Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre

21 Lakeshore Dr W, Penticton, BC

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Hosted by:

Program Outline 

(draft outline and content, subject to change)
 

Learning Streams:
Safety (S)
Policy/Advocacy (P/A)
MKtg + Events (M+E)
Economic Development (ED)
Placemaking (PL)
Leadership/ Org Dev (L) (OD)
Revenue (R)

Sunday May 24

2:30 - 6:00 p.m.     Registration Open (lobby of host hotel)

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.     New Executive Directors Workshop

6:00 - 8:30 p.m.     Opening Reception 
Kick off the conference at the opening reception at BNA — Penticton’s newest and most dynamic gathering space. Designed for connection and conversation, this vibrant venue offers plenty of room to mingle alongside playful experiences, including complimentary bowling, arcade games, and darts on the upper level — perfect for breaking the ice and sparking new relationships.

In true Channeling Connections style, you will enter through the newly activated Slack Alley — transformed with fresh artwork, enhanced lighting, and live acoustic music to set the tone for the days ahead. This unique arrival experience invites attendees to connect from the moment they step in, turning a simple welcome into a memorable first gathering.

(location: BNA Penticton, 218 Martin St, Penticton)

 

Monday May 25

7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.     Registration Open 

7:00 - 8:00 a.m.     Breakfast and Networking

8:00 - 8:30 a.m.     Opening Remarks & Welcome 

8:30 - 9:15 a.m.     Opening Keynote

9:20 - 10:35 a.m.    Breakout Sessions

1. Holding Space: The Role of Events in Community Vibrancy and How BIAs are Stepping Up (M+E)
2. AI for BIAs: Cut the Hype, Keep the Value (L)

10:35 - 10:50 a.m.     Networking Break & Tradeshow

10:35 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.    Mobile Tour

10:50 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.     Breakout Sessions 

1. Placemaking through real estate development (PL)
2. Economic development with your municipality (ED)

12:05 - 1:00 p.m.     Lunch & Keynote Session

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.     Mobile Tour

1:15 - 2:30 p.m.     Breakout Sessions

1. Bylaw Renewals without the Panic: Practical strategies for BIAs of every size (P/A)
2. Cybersecurity Beasts and How to Fix Them (L)

2:30 - 3:00 p.m.     Networking Break & Tradeshow

3:00 - 4:15 p.m.     Breakout Sessions

1. Commercial affordability (P/A)
2. The AI Curmudgeon Speaks: A Skeptic's walkthrough of the ridiculous hype, the astonishing possibilities, and the actual realities of using AI in your business (L)

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.     Tradeshow Reception

6:00 p.m.     Dine Around Groups depart from lobby of hotel

 

Tuesday May 26

7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.     Registration Open

7:00 - 8:00 a.m.     Breakfast and Regional Roundtable Talks

8:00 - 8:15 a.m.     Daily Remarks

8:15 - 9:00 a.m.     Keynote - Main Street Metrics: Making Data Driven Decisions and Measuring Impact (ED)

This session will introduce what the Canadian Urban Institute has learned about data and analytics best practices for business improvement areas and other place-based organizations. There will be a demonstration of the CUI’s Main Street Metrics dashboard which is being actively used by over 100 BIAs across Canada. Specific use-cases of the dashboard for gap analysis, event planning, and BIA marketing will be presented. Attendees will come away from the session with a better understanding of how to apply data for strategic decision-making and impact analysis in BIAs.
Greg Spencer, Director of Research, Canadian Urban Institute

9:15 - 10:30 a.m.   Plenary Session (M+E)

10:30 - 10:50 a.m.    Networking Break & Tradeshow

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.    Mobile Tour

10:50 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.     Breakout Sessions

1. Measuring Main Streets - a Deeper Dive into the Challenges and Solutions of Data Analytics for BIAs (ED)
2.  (M+E)

12:05 - 1:15 p.m.     Best in the West Awards Luncheon         

1:15 - 2:45 p.m.     Mobile Tours

1:20 - 2:35 p.m.     Breakout Sessions

1. BIABC Listening Session (P/A)

2.  Beyond the Numbers: Measuring the Real Impact of Crime on Businesses (S)

2:35 - 3:00 p.m.     Networking Break & Tradeshow

3:00 - 4:15 p.m.     Keynote Session (P/A)

Reconciliation in British Columbia – What Does the Future Hold?
Reconciliation in British Columbia continues to evolve through landmark agreements and court decisions that are reshaping relationships between governments, Indigenous Nations, and industry. In this timely keynote, Thomas Isaac of Cassels will examine the recent Haida and Musqueam agreements, the 2025 Cowichan decision, and the 2025 B.C. Court of Appeal ruling on UNDRIP. Attendees will gain practical insight into what these developments mean for municipalities, economic development, governance, and the path forward in B.C.
Thomas Isaac, Chair of Cassels’ National Aboriginal Law Group & Co-Chairs Cassels’ National Major Projects Team

4:15 p.m. - onwards     Free Time & Dinner on Your Own

 

Wednesday May 27

7:00 - 8:00 a.m.     Breakfast and Networking

8:00 - 8:45 a.m.     BIABC 2025 AGM & Update

8:45 - 9:45 a.m.     Plenary Session (P/A)

9:50 - 10:50 a.m.    Plenary Session (S)

10:50 - 11:10 a.m.  Networking Break + hotel check out

11:10 - 12:10 p.m.   Closing Keynote Session 
From Influence to Impact: Building Trusted Brands That Strengthen Communities (M+E)
What does it take to turn attention into lasting economic impact? In this candid fireside chat, Julia Freeman will explore how The Jilly Box evolved from a trusted personal platform into a nationally recognized, values-led business supporting Canadian and women-owned brands. From B Corp certification to advocacy-based selling, this conversation will unpack how trust becomes infrastructure — and how small businesses and BIAs can build brands, districts, and communities people don’t just support, but champion.
Julia Freeman, CEO, The Jilly Box
 

12:10 p.m.               Closing Remarks + 2027 Conference Location