Tuesday, April 15, 2025

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

8:00 - 8:15 a.m.        Morning Remarks  (Pinnacle Ballroom)

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

5 Ways To Create The Exceptional

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
 

9:15 - 10:30 a.m.      Breakout Sessions

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

   Marquee events have the potential to bring significant economic impact to your business improvement area. However, unlocking their full potential requires some strategic planning and collaboration to leverage the event into your place branding strategies. Forming partnerships and nurturing Whether your community is hosting the next Grey Cup, national volleyball championship or regional track meet, are you ready for the wave of fans coming your way? In this panel discussion, industry insiders will share lessons learned and spark ideas of how to leverage your next marquee event.links among events, tourism and economic development entities can expand capacity and ensure that optimal short- and long-term outcomes are derived for the local economy.
   Michelle Collins, Director, Tourism and Destination Events, City of Vancouver

2. To be announced
    

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

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.     Mobile Tours (depart from main lobby of hotel)

1. Seaspan Vancouver Drydock tour
   Grab a hard hat, hi-vis and steel toe boots for a look around the working shipyards of Vancouver Drydock in Lower Lonsdale.  

   ​Vancouver Drydock is a busy place. From emergency repairs, to scheduled maintenance, total refits, and everything in between — Seaspan teams work hard to help their customers return to the important work of connecting people and goods in our coastal waters.

   (Safety equipment provided by Seaspan)

2.  The Shipyard Pals, theatrical walking tour
   The Shipyard Pals are immersive storytellers. In character, they lead participants through The Shipyards and bring the history, people, and stories of the area to life through the context of the shipbuilding operations which took place during World War II at Burrard Dry Dock.

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

1.  GDP5.0 - Gross Downtown Product - 5 Strategies to Measure, Maximize and Communicate your BIA's Economic Impact (ED)
   This informative session, *GDP 5.0*, offers five key strategies designed to help BIAs measure, communicate, and enhance their economic impact, providing essential tools to influence stakeholders and attract investment.
      - BIA Key Performance Indicators
      - Collective Investment
      - Strategic Positioning
      - The Four Strategic Pillars
      - Equipped for the Big Table
   This session provides BIA leaders with actionable strategies to prove the value of their districts, ensuring they are equipped to advocate for their communities and drive future growth.
   Craig Stevens, Executive Director, Downtown Barrie BIA
   Janette MacDonald, Business Development Manager, Downtown Gift Cards
    

2. How to Successfully Create & Navigate Community Events That Pay Dividends (M+E)
   Think you don’t have the capacity to pull off a successful community event? Think again! Whether you're a small BIA or struggling to increase capacity, this session will equip you with the tools to create meaningful events that pay dividends to your members, community and city. Join Lisa Landry (Austin Heights BIA) and Angelene Prakash (Downtown New West BIA) as they share their lived experience from producing events like Fridays on Front and HollyDaze in the Heights—both self-produced; one a single-evening event, the other spanning multiple weeks. Through candid discussion, we’ll explore building capacity and sustainable partnerships, overcoming roadblocks, including: funding, insurance, city restrictions, how to evolve events to stay relevant and impactful, and budget strategies to ensure long-term growth. We’ll also break down success stories, common challenges, and key takeaways to help you create events that not only engage your community but also make financial and operational sense. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide actionable strategies to bring your vision to life.

