We send a number of delegates every year across the country to attend various conferences to represent UBC Engineering. You can apply to attend a conference. Delegates are chosen by the EUS Conference Committee.

Upcoming Conferences

Conferences are a super fun way to travel around Canada and learn about engineering traditions all over the country. Keep your eyes peeled on the EUS Instagram for the potential to apply to a conference and check out all the possible conferences you can attend below. If you have a conference that you would like to attend, reach out to the VP External and VPExternal@ubcengineers.ca and we will see if the EUS can help.

Many organizations host engineering conferences across Canada but the main two that we send delegation to are WESST and the CFES.

Western Engineering Student Societies’ Team (WESST)

The Western Engineering Students' Societies Team (WESST) is an alliance of undergraduate engineering student societies across the Western Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Established in 1993 during the Western Engineering Competition and Conference hosted by the University of Saskatchewan, WESST was conceived by student representatives from accredited engineering schools who recognized the need for such an alliance to better support their undergraduate societies.

WESST serves as a platform for member schools, fostering the exchange of information and resources that benefit student leaders throughout Western Canada. It also stands as a unified voice for engineering students in Western Canada, advocating for its member schools with other student societies, industry stakeholders, professional associations, and the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students (CFES). Under the umbrella of WESST, numerous annual events are organised to enrich the educational experience of engineering students at its member schools.

Canadian Federation of Engineering Students (CFES)

The Canadian Federation of Engineering Students (CFES) is a bilingual national entity founded in 1969, serving as a representative body for approximately 81,000 engineering students across Canada. CFES offers a diverse array of services, including leadership development conferences, technical skill competitions, a national student magazine, and a variety of outreach programs. The organisation is committed to its primary mission, which is to provide opportunities that enhance the comprehensive education of engineering students in Canada, empowering them to excel as professionals in their chosen field. For more information about CFES, you can visit their official website.

Conferences

Conference on Sustainability in Engineering (CSE)

CSE, a three-day national conference taking place in late February or early March, is organized by the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students (CFES). This conference is dedicated to bringing together leading engineering students from across Canada. It offers a platform for these students to delve into the concept of sustainability, examining its relevance to their engineering careers and daily lives.

CSE serves as a forum for student leaders to share their enthusiasm and innovative ideas on sustainability with peers and industry professionals who share similar interests. The primary aim of this conference is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively incorporate social, economic, and environmental considerations into their decision-making processes throughout their careers. CSE encourages discussion and design of solutions to address sustainability issues in the engineering profession.

WESST AGM Retreat

The WESST AGM Retreat, held annually in October, blends professional and social activities. The first day features the Plenary session, functioning as WEST's Annual General Meeting, focusing on policy changes, executive elections, and conference bids. Delegates also engage in leadership sessions and roundtable discussions.

On the second day, attendees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with university-organised games and themed evenings, fostering connections among engineering students from Western Canada.

This retreat is pivotal in WEST's calendar, enabling connections among participants and engineering society representatives across Western Canada, benefiting those aspiring to leadership roles. The retreat also features an Olympics-style event, encouraging interaction and expanding students' horizons.

Conference on Diversity in Engineering (CDE)

CDE's primary goal is to promote dialogue and collaboration between engineering students and professionals while emphasising diversity in the field. It aims to raise awareness about the rich diversity within engineering communities and create positive, inclusive environments.

Delegates will leave CDE with a deep understanding of challenges faced by underrepresented minorities in engineering and the skills to address them, contributing to a more inclusive community. Additionally, students will connect with experienced speakers who will share insights on the value of diversity in tackling complex societal issues.

Western Engineering Competition

The Western Engineering Competition (WEC), hosted by WESST, unfolds in the first half of January over four days. Engineering teams qualified from the UBC Engineering Competition compete against other Western Canadian universities' winners. The victors secure prizes and entry into the Canadian Engineering Competition (CEC).

WEC goes beyond competition, offering enjoyable experiences and the chance to partake in WEST's traditions. It's also an excellent networking opportunity, connecting engineering students from across Western Canada with industry professionals who serve as judges or sponsors. The event includes a career fair and industry tours, providing valuable career exploration prospects.

Canadian Engineering Competition

CEC unites 150 innovative undergrad engineering students across Canada in seven categories, challenging them to solve engineering problems. Established in 1985, CEC maintains a competitive selection process, with participants excelling in intra-university and regional competitions. In the Western Region, winning the Western Engineering Competition (WEC) is the gateway to CEC participation.

Canadian Engineering Leadership Conference

CFES's Canadian Engineering Leadership Conference (CELC) is an annual general meeting and the largest gathering of engineering students in Canada. Over 45 schools send representatives, totaling more than 200 delegates. It occurs in the first week of January, featuring sessions on budgeting, personal development, and Engineering Society updates. Delegates also bond in a fun environment and participate in roundtable discussions about CFES changes. Schools can bid to host future events like CDE, CEC, CELC, and the President's Meeting.