Professional Engagement
Connection is more than exchanging business cards — it’s about shared experience, support, and development. With a wide variety of virtual and in-person professional engagement options, you can engage in a way that works for you.
From Information Sessions to Communities of Practice, and from informal conversations to structured forums, there’s a community for every stage of your professional journey.
Expand the accordions below to learn more about the professional engagement events we offer.
In-Person Offerings
Annual HR Conference & Expo – Each year, CPHR BC & Yukon hosts an in-person HR Conference & Expo in Vancouver, BC. This is the largest HR event in Western Canada with insightful keynote presentations, concurrent tracks of breakout sessions, peer-to-peer dialogues and the opportunity to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours. Open to members and non-members. More information.
HR Gathers – Facilitated in-person networking for mid-level HR professionals and above, focused on a variety of HR discussion topics. Date, time, and locations vary by region as ad hoc events that are not regularly scheduled. Open exclusively to members.
HR Connects – Sponsored social events without a learning component, held at a venue selected by the sponsor. Date, time and locations will vary by region as ad hoc events that are not regularly scheduled. Open to members and non-members.
HR Community Showcases – Networking events with an HR learning component, hosted by a member organization. Event venue and refreshments are provided by the host member’s organization. Date, time and locations will vary by region as ad hoc events that are not regularly scheduled. Open to members and non-members. If you are interested in hosting an HR Community Showcase in your region please contact your regional Member Relations Manager.
HR Meet Ups – An informal gathering hosted by members for members within their cities, towns, or communities. HR Meet Ups are not regularly scheduled, but most are held 2-3 times per year. Both members and non-members who are HR professionals are welcome to attend. These are informal gatherings that could be held at a local restaurant, coffee shop, park, or community boardroom. They are free to attend, but each participant is responsible for their own costs like coffee and meals.
If you would like to consider becoming an HR Meet Up Ambassador in your community, you can find more information here. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for information regarding HR Meet Ups in the Lower Mainland. Please complete our sign up sheet here.
Seasonal Socials – In-person events that take place during summer and around year-end holidays. Date, time and locations vary by region. Open to members and non-members.
Please visit the CPHR BC & Yukon online calendar for a complete list of what is coming up.
Forum – Hybrid
Strategic HR Forum – This forum is an application-based group for CPHR BC & Yukon members who are strategically focused and responsible for people and culture strategy in their organizations. The SHR Forum is a hybrid offering, meeting virtually five times a year and through in-person regional dinner events up to two times per year. The virtual meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month between 12 PM and 1 PM in October, January, February, March and May. The in-person sessions take place in November and April. Please visit the CPHR BC & Yukon online calendar for a complete list of what is coming up.
Communities of Practice – Virtual
A Community of Practice (CoP) within CPHR BC & Yukon is formed by individuals from British Columbia and Yukon who want to engage in a process of collective learning in a shared industry. It comprises a group of individuals with a shared passion for keeping people first in the decisions of leaders. Led by a member of the association (CoP Leader) and a staff member (Member Relations Manager), the CoP enables community-based learning through regular interactions with industry peers. In addition to the scheduled virtual sessions, each CoP has a private LinkedIn group for participants to connect at any time.
Who Can Attend?
Community of Practices are open to both members and non-members. An application must be completed and accepted before the participant is added to the mailing list/LinkedIn group.
How to Get Involved
To participate in upcoming sessions, members can visit the Events Calendar and search for sessions that align with their interests and schedules.
Continuing Professional Development
Participation contributes to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours required for maintaining the CPHR designation.
Confidentiality & Consent
CoPs are conducted in a confidential environment, both through our virtual offerings and our online groups.
Current Industries:
- Construction – Building Well – APPLY
- Crown Corporations – APPLY
- NEW – HR in Education – APPLY
- NEW – Federally Regulated Employees – APPLY
- NEW – Healthcare – APPLY
- Natural Resources – APPLY
- Not for Profit – People & Community – APPLY
- Post Secondary Faculty – APPLY
Please visit the Events Calendar for a complete list of what is coming up.
Information Sessions – Virtual
Throughout the year, we host a variety of events centred around how members can earn the CPHR designation. These interactive events offer attendees the information needed to take their career to the next level and the opportunity to ask questions to CPHR BC & Yukon staff.
CPHR Designation Information Sessions – Open to members and non-members, including:
- Introduction to the CPHR Designation
- Claim your NKE Waiver: Student Info Session
- Validate your Experience: CPHR Candidate to CPHR
Membership 101 – An online lunch hour meet up for members and non-members, featuring a presentation on ways to take advantage of CPHR BC & Yukon member benefits.
Practice Area Information Sessions – Open exclusively to members and conducted by volunteers from our Practice Exchanges, these include:
- Coaching 101
- Labour Relations 101
- Learning & Development 101
- Professional Recruitment 101
Please visit the Events Calendar for a complete list of what is coming up.
Member Resource Group – Virtual
Member Resource Groups (MRGs) are member-led, association supported networks that foster inclusion, connection, and empowerment among members who share similar backgrounds, identities, or interests. MRGs offer safe spaces for networking, advocacy, and professional development. MRGs enhance the member experience through regular virtual events, connection opportunities, and resource sharing—while contributing to a stronger, more inclusive association culture.
