The countdown is on! From October 28–30, 2025, the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) will host the 19th annual ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, policymaker, innovator, or community leader, you’ll find sessions that spark ideas and open doors.

Day 1: October 28 – Opening Connections/Business at the Core

The Summit opens with a strong focus on Vancouver Island’s entrepreneurial spirit and economic resilience.

• Island Good Showcase – Discover Island-made products and meet businesses making a community and economic impact.

• The Business of Seaweed – Featuring two sessions: Seaweed Economy: Navigating Barriers to Entry and Advancing Indigenous Engagement: Pathways to Partnerships.

• Speaker Series – Hear from innovators shaping the future of Vancouver Island.

• State of the Island Economic Report – Economist Susan Mowbray, together with other experts, will map out where we’ve come from (2000), where we stand now (2025), and what’s on the horizon as we look toward 2050.

• Concurrent sessions: Supporting Local Business, AI in Action, Industrial Land Shortage, Workforce Development, Entrepreneurship Journeys and more…

• Evening Keynote with Mike Fata, “A Story of Purpose and Possibility”. From personal transformation to building a $400M global brand. Mike speaks to how clarity of values, community support, and sound policy can spark impact far beyond where you start.

Day 2: October 29 – Deep Dives & Vision 2050

Wednesday is all about exploring the pressing challenges and opportunities facing our region:

• Concurrent sessions: Barrier Breaking Leadership, Beyond the Crisis: Rethinking Housing, Trade Shifts: Finding Opportunity in Disruption, Leading Change: Transforming Systems for a Stronger Future, Feeding Ourselves: Strengthening Food Sovereignty Through Local Innovation and Linking Health and Economy: Generational Strategies for Communities.

• Lunch Keynote: The Future We Choose – Panelists Rory McAlpine, Stephen Huddart and Chief John Jack. This panel challenges us to look beyond today’s systems and embrace bold ideas and collaboration. Because policy shapes the environment in which businesses and communities operate, rethinking it is key to unlocking new pathways. The discussion will prime us for the Vision 2050 workshop by opening a generational mindset and exploring innovative approaches to complex challenges. Moderated by Ashka Wirk.

• Vision 2050 Workshop, a two-part, interactive session that invites participants to imagine the Island’s future – from housing and transportation to food security and climate action. We’ll take these ideas forward – moving from vision into discussion and action.

• Networking reception, complete with Island Good appetizers, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options – the perfect setting to unwind, share ideas, and spark new partnerships.

Day 3: October 30 – Collaboration & Closing

The final day keeps the momentum strong with:

• Morning Keynote: Paul Healy, Partner at Futurus, “Skills, Productivity, and the Future of Growth”. Through live hologram technology, Paul Healy shares how Skillnet Ireland – supporting 23,000 companies with a €100M annual investment – became a global model for workforce-driven growth, followed by a conversation with Aaron Stone, CEO, South Island Prosperity Partnership on how this could apply to Vancouver Island.

• Fireside Chats: Creative Economy, VI & AI, Flipping the Script: Indigenous Wisdom as a New Economic Blueprint.

• Concurrent Sessions: Climate adaptation, AI & emotional intelligence, energy resilience, plus more.

• Closing Keynote: Shachi Kurl, President, Angus Reid Institute

Why Attend?

The Summit is about engaging, connecting, and shaping solutions for Vancouver Island’s most pressing economic challenges. With over 600 delegates, 35+ exhibitors, and 20+ sessions, it’s the Island’s largest annual gathering of leaders from business, government, First Nations, and community organizations.

If you care about where Vancouver Island and the rural islands are headed this is where the conversation happens. Find the full agenda here.

Don’t wait! Register today and be part of the future we’re building together.