Welcome to the 23rd Annual Global Buyers Mission™ (GBM) – your gateway to discovering high-quality, competitively priced wood products, reconnecting with trusted suppliers, and building powerful relationships with industry peers.
As a pre-qualified Buyer, your $395 CAD registration unlocks an exceptional, all-inclusive experience, including:
The most recent GBM in 2025 brought together over 500 delegates, creating a vibrant, high-impact environment where international buyers connect directly with leading Canadian manufacturers.
At the GBM, you’ll gain direct access to a diverse range of Canadian wood product expertise, including:
All of this takes place in a relaxed, highly productive setting designed to maximize meaningful conversations and real opportunities.
Still considering? We’re happy to answer any questions and help you explore how the GBM can support your business goals. You can reach out directly at gbm@bcwood.com with any enquiries.
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 Global Buyers Mission™ and to an incredible few days in Whistler, BC.
Michelle McCarthy (she/her)
BC Wood
Tel: 604-882-7100
Cell: 604-290-6875
In case you haven’t seen it yet, here is the recap of the 2025 GBM :
Watch more videos on our YouTube channel:
Optional Extended Mission Program and site visits for incoming International Buyers and Delegates. For more information, please email gbm@bcwood.com
We are offering the following Extended Mission Tours on September 8th-10th:
A – 2026 GBM Remanufacturing Mill Tour: $895
This Program will be suitable for Buyers interested in learning more about the processing and sourcing of quality Western Red Cedar, Hemlock and Douglas Fir products from British Columbia’s coastal region.
You will visit sawmills and remanufacturing facilities handling Hemlock, WRC, and Douglas Fir as well as manufacturing facilities in the Lower Mainland*.
The two-day tour will include bus transfers and transport to mill sites, interpreters as required, all meals and incidentals. Participating delegates will be given the first opportunity to add a Tour the morning of the 10th, on route to Whistler, for no additional charge. The fee does not include the GBM fees or hotels.
B – 2026 GBM Mass & Heavy Timber Tour: $995
This Program will be suitable for Buyers and Specifiers with an interest in learning more about the use of wood in large-scale commercial building construction, particularly from an architectural or engineering viewpoint. Site visits will be guided by the architects/engineers/suppliers involved so that detailed information on the projects can be shared.
This year’s tour will focus on significant designs of large-scale wood mass-timber building developments in the interior of British Columbia. The four-day program (Sept 7th-10th) will include bus transfers and transport to building sites, interpreters as required, all meals and incidentals. The fee does not include the GBM fees or hotels.
7:30 AM & 7:45 AM: Charter bus departs from a downtown Vancouver hotel for a day tour and transit to Whistler (pre-registration required)
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: GBM Registration – Whistler Conference Centre, Grand Foyer
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Hotel Check-in Whistler – Westin Whistler Hotel Lobby
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM: NAWLA Panel – Whistler Conference Centre, Rainbow Theatre
6:15 PM – 9:30 PM: Welcome Reception – Whistler Gondola upload (starts at 6:15pm-closes at 7:00 PM) to Roundhouse Lodge, Peak of Whistler Mountain
8:00 AM– 9:00 AM: Breakfast & Grand Opening – Whistler Conference Centre, Grand Foyer
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM: 23rd Annual GBM & Networking Showcase – Whistler Conference Centre, Sea to Sky Ballroom
9:30 AM – 2:00 PM: WoodTALKS™ Workshops – Whistler Conference Centre Show Stage (During Annual GBM & Networking Trade Show)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch on the Trade Show Floor
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Beer Garden on the Trade Show Floor
[NEW] 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Women’s Networking Event at the GBM, co-hosted with Women of Lumber and Forestry (WOLF)* – Whistler Conference Centre
* Pre-registration required; please see the GBM registration email for the link.
6:30 PM – 10:00 PM: International Food Fair and Networking Reception – Whistler Conference Centre, Grand Foyer
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Breakfast-to-Go – Whistler Conference Centre Main Doors
8:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Whistler free time (golfing, zip-trekking, art gallery tour, shopping, walking architectural tour etc.- see ‘Other Activities in Whistler‘ list below for inspiration and details)
8:45 AM – 1:00 PM: (Optional) WoodTALKS Symposium – Reshaping the Structural Landscape – Whistler Conference Centre, Rainbow Theatre (with lunch to go)
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Return Transportation to Vancouver/YVR , if pre-requested
*Afternoon bus departures for International Buyers and attendees available, please register at the Registration Desk or email mmccarthy@bcwood.com
Transportation — Your registration fee includes return transportation. Please see more transportation information below.
