On June 4, 2025, security professionals, operational leaders, and safety advocates will gather in Vancouver for one of British Columbia’s most anticipated industry events — the UBC Security Forum 2025.

On June 4, 2025, security professionals, operational leaders, and safety advocates will gather in Vancouver for one of British Columbia’s most anticipated industry events — the UBC Security Forum 2025. Taking place at UBC Robson Square, this full-day event will feature a packed agenda of expert-led sessions, live demonstrations, and thoughtful discussions aimed at improving how security is managed on the ground.

As workplace expectations rise and the demand for real-time coordination intensifies, frontline security teams face unprecedented complexity. That’s why the forum matters — and it’s also why Novagems is proud to be attending.

We’re not going to pitch. We’re going to learn.

Register or explore the full agenda here: https://security.ubc.ca/ubc-security-forum

Why Security Forums Like UBC’s Matter

The security industry has transformed. Gone are the days when having a physical presence and walkie-talkies was enough. Today’s teams operate across multiple sites, manage rapid incident responses, and juggle last-minute scheduling gaps — all while ensuring compliance, safety, and professionalism.

We consistently hear about common challenges from security firms, including

• Missed or undocumented shift handovers
• Delays in incident reporting
• Gaps in accountability and real-time guard tracking
• Burnout from over-scheduling or unclear communication
• Struggles coordinating across large or remote teams

Events like these matter because they open the floor to honest conversations about these issues. They offer a space where people on the frontlines — guards, site supervisors, shift planners — can share insights on what’s effective, what needs improvement, and what the future demands.

With sessions focused on leadership, tactical training, security convergence, and mental well-being, the forum directly addresses the current challenges and transitions within the security field.

Expert Speakers and What They’ll Be Talking About

The UBC Security Forum features an impressive lineup of experienced speakers — people who’ve worked in the field and know what today’s security teams are facing.

Here are a few of the highlights:

• Bob Rich, a retired chief constable, will talk about how important it is to take care of your own mental health in a demanding job like security. He’ll share advice on staying well, not just physically, but emotionally, over the long run.
• Carolyn Sinclair will explore how mental health and wellness can be part of our everyday work life. She’ll also talk about new ideas in protective gear (PPE) that support both physical safety and emotional well-being for frontline workers.
• Dr. Laura Guy will speak about how security teams can play a bigger role in spotting risks before they become real threats. She’ll share simple steps teams can take to assess situations and reduce danger early on.
• Jessica Bowering will focus on workplace investigations and explain how security professionals can help gather the right information while protecting people’s privacy.
• Mary Carmichael will dive into a big topic — how physical security and cybersecurity are coming together. She’ll explain why it’s important for both teams to work side-by-side as threats evolve.

These speakers offer practical, actionable insights drawn from real-world experience.

What Novagems Aims to Learn and Contribute

As developers of workforce management tools —including guard scheduling software and real-time guard tracking— designed specifically for security operations, our team at Novagems is focused on building solutions that solve real, everyday problems. We believe the most effective way to achieve this is by listening intently to those in the field.

We’re attending the UBC Security Forum 2025 to hear directly from you:

• How supervisors are currently managing schedules and covering absences
• What are the most common reporting bottlenecks during incidents
• How information flows between teams during high-pressure events
• What tools or tech are currently used for accountability and documentation, and where do they fall short

By having conversations with those working in Vancouver’s most active security environments, we’ll gain insight into how Novagems can continue improving its features and usability for guards, managers, and clients alike.

Where appropriate, we’re also eager to share lessons learned from supporting teams across North America — especially when it comes to simplifying shift coverage, streamlining reporting, and ensuring team visibility through real-time guard tracking.

Key Sessions That Resonate with Our Work

The UBC Security Forum isn’t just another industry event — it’s a hands-on, full-day learning experience for security professionals. Held at UBC Robson Square in downtown Vancouver, the event will focus on real-world challenges that guards, supervisors, and security leaders face every day.

The forum is organized around three main learning tracks: tactical, strategic, and professional. Each track includes multiple sessions led by experts from across law enforcement, emergency services, private security, and health & wellness sectors.

Let’s Connect at the Forum

Whether you’re attending the forum as a senior operations manager or a front-line supervisor, we’d genuinely like to hear your story.

• What’s your team doing well?
• What systems or practices do you want to improve?
• What would make your job 20% easier tomorrow?

Our team will be attending the sessions, taking notes, and engaging in the real conversations that matter. If you see us there, say hi. Or feel free to reach out before the event — we’d be glad to connect over a coffee and chat about guard scheduling software, accountability, or field visibility.

We’re not showing up with a pitch. We’re showing up with questions.

Looking Ahead

The security industry is constantly evolving — and so are the tools that support it. If we want to build safer, more efficient  environments, we need spaces where we can talk openly, challenge norms, and learn from each other. The UBC Security Forum 2025 is one of those spaces. And Novagems is excited to be part of the conversation.

Explore the event or register here: https://security.ubc.ca/ubc-security-forum