Building Bridges is a celebration of collaboration, connection, and collective success. It’s a call to action for fostering meaningful relationships with local stakeholders, from businesses and community organizations to residents and policymakers. By nurturing these connections, we create an environment where ideas can flow, partnerships can flourish, and challenges can be met with innovative, unified solutions.

Through engaging panels, thought-provoking workshops, and inspiring keynote speakers, Building Bridges will explore how collaboration leads to shared growth and prosperity. Together, we’ll discover strategies to align diverse interests, amplify impact, and shape a stronger, more vibrant future for all.

Conference Location:

PINNACLE HOTEL AT THE PIER

138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC

Program Outline 

(draft outline and content, subject to change)
 

Learning Streams:
Safety (S)
Policy/Advocacy (P/A)
MKtg + Events (M+E)
Economic Development (ED)
Placemaking (PL)
Leadership/ Org Dev (L) (OD)
Revenue (R)

Sunday April 13

2:30 - 6:00 p.m.     Registration Open (lobby of host hotel)

5:30 - 6:00 p.m.     Newcomers Welcome Reception

6:00 - 8:30 p.m.     Opening Reception - SPONSORED BY DOWNTOWN GIFT CARDS
Polygon Gallery 101 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver
Situated on the unceded territories of the sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Band.

Join us in the ‘Seaspan Pavillion’ for drinks and mingling, and also be free to wander the gallery and check-out the feature exhibit at your own pace. The Polygon Gallery offers a one-of-a-kind space to encounter contemporary visual art with a focus on photography.

 

Monday April 14

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7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.     Registration Open 

7:00 - 8:00 a.m.     Breakfast and Networking

8:00 - 8:30 a.m.     Opening Remarks & Welcome 

8:30 - 9:15 a.m.     Opening Keynote

Building Bridges in Challenging Times (L)
Kate Joncas, Director of Urban Strategy and Development, MIG
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9:15 - 10:35 a.m.     Breakout Sessions

1. Safety in our Streets (S)
2. AI for BIAs: Practical & Ethical Uses (OD)

10:35 - 10:50 a.m.    Networking Break & Tradeshow

10:40 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.    Mobile Tour

10:50 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.     Breakout Sessions 

1. Stronger Together: Unlocking the Power of Collaboration with Community Organizations (L)
2. Commercial Property Tax and Appeals Made Simple! (P/A)

12:05 - 1:05 p.m.     Lunch & Keynote Session

Navigating the Storm: The Economic Impact of Tariffs on Local Businesses (ED)

David van Hemmen is the Vice President of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

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1:00 - 2:30 p.m.     Mobile Tour

1:15 - 2:30 p.m.     Breakout Sessions

1. Too Much of a Good Thing? (ED)
2. A Purpose-Driven BIA is a People-Centered BIA (L)

2:30 - 3:00 p.m.     Networking Break & Tradeshow

3:00 - 4:15 p.m.     Breakout Sessions

1. Renewals and Expansions: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (OD)
2. Embedding Equity: Inclusive Event Planning for Vibrant Communities (OD, M+E)

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.     Tradeshow Reception

6:00 p.m.     Dine Around Groups depart from lobby of hotel

 

Tuesday April 15

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7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.     Registration Open (lobby of hotel)

7:00 - 8:00 a.m.     Breakfast and Networking

8:00 - 8:15 a.m.     Daily Remarks

8:15 - 9:00 a.m.     Keynote

5 Ways To Create The Exceptional
Chris Fields, Speaker, Principal at Rynic
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9:15 - 10:30 a.m.   Breakout Sessions

1. Lessons on Leveraging Marquee Events for your Business Improvement Area (PL, M+E)
2. To be announced

10:30 - 10:50 a.m.    Networking Break & Tradeshow

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.    Mobile Tour

10:50 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.     Breakout Sessions

1. Gross Downtown Product - 5 Strategies to Measure, Maximize and Communicate your BIA's Economic Impact (ED)
2. How to Successfully Create & Navigate Community Events That Pay Dividends (M+E)

12:05 - 1:15 p.m.     Best in the West Awards Luncheon          SPONSORED BY STAR ILLUMINATIONS

1:15 - 2:45 p.m.     Mobile Tours

1:20 - 2:35 p.m.     Breakout Sessions

1. Cost of Doing Business - Drastic Change is Needed Now!  (P/A)
2. Activating Third Spaces – A BIA’s Role in Strengthening Community Connection through Public Space (PL)

2:35 - 3:00 p.m.     Networking Break & Tradeshow

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.     Mobile Tours

3:00 - 4:15 p.m.     Breakout Sessions

1. Data is Your Friend (ED)
2. Bridging the Gap between Breweries and BIA's (M+E)

4:15 p.m. - onwards     Free Time & Dinner on Your Own

 

Wednesday April 16

7:00 - 8:00 a.m.     Breakfast and Networking

8:00 - 8:45 a.m.     BIABC 2025 AGM & Update

8:45 - 9:30 a.m.     Keynote Session

Shaping the Future of BC's Hospitality Industry: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Opportunities, and Advocating for Change
Ian Tostenson, President & CEO, BCRFA

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9:35 - 10:25 a.m.     Plenary Session

Finding Common Ground: Building Bridges for Sustainable Economic Development (ED)
Siobian Smith,  Director of Business and Economy, City of Vancouver
 

10:25 - 10:50 a.m.     Networking Break + hotel check out

10:50 - 11:45 a.m.     Closing Keynote Session

In Times of Change and Uncertainty is there Hope for our Communities!

Peter Fassbender, President of Fassbender Consulting Ltd

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11:45 a.m.     Closing Remarks + 2026 Conference Location