The community of new businesses, tech-based companies, and startup entrepreneurs is invited to meet one of the provincial officials most responsible for fostering those ventures.
Amrik Virk, the Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services, will be the first of many special guests at a conference aimed at sparking and inspiring Prince George-based companies, large and small, with innovative ideas.
He is the keynote speaker at the Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Conference on Wednesday.
"Having Minister Virk face to face like that, is, we think, a great opportunity, but he is just one of many who will be there at this conference," said Marja Sheare of the Innovation Central Society, one of the main organizers of the event.
Some of the other business professionals who will be in attendance, available to share their expertise, include SparkGeo boss Will Cadell, JR Canmap president John Rankin.
Dean Prelazzi, the managing director of the B.C. Acceleration Network (part of the BC Innovation Council), will also be available to participants. He will lead a session focused on giving big punch to product positioning.
Another speech will be delivered by Greg Caws, the CEO of the B.C. Innovation Council, as he talks about how to grow and upscale.
The day is segmented into target-discussion groups and speeches.
"There will opportunities for collaboration with universities and researchers on new product development, designing great product experiences from the start, making sense of intellectual property protection, and a research and development tax credit primer," said Sheare.
"If you are a new startup, an inventor, entrepreneur, a company looking to expand into a new market, or are looking for product advice management or have research and development questions, this conference is for you."
The ICE Conference happens from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Coast Inn of the North. RSVP is required but there is no cost to attend. Luncheon and networking reception are included.
For registration and other information, email marja@innovationcentral.ca.
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