Wednesday May 27, 2026
7:00 - 8:15 a.m. Breakfast (Salon D)
8:15 - 8:45 a.m. BIABC 2025 AGM & Update
8:50- 9:35 a.m. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - A Closer Look at BC's Economy (ED)
So much uncertainty. From demographics to deficits to doomsday scenarios, this session will try to make sense of what we truly can make sense of.
Mike Stolte, President, Centre for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Leadership
9:35 - 10:00 a.m. Networking Break & Hotel Check Out
10:00 - 11:15 a.m. Plenary Session (Salon D)
Power of Partnerships in Public Safety (S)
Description and speaker list to come
11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Closing Keynote Session (Salon D)
From Influence to Impact: Building Trusted Brands That Strengthen Communities (M+E)
What does it take to turn attention into lasting economic impact? In this candid fireside chat, Julia Freeman will explore how The Jilly Box evolved from a trusted personal platform into a nationally recognized, values-led business supporting Canadian and women-owned brands. From B Corp certification to advocacy-based selling, this conversation will unpack how trust becomes infrastructure — and how small businesses and BIAs can build brands, districts, and communities people don’t just support, but champion.
Julia Freeman, CEO, The Jilly Box
12:00 p.m. Closing Remarks + 2027 Conference Location