- Indigenous Members Circle – More information and application link
Please visit the Events Calendar for a complete list of what is coming up.
Peer Exchanges – Virtual
Peer Exchanges are dynamic, peer-led forums that foster collaborative learning, professional growth, and community building among HR professionals. Free of charge and open exclusively to members, these sessions provide a confidential space for participants to share experiences, insights, and challenges to enrich the collective knowledge of the group.
Participation with video connection is preferred.
What makes our Peer Exchanges unique?
- Peer-to-Peer Learning: Participants are both teachers and learners; they engage in open discussions that leverage and builds upon the expertise of the group.
- Continuing Professional Development: Participation contributes to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours required for maintaining the CPHR designation.
- Diverse Topics: Peer Exchanges cover a wide array of subjects, including:
- Generalist – May include case studies, troubleshooting real-world HR challenges, guest facilitators, or discussions on current events impacting HR practices. Meetings take place monthly from September to June from 5 PM to 6:30 PM.
- HR Huddle – Interactive sessions where members bring in topics and brainstorm solutions together. Whether members are navigating complex workplace challenges or seeking fresh ideas, this a collaborative space to share insights and get advice from those who can understand the role and its unique challenges. Meetings take place monthly on the first Wednesday from 7:30 AM to 9 AM.
- Career Advancement Network‘s are for members only, and are an offering for those who are in job transition, actively seeking employment or simply seeking to learn from other HR professionals for career development topics. Participants have an opportunity to discuss career goals and develop practical skills to enhance their job search effort. We currently have two offerings – a session for everyone and a Newcomers Network to help to empower members who have moved to Canada in the last 5 years.
- All Members – Meetings take place monthly on the first Tuesday from 5 PM to 6 PM
- Newcomers Network – Meetings take place monthly on the second Monday from 5 PM to 6 PM
- HR Book Club – Open to all members, the purpose of this Book Club is to motivate, connect, and foster self-growth while building a stronger HR community. Explore our past reads here. Meetings take place monthly on the fourth Wednesday from 5 PM to 6:30 PM.
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Reconciliation – Open to all members, this is a place to explore and advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Reconciliation in your work. These sessions encourage open, thoughtful conversation around meaningful approaches—not just awareness, but action. Meetings take place quarterly.
- Environmental Sustainability + HR – Open to all members, these sessions focus on the increasing impact of environmental sustainability on organizations, workforces and HR functions. Meetings take place quarterly on the third Thursday from 12 PM to 1:15 PM.
- Wake Up and Wind Down HR – These free, conversation-based events offer both members and non-members a way to connect and share resources at the beginning or end of the work day.
- Wake Up HR takes place every Friday from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM.
- Wind Down HR takes place monthly on the first Wednesday from 5 PM to 6 PM.
Who Can Attend?
Peer Exchanges vary, depending on the offering, but most are for CPHR BC & Yukon members only.
How to Get Involved
To participate in upcoming sessions, members can visit the Events Calendar and search for sessions that align with their interests and schedules.
Practice Exchange – Virtual
Similar to our member-led Peer Exchanges, specialized Practice Exchanges are for members who work within specific industries or are focused on particular HR competencies. These groups provide a more tailored space for deep dives into shared challenges and emerging practices relevant to their areas of expertise.
Participation in Peer Exchanges is limited to eligible members and requires the completion of a short application. This ensures that conversations remain focused, relevant, and valuable for everyone involved. As with all Professional Engagement offerings, these sessions are not recorded, as this supports open and candid discussion.
Practice Exchange groups include the following topics:
- AI User Group – More information – APPLY
- Labour Relations – APPLY
- Professional Recruiters – APPLY
- Coaching – APPLY
- Learning & Development – APPLY
Please visit the Event Calendar for a complete list of what is coming up.
CPHR BC & Yukon Professional Rules of Conduct & Participation
CPHR BC & Yukon’s Professional Engagement offerings —both virtual and in person—are designed to create space for meaningful connection, learning, and professional growth. Whether you’re attending a Community of Practice, Peer Exchange, Forum, Practice Exchange, Member Resource Group, or in-person opportunities, our goal is to foster a respectful and inclusive environment for all.
The best way to build trust and grow your network in this community is through authentic engagement—by sharing your experiences, listening with intention, and contributing to thoughtful dialogue. How you participate is what truly makes an impact.
We kindly ask that attendees refrain from using these gatherings for self-promotion, sales pitches, or distributing business materials, unless they are an official sponsor of the event.
Please remember that while participating, whether online or in-person, Association members have the duty to conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner and are expected to abide by the CPHR BC & Yukon Professional Rules of Conduct in both verbal and written comments. We reserve the right to remove or edit any content, that we in our sole discretion consider harmful, offensive, unprofessional or disruptive.
Thank you for helping us keep our events focused, welcoming, and enriching for everyone.
Event Sponsorship Opportunities
CPHR BC & Yukon events are an attractive way to expose your brand to professionals a variety of settings. Please contact Robert Chorner, Manager, Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorship, for more details.