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 is the only event like it, bringing together leaders from all over Vancouver Island. I always leave with a positive feeling and lots of takeaways.” – 2023 Summit Attendee

Convene – Connect – Collaborate

Geena Jackson, Founder & Executive Producer, Bears’ Lair and President, Indigenous Initiatives Inc. to Speak at Breakfast Keynote

We are thrilled to announce that Geena Jackson, Founder & Executive Producer, Bears’ Lair and President, Indigenous Initiatives Inc. will be the breakfast keynote speaker on October 24th at the 2024 ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit!

Geena is a devoted advocate for Indigenous rights and economic development, with 25+ years of experience serving First Nation communities across Canada. As a proud member of the Shishalh Nation (Sechelt), she is deeply committed to strengthening Indigenous communities through strategic partnerships with industry experts and government bodies.

Geena has helped over 800 Indigenous entrepreneurs grow their businesses and social enterprises, leading to the creation of the Bears’ Lair TV, an entrepreneurial competition show airing on APTN (Season 1 & 2) and CBC Gem (Season 1) where she joins each week as one of four core judges.

Geena and her team have facilitated over 40 camps, educating, elevating, and inspiring over 1200 Indigenous youth across the country, teaching entrepreneurship and life skills while fostering tools for success.

Geena’s experience and entrepreneurial spirit has had a significant impact in the realm of Indigenous economic advancement. Through her various initiatives, she continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indigenous economies and future Indigenous leaders.

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

Session Spotlight:

Tourism: Balancing Footprint and Impact through Cost-Benefit Analysis

Join us at this session to explore the balance between tourism’s economic benefits and its environmental and social impacts. Learn about cost-benefit analysis techniques for evaluating sustainable tourism development and discuss strategies for maximizing economic gains while minimizing negative effects on destinations and communities.

Moderator

Brian Cant, President, 4TVI

Panelists

Tyson ?ikaatius Atleo, Operator, Ahous Adventures
Julian Hockin-Grant, Co-Founder, Allied Certifications
Brian White, Professor Tourism & Hospitality Management, Royal Roads University

Thank you to Silver sponsor, Tourism Nanaimo, for sponsoring this session.

Stay tuned for more session features!

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.

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