NANAIMO, BC , July 28, 2025

As Island communities navigate global pressures – from climate disruption and housing instability to geopolitical uncertainty and digital transformation – the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) invites leaders, innovators, and changemakers to come together for the 19th Annual State of the Island Economic Summit, October 28 – 30, 2025, in Nanaimo.

Now expanding to a full three-day event, the 2025 Summit will explore the intersection of policy, leadership, and systems change. It will spotlight strategies for building economic resilience through regional collaboration, values-aligned investment, and adaptive policy that reflects on-the-ground realities.

“We’re not just convening a conference – we’re convening a conversation about the kind of future we want to build,” says Julie Sperber, President and CEO of VIEA. “This year’s Summit asks delegates to lead from where they are, invest in systems that work for more people, and explore bold ideas rooted in local knowledge and global thinking.”

Hundreds of decision-makers from business, government, First Nations, education, and the social profit sector are expected to attend. Key themes include housing as infrastructure, policy innovation, supply chain and trade, food security, and the integration of artificial intelligence in local industries.

The program features keynote speaker Mike Fata – co-founder of Manitoba Harvest, now an investor and mentor – whose story of purpose-driven entrepreneurship and systems-aware leadership will set the tone for high-impact dialogue. Susan Mowbray of MNP also returns to present the much-anticipated State of the Island Report, offering insights on economic trends, regional performance, and future projections. Two additional keynote presentations will round out the mainstage program.

Additional programming outside of the 20 concurrent sessions includes:

• Fireside Chats on reconciliation, cross-border collaboration, and the economic
• contributions of the creative sector
• Vision 2050 Workshop focused on long-term, generational regional planning
• Speaker Series featuring innovators in the social profit, tech, and regional economic development sectors

This year’s Summit confronts essential questions: Are our legacy policies aligned with today’s lived experiences? What does truly inclusive economic development look like? How do we treat reconciliation as a verb, not a concept? And how can we design future-ready systems while staying grounded in human values?

“Old rules can’t solve new problems. This Summit is about creating space for the kind of collaboration and courage it will take to shape a better future,” adds Sperber.

The Government of Canada, through PacifiCan, has been a long-time supporter of the State of the Island Summit, providing funding for the fifth consecutive year—including a $25,000 investment for the 2025 event. 

“Vancouver Island is home to innovators, entrepreneurs and community leaders alike who are working hard to grow their businesses. By investing in the State of the Island Economic Summit, PacifiCan is connecting community members with the resources and connections they need to grow, adapt and thrive in one Canadian economy.”

The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

For a full program preview, speaker lineup, and registration details, visit the newly launched Summit website at www.vieasummit.ca. Early bird pricing is available until August 28.