Welcome to National Finals 2025
May 12-16, Vancouver
YOUR STEPS TO GET READY
~ Confirm your attendance ~
~ Prepare for the event ~
~ Review these steps by Thursday, March 27 ~
1) MARCH 27 DEADLINE: REVIEW YOUR NATIONAL FINALS SCHEDULE.
Review your detailed National Finals event schedule. You must attend all National Finals events. Attending only some events – and not others – is not an option! Make sure you’re available.
Questions?
Email Salima Tourkmani-MacDonald, our Program Coordinator, by Thursday March 27, 5 PM EST.
2) APRIL 2 DEADLINE: CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE.
Fill out your 2025 National Finals Information Form by April 2, 5 PM EST to confirm your National Finals attendance.
3) APRIL 2 DEADLINE: CONFIRM YOUR DIETARY NEEDS.
Poetry In Voice (PIV) provides meals for all National Finals participants, with vegetarian options. We do our best, but unfortunately we can’t meet all dietary needs, and we can’t guarantee allergen-free.
Special dietary needs? Severe allergies?
- Indicate your special dietary needs on the National Finals Information Form by April 2.
- Notify Ariane Tapp by April 2.
- See our 2025 Travel Policy for information about reimbursement for certain meal expenses.
4) APRIL 4 DEADLINE: CONFIRM YOUR TRAVEL.
Flying or taking the train?
- PIV pays for your round-trip plane or train tickets.
- Your parent or guardian needs to arrange your flight or train journey by contacting Maureen Ross at UNIGLOBE by April 4, 5 PM EST.
- See our 2025 Travel Policy for Maureen Ross’s contact details.
- When you arrive in Vancouver, a PIV/LVP member will meet you at the airport or train station and arrange your transport to the hotel.
Coming by car, public transit, or coach?
- Let us know in the National Finals Information Form by April 2.
- See our 2025 Travel Policy for details.
- Poetry In Voice will cover parking and some related expenses.
OTHER IMPORTANT EVENT INFO
YOUR HOTEL
Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown
180 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4P4
- You'll be placed in a hotel room with 1 other FutureVerse participant or National Finalist.
- You have a 4-night stay from May 12-15.
- Your check-out date is May 16.
YOUR CHAPERONES
As one of our 25 National Finalists and FutureVerse participants, you will be supported and overseen by three chaperones. Your chaperones will be available to you throughout your stay.
Here is a little bio and photo from each of our chaperones:
Claire Paradis: Hellooo everyone!
I graduated from the University of Victoria (UVIC) and I currently attend Simon Fraser University (SFU) as a Master's student. I miss the island's nature and chill vibes but SFU has free chili corn dogs sometimes so... we pick our battles.
When I was at UVIC, I worked in the residences with the first year students and planned cool events, including ice cream socials, karaoke, archery competitions, and campus-wide trivia with over 12 categories (with money prizes, obvi).
I also run a small business in alterations (IG clairealterations), which is just a fancy word for clothing modifications. I really like to sew and make people feel more comfortable in their own clothing.
Last year, I got hired as a fashion designer on a huge runway project, which really helped me develop my skills. Plus, I got to meet some real-deal models, which is totally a big deal to me.
I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone in May! Come say hi!
Layla Haddad: Salut! My name is Layla Haddad (she/they), and I am a graduate student at the University of British Columbia. I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. However, I did live in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for a few years. I then did my undergraduate degree at Queen’s University and uncovered my passion for helping others, seeing the beauty in life, and being able to create things with my mind and hands. I love art, colours, creativity and crafting with my friends. Some of my hobbies include film photography, making earrings and jewellery, cooking (and eating), and exploring new artists, music, and authors. I am so excited to be helping out at this year’s conference!
Arwen Low: Bonjour hi! My name is Arwen (she/her), and I'm in the last year of my BA at McGill, where I study Environment and Political Science. I've been volunteering at PIV/LVP's National Finals since I was a tween, and I can't wait to join again this year as a chaperone. My favourite poem in the PIV/LVP anthology is “Fire Watch” by Ken Babstock, which I once memorized for a high school recitation contest. In my spare time, I cook, listen to politics podcasts, doodle, and fend off attacks from my puppy, Gretel. There's nothing I love more than good conversation - feel free to come chat with me about anything and everything, en français, anglais ou franglais!
YOUR LIFE360 GPS APP AND YOUR PHONES
From the time you arrive in Vancouver until you leave, you must:
- Join our Life360 GPS phone locator and tracker group for safety.
- Always keep your phone on you.
- Keep the app enabled for the duration of National Finals week.
YOUR PACKING LIST
- Pack for unpredictable, rainy weather.
- Bring layers, rain gear, and comfortable shoes.
- Pack a special outfit for the finals.
- A reusable water bottle and an umbrella will be provided.
YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT
- Like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
- 'Friend' our Récite Recite (staff account) on Facebook.
- Share our social media posts.
- Spread the word - before, during, and after the National Finals.
- Share your National Finals photos and tag us.
- Our tags are #poetryinvoice and @PIVLVP.
- Be ready for interviews.
- If Nicole Magas (PR Specialist) or Ariane Tapp (Director of Communications) contact you, your parent/guardian, and your teachers about media interviews, please respond as quickly as possible.