival is AFC's annual flagship initiative to showcase, support and further these programs. For more information, visit http://www.artistsforconservation.org

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