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Regional Caucus Meetings (Members Only, Optional attendance)
WELCOME RECEPTION: SIP, SWIRL & SAVOUR

Come taste the Okanagan as Iconic Wineries takes us on a sensory adventure. We will be joined by four hand-picked wineries sampling a curated selection.

• CedarCreek Estate Winery
• Liquidity Wines
• Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
• Road 13

WELCOME DINNER
ADDRESS FROM HONOURABLE BRENDA BAILEY, MINISTER OF JOBS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION
Honourable Brenda Bailey
  • Honourable Brenda Bailey (Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation at Government of BC)

    Honourable Brenda Bailey

    Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation at Government of BC
WELCOME DINNER WRAP UP
BREAKFAST
WELCOME
SESSION: UNLOCKING GROWTH: THE INTERPLAY OF PRODUCTIVITY AND INNOVATION
Lisa Baiton•Joslyn Young•Ken Veldman

*This session is sponsored by Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers*

In today's rapidly evolving and hyper-competitive business environment, the interconnectedness of productivity and innovation has become a critical driver of success for organizations seeking to stay ahead of the curve.

Join us for an enlightening session where we will look at the symbiotic relationship between productivity and innovation, learn about the importance of cultivating an organizational culture that fosters creativity, experimentation and idea generation, and the innovative strategies that can be employed to unlock growth.

  • Lisa Baiton (President & CEO of Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP))

    Lisa Baiton

    President & CEO of Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)
  • Joslyn Young (Manager, External Relations - Gateway at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority)

    Joslyn Young

    Manager, External Relations - Gateway at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
  • Ken Veldman (Vice President, Public Affairs & Sustainability at Prince Rupert Port Authority)

    Ken Veldman

    Vice President, Public Affairs & Sustainability at Prince Rupert Port Authority
SESSION: DECOLONIZING BUSINESS
Ariana Fotinakis•Vanessa Lesperance

Colonization hasn’t only impacted Indigenous folks – it has influenced and shaped our entire society - including how we do business. Decolonizing business acknowledges that Indigenous ways of knowing and being are just as credible, meaningful, and legitimate as Western methods in the workplace.

In this session participants will:
• Understand what decolonization means
• Learn differences between Western worldviews and Indigenous worldviews
• Complete a short self-assessment to determine how present each worldview is within their workplace
• Receive 8 ideas/suggestions on how to start to decolonize
• Participate in small group discussions on how to start to decolonize

Participants will leave with a greater understanding of what it means to decolonize business, ensure it remains within the realm of cultural appreciation (not appropriation) and leave with tangible steps they can implement immediately.

  • Ariana Fotinakis (Co-founder of Decolonize and Rize)

    Ariana Fotinakis

    Co-founder of Decolonize and Rize
  • Vanessa Lesperance (Co-founder of Decolonize and Rize)

    Vanessa Lesperance

    Co-founder of Decolonize and Rize
COFFEE BREAK

*Break sponsored by MNP*

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
LUNCH

*Lunch is sponsored by TC Energy*

ADDRESS FROM JOHN RUSTAD, LEADER OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF BC
John Rustad
  • John Rustad (Leader at Conservative Party of BC)

    John Rustad

    Leader at Conservative Party of BC
POLICY SESSION DAY 1 (PART 1)

Each year at the AGM and Conference, the members of the BC Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) debate and vote on resolutions for adoption to become BCCC policy.

BCCC’s policies touch on a wide array of issues from finances and taxation to international trade and from housing to health care to diversity and inclusion.

The resolutions passed each year during the policy sessions are critical in determining the advocacy priorities for the organization.

COFFEE BREAK

*Break sponsored by MNP*

POLICY SESSION DAY 1 (PART 2)

Each year at the AGM and Conference, the members of the BC Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) debate and vote on resolutions for adoption to become BCCC policy.

BCCC’s policies touch on a wide array of issues from finances and taxation to international trade and from housing to health care to diversity and inclusion.

The resolutions passed each year during the policy sessions are critical in determining the advocacy priorities for the organization.

CHAIR'S INAUGURAL RECEPTION

Sponsored by Enbridge

CHAIR'S INAUGURAL DINNER

Sponsored by Enbridge

BREAKFAST
ADDRESS FROM SONIA FURSTENAU, LEADER OF THE BC GREEN PARTY
Sonia Furstenau
  • Sonia Furstenau (Leader at BC Green Party)

    Sonia Furstenau

    Leader at BC Green Party
POLICY SESSION DAY 2 (PART 1)

Each year at the AGM and Conference, the members of the BC Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) debate and vote on resolutions for adoption to become BCCC policy.

