Events (and a book) to check out in April

THE WATER’S FINE | The Harbour Deck, proposed by HCMA Architecture + Design, presents a series of public spaces that reconnect people with the water

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

YOUR FUTURE HOME: Creating the New Vancouver
t’s not too late to check out this Vancouver Urbanarium Society and Museum of Vancouver exhibition, which explores hot urban topics ranging from housing affordability and density to mobility and public space. A series of programs including workshops, happy hours and debates among architectural, real estate and urban planning experts helps you discover surprising facts about the city and imagine what Vancouver might become.
Various venues, through May 15 Adults $15, seniors/students/youth $11, MOV members free 

CANADIAN INTERNET MARKETING CONFERENCE
There’s no excuse for missing this opportunity to learn about practical ways to harness the power of digital in your business: there is a shuttle service between Vancouver and Seattle plus a live stream. Business leaders from Red Bull, WestJet, Shopify, Warner Music, Yelp, Vision Critical, Starbucks, Google, Telus, McDonalds and Blenz will share marketing case studies and tactics to help you boost your business. As for the after-parties—“Hell yeah!”
West Coast Railway Heritage Park, Squamish, April 14 and 15 $749, nonprofit $399, student $199, digital $149

W North
Launched in March 2015 as a one-day summit to fill a gap in the mid-career development of women aspiring to senior leadership, in 2016 W North has grown into a three-day conference. The 180-seat boutique-style “global gathering of women on the rise” brings women leaders from Lyft, Hootsuite, Google, Telus and more together with the next generation of women leaders to discuss issues ranging from board engagement and financing to work-life balance and relationship management.
Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler, April 20 to 22 Regular pass $699

HRMAX
Rabia Siddique The 54th annual HRMA Conference + Tradeshow has sessions on topics from how to rise above a toxic workplace and navigating the law of excessive absenteeism to implementing meditation as a change management tool and improving staff morale through authentic appreciation (no more phoney baloney). Speakers include former war crimes prosecutor Rabia Siddique on leadership and resilience, Fortune editor Geoff Colvin on what humans know that machines don’t, women’s Olympic soccer coach John Herdman on high-performance culture and journalist Amanda Lang moderating a panel of HR executives from Nordstrom, GoPro, Canfor, Petronas and Nurse Next Door.
Vancouver Convention Centre West, April 26 to 27 $799-1,249 for members, $999-1,549 for non-members, $50-100 extra after April 15 

BCBUSINESS 30 UNDER 30 EVENT
Each year BCBusiness seeks out the best and brightest entrepreneurs, CEOs and philanthropists under the age of 30 and tells the stories of their paths to success (p.39). To meet these smart, accomplished young men and women and network with tomorrow’s leaders, join us for canapés and refreshments at the BCBusiness 30 Under 30 cocktail reception.
Vancouver Club, April 28, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. $99 + GST

AVOID SMALL BUSINESS HELL
Avoid Small Business Hell An electrician who became a developer and then creator of the Faster, Cheaper, Better program of entrepreneurial excellence, B.C. author Jack Borden has been in small-business hell more than once. His book offers advice based on his own and others’ experience on everything from what to consider before starting a business to selling, financing, hiring, managing, partnerships, competition, succession planning and more.
Self-Counsel Press $14.95 paperback