BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
BCIT Alumni Association earns national gold for award-winning networking event

The BCIT Alumni Relations and Communications team received top honours with a Prix d'Excellence Award for Best Alumni Event from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) for their innovative networking event, How to Talk to Strangers, sponsored by TD Insurance.

The annual Prix d'Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding achievement in educational advancement across Canada, recognizing programs that demonstrate excellence in alumni engagement, communications, fundraising, and community building within post-secondary institutions. For the team, the award recognizes an event that has become a catalyst for connection, career development, and lifelong engagement among alumni and students.

Created in response to alumni and student feedback, How to Talk to Strangers was designed to address challenges in building confidence and foster meaningful professional relationships in networking environments. The event also reflects the Alumni Association's mission to foster alumni success, give back to the BCIT community, and engage alumni for life.

That mission was evident in the event's broad reach. The 2025 event welcomed nearly 140 alumni and students from every BCIT School and Faculty and represented an increase of almost 40 per cent over the previous year. Attendees ranged in age from 20 to 77, creating a unique multigenerational experience where emerging professionals, mid-career alumni, and experienced industry leaders could learn from one another and share diverse perspectives and experiences.

More than a traditional networking event, the evening was intentionally designed to provide a supportive environment where participants could learn new communication skills and gain confidence. The program included a networking reception, an interactive presentation from a globally recognized BCIT alumni and career development expert, and guided speed networking sessions that allowed attendees to practice their newly acquired skills.

To further support success and career growth, attendees received complimentary professional headshots and a networking guide filled with practical tips and conversation starters. Participant questions were gathered in advance to help shape the presentation, ensuring the content addressed real concerns and challenges. Additionally, the session was recorded and shared on demand, extending access to alumni and students who were unable to attend in person and reinforcing the Alumni Association's commitment to lifelong learning.

The event's impact extended beyond professional development. Accessibility and inclusion were key priorities, with support from TD Insurance funding bursaries that helped reduce financial barriers and ensure broad participation. Attendees contributed non-perishable food items to the BCIT Student Association Food Pantry, adding a community-service component that reflects the Alumni Association's commitment to giving back and supporting students experiencing food insecurity.

Participant feedback highlighted the event's impact on confidence and connection. Many attendees described the experience as welcoming, inclusive, and approachable, noting that the structured format helped ease the anxiety often associated with networking. Participants shared that the event encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones, reflect on their career journeys, and engage in more meaningful conversations. Others praised the practical insights shared during the presentation by BCIT alumna and globally recognized career expert, Dr. Candy Ho.

For many, the event reinforced the value of the BCIT alumni community. As one attendee shared, "It really felt like BCIT cares about the success of its alumni."

The program's success was reflected in its survey results, with 96 per cent of participants expressing intent or openness to attending future events. The overwhelmingly positive response demonstrates both exceptional satisfaction and a growing demand for opportunities that combine career development with community building.

"It is incredibly rewarding to see How to Talk to Strangers recognized by CCAE as Best Alumni Event," says Lisa Jung, Director of Alumni Relations at BCIT. "This honour reflects the care and intention our team brings to creating meaningful opportunities for connection. We are deeply committed to engaging alumni and students in ways that genuinely support their success, guided by what they tell us they need. We are also grateful to TD Insurance for their support in helping bring this program to life. This recognition reinforces what is possible when we listen, collaborate, and invest in our community."

As a signature annual offering, How to Talk to Strangers exemplifies the role alumni engagement can play in strengthening communities, supporting career success, and creating lifelong connections. The national recognition from CCAE affirms the value of investing in experiences that bring people together and reflects the BCIT Alumni Association's vision of a creating a global community of passionate alumni promoting the excellence of BCIT.

View photos from How to Talk to Strangers.