INDUSTRY EVENTS
Upcoming leading Industry Events including conferences, summits, symposiums and meetings which provide a platform to showcase successes, share knowledge and network.
She Means Business Women’s Micro Trade Show is all about celebrating and empowering women and non-binary entrepreneurs in the Columbia Valley. Participate with a table top micro-showcase and browse the displays, meet fellow entrepreneurs, share resources and spark new partnerships.
SHE MEANS BUSINESS – SPRING EDITION
Community Futures East Kootenay are excited to be supporting She Means Business events around the region, in recognition of International Women’s Day in March. They have partnered with WeBC and Chambers of Commerce to present events in these communities:
March 11 – Mountain Life Movement, Fernie
March 12 – Aqua Vitalis Naturpathic, Golden
March 20 – 4930 Hwy 95, Radium Hot Springs
INNOVATE FOR IMPACT
March 10, 2026 – Virtual
This Innovate for Impact Workshop is focused on Fueling Impact: Financing Opportunities for Social Enterprises. A practical discussion about ways to finance the impact work you are undertaking. The session is beginner-friendly, free to attend and open to anyone hoping to create positive change in their community.
CRANBROOK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AGM
March 11, 2026 – Chamber Boardroom
Join the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting and election of Directors of the Board from 11:30am to 12:15pm. Please register.
WEST KOOTENAY CAREER FAIR
March 11 (Nelson) & March 12 (Castlegar), 2026
Secure a spot at one of the largest hiring and networking events in the region. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Attend one day or select a two-day package.
TOURISM FERNIE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
March 31, 2026
Tourism Fernie AGM and Industry Event held at the Bay Leaf Fusion Restaurant at the Fernie Golf Course. Held annually, the event brings together local and area business leaders, government officials and non-profit organizations that are involved in the tourism sector. Free daytime event with lunch included.
2nd ANNUAL BOARD TRAINING BOOT CAMP
April 1, 2026 – Cranbrook, BC
Takes place at the St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino. From governance to action, bringing non-profits together. Essential governance foundations with practical leadership and implementation training.
2026 BCHA SUMMIT
April 14-15, 2026 – Nanaimo, BC
As the premier event for BC’s hotel industry, the BC Hotel Association’s Summit brings together owners, general managers, industry leaders and cutting-edge suppliers.
NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK
April 20-24, 2026
Now in its 16th year, National Tourism Week is a dynamic, weeklong social media campaign organized by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). This event is a platform for highlighting the pivotal role tourism plays as part of Canada’s economy and indeed, its identity. TIAC along with its partners is inviting Canadians to partake in celebrating the nation’s finest offerings to the world.
ANNUAL HERITAGE CONFERENCE
May 4-6, 2026 – Sea to Sky, BC
Heritage BC’s Annual Conference is a chance for professionals across the heritage sector in BC to come together to connect, learn and discuss the future of heritage. Each year it features discussions on the most pressing topics that heritage professionals are grappling with including climate change, governance, conservation, planning, intangible cultural heritage, reconciliation and more.
6th ANNUAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
May 8, 2026 – Cranbrook, BC
Takes place at the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort. Chasing Balance and Choosing Self, this conference is about reconnecting with yourself, respecting boundaries and making space for what fuels your well-being. The day is dedicated to connection, reflection and personal growth. It is open to all women who are ready to invest in themselves.
2026 ORCBC CONFERENCE
May 20-22, 2026 – Kamloops, BC
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC will also be celebrating a half a century of promoting and protecting outdoor recreation in BC. The conference theme is Building Stronger Communities Through Outdoor Recreation and will provide a vital platform for collaboration on key issues such as access, stewardship, reconciliation, inclusion and the economic value of recreation to communities, tourism and rural development.
KORE OUTDOORS SUMMIT
September 17-18, 2026 – Kimberley, BC
The KORE Outdoors Summit is Canada’s only conference dedicated to outdoor gear and the rec-tech manufacturing and product design sector that creates it. The event takes place at the Kimberley Alpine Resort’s Conference Centre and anyone interested in outdoor gear design and manufacturing is invited to attend.