Keynote Speakers
Lunch Keynote, Monday April 14, 12:25 - 1:00 p.m.
Navigating the Storm: The Economic Impact of Tariffs on Local Businesses
Rising tariffs and shifting trade policies are creating uncertainty for businesses across Canada. What do these changes mean for local economies, and how can main street businesses adapt? David van Hemmen from the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade will unpack the real-world impact of tariffs, the challenges ahead, the strategies business leaders can use to stay competitive, and how associations can help.
David van Hemmen is the Vice President of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade – one of the oldest and most influential business organizations in Western Canada. David leads the Board of Trade's policy development, government relations, communications, and marketing efforts.
David previously worked for the Minister of state for Transport, the Ministers of Industry and Finance, and the Prime Minister. He advised Ministers and served as the Director of Budget Planning, where he was responsible for policy development, stakeholder relations and overall management for the 2015 federal budget.
David worked for Indigenous governments and associations, including the First Nations Major Projects Coalition and the First Nations Financial Management Board, where he advocated for greater access to capital, advanced partnerships, and supported government-to-government negotiations.
Closing Keynote - Wednesday, April 16, 10:50 - 11:45 a.m.
In Times of Change and Uncertainty is there Hope for our Communities!
In these uncertain economic, trade tariff and political times, how do we as leaders stay optimistic and encourage those around us to stay positive? The role of business improvement organizations is to stay at the forefront maintaining optimism in our communities. This closing session will provide some practical tools and dialogue that will send everyone back to your communities with a sense of a “Can Do” attitude!
Peter Fassbender, President, Fassbender Consulting Ltd
Peter Fassbender is President of Fassbender Consulting Ltd., a strategic business consulting firm providing business development, marketing and communications consulting services to a diverse list of clients in the private and public service sectors.
Peter had a successful and diverse business career in the marketing and communications field for over 45 years, most of which as a senior executive and partner in one of Canada’s leading and most successful advertising and communications firms. His clients ranged from large and multinational organizations, to provincial and federal government departments.
In addition to his private sector career, Peter was active in a few public service roles including two terms as a School Board Trustee, City Councillor, three terms as Mayor of Langley City.
Peter also served as an MLA and Minister in the Government of British Columbia and held a few high-profile portfolios such as Education, Municipal Affairs, Minister Responsible for TransLink and other responsibilities.
Peter over the years, has and continues, to serve on several community-based boards and committees, helping to build stronger and resilient communities.
Peter has headed up two separate affordable housing projects for both seniors and other marginalized Citizens.
Wednesday Morning Keynote: Shaping the Future of BC's Hospitality Industry: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Opportunities, and Advocating for Change
Wednesday, April 16, 8:45 - 9:30 a.m.
Ian Tostenson will explore the current state of British Columbia’s hospitality industry, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it faces in a rapidly evolving landscape. Key challenges such as labour shortages, rising operational costs, decreased consumer spending and the impacts of provincial and federal policies will be addressed. At the same time, the session will delve into emerging opportunities, including harnessing technology and the strengthening of our local marketplace / support local movement with the impending US imposed tariffs. Additionally, Ian will emphasize the importance of joint advocacy at the provincial and national levels, focusing on policies that can support the industry’s recovery, workforce development, and long-term resilience.
Ian Tostensen, President & CEO of the BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association
Ian spent most of his career as successfully growing Cascadia Brands, which owned, Calona Vineyards, Sandhill Vineyards, Burrowing Owl Vineyards, Granville Island Brewing, Grady Wine Marketing and Potter Distilling.
He is an appointed director to the Premier’s Permanent Small Business Roundtable and took on the challenge as an appointed member of BC’s Climate Team to chart out BC’s carbon future
Tuesday Morning Keynote: 5 Ways To Create The Exceptional
Tuesday, April 15, 8:15 - 9:00 a.m.
Each of us wants to rise to the occasion – in our personal lives, professional lives, and as part of a community creating a bright future. But the big question – the stumbling block we often run into – is how? What’s holding us back and how do we plan for an ambitious future amidst a world of exponential change and the inherent challenges of democratic governance? In a presentation that is described as informative, entertaining, and a little bit crazy, five ways to leap the hurdles that stand in the way of exceptional spaces, places, and people are explored. You will be challenged to think differently about what you do and what you can do to elevate your community, workplace, and your daily life. We will also talk about the conference's theme secret sauce: the role and value of (inter) connectivity and collaboration in unleashing the new and energetic ways forward we will need to succeed in future.
Chris Fields, Speaker, Principal at Rynic
Chris is an informative, entertaining, and insightful strategic humorist with a serious message: dare to be different and reach highest aspiration or join the burgeoning ranks of the unnoticed. Chris’ 33 years of award-winning community economic development experience has been dedicated to reconnecting people to the power of community-building. His dry sense of humour and no nonsense, cut-through-clutter style challenges conventions and leaves people with inspiration to “make community-building personal.”
Opening Keynote - Building Bridges in Challenging Times
Monday, April 14, 8:15 - 9:30 a.m.
When is Downtown and commercial district management and revitalization not challenging?? I once was introduced at an event with “If it wasn’t impossible, it wouldn’t be on Kate’s to do list”. This is a good description of our jobs! Rallying the troops to achieve the strategic plan can be daunting at times, and some days it seems like you are out there on the corner all by yourself taking all the incoming. There is a way, and it is through partnerships - because our work is a team sport, and the bigger and more diverse our partnerships, the clearer the path to success. I have been fortunate to have many great mentors in Seattle and in the International Downtown Association and look forward to sharing what I have learned.
Kate Joncas, Director of Urban Strategy and Development, MIG
Kate Joncas is an urban and community development expert with a proven track record of implementation. By fostering public and private sector collaboration, she designs innovative strategies that address complex problems in communities of all sizes. As Seattle Deputy Mayor she led waterfront redevelopment, assisted departments to implement priorities and metrics, negotiated City Consent Decree legislation, and shepherded Convention Center expansion. While CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association she led one of the most successful revitalization projects in the country, including creation of the Downtown Business Improvement District.
For the past five years she has been the Director of Urban Strategy for MIG. Kate offers her finely honed expertise and skills as a facilitator and strategist to bring people of different backgrounds and perspectives together in defining and pursuing a shared strategic vision to improve their communities. Her intimate knowledge of public, private and nonprofit sectors; complex project implementation; complicated community negotiations; governance and decision-making combined with her deep experience in stakeholder engagement and politics enables her to interact with all parties of interest. She is active in the international downtown community and sits on boards and commissions in service to her community.
