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)
This session explores how the City of Penticton, the Downtown BIA, and key partners have come together to tackle complex challenges and create meaningful progress in community safety and wellbeing.
Through real-world case studies—including coordinated responses to encampments, the implementation of a temporary winter shelter, and innovative programs like the downtown camera initiative—this panel will unpack what partnership looks like in practice. If you’re navigating similar challenges in your community, this session will offer practical takeaways—and a reminder that meaningful change starts with partnership.
Julie Czeck, General Manager of Public Safety and Partnerships, City of Penticton
Deanne Burleigh, Bylaw Services Manager, City of Penticton
Superintendent Beth McAndie, M.O.M, Chief of Police, Officer in Charge Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional Detachment Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Mike Larson, Fire Chief and Director of Fire Services & Emergency Management, City of Penticton
Mike Magnusson, Executive Director, Penticton Chamber of Commerce
Cameron Betts, President, PIDA (Penticton Industrial Development Association)
Brett Turner & Shawna Tinga, Executive Directors, Downtown Penticton BIA
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
Brett Turner, Executive Director, Downtown Penticton BIA
12:00 p.m. Closing Remarks + 2027 Conference Location