BC Business
January 7 Polyglot Beers The Railway Club, Vancouver Sponsored by HootSuite, Polyglot Vancouver brings together software engineers, computer scientists and entrepreneurs for a friendly, if geeky, monthly social (free). January 16 Economic Outlook Forum 2014 Vancouver Convention Centre West The Vancouver Board of Trade hosts a panel featuring Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts, RBC chief economist Craig Wright and BMO Capital Markets chief economist Doug Porter, providing insight into the year ahead for B.C.’s economy ($159 for VBOT members, $209 for non-members). January 22 New Year’s Business Reception Surrey Board of Trade The Surrey Board of Trade will hold an open house, where members of the South Fraser business community can learn about the board’s international trade centre, member perks and marketing services (free). January 22-23 B.C. Natural Resource Forum Prince George Civic Centre Hosted by the Business Council of B.C., the 11th annual forum will explore the most pressing issues facing B.C.’s natural resource industries, with presentations from Premier Christy Clark, Prince Rupert Port Authority CEO Don Krusel and Encana Corp. vice-president Richard Dunn ($170). January 23 Wood Symposium Vancouver Convention Centre Wood Works B.C. and the Canadian Wood Council present a one-day international symposium for construction and design professionals on new technologies in wood products ($135). January 25 Chilliwack Business Excellence Awards Tzeachten Hall, Chilliwack Celebrate Fraser Valley entrepreneurs and small businesses at the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce’s 19th annual Business Excellence Awards ($80). January 25 Product Management Seminar SFU Beedie School of Business, Vancouver Product managers are responsible for delivering profitable products on time and on budget. Learn the skills needed at SFU’s Beedie School of Business seminar on product management ($395). January 29 Cargo Logistics Canada Conference Vancouver Convention Centre Vancouver will host the inaugural Canadian supply-chain conference, sponsored by Port Metro Vancouver and YVR ($225). January 29 Silviculture Conference Delta Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna Forestry represents three per cent of B.C.’s GDP, but its impact on the economies outside of the Lower Mainland remains much more significant. Hosted by the Western Silvicultural Contractors’ Association, the 33rd annual conference will discuss the future of B.C.’s forests and the 170,000 people who make their livelihood from them ($495). January 29-31 Fraser Valley Real Estate Conference Coast Hotel and Convention Centre, Langley Vancouver’s lack of industrial land and increasing shortage of plots suitable for residential construction has led many developers to shift their focus south of the Fraser. Attend the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s annual trade show and conference to scout opportunities in the region’s real estate boom (free). January 30 South Surrey Business Excellence Awards Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club, Surrey South Surrey and White Rock Chamber of Commerce celebrates its local movers and shakers at the 14th annual 2013 Business Excellence Awards ($98). January 30 Startup Drinks Vancouver 131 Water Kitchen & Bar, Vancouver Connect with Vancouver’s startup scene at this monthly Gastown get- together hosted by local digerati group Vancouver Pixel Crafters (free).Coming up next month!February 13 The XL Leadership Summit Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Some of Canada’s most influential leaders in business and sport descend on the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on the four-year anniversary of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The summit features a dream team of leadership speakers, including astronaut Chris Hadfield and Twitter’s Kirstine Stewart (from $595).