Wide shot of the BCNET conference

BCNET News

Celebrating 25 Years of BCNET CONNECT: A Milestone of Innovation, Collaboration & Community

From April 1–3, 2025, BCNET was proud to host and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the CONNECT Summit—one of the largest IT and Higher Ed conference in Canada.

From April 1–3, 2025, BCNET was proud to host and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the CONNECT Summit—one of the largest IT and Higher Ed conference in Canada—at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. This landmark event brought together over 760 attendees and 137 speakers from across B.C.’s post-secondary and research sectors to explore new frontiers in digital transformation, cybersecurity, leadership, and learning technology. 

All 25 of BC’s post-secondary institutions were represented, alongside 47 sponsors and 36 exhibitors, making for an extraordinary exchange of ideas, innovations, and partnerships.

But this was more than just a conference, it served as a timely reminder: in an era of emerging technologies and global economic pressures, collaboration is not optional—it’s essential.

 “As we look ahead,” said BCNET CEO Bala Kathiresan, “we are reminded that at the heart of collaboration lies a simple but profound principle—every voice deserves to be heard, every perspective understood, and every individual recognized for their potential to contribute to a shared purpose. At BCNET, we believe in the transformative power of collaboration. Because when we lean into each other’s strengths, we don’t just succeed—we transform.”

Our keynote speakers brought this message to life. Tina Varughese explored belonging in the workplace, offering practical strategies for authenticity, empathy, and inclusion. Dr. Neil Fassina tackled the complexities of leadership during disruption, empowering attendees to build resilience and innovate amid uncertainty. Mark Daley captivated the audience with a visionary look at artificial intelligence, asking: “What would you do with an army of genius assistants?” And Alex Usher addressed seismic shifts in education finance and digital transformation, urging institutions to adapt to evolving student expectations and policy landscapes.

As we look back on a quarter-century of connection and innovation, we are filled with gratitude for our members, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers. Thank you for making CONNECT 2025 a celebration to remember—and for inspiring a collaborative future for B.C.’s higher ed and research community.

2025 BCNET CONNECT, Higher Ed & Research Tech Summit Gallery