EXHIBITOR RESOURCES

GBM 2025 High Res

GBM 2025 EXHIBITOR RESOURCES

Welcome to the 22nd annual Global Buyers Mission™ (GBM) – an invitation only networking/tradeshow event developed to bring together pre-qualified international buyers of wood products from around the world, with Canadian manufacturers of products that include finished materials, building supplies and remanufacturing products.

The GBM continues to be the best business building event in Canada for wood products manufacturers interested in growing their export market opportunities – plus developing new business relationships with architects, designers, developers, builders & contractors – and other exhibiting wood products companies from across the country.

As usual, we are inviting pre-qualified international buyers from around the world to join us for our 22nd annual event. We will be back at the beautiful Whistler Conference Centre and have once again negotiated excellent hotel rates for our delegates in Whistler Village.

If you have any questions regarding the GBM, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We look forward to welcoming you to the 2025 Global Buyers Mission and to 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 2024 GBM:

Play Video

Watch more videos on our YouTube channel:

EXHIBITORS PROGRAM SCHEDULE (TBC)

Wednesday, September 3

3:00 PM– 7:00 PM: Exhibitors participating in Building Connections or Specifier Workshops at the GBM are allowed early access to set-up at Whistler Conference Centre.

BE ADVISED – As the forklift is no longer allowed inside the Whistler Conference Centre, please design your booth space accordingly. There will be equipment available for moving heavier pieces into the showroom.

Thursday, September 4

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Exhibitors set up — Whistler Conference Centre, Grand Foyer

8:00 AM – 2:30 PM: Building Connections @ the GBM – Westin Hotel (invitation and pre-registration required)

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM: BC Wood Annual General Meeting- Whistler Conference Centre, Grand Foyer

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Pick up registration package and nametag from Whistler Conference Centre, Grand Foyer

6:15 PM – 9:30 PM: Welcome Reception – Whistler Gondola upload (starts at 6:15 PM- closes at 7:00 PM) to Roundhouse Lodge, Peak of Whistler Mountain

Friday, September 5

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast and Grand Opening Ceremony with Welcoming Remarks at Whistler Conference Centre, Grand Foyer 

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM: 22nd Annual GBM & Networking Tradeshow – Whistler Conference Centre, Grand Foyer

10:30 AM – 1:30 PM: New Product Showcase Workshops –  Whistler Conference Centre, Ballroom Stage.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch on the Show Floor

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Beer Garden on the Show Floor 

3:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Exhibitors Teardown

6:30 PM – 9:30 PM: GBM Evening Networking Dinner and Casino Night – Whistler Conference Centre, Grand Foyer

Saturday, September 6

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Breakfast-To-Go and Final Exhibitor Takedown, Whistler Conference Centre Main Doors

*Afternoon bus departures for International Buyers and attendees available 

NOTICE: The RBC GranFondo returns on Saturday, September 6, 2025, with bikers riding from Vancouver to Whistler. On event day from approximately 5:30AM – 4:30PM, there will be traffic impacts along the Sea to Sky Highway and in Whistler. Guests and residents should plan ahead and expect delays. There will be stoppages and speed limits will be reduced to 60 km/h between Vancouver and Whistler, and there will be active traffic management along most of the highway during the event. Click here for more info.

2025 Exhibitors Fees

BC Wood, WRCLA, CSSB or other BC Based Wood Products Association Member

10’x10’ or 10’x8’ Booth – $2,495 (+tax) CDN

Outside BC Canadian Wood Products Association Member (QWEB, AFPA, WMCO)

10’x10’ or 10’x8’ Booth space – $2,960 (+tax) CDN

Non-member

10’x10’ or 10’x8’ Booth – $3,940 (+tax) CDN

Booth Staff:

Each booth staff member: $495 (+tax) CDN

Each company participant fee of $495 includes all meals during the event including the Thursday night Welcome Event at the Roundhouse Lodge and the Friday evening Networking Dinner Event at the Whistler Conference Centre. 

Guest/Spousal Program:

Guest/spousal program available at $160 (+tax) CDN for each evening event. (Link available in confirmation email)

Booth registration includes:
  • Basic electrical, pipe & drape, covered table & 2 chairs, carpet & Wi-Fi
  • Full access to Thursday Association Programs
  • Complete multi-lingual company listing in the 2025 GBM Program Guide
  • Select participation in the GBM New Product Showcase and Workshops
    • The GBM Program Guide includes:
      • Multi-lingual Introduction – a welcome to the event in five languages
      • Schedule of Events – this information will be accessed throughout the GBM
      • Exhibitor List and Floor Plan – listings both by booth number and alphanumeric
      • Sector Descriptions – a multi-lingual description of all the sectors
      • List of Exhibitors – listings of all the exhibitors with contact information, major product sector, and brief company profile translated into five languages
      • List of International Buyers by Market – listings with contact information
      • List of all Partners and Sponsors – with contact information and logos
  • All meals during the event including the Thursday night Welcome Event at the Roundhouse Lodge & Friday evening Networking Dinner Event at the Whistler Conference Centre.
Exhibitor Services:

Show in Motion is once again our service provider for the trade show set-up. They offer an array of additional products and services for the exhibitors (link will be provided as soon as available). You are encouraged to communicate with them directly regarding any needs you may have, by contacting Naomi Watts.

Exhibit space is limited and will be available on a first-come / first-served basis. 

GBM FLOOR PLAN

Click here to view the floor plan.

