Privacy Policy: Environmental Flows Conference 2026
Last Updated: March 17, 2026
The Okanagan Basin Water Board (“OBWB”, “us”, “our” or “we”) values your privacy and cares about the treatment of your personal information. This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) describes the personal information we may collect, use, disclose, and otherwise process regarding individuals who access our website (ef2026.ca) or register for the Environmental Flows Conference 2026 (the “Conference”).
By providing personal information to us, you agree to the processing set out in this Policy and authorize the OBWB, its third parties, and service providers (such as Eventbrite) to process your personal information for the purposes set out below.
I. COLLECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
Personal Information Collected Directly from You: While the information we collect varies depending on your interactions with us, we generally collect the following:
- Registration Information: Information required to register you for the Conference via our third-party provider, Eventbrite. This includes your name, contact details (email, phone number), employer, job title, and any dietary or accessibility requirements you choose to provide.
- Communications: When you email or interact with us (e.g., signing up for our newsletter or completing a contact form), we maintain records of your contact details and correspondence.
- Promotional Information: If you opt-in to receive updates about future water-related initiatives or the “Save the Date” for future sessions, we collect your name and email.
- Activity and Usage Information: When you visit ef2026.ca, we may collect non-identifying information such as your device type, browser, IP address, and access times to help us improve site performance.
II. PURPOSE FOR COLLECTION AND USE
The OBWB collects and uses your information to:
- Administer and operate the Conference;
- Authenticate your identity for badge printing and check-in;
- Provide essential electronic updates and program information;
- Process registration fees and refunds (facilitated via Eventbrite);
- Protect against fraud or unauthorized access;
- Comply with legal, accounting, and auditing requirements.
Disclosure to Third Parties: We may disclose information on a selective basis to:
- Service Providers: Such as Eventbrite (registration), Constant Contact (communications), and website hosting providers.
- Conference Partners: We may share de-identified, aggregated attendance data (e.g., “30% of attendees were from local government”) with our co-hosts, the Okanagan Nation Alliance and the Canada Water Resources Association.
- Legal Obligations: Where required by law or to protect the safety and rights of others.
III. COOKIES AND ANALYTICS
Our website uses “cookies” and similar tracking technologies (like Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use our site.
- Session Cookies: These expire when you close your browser.
- Persistent Cookies: These stay on your device to remember your preferences.
- Control: You can edit your browser settings to block cookies, though some features of the site may not function properly if you do.
IV. DATA RETENTION AND SECURITY
- Retention: We retain your information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes of the Conference and meet legal requirements, after which it is securely destroyed.
- Security: We implement reasonable technical and organizational precautions to protect your data from loss or unauthorized access. However, please note that no data transmission over the internet is 100% secure.
- Cross-Border Transfers: While we aim to store data in Canada, some service providers (like Eventbrite) may store information on servers located in the United States or other jurisdictions.
V. PHOTOGRAPHY AND MEDIA
The Conference takes place in a public forum. The OBWB and its partners may take photographs or video footage during sessions and field trips. This media may be used in future reports, social media, or promotional materials. By attending, you acknowledge and consent to this usage.
VI. YOUR RIGHTS AND CONTACT INFO
You have the right to access your personal information or request corrections to errors or omissions.
Contact Our Privacy Officer: Any questions or concerns regarding this policy should be directed to:
Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB)
Attn: OBWB Communications
Subject: EF 2026 Privacy Policy
Email: communications@obwb.ca