Inside the Fall 2025 events season: How GVBOT brought leaders, insights, and industry together

The 2025 fall season marked a busy period of events and activity for the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. 

Whether it was fostering thought-leadership and regional growth or curating environments that celebrated the achievements of local enterprises, GVBOT stayed busy leading, uniting, and championing business. Read our fall 2025 breakdown for a look into some of the event highlights from this busy season. 

Mainstage Events

This fall, we hosted 10 mainstage events that drew nearly 3,000 people. These events ranged from educational forums to annual addresses, allowing the Greater Vancouver business community to learn about the potential and innovations of the sectors, businesses, and people that make B.C. the powerhouse province it is today. 



We kicked off our fall events season on Oct. 2 with our annual Indigenous Opportunities Forum, Presented by CN, which brought local First Nations and businesses leaders together to explore the projects, partnerships, and opportunities that are shape a more equitable future. We heard presentations from Chief Derek Epp of the Tzeachten First Nation, Stephen Lee, CEO of Musqueam Capital Corporation, Jenn Podmore Russell, Chief Development Officer of the Nch'ḵay̓ Development Corporation, and Luke Schauerte, CEO of Woodfibre LNG.

The form also facilitated two panel discussions. Our second panel explored Indigenous-led prosperity and opportunity. and featured Ryan Daum, Manager of Economic Development at the Tsawwassen First Nation, Erin Harlos, Director of External and First Nations Relations at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, and Dennis Thomas-Whonoak, Executive Director of the Spitz Centre for Indigenous Business Education and Elected Councillor of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. The discussion left attendees thinking about the crucial role Indigenous participation and collaboration plays in strengthening and diversifying our economy. Learn more about this panel discussion by reading our article.



GVBOT had the pleasure of welcoming a very special guest in October. At the second annual Health Care Forum Presented by Pacific Blue Cross, Renowned Musician and Bestselling Author Jann Arden unpacked the challenges she tackled throughout her career, leaving attendees both starstruck and inspired.

Midlife women, who represent an essential part of B.C.’s workforce, experience a high prevalence of menopause-related symptoms during this stage of life. These symptoms are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or overlooked by employers. Each year $3.5 billion in wages and $237 million in productivity is lost when women don’t have the support and resources they need to manage these health symptoms. The event educated the business community on how they can create inclusive, evidence-informed environments that support midlife women.

A week later, GVBOT hosted UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon for his annual address to the Greater Vancouver community. Over the past two decades, UBC researchers have launched more than 270 spin-off companies that have generated over $13 billion in sales across multiple sectors. Business leaders in the room learned how they can help build out the economic potential B.C. holds through purposeful collaboration with the university. Read our article to learn more about this discussion.

On Oct. 23, we welcomed Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of The Mining Association of Canada for his 17th annual address. He highlighted how a robust mining sector will help Canada reduce its reliance on imports, drive industrial growth, and open new opportunities.  B.C. has or produces 16 of the 34 minerals on Canada’s critical minerals list, and as the world shifts towards decarbonization, demand for these minerals is surging. 

The development and construction of critical mineral mines represent an estimated investment of over $41 billion, generating about $90 billion in economic activity for British Columbians. Over several decades, the economic activity generated from these mines could reach $984 billion.

We wrapped up October with an annual address from Kevin Quinn, CEO of TransLink. He explored how transit is economic infrastructure, powering opportunities, connecting people to jobs, and keeping our region moving forward. TransLink’s 2025 Investment Plan includes the largest bus service expansion since 2018, providing relief from overcrowding on up to 50 of the region’s busiest routes. To unlock transit’s full economic potential however, Quinn shared that we need continued investments to face the challenges commuters face head on, improve services and delivery, and strengthen the movement of local goods.



On Nov. 12, GVBOT welcomed The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, to provide an overview of the 2025 federal budget. This event allowed the Greater Vancouver community to engage directly with Minister Champagne and bring federal attention to Western Canada’s business priorities.

We hosted our last mainstage event for the 2025 fall season on Nov. 13, where Peter Xotta, President and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, presented his annual address to the Greater Vancouver community. 170 of the world's 195 economies trade through The Port of Vancouver, making it Canada's largest port. Last year, the port moved nearly 160 million metric tons of cargo, a new record, and a 5% increase over the year before. Xotta shared that the biggest opportunities for Canadian businesses lie in selling more what Canada makes to Indo-Pacific Markets, a region that will represent 50% of the world’s GDP by 2050.

Business Distinction Awards



GVBOT brought the business community together this fall in celebration of the 4th annual Business Distinction Awards, which recognize local businesses that have gone above and beyond to set themselves apart in the region. Celebrating the triumphs of our business community was critical this year as they continue to face some of the most pressing challenges in decades. Read our article to learn about this year’s BDA recipients and their incredible work.

Member Socials and Experiences 

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