2027 UBC Security Forum: Purpose in Action
🗓️ Save the date! The Security Form returns for a third edition on May 19, 2027 at C300 Theatre, UBC Robson Square.
Additional information about speakers and the agenda will be released as it becomes available. Stay tuned.
Purpose is more than an intention – it is reflected in how we lead, how we serve, and how we show up for the people around us. This means leading with empathy, acting with accountability, and making thoughtful decisions that strengthen our teams and communities.
The 2027 UBC Security Forum will bring together safety and security professionals to share perspectives on how we can lead with purpose today and meet the challenges of tomorrow. Through practical learning, thoughtful conversations, and opportunities to build connections, the forum focuses on developing the skills, relationships, and confidence needed to turn intention into meaningful action.
Why speak at the UBC Security Forum?
As a speaker you will:
- Share your expertise and lived experiences.
- Contribute to the local safety and security industry.
- Connect with peers across the industry.
This is a unique opportunity to directly engage an audience of junior operational leaders that is often not the target of industry-wide professional development events.
Who attends the Security Forum?
The UBC Security Forum attracts a diverse audience of security and safety professionals from organizations across industry segments in and beyond the Lower Mainland, providing an opportunity to learn, connect, and reflect on the security themes that are most relevant today.
Attendees range from frontline and uniformed workers to emerging leaders, operational supervisors, and junior managers responsible for service delivery. We encourage speakers to identify the target audience level for their session (foundational, intermediate, or advanced) and tailor content to deliver relevant, practical value aligned with the audience’s experience, challenges, and context.
Participants represent a broad range of sectors including:
- Private security
- Post-secondary
- Municipalities
- Retail and retail distribution
- Business Improvement Associations
- Hospitality and concierge
- Healthcare
- Public transportation
- Aviation
- Property management
- Events and entertainment / venue management
- Banking and finance
Session format
We are seeking sessions that are:
- Practical and actionable – with tools, frameworks, or takeaways attendees can apply immediately
- Relevant and timely – addressing current challenges and emerging trends
- Audience-focused – tailored to a clearly defined experience level
- Grounded in real-world experience – including case studies, lessons learned, or proven approaches
| Session | Details | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid Fire Session (30 minutes total) | A short, high-energy presentation designed to share a focused idea, insight, or practical takeaway. Rapid Fire sessions are ideal for speakers who will deliver concise, actionable insights or ideas. | ~25 minutes presentation time ~5 minutes Q&A |
| Panel Discussion (60 minutes total) | A moderated discussion featuring multiple perspectives on a topic relevant to the conference audience. The panel should include one (1) moderator and up to four (4) panelists. | ~5 minute introduction ~45-50 minute discussion ~5-10 minute Q&A |
Have another idea in mind? Workshops are a new format that may be considered for this edition of the conference. This may include interactive learning sessions designed to provide deeper exploration of a topic and/or practical skill development and could be delivered in a more participatory format. Depending on the duration and target audience level, an additional track or date may be offered at the conference to host a session of this kind.
Review and selection process
The Security Forum planning committee, comprised of UBC Community Safety staff, will be looking for sessions that inspire, educate, and deliver practical value to our attendees. The most successful session proposals will:
- Clearly articulate value to attendees and how it will equip them to deliver more impact or better understand an industry challenge.
- Go beyond traditional security education and acknowledge the complexity of the industry and its demands today.
- Understand the audience and be tailored to the target audience’s career stage.
Speakers and session proposals submitted by the deadline will be selected through a competitive review process. If any space in the program remains after that point, any additional submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All applications will hear back on the outcome of their submission. Please note submitting an application does not guarantee a proposed session will be accepted into the conference program.
Submission requirements
Please submit your application by Friday, October 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm PST, for consideration by the review panel. It is recommended to draft submissions in advance of entering in the survey as the system may not save progress.
Please see the submission form for more details.
Have questions?
For forum specific questions, please contact security.forum@ubc.ca.
Remember to visit communitysafety.ubc.ca/ubc-security-forum for regular updates on the agenda and important details on what to expect on the day of the forum.