From Insight to Action – Your Ideas Belong Here

Join us October 28 to 30 in Nanaimo for three powerful days of insight, inspiration, and action where we can chart the course to 2050 together.

Opening Keynote – Then. Now. Next: Vancouver Island’s Economic Trajectory
Economist Susan Mowbray, Partner with MNP. returns with the annual State of the Island Economic Report – this year anchoring a bigger conversation. Together with other experts, she’ll map out where we’ve come from (2000), where we stand now (2025), and what’s on the horizon as we look toward 2050.

Vision 2050 Workshop

Wednesday we’ll take these projections and explore real opportunities to build a stronger, more resilient Island economy together.

Whether you’re growing a business, launching something new, or working to improve outcomes in your community, this is the room to be in.

AI is no longer just a buzzword – it’s actively transforming how businesses across Vancouver Island operate, compete, and innovate. This session highlights real-world examples of AI in action.

Hear how:

• Computer vision is helping to monitor fishery catches;

• Mobile apps are preserving Indigenous languages;

• AI is implemented in environments with minimal compute power and limited solar energy; and

• Small businesses are using automation and data insights to gain a competitive edge.

Whether you’re curious about first steps or ready for deeper integration, this panel offers practical, local inspiration to help your organization navigate the evolving AI landscape.

Moderator

• Graham Truax – Executive Director & Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Innovation Island

Panelists

• Darrell Fraser – Owner, MonkeySphere AI Inc.
• Oliver Kirsebom – Lead Data Scientist, Open Ocean Robotics
• Robin Prussin – Software Product Manager, Archipelago and President of the Board of Directors, Victoria Data Society
• Micah Slavens – Chief Digital Officer, Pattison Media