BCCC’s policies touch on a wide array of issues from finances and taxation to international trade and from housing to health care to diversity and inclusion.

The resolutions passed each year during the policy sessions are critical in determining the advocacy priorities for the organization.

COFFEE BREAK

*Break sponsored by MNP*

POLICY SESSION DAY 2 (PART 2)

Each year at the AGM and Conference, the members of the BC Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) debate and vote on resolutions for adoption to become BCCC policy.

BCCC’s policies touch on a wide array of issues from finances and taxation to international trade and from housing to health care to diversity and inclusion.

The resolutions passed each year during the policy sessions are critical in determining the advocacy priorities for the organization.

LUNCH
ADDRESS FROM PETER MILOBAR, BC UNITED SHADOW MINISTER FOR FINANCE
Peter Milobar
  • Peter Milobar (Shadow Minister for Finance at BC United)

    Peter Milobar

    Shadow Minister for Finance at BC United
SESSION: UNLEASHING THE POWER OF CONVERSATIONAL AI: EXPLORING THE REALM OF CHATGPT
Dr. Eman Nasr•Denise Williams•Dr. Blaize Horner Reich

In the age of digital transformation, Conversational AI stands at the forefront of revolutionizing how businesses interact with customers, streamline operations, and enhance user experiences. At the heart of this technological marvel lies Generative AI, a technology able to be trained and to create original content in response to a user’s ‘smart’ prompt.

Join us in this dynamic session where, in the spirit of innovating for impact, we will delve deep into the fascinating world of AI-driven conversations, explore the limitless possibilities unlocked by Gen AI and discover the vast implications of this revolution on business and digital equity.

  • Dr. Eman Nasr (Executive Director of Beedie School of Business SFU)

    Dr. Eman Nasr

    Executive Director of Beedie School of Business SFU
  • Denise Williams (Advisor to the Dean & Visiting Lecturer at Beedie School of Business SFU)

    Denise Williams

    Advisor to the Dean & Visiting Lecturer at Beedie School of Business SFU
  • Dr. Blaize Horner Reich (Academic Director of Beedie School of Business SFU)

    Dr. Blaize Horner Reich

    Academic Director of Beedie School of Business SFU
REMARKS FROM PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY RAVI PARMAR ON BC’S NEW INTERNATIONAL CREDENTIALS RECOGNITION ACT
Ravi Parmar
  • Ravi Parmar (Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials at Government of BC)

    Ravi Parmar

    Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials at Government of BC
SESSION: ADDRESSING THE LABOUR MARKET GAP – FROM AN EMPLOYER’S PERSPECTIVE
Ash Amlani

*This session is sponsored by Prince Rupert Port Authority*

British Columbia’s current labour shortage presents challenges for both employers and job seekers. Employers are struggling to fill labour gaps and must adapt to the needs and expectations of job seekers to attract and retain talent. Job seekers are striving to secure employment despite the myriad opportunities available. Why aren’t they finding one another?

Engaged by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction in late 2022, the BC Chamber of Commerce has undertaken research to understand the disconnect between employers and job seekers. Its research findings are captured in an Insights Report (May 2023), the highlights of which were presented at the 2023 AGM and Conference. Last year, with data in hand, the BC Chamber of Commerce embarked on a series of province-wide employer, job seeker and service provider engagement sessions, to identify appropriate solutions that will help employers and job seekers find one another.

  • Ash Amlani (Co-Founder and Principal of Bunyaad Public Affairs)

    Ash Amlani

    Co-Founder and Principal of Bunyaad Public Affairs
COFFEE BREAK

*Break sponsored by MNP*

SESSION: CUTTING EDGE OF THE LEDGE
Keith Baldry•Vaughn Palmer

Back by popular demand Global BC’s chief political commentator, Keith Baldrey, and award-winning journalist, Vaughn Palmer, will provide their always thoughtful, and always direct perspectives on the state of B.C. politics.

  • Keith Baldry (Chief Political Correspondent and Legislature Bureau Chief at Global BC)

    Keith Baldry

    Chief Political Correspondent and Legislature Bureau Chief at Global BC
  • Vaughn Palmer (Provincial Political Columnist at Vancouver Sun)

    Vaughn Palmer

    Provincial Political Columnist at Vancouver Sun
CLOSING REMARKS
WRAP UP RECEPTION: PASSPORT TO THE OKANAGAN, HOSTED BY KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (OPTIONAL ATTENDANCE)

The Kelowna Chamber has the distinct honour to welcome delegates to the KF Aerospace Centre of Excellence.

Join us for a unique and interactive evening in a one-of-a-kind environment that tells a story about Canadian aviation history.