Public Event

1. 12:00 PM

   Check-In

   Arrive at the Reliance Atrium to check in and grab a beverage and pastry before moving to the Reliance Theatre for talks at 12:30 PM.

2. Working with Developers to Create Local Heart & Soul

   Jess Reno will explore the biggest challenges to today's hospitality industry and discuss how developers can best support independent hospitality operators to enhance the communities where they build. Reflecting on his own experiences with Nemesis’ recent expansions, including their new Surrey location, Jess will highlight what is required for local businesses to thrive in today's challenging economic climate.

   Jess Reno (Nemesis Coffee) in conversation with Josh Vanderheide (Field House Brewing & East Abby Hospitality Group)

3. Creative co-creation: Recentering place and the human experience in our urban environments.

   Standard development processes and rigid city planning regulations often strip cities of their local culture, identity, and playfulness. Drawing on her global experience working across the globe in cities including Copenhagen, Melbourne, San Francisco and Vancouver, Sofie Kvist, Director, Gehl Studio, will demonstrate how cities can embrace flexibility, trust, and process facilitation to create more vibrant, human-centered urban environments. Sponsored by: Hapa Collaborative

   Sofie Kvist (Gehl Architects)

4. Placemaking in Toronto’s Urban Centre Using Data

   Tim Ng will demonstrate how real-time market data, buyer insights, and behavioral analytics shape Toronto’s urban landscape. He will discuss how data-driven strategies enhance placemaking, personalize the buyer experience, and optimize sales and marketing efforts for more successful developments across Canada.

   Tim Ng (ADHOC STUDIO & BLACKLINE)

5. Saving our Downtown: A New Role for BIA’s as Advocates for Political & Civic Change

   Karam Rai, Lead, Community Safety at DTVAN will discuss how effective placemaking in our downtowns can act as a catalyst for social cohesion. As the Business Improvement Association for Downtown Vancouver, DTVAN has an evolved framework for achieving a vibrant, diverse, and safe downtown. Karam will share insights into the current perception of safety advocacy work and demonstrate how placemaking-focused events including Summer Movie Nights and Granville Block party re-engage our public spaces.

   Karam Rai (Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association – DVBIA)

6. How the Workplace Shapes Our Urban Experience

   Janay Koldingnes, Ted Mildon and Chuck We will engage in discussion about how cities are redesigning workspaces and public realms by integrating retail and hospitality to evolve downtown office spaces. They will explore the opportunities landlords have to transform traditional office buildings into experience-driven destinations to encourage downtown recovery and bring people back into cities in a post-pandemic world.

   Janay Koldingnes (EDIT Studios), Ted Mildon (Oxford Properties Group), Chuck We (Hudson Pacific Properties) 

7. Synergies Between Private Development and Public Amenity in Emerging 15-minute Cities

   City builders Lisa Spitale, New Westminster, Graham Brewster, Wesgroup, Mitchell Reardon, Happy Cities, and Ali Kenyon, HCMA, will explore how emerging master-planned community hubs—including River District, Brewery District, and Inlet District—represent new downtowns and examine their role in shaping the region. They’ll demonstrate how effective partnership between private development and public organizations intersect to create happier, more resilient communities and well-connected urban environments.

   Ali Kenyon (hcma), Mitchell Reardon (Happy Cities), Lisa Spitale (City of New Westminster), Graham Brewster (Wesgroup)

8. UEA Project Labs - Collaborations To Elevate Urban Placemaking

   Debut Short Films: Join us as we explore, collaborate and advance urban projects across the Lower Mainland. Projects Labs provides opportunities for our UEA members to take action through funded seed projects: experiments, prototypes and pilots to apply and validate ideas and expand impact across communities.

   Jorden Foss (Stee l& Oak Brewing Co.), Brandon Grossutti (PiDGiN Restaurant), Alex Beim (Tangible Interaction & Graffiti+), Jordan MacDonald (fabric living), Cory Douglas (Modern Formline Design), Ginger Gosnell-Myers (Ginger Gosnell-Myers Consulting), Chief Ian Campbell (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw) and Tim Grant (PCI Developments)

9. Revitalizing Ancient Knowledge Throughout the Cultural Ribbon

   Cory Douglas, Ginger Gosnell-Myers and Chief Ian Campbell will explore historical challenges, successes, and the future vision for integrating Indigenous knowledge, history, and design in today's cities. They’ll discuss The Cultural Ribbon, a groundbreaking policy that advances reconciliation and best practices for urban planning and development in Vancouver.

   Cory Douglas (Modern Formline Design), Ginger Gosnell-Myers (Ginger Gosnell-Myers Consulting), Chief Ian Campbell (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw)