The 18th Annual ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit will take place on October 23 and 24 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo.

“The Summit offers an excellent opportunity to network. Attendees represent provincial and federal agencies that are in the economic development field, as well as showcasing interesting and engaging entrepreneurs and collaborations.” – Karen Ross, Executive Director, Hornby Island Community Economic Enhancement Corporation.

Convene – Connect – Collaborate

2024 Economic Summit Keynote Speakers Driving Conversations that Matter

The Summit’s lineup of keynote speakers is set to provide deep insights into the forces shaping Vancouver Island’s economic landscape:

Susan Mowbray, Partner, Economics and Research at MNP and Guests – Linking to Vision 2050, Susan’s presentation at the Summit will explore themes outlined in the economic dashboard, providing insights into how these factors will shape future economic landscapes.
Greg Hart, CEO of Future Fit Cities – Greg’s interactive talk will expand not only what you believe to be possible but what is probable by understanding the roots of action and inaction and the paths to achieving uncommon levels of flourishing across communities.
Geena Jackson, Founder & Executive Producer, Bears’ Lair and President, Indigenous Initiatives Inc. – Geena’s informative presentation “Indigenous Entrepreneurism – Past, Present and the progressive future” will take the audience through an educational journey about Indigenous people, the original entrepreneurs of Turtle Island to now being the fastest growing business sector in Canada and what the future holds.

Hotel Pacifico Podcast Live Recording – Just days after the provincial election, join Mike McDonald, Kate Hammer, and Geoff Meggs—hosts of the popular Hotel Pacifico Podcast—as they discuss all things politics. This special episode, featuring a live Q&A, will be recorded during the Summit’s closing lunch.

Don’t miss these inspiring keynotes—register today for the 2024 Economic Summit to secure your spot!

Discover how Vancouver Island’s ports and ocean tech companies are shaping the future of the blue economy. This session explores the crucial partnerships between ports and tech innovators, highlighting how new technologies are addressing key environmental, efficiency, and resilience challenges. Learn from local businesses that are at the forefront of marine innovation and see how Vancouver Island is becoming a hub for testing and commercializing solutions in this rapidly growing sector.

Moderator

Jason Goldsworthy – Executive Director, COAST

Panelists

Sebastian Berg – Director of Product Development , Shift Coastal Technology
Mike Carter – Vice President of Operations, Port Alberni Port Authority
Robin Li – President, Seamor
Captain Satinder Singh – Vice President Operations & Harbour Master, Nanaimo Port Authority

Thank you to Silver sponsor, Port Alberni Port Authority, for sponsoring this session.

Stay tuned for more session features!

Don’t wait—secure your accommodation for the Summit before it’s too late! Special rates are only available until September 22, 2024.

We have arranged special group rates for VIEA Summit delegates at the Best Western Dorchester Hotel, Coast Bastion Hotel, and Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo. Be sure to mention you’re attending the VIEA Economic Summit when making your reservation. Here are the booking details:

Best Western Dorchester
Book online or call 250-754-6835 or 1-800-661-2449

Coast Bastion Hotel
Call 1-800-716-6199 and quote reference #CBI-GFC22745

Courtyard Marriott
Book online or call 250-824-2705

Please note that rooms are subject to availability, Don’t delay—secure your accommodation today!

Travelling from the Mainland for the Summit?

We’ve got great news! Your exclusive discount code, VIEA15, is now live and valid for travel between October 21-29, 2024 on Hullo, a bronze sponsor of the Summit.

Enjoy 15% off across all fares and service levels with Hullo’s fast passenger ferry service, connecting downtown Vancouver to Nanaimo in just 70 minutes. With up to 14 daily sailings, convenient downtown terminals, and modern, high-comfort vessels, your travel to the Summit will be a breeze.

Discount Details:

15% off regular fare sailings
Valid across all fare types and service levels
Excludes taxes, fees, parking, and optional services (e.g., luggage)

Book now: www.hullo.com

Thank You to Our Summit Sponsors!

Their support makes this event possible, and we couldn’t do it without them.

VIEA

Contact VIEA:

The 18th Annual ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit will take place on October 23 and 24 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo.

Convene – Connect – Collaborate

2024 Economic Summit Keynote Speakers Driving Conversations that Matter

Session Spotlight:

Riding the Wave: Challenges and Opportunities for Ocean Technology

Don’t wait—secure your accommodation for the Summit before it’s too late! Special rates are only available until September 22, 2024.

Travelling from the Mainland for the Summit?