General Assembly of Delegates (GAD)

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It is with great pleasure that the IFBLS Board of Directors announce the venue for the General Assembly of Delegates (GAD) 2024, will be held in Canada at the Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel in the picturesque city of Richmond, British Columbia.

We extend a warm invitation to IFBLS Chief Delegates to join us 12th to 14th September 2024 for our annual meetings. This year's agenda includes the GAD & Chief Delegates Meeting, Open Forum, and the Election for the IFBLS Board of Directors 2024-2026.

Additionally, a one-day learning symposium titled "Strengthening Diagnostics" will follow on Saturday, 14th September 2024. 

As 2024 marks an election year for the new IFBLS Board of Directors for 2024 - 2026 and we urge all Association Members to actively engage in this significant process. Your participation is vital in shaping the future direction and governance of our organisation. The deadline to submit nominations has now closed. For more information on this year's election and Candidates please visit our election page here. 

Furthermore, we are thrilled to announce that 2024 signifies the 70th Anniversary of IFBLS. To commemorate this milestone, we will be hosting a celebratory dinner on the evening of Saturday, 14th September 2024, from 18:00 pm to 20:00 pm. 

We anticipate a fruitful and memorable gathering, filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and celebrations of our achievements over the years. The presence and active participation of Chief Delegates from our 39 Association Members will contribute immensely to the success of the event.

Important Meeting Dates: 

  • Chief Delegates Meeting:                Thursday, 12th September and Friday, 13th September @ 08:30 am - 12:00 noon
  • Open Forum:                                  Thursday, 12th September @ 13:00 – 17:00 pm
  • General Assembly of Delegates:       Friday, 13th September 2024 @ 13:00 pm – 15:00 pm
  • Election IFBLS Board of Directors:    Friday, 13th September 2024 @ 13:00 pm – 15:00 pm
  • One-day Symposium:                       Saturday, 14th September 2024 @ 08:30 am – 17:00 pm
  • 70th Anniversary Dinner:                  Saturday, 14th September 2024 @ 18:00 pm – 20:00 pm

Who's Eligible to Attend:

As a registered non-profit organization in Canada, under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (CNAC), we are required to hold annual business meetings­ each year with our Association Members. It is at these meetings where we present the work of IFBLS in the past year, review the current financial statements and pass a budget for 2025-2026, elect a new Board of Directors for 2025-2026, and discuss the future work of IFBLS. 

These business meetings are a legal requirement under Canadian law, and as defined in the IFBLS By-Laws one officially designated Chief Delegate of each National Association, and limited invited guests are eligible to attend.

Intent to Participate and Credential Certificate forms have been circulated to each Association Member. It is on these forms that they will officially designate their Chief Delegate for the GAD 2024 meetings, and if applicable name a maximum of two (2) additional attendees from their organisation.


Hotel & Meeting Venue:

The in-person IFBLS meetings will take place at the Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel, 5911 Minoru Blvd, Richmond, British Columbia, V6X 4C7, Canada. We have negotiated an exclusive room rate for IFBLS members of $279.00/night. A limited number of rooms will be available at this rate until Friday, 16th August 2024, and rooms that are not booked after this date will be released. We encourage members to book early to take advantage of this special offer and avoid disappointment!

Please use this online link to book your rooms:  IFBLS Booking Link

Reservations may also be made by contacting the hotel reservations department directly at 1-800-445-8667 or 604-233-3990. Please mention the group name IFBLS to ensure you receive the appropriate group rate.

Visa to enter Canada:

Depending on your home country, some delegates will require a travel visa to enter Canada. We encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please contact our office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We look forward to welcoming Chief Delegates to Richmond, BC, for the IFBLS General Assembly of Delegates 2024.
 
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Excerpts from the IFBLS By-Laws regarding the GAD
 
General Assembly of Delegates (GAD)
The General Assembly of Delegates (GAD) is held biennially at a location and on a date or dates determined by the Board of Directors (BOD) and approved by the membership as defined in the IFBLS Bylaws. The date is determined in collaboration with the host for the Congress. English is the official language of the meeting. Translation services are not provided by IFBLS. Traditionally the meeting is held in two parts (Open Forum and GAD) on different days, in conjunction with the biennial congress.  Association and Group Members shall provide the IFBLS Office with the name of their Chief Delegate/Official Representative at least thirty (30) days prior to the GAD. The Office will prepare document packages containing additional reports and information items for these delegates.
 
Purpose of the GAD
At the formal GAD the elected Board of Directors report to Associate Members on the IFBLS’s progress since the last meeting and receive feedback from the delegates. The financial report, budget and reports from Open Forum are presented. The new Board of Directors is elected during the GAD. The GAD also provides an opportunity for delegates to debate current issues and provide the Board with direction for future activities.
 
Notice of the GAD
Notice of the GAD shall be given to the Associate Members not less than six (6) months before the day on which the meeting is to be held. Notice will be sent by the Executive Administrator using electronic format (e-mail) unless otherwise instructed by the member. Notice of the GAD shall include the date, time and location of the meeting as well as the following information items: Provisional Agenda, Election Announcement, Process for Nominating Board of Directors, Request for Agenda items as defined in Bylaws.
 
Agenda of the GAD
A final copy of the agenda shall be sent to all Associate Members at least two (2) months prior to the date of the GAD. Reports and relevant information available at the time of this mailing should be attached. The recipient is responsible for ensuring that documents are circulated to Delegates attending the GAD.