Summit 2025 is Expanding—Three Days of Big Ideas and Real Impact
October 28–30, 2025 | Vancouver Island Conference Centre

Keynote Spotlight: Mike Fata – A Story of Purpose and Possibility

Mike Fata is the co-founder of Manitoba Harvest, the world’s largest hemp food company, which sold for over $400 million. After transforming his personal health, Mike channeled his entrepreneurial drive into building a trusted brand rooted in innovation, purpose, and strong business fundamentals.

Now an investor, advisor, and author, Mike brings deep insight into scaling companies, navigating growth, and leading with values in competitive markets. His keynote will set the tone for Summit 2025 – blending real-world business lessons with a vision for resilient, purpose-driven leadership.

Summit 2025 at a Glance
This year’s Summit spans three full days – each with a distinct focus and a shared goal: shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Island economy.

Through the lens of vision, partnership, and policy, Summit 2025 invites bold thinking and grounded collaboration to help shape what’s next.

• Vision means long-term thinking grounded in local realities.
• Partnership means working across sectors, communities, and regions.
• Policy is no longer background noise—it’s the architecture of change.

Day 1 – Tuesday, October 28
Local Business, Big Impact

• Focus on business & entrepreneurs – engines of the Island economy

• Island Good Business Showcase + Speaker Series

• Breakout sessions on:

  • Community collaboration

  • Workforce development

  • Government policy in practice

  • Lived entrepreneurial experience

Day 2 – Wednesday, October 29
Community and Collaboration

• Vision 2050: A regional framework for future-ready communities

• Sessions explore:

  • Collective impact

  • Cross-sector alignment

  • The role of policy in enabling community resilience

Day 3 – Thursday, October 30
What’s Next

• Future-focused conversations on:

  • Reconciliation

  • Rural revitalization

  • Emerging technologies

  • Sustainable, inclusive economic development

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, a new founder, or someone shaping community outcomes, this year’s Summit promises three days of rich dialogue, real-world insight, and renewed momentum for a stronger Island economy.

Thanks to Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation, Premier Sponsor for the 2025 Economic Summit.   Would you like to be a sponsor? Email [email protected]

Book Your Stay for the VIEA Summit

We are delighted to offer group rates for VIEA Summit delegates at the Best Western Dorchester Hotel, Coast Bastion Hotel, and Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo. Following are the booking details. Please mention you are attending the VIEA Economic Summit when making the reservation by phone.

Best Western Dorchester
Book online or call 250-754-6835 or 1-800-661-2449

Coast Bastion Hotel
Book online or call 1-800-716-6199

Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo
Book online or call 250-824-2705

Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and negotiated rates are valid until September 28, 2025 — so don’t wait!

We look forward to seeing you in Nanaimo this October!