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Register for the Summit by July 31 & save!

We are excited to see you IN PERSON at the 16th annual ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit to be held October 26 and 27 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo.

VIEA members and Island Good businesses are eligible for membership rates for the Summit and there is an opportunity to join VIEA when you register!

Bring your thoughts, your curiosity, your willingness to engage – and your winning personality – to the Vancouver Island Conference Centre  in Nanaimo… where we can gather together again.

Meaningful grassroots engagement is key – you can get information anywhere… but there is no doubt everything is better… and the future is possible, if only we work together.. 

Stay tuned for 20 sessions and 4 plenaries on diverse topics including:

• Low carbon entrepreneurs
• Workforce Housing
• Technology & Innovation
• Mental Health & Addiction
• Workforce attraction & retention
• Climate Change
• Forestry – industry in transition
• Finfish Aquaculture – industry in transition
• When business meets Doughnut Economics
• And more — including Industry seminars, exhibitors, meals, and receptions.

Stay late enjoy the Champagne and Dessert reception on October 26th. VIEA Summit delegates receive special rates at the Coast Bastion Hotel, located at 11 Bastion Street, Nanaimo.

Confirmed Plenary Speakers

Stuart Bergman, Vice President & Chief Economist at Export Development Canada (EDC), will will cover a range of global economic and business issues.

Gain an invaluable peek into the future from demographic trends speaker Darrell Bricker, CEO of the public opinion research firm IPSOS Public Affairs.

Senior Economist, Susan Mowbray, partner at MNP, will highlight key findings of the 8th Annual ‘State of the Island ‘ Economic Report in her presentation at the October 26/27 Economic Summit

Essential reading for anyone serious about business on Vancouver Island

All Summit delegates receive a digital copy of the 8th annual State of the Island Economic Report (cover price $195) in October!

Island Good is on the Summit Menu!

Did you know the idea for Island Good started in 2013 when VIEA decided to serve only foods that are Island Good at a luncheon it was hosting? A board member was given a budget and tasked with purchasing foods for the event. What seemed like a simple enough task, turned into a scavenger hunt as the VIEA shopper combed the shelves and display cases of local grocery stores for Island food products. The products could be found on grocery shelves, but a great deal of diligence and label reading was required to source those goods. Now Island Good consists of over 230 businesses and we are excited to feature many of the food and beverage companies on the menu at the Economic Summit!