Business and community leaders come together for the Vancouver Island Economic Summit
The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance Economic Summit next week is expected to draw hundreds of business and industry decision makers from Victoria to Port Hardy and all the island communities in between.
The event will take place October 26 and 27 at the Vancouver Island Conference Center in Nanaimo.
Participants will meet with representatives of the new federal agency PacifiCan, a Mexican trade delegation, Export Development Canada, Island Coastal Economic Trust and others.
“Engagement among decision makers often leads to business development opportunities and is considered high value at the summit,” George Hanson, senior advisor and former president of VIEA, said in a press release. “This year, we have placed more emphasis on innovation and technology in our program while expanding the possibilities for one-on-one conversations on specific topics. Whether it’s trade and investment opportunities with Mexican business owners, finding government support for your projects, or considering business opportunities associated with the thriving seaweed industry… [the summit] will present a range of possibilities to explore.
Four main presentations are planned dealing with the net effect of industry change in finfish aquaculture; forests and climate; Island agriculture and the future of island food production. The summit will also include presentations from low-carbon entrepreneurs and address topics such as mental health and addictions, the donut economy and more. A discussion of the international and provincial economy, Canadian demographic trends and critical themes emerging from VIEA’s 2022 economic report is also planned. Additionally, there will be 20 concurrent sessions organized into thematic streams such as food production, climate solutions, healthcare and a trade. show with more than 40 exhibitors.
The State of the Island Economic Summit takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26 and from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 27 at the VICC. For more information, visit http://viea.ca.
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