Big change often starts with a simple question: What if? At the Rising Economy Conference 2026, the focus shifts to the more powerful one — What’s next?
Produced by South Island Prosperity Partnership and taking place March 10 to 11 at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, Rising Economy 2026 is Greater Victoria’s largest multi-sector business conference, designed for entrepreneurs, innovators, business owners, public leaders and community builders.
With the theme of “Activating Possibility,” this year’s conference 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.
The agenda blends insight with energy, from rapid-fire innovation sessions with emerging companies to candid “Ask Me Anything” conversations, including one with the mayors of Victoria, Saanich, Sidney and View Royal.
Attendees will hear from economists, innovators, founders, CEOs and civic leaders on topics ranging from Canada’s pivot in a fragmenting global order to avoiding obsolescence in the age of AI. Featured speakers include: Judith Bosire, Chief Economist, Vancity; Jason Morehouse, CEO, HiBoop; Tinka Robev, CEO, Puzzle Lab; Justin Young, Owner, Canadian Tire; Ian Chisholm, Author, Quiet Champions; Mike Vardy, Author and Productivity Strategist, and many more.
“As long-standing assumptions about how economies and businesses operate are being rewritten — particularly with the uncertainty south of the border — Rising Economy helps leaders gain clarity, learn from each other and move forward with confidence,” says Dallas Gislason, Executive Director, Regional Economic Development, South Island Prosperity Partnership, which has produced the conference for six years.
Gislason adds, “We want to thank RBC (Presenting Sponsor) and Vancity (Catalyst Sponsor) for sponsoring the Rising Economy Conference since it launched in 2020 and for taking such a long-range view to nurturing Greater Victoria’s economy.”
Rising Economy 2026 takes place March 10–11 at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort. Tickets are now available at ourrisingeconomy.com. The early-bird discount rate extends to Feb 16.
Rising Economy: Additional Quotes
“RBC has proudly supported the Rising Economy Conference since its inception, recognizing its critical role in advancing Greater Victoria’s economic growth. By uniting leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, the conference delivers practical strategies that accelerate regional prosperity — a mission we’re deeply committed to advancing. Through collaboration and innovation, we’re dedicated to helping shape a thriving future for our community.” — Martin Thibodeau, Regional President, RBC
“With trade, geopolitics, interest rates and productivity all in motion, the real choice for businesses is whether to stay reactive — or act intentionally in ways that support both business growth and long‑term stability for people and communities. Rising Economy is about activating that intent: bringing people together to turn uncertainty into possibility through collaboration, shared insight, and action.” — Judith Bosire, Chief Economist, Vancity
