A chief economist decoding turbulence in real time. A Canadian retail leader driving major success despite the “Amazon effect”. A CEO building forensic systems in global disaster zones. A best-selling author who says we can’t afford to cast aside older workers. An AI expert who shares career-pivot strategies to help humans avoid becoming obsolete in work and business.
These are just some of the speakers featured at Rising Economy Conference 2026, taking place March 10–11 at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria. As Greater Victoria’s largest multisector business conference, Rising Economy is a lively, idea-rich gathering featuring fast-paced Spark Talks, Power Panels and interactive sessions that explore how leadership, AI and tech, workplace trends and global shifts are impacting us.
Judith Bosire, Chief Economist for Vancity, will explores the deeper economic signals that matter most in 2026 and beyond — from labour force composition and demographic change to trade frameworks like CUSMA.
Justin Young, Canadian Tire Owner and Associate Dealer, provides a rare look behind the curtain at one of the largest Canadian Tire locations in the country, exploring strategy, staying power and the decisions that blend national brand strength with hyper-local execution.
Megan Bassendale, CEO, Forensic Guardians International, draws on her experience in war and disaster zones to explore innovation under pressure — when conditions are unstable and the stakes are profoundly human and very high.
Ian Chisholm, Co-founder, Roy Group & Author of Quiet Champions: A Way Forward for Mentors in Turbulent Times, hosts an interactive session on shaping your leadership approach to face challenges and transform team members into high-level performers.
Dave Thompson, AI lead at BestHuman, shares how he pivoted from a corporate career on the brink of obsolescence toward a new, in-demand path forward — and how you can too.
Featured sessions include:
- Leading Through Anxiety: How Leaders Win in a World That Won’t Settle Down with Ernest Barbaric, Entrepreneurial Leader & Executive Coach
- From Productivity to Productiveness: A More Human Way to Move Forward with Mike Vardy, Author of The Productivityist Playlist and The Productivity Diet.
- Culture to Commerce: The Value of Authenticity with Kari McLay of Victoria Native Friendship Centre in conversation with third- and fourth-generation Cowichan knitters Hatwes (Emily) Smith and her daughter Julia Smith.
- What Work Gets Wrong About Age with Dan Pontefract, Author of Work-Life-Bloom and the upcoming book The Future of Work is Grey.
- Coming Back from “No” with Best Human CEO Humaira Ahmed in conversation with HiBoop CEO Jason Morehouse, who shares a powerful lesson from an experience that could have ended his dreams, but instead fuelled them, lighting a motivational fire to outstanding success.
This year’s Rising Economy Conference is produced by South Island Prosperity Partnership in partnership with Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), along with Presenting Sponsor RBC and Catalyst Sponsor Vancity.
“Rising Economy brings together leaders who understand that strong partnerships are essential to creating opportunities and shared prosperity in our communities,” said the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for PacifiCan.
“By supporting this important gathering of Greater Victoria’s business community, PacifiCan is helping Vancouver Island businesses adapt and grow – strengthening local economies and helping build a stronger, more resilient Canada.”
Rising Economy 2026 takes place March 10–11 at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort. Tickets are still available at ourrisingeconomy.com. Douglas magazine is pleased to be a media sponsor.
