The City of Nelson and Regional District of Central Kootenay co hosted the annual Planning Institute of BC Conference in Nelson May 5 to 8 2003. The conference theme is Lifestyles Livelihoods and Landscapes: Transitions Through Time. The conference committee consists of 14 individuals involved in the planning profession and working in Trail Castlegar and Nelson. The committee has developed a program that explores and discusses the conference theme by means of the keynote speakers concurrent sessions and a choice of tours around the area. Twelve concurrent sessions have been developed. Some of the speakers are from the local area and will highlight issues and projects relevant to the region. Examples include the Downtown Revitalization session with Robert Inwood discussing Nelson's revitalization; the Housing Trends session with Angus Glass providing research about homelessness issues of the West Kootenay; and Drinking Water Issues with Serge Zibin Environmental Health Officer. In addition to workshop sessions four regional tours were organized: Rossland Trail Castlegar Kaslo and Nelson. As part of the registration fee delegates have the choice of one tour that provides them with an opportunity to explore the history geography economy points of interest and issues of the area. There are also social events and 'free time' scheduled that allows delegates to visit other venues in Nelson and enjoy the City's ambiance. In general the conference is an opportunity for Nelson and region to showcase the area to people from other parts of the province both in terms of planning issues and physical environment. It is also an opportunity for professional development for professional planners and other interested persons.