Perimeter booth spaces – 10ft (length) x 10ft (width)

Interior booth spaces – 10ft (length) x 8ft (width)

GBM HOTEL OPTION — WHISTLER

Please note: All GBM discounted rooms are currently sold out. Visit  www.whistler.com/accommodation/hotels/ for accommodation suggestions.

Delta Whistler Village Suites: 4308 Main Street, Whistler

A favourite of our industry participants, the newly renovated Delta Suites offers very comfortable accommodation; great service and is a 3 minute walk to the Whistler Conference Centre.

GBM Room Rates:

Standard Guest Room – $205

1 Bedroom Suites – $215  

2 Bedroom Suites – $299

Rates are valid for 3 days pre and 3 days post event dates.

Reservation Procedure:

The last day to book a reservation is Monday August 4, 2025. Discounted rates are limited – book early. 
Reservations will be made directly with the Delta Whistler Village Suites: Link to register in confirmation email

Cancellation & Deposit Policies (Individual Reservations):
  • GUARANTEE – A valid credit card must be provided at time of reservation.
  • DEPOSIT – Full pre-payment is processed with the credit card on file 7 days prior to arrival & is non-refundable.
  • CANCELLATION – If canceled or modified inside 7 days prior to arrival, full room & tax is non-refundable. Cancellations made more than 7 days prior to arrival will not incur a penalty.
 
No Shows & Early Departures:

No-shows & early departures will be charged full room & tax for full stay.

Check In/Out Times:

Check in: 4:00 PM ; Check out: 11:00 AM 

**Please verify all current policies upon reservation

Westin Resort & Spa: 4090 Whistler Way, Whistler

GBM Room Rates: 

Deluxe Studio Suite / Queen + Queen Sofa Bed – rates starting at $259

Reservation Procedure:

You can find the discounted hotel reservation link in your confirmation email.

Cancellation and Deposit Policies (Individual Reservations):

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:

  • Full pre-payment is due on August 5, 2025 and is non-refundable.
  • Cancellations made after August 5, 2025 will be non-refundable.
No Shows & Early Departures: 

Any no-shows and early departures are non refundable and will be charged full room & tax for full stay.

Check In/Out Times: 

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

Aava Whistler Hotel: 4005 Whistler Way

A favourite of our industry participants, the Aava offers very comfortable accommodation; great service and is a 3 minute walk to the Conference Centre.

GBM Room Rates:

Deluxe King – $199    

Deluxe Queen + Sofa Bed – $199

Deluxe Queen + Queen – $199 

Reservation Procedure:

The last day to book a reservation is August 7th, 2025. Reservations will be made directly with the Aava Whistler Hotel:

  • Individual reservations can be made by contacting the Reservations Department by phone (604) 932-2522 OR 1 (800) 663-5644 OR e-mail at: reservations@aavawhistlerhotel.com. Please mention BC Wood to ensure you receive the applicable rate. All reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card number and expiry date –full payment will be processed on credit card for entire stay 30 days prior to arrival. Please note: Your reservation won’t be accepted by the hotel if you have not registered for the GBM yet.
  • OR you can register through the link sent to you in your confirmation email.
Cancellation & Deposit Policies (Individual Reservations):

Full payment for individual call-in rooms is due 21 days prior to arrival, any cancellation within 48-hours of arrival will forfeit the full amount.

No Shows & Early Departures:

No shows and early departures are regarded as cancellation and will be charged full penalty.

Check In/Out Times:

Check in: 4:00 PM ; Check out: 11:00 AM

**Please verify all current policies upon reservation

Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa: 4050 Whistler Way

GBM Room Rates: 

Premier Studio – $224 (Base Rate)

*Below are Room Upgrades and their Rate Increments, guests may wish to upgrade to these rooms depending on their availability at the time of booking

Signature Spa Room – Base Rate + $50

Glacier One Bedroom Suite – Base Rate + $170

The Blackcomb Suite – Base Rate + $370

The Harmony Suite – Base Rate + $470

Alpine Two Bedroom Suite – Base Rate + $570

The Mountain Suite – Base Rate + $970

A block of rooms has been reserved for September 6th to the 9th. The special room rate will be available until August 7, 2023 or until the groupblock is sold out, whichever comes first.

Reservation Procedure: 

All guests can make reservations by contacting the hotel directly at 1-800-515-4050, press 1 for Reservations and provide them with the GROUP CODE BCW23, or with the hotel booking link provided in the confirmation email.

Cancellation & Deposit Policy (Individual Reservations):

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:

  • Full pre-payment is due seven (7) days prior to arrival and is non-refundable.
  • Cancellations made seven (7) days or less prior to arrival are non-refundable.
No Shows & Early Departures:

Any no-shows and early departures are non refundable and will be charged full room & tax for full stay.

Check In/Out Times:

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

TRANSIT TO WHISTLER VILLAGE

Transportation to Whistler Village is not included in the Exhibitor fees. Discount rate code for Skylynx available in 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 Domestic Arrivals Area across from baggage carousel 6.

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.

MAP OF WHISTLER VILLAGE

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN WHISTLER

Book a Tee Time

A great activity to bring a buyer to, book a tee time at Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf!

ZipTrek Eco Tours 

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, jewelry 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

Enjoy the beautiful views of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf
Zip through the breathtaking views across Whistler
Experience Whistlers rich culture at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

The GBM is brought to you by BC Wood