Monday, April 14, 2025

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

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

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

8:30  - 9:15 a.m.         Keynote Session   (Pinnacle Ballroom)
Building Bridges in Challenging Times (L)
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

9:15 - 10:30 a.m.        Breakout Sessions  (Pinnacle Ballroom)                             

1. Safety in Our Streets (S)
   Now, more than ever, there is an urgency for BIAs to find better ways to protect our downtown business and property owners. This session introduces you to three BIA’s who have created initiatives aimed at reducing the unwanted and unacceptable behaviours that are negatively impacting our members and their customers. You will learn how partnerships and collaboration are important in addressing initiatives that have and will address the disorder in proactive ways.

   Brett Turner, Executive Director, Penticton BIA
   Landon Hoyt, Executive Director, Hastings Crossing BIA

2. AI for BIAs: Practical and Ethical Uses (OD) 
   AI has the potential to reshape how BIAs operate, introducing new ways to enhance efficiency, engage stakeholders, and drive community-focused growth. This session will explore practical and ethical approaches to AI adoption, equipping attendees with actionable strategies for integrating AI while staying aligned with their mission and values. Through real-world applications and structured implementation methods, participants will gain insights into AI’s benefits, challenges, and best practices for seamless integration. The session will also highlight useful tools and structured prompting techniques to help BIAs navigate digital transformation effectively.
   Jaydee Dimmer-Drew, Events & Marketing Manager, Downtown New West BIA
   Dana Duncanson, Managing Director, Downtown Toronto BIA

10:30 - 10:50 a.m.      Tradeshow + Networking Break (Foyer/Pinnacle Ballroom)       SPONSORED BY DEKRA LITE INDUSTRIES

10:40 - 12:00 p.m.       Mobile Tour (departs from main lobby)

1.  Darrell Mussatto: Revitalization of The Shipyards
   Join us for a walking tour around The Shipyards with the former Mayor of North Vancouver, Darrell Mussatto, discussing the revitalization of a vacant industrial site into the vibrant community hub we see today.

   Darrell knows first-hand the policy and political will that it took to get the shipyards plan into reality, so bring your questions and expect to hear some inside-stories!

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

1. Stronger Together: Unlocking the Power of Collaboration with Community Organizations (L)
   Discover how three dynamic BIAs have joined forces with local community organizations to bring transformative projects to life. Learn their secrets to building meaningful partnerships, creating lasting impact, and bridging connections that elevate both businesses and communities. Prepare to be inspired by real-world success stories and practical strategies that you can put into action.
   Kerry Neil,Executive Director, Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association
   Lesley Weeks, Executive Director of Tourism Squamish
   Anne MacKenzie, Executive Director Squamish Chamber of Commerce
   Jeremy Heighton, Executive Director, North Shore Business Improvement Area (Kamloops)
   Maureen O'Brien, Executive Director, Ambleside Dundarave Business Improvement Association

2.  Unlocking the Mysteries of Commercial Property Tax & Appeals

   Join us for an insightful session that demystifies the world of Commercial Property Tax. We’ll dive into key topics such as Highest and Best Use, Averaging, Split Assessments, Development Potential Relief Programs, Property Tax Appeals, and Triple Net Leases.

   While we can’t promise you’ll become a tax guru overnight, we guarantee you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the complexities at play. You’ll walk away better equipped to answer questions from your members, advocate for change within your municipality, and navigate a system that’s increasingly impacting the bottom line of BIA property owners and commercial tenants.
   Paul Sullivan, Principal, Regional Leader, Property Tax Complex, Ryan ULC

12:05 - 1:05 p.m.        Lunch & Keynote  (Pinnacle Ballroom)

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

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

12:05 - 1:05 p.m.        Tradeshow Open  (Foyer/Pinnacle Ballroom)

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

1. Darrell Mussatto: Revitalization of The Shipyards
   Join us for a walking tour around The Shipyards with the former Mayor of North Vancouver, Darrell Mussatto, discussing the revitalization of a vacant industrial site into the vibrant community hub we see today.

   Darrell knows first-hand the policy and political will that it took to get the shipyards plan into reality, so bring your questions and expect to hear some inside-stories!

2. MONOVA: Coast Salish Wool Weaving worshop & Gallery tour 
   Experience one of the best small museums in BC, MONOVA.

   The Museum and archives of North Vancouver is an inspirational and transformative community hub where the stories of North Vancouver’s people, places and past come to life.

   MONOVA staff will open the doors for a private experience of the permanent exhibit, and a special Coast Salish Wool Weaving session, led by Squamish Nation cultural programmer, Tsawaysia Spukwus

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

1. Too Much of a Good Thing? (ED)
   Learn about the innovative work of International Avenue which has been analyzing data on the clustering of land uses and the impact. Is there a direct correlation on the crime and safety of districts by the types of uses that collect in an area?
   Alison Karim-McSwiney, ED, International Avenue BRZ

2. A Purpose-Driven BIA is a People-Centered BIA  (L)
   This session explores the origins of sustaining strong governance: a clearly defined shared purpose, understood and centered by all stakeholders. Kate Joncas and Hanna Jane Price discuss how intentional policies and practices aligned with purpose can foster empowerment and performance, develop capacity, navigate conflict and improve engagement, accountability, and results. This session will provide practical insights to help BIAs build a culture of effective governance, strong leadership, and lasting impact.

   Hanna Jane Price (she/her), Director of People & Culture, Blueprint
   Kate Joncas, Director of Urban Strategy and Development, MIG

2:30 - 3:00 p.m.        Tradeshow + Networking Break (Foyer/Pinnacle Ballroom)       SPONSORED BY DEKRA LITE INDUSTRIES

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

1. Renewals and Expansions: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (OD)
   Renewal is unique to BC BIAs. Expansion of a district may be included or done separately. Understand the legal framework, learn best practices, explore innovative strategies and discuss successful case studies.
   Panelists: Isabel Kolic, Executive Director, Burnaby Heights BIA, Colleen Van Mook, Executive Director, Prince George BIA, Angela Evans, Executive Director, Collingwood BIA
   Moderator: Peter Vaisbord
2. Embedding Equity: Inclusive Event Planning for Vibrant Communities (OD, M+E)
   How do we create events that truly reflect and celebrate the diversity of our communities? Join Angelene Prakash (Downtown New West BIA) and Teri Smith (West End BIA) for a dynamic session on embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles into event planning in ways that are New Westminster is a culturally diverse city with deep Indigenous and queer history, while the West End is at the heart of Vancouver’s LGBTQIA+ community. Both BIAs have made it a priority to ensure their events go beyond surface-level representation, creating spaces where all feel welcome, seen, and valued.intentional, impactful, and community-driven. This session will break down practical strategies, real-life successes, and key lessons learned in planning events that honor the communities they serve. Whether you're looking for new approaches or wondering where to start, this conversation will leave you inspired, empowered, and ready to take action. Equity in events isn’t just possible—it’s essential. Let’s talk about how to make it happen.
   Angelene Prakash, Executive Director, Downtown New West BIA
   Teri Smith, Executive Director, West End BIA

4:15 - 5:00 p.m.        Tradeshow Cocktail Reception (Foyer/Pinnacle Ballroom)

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

 

See Tuesday's Program Details

Registration Information