Meals and Receptions — Registration also includes a welcome reception at the Roundhouse Lodge on the peak of Whistler Mountain, a hot breakfast buffet and lunch on the show floor on Friday, the Friday evening international food fair and networking reception at the Whistler Conference Centre, and breakfast-to-go at the Whistler Conference Centre Saturday morning.
Guest/Spousal Program – Rates starting at $160 (+tax) CAD*
Event 1: Welcome Reception at the Peak of Whistler Mountain, Roundhouse Lodge – $160
Event 2: GBM International Food Fair & Networking Reception at the Whistler Conference Centre – $160
*You have the option to attend both events
The hotel options are as follows:
Please note: All GBM discounted rooms are currently sold out. Visit www.whistler.com/accommodation/hotels/ for accommodation suggestions.
Deluxe Studio Suite / Queen + Queen Sofa Bed – rates starting at $292
** If you would like an upgrade to your room, reserve the Deluxe Studio Suite, then after you’ve made the reservation, call the hotel directly: +1 604-905-5000
You can find the discounted hotel reservation link in your confirmation email.
A valid credit card must be provided at the time of booking to guarantee a reservation. Our Deposit and Cancellation Policies for individual reservations will apply and are as follows:
The standard check-in time at the Hotel is 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11.00 AM
**Please verify all current policies upon reservation**
Please note: We are currently in the process of negotiating contracts with the hotels and we will notify you as soon as the discounted booking links are available.
The hotel options are as follows:
Rates starting at $357
**Please verify all current policies upon reservation
Rates starting at $329
**Please verify all current policies upon reservation
Transportation to Whistler Village is included in the Buyer fees. The Promo Code for Skylynx is available in the confirmation email.
The Promo Code will be available to use after you click on “Checkout”.
For shuttle bus, we recommend booking tickets online with Skylynx for service from YVR to Whistler or from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler. It is recommended to book a direct bus (Skylynx Express) so you can choose your pre-set drop-off location.
The meeting place to catch the shuttle is:
Vancouver Airport (YVR): Meet at the YVR Skylynx Kiosk at the International Arrivals Area adjacent to the escalators.
Downtown Vancouver: Meet on Melville Street outside of Hyatt Regency Hotel near Burrard Metro Station
Another option for transportation to Whistler is to join us on our free charter bus service from a designated downtown hotel (Location TBC) on the morning of September 4th with a short tour on the way to Whistler. Please register at gbm@bcwood.com.
Book a Tee Time
A great activity to bring a buyer to, book a tee time at Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf!
Ziptrek Ecotours
Home to the longest zipline in Canada and the USA! Spanning a mind-blowing distance of over 2kms, you will take in spectacular views and over 7,000 feet of pure eco-exhilaration! More info here.
Mountain Biking
Whistler Blackcomb is home to the ultimate gravity-fed downhill biking experience, drawing mountain bikers from across the world. Check it out here.
Shopping in Whistler
Stroll through charming Whistler Village and surrounding neighbourhoods to peruse endless shops stocked with homegrown and globally-inspired goods. Browse fine artwork, fashion, jewellery and luxury items, as well as sportswear and the latest in outdoor gear. You’ll also find all the essentials for everyday living like groceries, gifts and specialty items. Click here to view the Whistler Village shop directory.
Audain Art Museum
The Audain Art Museum is a transformative experience for appreciating the art of British Columbia. Unique and evolving exhibitions from Canada and around the world distinguish what we do.
Regular Hours
Thursday to Monday 11am – 6pm
BUY TICKETS
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is the first centre of its kind in Canada, located on the shared, traditional territories of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. Designed to evoke the form of a Squamish Longhouse and Lil’wat Istken (earthen dwelling), the SLCC embodies the spirit of partnership between two unique Nations who wish to preserve, grow, and share their traditional cultures.
Regular Hours
Open daily: 10am – 5pm
BUY TICKETS
The GBM is brought to you by BC Wood
