Monday, April 29, 2024

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

7:00 - 8:00 a.m.          Breakfast (Rivers Ballroom)

8:00 - 8:30 a.m.          Welcomes  (Rivers Ballroom)

8:30  - 9:15 a.m.         Keynote Session   (Rivers Ballroom)

Confluence: Healing and Prosperity
Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Chief of Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc Discover the inspiring journey of Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir and Tk’emlups te Secwepemc and hear how she is helping lead their community to economic growth and prosperity. Kukpi7 Casimir will share her transformative approach to overcoming multigenerational adversity and colonization through unity and collaborative progress. Her community’s vision of integrating Indigenous wisdom with modern practices offers a roadmap for building resilient, inclusive communities. This keynote is a testament to the power of healing and cooperation in shaping a prosperous future. Join us for an unforgettable experience of learning and empowerment.

9:20 - 10:30 a.m.        Plenary Session  (Rivers Ballroom)                             

Looking for a New Way...Restorative Justice

Restorative justice is an approach to addressing and preventing crime and conflict that focuses on reparation, understanding, accountability, and community engagement. Since the 1990s, over 50 restorative justice programs in BC have been providing meaningful justice services to youth and adults.  Restorative justice is available to all British Columbians and has support from legislation, law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. Restorative justice is well supported by empirical evidence from around the globe demonstrating  reductions in recidivism, increased victim satisfaction, and community inclusion.  This plenary will cover what restorative justice is and how it can benefit members of the business community. Representatives from the Restorative Collective will be sharing what Vancouver is doing to become a restorative city and the role of community in that journey.

Clair MacGougan, Executive Director, Hastings Sunrise Community Policing
Alana Abramson, Ph.D. (she/her), Faculty, Department of Criminology, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Angela Evans, Executive Director, Collingwood BIA

10:30 - 10:50 a.m.      Tradeshow & Networking Break  (Rivers Ballroom)

10:40 - 12:00 p.m.       Mobile Tours

1. Pathway to Understanding: The Residential School Legacy Tour
   We are honoured to invite delegates to a profound and educational tour of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation. This visit to the site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School (1923-1977) offers a guided experience where participants can reflect, learn, and grow their understanding of the impacts of this tragic part of Canada's history. This experience is designed to foster a spirit of reconciliation and deepen our collective commitment to moving forward together. Join us in acknowledging the shared past and embracing the journey towards healing and unity. 

   **Regrettably, this tour is not available to those with mobility issues.
    

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

1.  Downtown Revitalization and Safety: A Collaborative Approach  Rivers East

   The Terrace Downtown Improvement Area Society is collaborating with the City of Terrace to revitalize a heritage block in downtown Terrace that is plagued by antisocial behavior. Learn about the process of engagement with the community, the inclusion of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design philosophy into the overall design and how the collaborative approach with various stakeholders is paving the way for positive change and is supporting the advocacy work of the City as well as increasing the investment appetite for the local business community.
   
   David Block, Director of City Planning, City of Terrace
   Alexander Pietralla, Executive Director, Terrace Downtown Improvement Area
   Polly Rudderham, Director, Terrace Downtown Improvement Area

2.  The Costs of Doing Business: A City of Vancouver Case Study  Rivers West

   In a post-pandemic world, small business communities continue to struggle to survive amid multiple compounding factors, including changing consumer patterns and workforce trends, labour challenges, as well as layers of increasing government regulation, policy, taxation and fees. In an effort to better understand the scale of issues and costs facing businesses in Vancouver’s commercial areas, the Vancouver BIA Partnership undertook a research and data project in collaboration with LOCO B.C. to identify main themes and areas of policy reform at the municipal level to support long-term viability of small business. Positioning the Vancouver BIA Partnership as a strategic partner to the City of Vancouver to help create and advance an economic development strategy is a critical part of the project outcome as well. Learn about the methodology utilized, key themes and findings, advocacy approach and next steps.
   
   Teri Smith, Executive Director, West End Business Improvement Association
   Patricia Barnes, Executive Director, East Village Vancouver
    

12:05 - 1:05 p.m.        Lunch & Keynote  (Rivers Ballroom)                         SPONSORED BY CITY OF KAMLOOPS
Strategic Partnerships: Becoming the Friend Your City Never Knew it Needed

Sarah Candido, Indigenous & External Relations Manager, City of Kamloops

Do you struggle to be heard? Not sure how to present a solution and be a part of it? Learn how to speak the language of your city, and how to make sure the BIA and City’s needs are met, while honouring both of your strategic priorities.

12:05 - 1:05 p.m.        Tradeshow Open  (Rivers Ballroom)

1:05 – 2:30 p.m.        Mobile Tours (depart from main lobby)

1. North Shore Economic Development Revitalization Tour
   The North Shore Economic Development Tour will engage participants in an area of Kamloops that is underdoing significant and rapid redevelopment and economic recovery. Traditionally this area has been both the lowest economic performing as well as economic demographic in the city. The development in the area has been driven by visionary pioneers and developers with a sense of potential. Throughout the process, the NSBIA has also been the driver of the community vision, which has resulted in a new neighbourhood plan, a 1.25 million dollar beautification fund, and the first strong steps to creating a new and revitalized community. This tour will be on foot, once bus drop off has occurred. Attendees should wear suitable walking shoes.
    

1:15 - 2:30 p.m.        Plenary Session (Rivers Ballroom)

Strategic Engagement & Communication.  
This session will look at three pieces of strategic engagement and communication in relation to the work of both individual BIAs, their regional partners and BIABC.  These three areas are: Advocacy of Strategic Priorities, Being a Thought Leader, and How to Become a "GoTo" Organization.  We will be looking for your involvement and feedback. Let's move forward together.

Kelly Gleeson, Vice President, Laura Ballance Group
Patricia Barnes, Executive Director, East Village Vancouver
 

2:30 - 3:00 p.m.        Networking Break/Tradeshow (Rivers Ballroom)

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

1. BIAs and Strategic Plans – realistic tactics for smaller organizations  Rivers East

   In this session, JP will outline the incredible importance of strategies, why having clear strategies as a smaller organization is empowering and you with leave with tools, tactics and options to implement a strategic plan, suitable to your smaller organization.

   JP Baker, Planning Consultant, vantage point
2. Empower, Engage, Impact: Marketing Today for Non-Profits Rivers West

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, effective marketing is more critical than ever for non-profits to achieve their missions and make a meaningful impact. We will explore practical techniques tailored specifically for BIAs to maximize their identity, outreach, engagement, and ultimately, their impact.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into:

• Empowering Your Mission: Learn how to effectively communicate your organization's purpose and values to inspire action and support from your audience. Explore storytelling techniques, brand positioning, and leveraging digital platforms to amplify your message and identity.

• Engaging Your Community: Explore the power of community-building initiatives, social media engagement, and personalized communication to foster a loyal and dedicated support base.

• Leveraging Technology and Data: Harness the power of technology and data analytics to enhance your marketing efforts and make informed decisions. Explore tools and platforms that can streamline your processes, improve targeting and segmentation, and maximize the effectiveness of your campaigns.

  Whether your budget is large or limited, this presentation offers actionable insights and practical guidance to help you elevate your organization's marketing efforts and drive meaningful change in your community.
  
  Jesse Faubert, Founder, Ninth Company
  Jessica Liebenberg, Projects & Marketing Manager, East Village Vancouver

4:15 - 5:00 p.m.        Tradeshow Cocktail Reception (Rivers Ballroom)

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

 

See Tuesday's Program Details

Registration Information