   Lisa Landry, Executive Director, Austin Heights BIA
   Angelene Prakash , Executive Director, Downtown New West BIA

 

12:05 - 1:10 p.m.     Best in the West Awards Lunch   (Pinnacle Ballroom)                  SPONSORED BY STAR ILLUMINATIONS

1:15 - 2:45 p.m.       Mobile Tour (departs from main lobby of hotel)

1. Lower Lonsdale Historic Walking Tour
   Explore the history of the Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood…

   The now thriving City of North Vancouver began along the waterfront, radiating out from a ferry terminus at the foot of Lonsdale Ave. that connected the North Shore with the City of Vancouver. Between 1900 and 1912, Lower Lonsdale developed into a vibrant commercial area, offering a full range of goods and services. Beginning in 1906, streetcars met the ferries to deliver passengers to the north, east and west

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

1.  Cost of Doing Business - Drastic Change is Needed Now! (P/A) 
   Businesses are facing mounting hardships that threaten to shutter many of them, drastically changing our neighbourhoods and creating a negative economic trickle-down effect for the entire local economy. This comes at a time when support for Canadian businesses and products is rising - businesses need the resources and capital to ride out current economic instability, but many have not even yet recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research points to the dire situation for local business playing out across B.C. We will present the results of recent studies and discuss next steps including advocacy and expansion of the research throughout the province.

   Patricia Barnes, Executive Director, East Village BIA
   Teri Smith, Executive Director, West End BIA 
   Amy Robinson, Founder & Executive Director, LOCO BC

2.  Activating Third Spaces – A BIA’s Role in Strengthening Community Connection through Public Space (PL) 

   As Business Improvement Associations (BIAs), we are uniquely positioned to shape and activate the public spaces that serve as vital gathering places in our neighborhoods. These "third spaces" – from bustling street corners and parks to local plazas and outdoor patios – are key to fostering community engagement, economic vitality, and social interaction. In this session, we will explore how BIAs can take an active role in the revitalization and activation of public spaces to benefit local businesses, residents, and visitors alike. We'll discuss the importance of creating inclusive, welcoming environments that foster connection, cultural and creative expression, as well as improved safety and quality of life. Participants will leave with ideas and inspiration to enhance public spaces, elevate community experiences, and drive both social and economic growth. Join us to discover how BIAs can lead the charge in creating vibrant, thriving third spaces that strengthen the fabric of our communities.

   Brett Turner, Executive Director, Downtown Penticton BIA      
   Charlotte Taylor, Manager, Public Spaces and Placemaking, West End BIA

2:35 - 3:00 p.m.       Tradeshow + Networking Break (Foyer/Pinnacle Ballroom)       SPONSORED BY DEKRA LITE INDUSTRIES

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.       Mobile Tours (depart from main lobby of hotel)

1. Placemaking - Permanent Outdoor Patios tour
   Enjoy a tour in the beautiful village of Dundarave in West Vancouver and learn about the success of the new permanent outdoor patios. The public space was created by LifeSpace Gardens and is home to a boardwalk, outdoor gardens and enhanced seating. You will learn how you can create permanent or semi-permanent outdoor space for your businesses and the community while adding community gardens for all to enjoy.

2. West Van Murals tour
   In the past four years, the Ambleside Dundarave BIA commissioned seven murals, each with their own story and history. Enjoy a tour of Ambleside while learning about the process and steps necessary to finding the perfect mural for your community. 
    

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

1. Data is Your Friend (ED, P/A)
   In response to the emerging need to understand the evolving conditions of downtown Vancouver, the Downtown Vancouver BIA has developed a robust research program, helping to inform sound decision-making. This session will review opportunities for BIAs to leverage data in their work. Additionally, this session will discuss the challenges of purchasing, collecting, and analyzing data when funding and resources are limited.  
   Sean Bailey, Research Analyst, DVBIA

2.  Bridging the Gap between Breweries and BIA's (M+E)
   Tap into the power of craft beer to boost your BIA's appeal! Hear from a brewery owner on how to collaborate with breweries to market your area, create co-branded events, and attract repeat visitors. We’ll dive into a few real-life examples from Lower Lonsdale and across the Lower Mainland, showing you how these partnerships can drive tourism, build community, and keep people coming back for more. Cheers!
   Simon Koldyk, Chair, Lower Lonsdale Brewery District Association

4:15 p.m.     Bonus session to be announced   

5:00 p.m.     Free Night on the North Shore

 

 

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