It’s UBCM Week—Here’s How to Make It Count (and What Comes Next)

It’s UBCM Week in Victoria—and I know how much goes into getting here.

As a former UBCM Director at Large and city councillor, I’ve seen what works—and what gets forgotten by the time everyone gets home.

UBCM can be one of the most powerful weeks of the year for advancing your community’s goals. It's important to be intentional during and after the conference.

Here’s how to make the most of this week and carry the momentum forward:

While You’re in Victoria:

• Be clear on your Top 3 priorities - Focus each government meeting and conversation on no more than 1–3 well-framed asks tied directly to your strategic plan or community vision.

• Tailor your message to your audience - Know who you’re talking to. Speak to ministry mandates, provincial priorities, or funding frameworks. Connect the dots for them.

• Assign a note-taker for each meeting - Whether it's a formal briefing or a hallway chat, track who said what, what was promised, and what questions came back.

• Debrief daily (even informally) - Whether you’re attending with staff or fellow electeds, touch base at the end of each day to share insights and identify emerging opportunities.

• Say thank you - A short, thoughtful follow-up message builds trust—and makes it more likely your file stays top of mind.

When You Get Home:

• Host a Council or leadership debrief - Bring your notes, prioritize next steps, and assign responsibilities for follow-up. Don’t let good conversations die in your inbox.

• Connect it back to your strategic plan - Were your advocacy messages aligned with your current priorities? If not, it might be time to revisit them.

• Start working on fundable project briefs - If a funding program or partnership idea came up, develop a short summary now while it’s still fresh. This becomes your foundation for future applications or meetings.

• Follow up with intention - Don’t wait for them to remember you. Keep your message active by sending a thank-you note, relevant materials, or a meeting request to continue the conversation.

Want support turning your UBCM work into real results? I offer post-UBCM debriefs, Council alignment sessions, and strategic message coaching to help local governments and non-profits move from advocacy to action—with clarity and confidence.

Let’s keep the momentum going. Book a free consultation now by emailing hi@hunter-ink.com.