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Networking amongst decision-makers is always #1 at the State of the Island’ Economic Summit. This year we’re enhancing connection by providing two hours for meeting new leaders, contributing towards planning, exploring opportunities, and investigating funding sources. Engage in the following networking and collaboration sessions 8:30am to 10:30am October 26th:
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Canada/Mexico Trade Dialogue – A delegation of Ten Mexican companies in agri-food, technologies, construction, manufacturing, mining and recycling along with representation from the Mexican Consul will engage with Summit delegates interested in business development opportunities. Juan Navarro, Director, CMX Partnerships, has facilitated this opportunity to build BC/Mexico trade and investment. Come meet these business leaders and explore import/export opportunities. 8:30am to 10:30am with brief presentations and one-to-one conversation throughout.
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Export Development Canada – The road to 2030 and beyond. Addressing EDC’s strategic roadmap to 2030, as we work together to decrease Canada’s trade deficit, by continuing to help Canadian Exporters grow globally, and successfully. This is an opportunity for 1-to-1 dialogue with brief presentations at 8:30am and 9:30am.
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4VI – Tourism – a force for good for Vancouver Island. Tourism is a significant contributor to the Island economy. Join Calum Matthews, Vice President, Sustainability and Strategy from 4VI (formerly Tourism Vancouver Island) to learn about how this new social enterprise is committed to ensuring that travel is a force for good for Vancouver Island – forever. Calum will provide a short presentation at 8:30 am that will showcase 4VI’s innovative new model, the services and programs that 4VI delivers to the region, and 4VI’s thriving partnership with Destination British Columbia. There will be opportunity for dialogue following the presentation.
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Island Coastal Economic Trust – Renewal and Transformation of Our Region’s Trust – A new vision for sustainable finance in coastal BC, Brodie Guy, CEO, Island Coastal Economic Trust.
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Pacific Seaweed Industry Association – Seaweed + Vancouver Island + FTZVI – A formula for accelerating growth. The Island is perfectly positioned to create the model for BC, Canada and Internationally to grow seaweed and become a global leader in the blue economy and Agritech. We are perfectly positioned to create an entire ecosystem in our backyard working under the assumption that we have the full support and participation of both the provincial and federal governments. as the Industry emerges there are a multitude of business opportunities, a number of which we haven’t even thought of. Let’s start the discussion… Pacific Seaweed Industry Association President & CEO, Mark Smith and Bruce Wallinger, Director of Strategic Partnerships will present and engage dialogue in this 30-minutes session starting at 10:00am.
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PacifiCan will host anyone interested in the various funding opportunities for business and economic development in BC – watch for details.
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Pattison Media – Tourism and Hospitality Sector: Emerging Digital Trends and Top Marketing Mistakes. Economic activity continues to recover in a post-COVID world, but business in the tourism and hospitality sector continues to change and evolve. In this session, we’ll cover digital trends from mid-week and nomadic workers to e-commerce trends and social content techniques.. Our digital and broadcast media experts will cover ideas on how to stay busy during the shoulder seasons by focusing on local and regional audiences and turning them into raving fans and will finish with a presentation of some examples of “epic fails” as we cover the top marketing mistakes not to repeat. Presented by Katie O’Connor – Pattison Media and Micah Slavens – Lift Interactive.
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Meet and Greet – 8:30
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Emerging Trends in Digital for the Tourism Sector – 9:00
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Ways to market locally and regionally to stay busy during the off season and turn audiences – 9:30am
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Top Marketing Mistakes to Not Repeat – 10:00am
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Questions and Mingling
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Vancouver Island Economic Alliance will host anyone interested in meeting and chatting with VIEA’s new President and Board of Directors – watch for details.
New Tech & Innovation Showcase Sessions part of the Summit!
The Tech & Innovation Showcase sessions will feature four 90-minute sessions with presentations from 12 companies covering the topics of Food Systems, Climate Solutions, Health Care Technologies, and Business Model Innovation. Each presenting company will deliver a 5-minute pitch with 15-20 minutes of audience participation, led by relevant moderators and subject matter experts in a fireside chat format. The Tech & Innovation Showcase sessions are presented by the Innovation Island Technology Association, Premier Sponsor for the 2022 Economic Summit.
