What to put on your business agenda in September

Things to do and read this month to nourish the corporate mind and soul

CALCULATE

THE ONE NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Presented by CPA Canada and CPA BC, the One Conference for CPAs offers “one powerful network, one unparallelled learning experience and one exceptional opportunity.” It also offers speakers on topics that include Taking Advantage of Tough Times; Forecast Cloudy With a Chance of Sunshine or Lightning: Cloud Computing Benefits and Risks for Small Businesses; and Understanding Skepticism: Why a Questioning Mind Is Critical for Finance Professionals, Auditors and Audit Committee Members.
Vancouver Convention Centre, September 19 to 20 $995, optional workshop September 21, $295

CHES ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The 36th annual Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society conference for those involved in the operation and maintenance of healthcare facilities focuses on Risky Business: Is Healthcare Sustainable? Topics include patient safety needs in high-rise hospital design, safety and security guidelines, limiting risky decision-making and managing risk as a drug producer. There’s also the Great CHES Golf Game, a banquet, happy hour and more.
Vancouver Convention Centre, September 11 to 13 $250 (one day), $275 (retired), $485 (member, full program), $550 (special offer), $565 (non-member, full program); $30 (student); social events extra

HONOUR

EY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Since 1986, EY has recognized more than 10,000 outstanding entrepreneurs for their vision, innovation, courage and leadership in building and growing successful businesses. In more than 140 cities in 50 countries around the world, the EOY Awards celebrate those who speed up innovation, growth and social improvement and build lasting legacies that inspire the next generation. This year’s Pacific region finalists will be revealed at a star-studded Vancouver gala banquet at month’s end (and profiled in the October issue of BCBusiness).
Vancouver Convention Centre, September 30 $275

CELEBRATE

DISTINGUISHED ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Established by UVic’s Peter B. Gustavson School of Business in 2004, the DEYA recognizes an inspirational entrepreneur who has had a significant and positive impact on the global community through their business leadership. This year’s honoree is Linda Hasenfratz, CEO of Linamar Corporation–a company Hasenfratz grew from an $800-million enterprise to one worth more than $5.2 billion. Hasenfratz was appointed to the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, along with her father, Frank Hasenfratz, in 2015.
Victoria Conference Centre, September 11 to 12 Individual $250; sponsors $2,500 (table), $7,750 (wine or event); $10,500 (reception)

TOAST

B.C. WINE AWARDS
B.C.’s oldest wine-judging competition, the British Columbia Wine Awards celebrate the wine industry with a seated awards ceremony with individual wineries hosting tables. Attendees will be able to try many of the award-winning wines, enjoy Okanagan catering and network with industry leaders. Sponsored by ContainerWorld, Farm Credit Canada, Grant Thornton and TricorBraun Winepak, featuring the Premier’s British Columbia Wine Award.
The Laurel Packinghouse, Kelowna, September 29, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $50

READ

START & RUN A MARIJUANA DISPENSARY OR POT SHOP
Feeling entrepreneurial and encouraged by the possibility of marijuana legalization in Canada? In Start & Run a Marijuana Dispensary or Pot Shop: Wherever It Is Legal!, Financial Post writer Jay Currie advises potential dispensary owners on how to create a business model and an operating plan to legally dispense marijuana and its related products, covering topics from business basics to ensure sufficient cash flow to science basics to ensure proper sourcing and care of the products.
Self-Counsel Press, September $22.95