2023 Annual BIA Conference

The BIA Conference Registration Desk is located on the second floor in the Ballroom Foyer.  

At the Registration Desk, you will be able to register, pick up your name badge and Delegate Program (a guide to the conference). Our partners, TicketPro, are once again handling our Conference Registration Desk.  

Pre-registration for Sunday Social events and Mobiles is strongly encouraged. However, registration for these events will also be available in-person at the Registration Desk while supplies last.

RBC Place – Main Floor Floorplan

RBC Place – Second Floor Floorplan

Conference Meals

A plated serving style will be used for all Conference meals and food will be served in the Oakes Ballroom and Foyer of the Mezzanine level. There is no buffet-style serving due to COVID-19 restrictions. Refreshment breaks will be arranged in grab-and-go bags. There are two (2) bars on site where delegates can use their first drink ticket. Additional drinks must be purchased by the individual.

Your name badge must be worn at all times as there may be another group at the Convention Centre over the same dates and serving staff may question which group you are with. There is an Awards Gala Banquet ticket included in your “Full” registration package and you must bring the ticket to the Awards Gala to enter.

Included in your “Full” Conference Registration are the following:

Sunday: Tradeshow Reception in Ballrooms 1, 2, 7, 8

Monday: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Refreshment Breaks

Tuesday: Breakfast, Lunch & Refreshment Breaks – dinner will be on your own

Wednesday: Breakfast, Refreshment & Lunch

Conference Attire

We want you to be comfortable during your Conference experience, so please feel free to dress in either Business and/or Casual. A more formal dress code is encouraged for the Awards Gala Dinner on Monday night.

There are four (4) different mobile sessions at Conference this year. You will have the opportunity to get out and see a bit of our beautiful host city and the surrounding area.  This is a wonderful chance to experience these wonderful communities first-hand. Please keep in mind that you will be travelling via bus and on foot – wear comfortable walking shoes and bring an umbrella as these tours will go rain or shine. 

NOTE: You will need to sign up for the mobile sessions at the Registration Desk. Keep in mind that space is limited for these sessions! 

Again this year we welcome Trade Show Exhibitors to the Conference. These Exhibitors are one of the reasons that we can offer your Conference at a reasonable price. They also provide a number of important elements to your Conference experience through education, creativity, and product availability.  Take advantage of the 2 1/2 days to meet the Trade Show Exhibitors and learn about their unique offerings. 

We thank our Trade Show Exhibitors for their continued support of the 2023 BIA Conference. 

 Trade Show hours are: 

Sunday April 16: 4:30pm – 6:00pm

Monday April 17: 8:30am – 4:30pm

Tuesday April 18: 8:30am – 4:30pm 

Wherever possible, there has been an effort to reduce the amount of paper.  All presentations will be placed on the OBIAA Conference website after the Conference for your interest. Please help us minimize our “carbon footprint” by minimizing paper materials and waste.  

More information on this coming soon!

Delta Hotels London Armouries

RBC Place London

For the first time ever, OBIAA will be offering headshots with our Conference photographer.

Update your professional headshot at the 2023 BIA Conference. Our photographer will be on site to capture your headshots. Time slots are being arranged and you will be notified via email of the available times closer to Conference. PURCHASE YOURS NOW!

Explore the core and complete missions while supporting local businesses within the Downtown London BIA.

Download the Goosechase app onto your phone and complete the missions listed in the OBIAA Conference scavenger hunt. Photos will be submitted through the app at each step. The missions can be completed on one’s own whim. All missions will be available at the start of the game.

Winners will be awarded on the Tuesday of the conference. The first 10 people to complete the challenge will get gift cards to be spent at local Downtown London businesses. 

1:00-4:30pm
Walking Tour of Downtown London with Art & History

Explore the heart of London through this guided walking tour. Go back in time to major events in the early days of the City and view regional art that beautifies the core. London – settled in 1793, founded in 1826, and incorporated in 1855 – has a lot to offer, both in its stories of the past and the beauty of the present.
Price: $20.00 per person (includes all taxes & fees)

1:00-4:30pm
Downtown Tillsonburg BIA

We first make a stop at the historic Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association hangar at the Tillsonburg Regional Airport – meet the pilots & team that keep our heritage flying – (1 hour). We then head to Downtown Tillsonburg to observe best-practices, meet with small business owners who pivoted during the pandemic, tasting local fare & beverages with a final stop at the historic Station Arts Centre.   Cost is $30 inclusive of all taxes, fees, food & beverage.  All participants get a Downtown Tillsonburg swag bag.
Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Price: $35 per person (includes all taxes & fees)

8:30-9:30pm
Lost Soul Stroll Ghost Walk

Take a stroll through London’s past and experience downtown’s haunted streets. The Lost Soul Stroll is a mobile show telling downtown’s spookiest ghost stories. Written by a local playwright and performed by actors, these dark (and occasionally comedic) stories about London’s eerie history will capture your attention and have you leaving with a smile. This is 1 hour of entertainment that you will not want to miss!
Price: $25.43 (includes all taxes & fees)

6:30–8:30pm
Museum London

Enjoy dinner at the River Room located in Museum London. Take in the view through floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking the Forks of the Thames. Enjoy a pre-set menu in a modern and contemporary restaurant that offers an aspirational dining experience while still maintaining its casual feel.
Price: $85.00 (including all taxes & fees)

We will have two (2) Hospitality Suites for 2023.

This year, you will need to purchase a wristband in order to access unlimited alcoholic beverages at the Hospitality Suite.

Each wristband costs $33.90 (includes all taxes & fees) and provides unlimited drinks (beer & wine) for both nights. Wristbands can also be purchased on-site at Conference.

Those who prefer not to drink can still attend the hospitality suite to network and your access is free of charge.

Monday, April 17, 2023 — 6:00–9:00pm

Join us in celebrating the best that BIAs have to offer at our Awards Gala! The theme this year is ______. Formal or semi-formal attire is encouraged.

More info coming soon!

We encourage you to wear your BIA-branded clothing or accessories to this event!

We invite you to bring samples of promotional information from your BIA or some examples of your creative and innovative work for a table that will be set up near registration. Bring plenty! 

Consider purchasing the BIA Reference Binder for an abundance of useful resources and tips on how to run a successful BIA! These must be pre-ordered via Ticketpro. The Binder must be picked up in-person at the Conference.