VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 16, 2013) - The first annual BC Conservation Symposium will take place at Grouse Mountain on October 3 during the third annual Artists for Conservation Festival. The symposium will bring together guest speakers from B.C.'s top conservation organizations including: Pacific Salmon Foundation, Pacific WildLife Foundation, Raincoast Conservation Foundation, The Bateman Foundation, The Nature Trust of British Columbia, World Wildlife Fund Canada as well as Artists for Conservation and Grouse Mountain's Refuge for Endangered Wildlife. The daylong event will offer community leaders, academics, and students the opportunity to discuss the current challenges in conservation while highlighting the initiatives that conservation NGOs are spearheading.

"Artists for Conservation created the symposium to provide a platform for the public to recognize the state of wildlife and habitat conservation in British Columbia," said Jeff Whiting, founder and President of Artists for Conservation. "We're excited to have such a stellar group of presenters at the first symposium."

A special panel discussion will kick off the daylong symposium. The overarching theme of the discussion will be creative and collaborative ways to raise conservation awareness. Eight panelists from B.C.'s top conservation organizations will discuss oil transport projects, concerns on the planned pipeline in the Great Bear Rainforest, synergies between the arts and conservation communities and other pressing conservation topics.

"The public will have the opportunity to engage with some of the most well-respected leaders in conservation in the most ideal venue 4,000 feet above the city overlooking the Pacific coast," said Whiting. "Delegates can also enjoy the world's top conservation-themed art exhibit, on display at the venue."

This is a one-day event, including luncheon, and tickets are $85. To purchase tickets online please visit: http://www.conservationbc.org

About Artists for Conservation

Artists for Conservation (AFC) is the world's leading group of artists supporting the environment. Founded in 1997, the non-profit organization comprises a membership of 500 of the world's most gifted nature artists from 27 countries, across five continents. Dedicated to nurture, promote and leverage its world-class community of artists in support of our natural world, AFC drives its mission through three key programs: Art & Environmental Education; Field Work & Research; and Artist Development. The Artists for Conservation Festival is AFC's annual flagship initiative to showcase, support and further these programs. For more information, visit: www.artistsforconservation.org