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The Annual General Meeting of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of B.C. (APEGBC) was held at Whistler, B.C. October 21st to 23rd, 2004.

Joselito Manrique manned Dowco’s booth at the trade show and Hugh Sr. attended the seminars dedicated to Better Business. There were also sessions offered on Electrical Engineering, Municipal Engineering, Forestry, Structural Engineering and Environmental Challenges.

Interesting seminars included “Maximizing Business Profits”, “Networking and Marketing”, “Hire for Skills: Fire for Attitude” “Salaries and Fees: Are You Charging What You Are Worth?” The last session revealed the large spread in engineering charge-out rates and engineers’ reluctance to increase fees because of perceived competition. Engineers’ fees appear to be a continuing problem across North America. Inadequate fees for engineers results in inadequate design drawings, which places a larger burden on the steel detailer, who is also faced with downward pressure on his fees.

The keynote speakers at breakfast and lunch added to the education of delegates. Dr. Chris Johnson of C.J. Seminars kept us laughing with his presentation “Laughter – A Light-Hearted look at Humour in Our Lives.” This presentation looked at the role of laughter, humour and playfulness in our lives.

Harry Leman, V.P. Einblau and Associates presented “Why Being Smart Isn’t Enough” – that IQ alone does not determine career success. Taking full advantage of cognitive intelligence is possible only with a foundation of superior “EQ” – emotional intelligence competencies.

Steve Matheson discussed the opportunities that exist for Professional Engineers and Geoscientists to participate in the development of venues for the 2010 Olympics.

In “The Wild World of B.C. Politics,” Michael Smyth remarked that being let loose in the realm of B.C’s political world is a little like being a kid in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory – some days he hardly knows what story to pick. Michael combined a wicked sense of humour with an insider’s intimate knowledge of provincial politics, and provided us with a creative take on the future of our province.

The Thursday Irish Pub Night and the Friday President’s Awards provided further opportunities for networking. Saturday concluded the Conference with the APEGBC Annual General Meeting, where the new President, Dennis McJunkin, P.Eng. and Council were inducted. Outgoing President Bill Gilmartin P.Eng. was presented with his Gold Foil Life Membership Disc.