LATEST EVENTS & NEWS
March 24th, 2022
Bright Ideas: The Conversation Panel of 2022
The first large-scale, in-person event the OBSA has hosted since 2019 sold out and was the highlight of the semester for all involved with hosting this specially curated event. Originating in 2017, the OBSA Conversation Series brings local business speakers together to engage in a casual, moderated dialogue on topics relevant to business students and professionals alike. This event facilitates a connection between these groups, contributing to a vibrant Okanagan business community and supporting the mandate of the OBSA.
This year's event was presented with the generous support of CPA BC, CBC News, Quails Gate Winery, Big White Ski Resort, Marchant Concessions, Red Bird Brewing and Uprooted Kitchen and Catering. This event's theme was centered on how these successful business owners navigated the pandemic and the ways they plan to innovate and recreate the bustling tourism industry in the Okanagan.
Kelowna is considered one of the most entrepreneurial cities in Canada and this evening's event featured local executives who are leading the charge. From the Vice President of Big White Ski Resort, Michael J. Ballingall, to the CFO of Quail's Gate Winery, J.P. Fowler, and also including the CEO and owner of North America's biggest concession, Todd Marchant, these Okanagan leaders in business shared a great deal of personal insight and strategic advice that led them through the tumultuous terrain of the tourism industry over the last few years.
​
This event was a huge success and the OBSA is so grateful for the opportunity to host these specially curated events that connect Okanagan College's best and brightest with the Okanagan Business community.
March 28th, 2019
OBSA CONNECT PRESENTED BY BDO
OBSA Connect Presented by BDO is the only networking event that provides students of the Okanagan Valley with the opportunity to connect with leading local businesses in a dynamic setting, as evidenced by the integration of both modern and traditional forms of communication amongst tastings of local beer and wines.
​
For the past 39 years, the OBSA has hosted an annual networking event titled “The OBSA Business Reception”, that allows students to connect with local businesses. The event has grown over the years, attracting up to 400 guests including business students, faculty, and local professionals and has evolved from a sit-down dinner reception with keynote speakers, to a stand-up social format. This spring, the event has adopted its new name OBSA Connect, as well as several value-adding elements that will improve upon the focus of creating connections.
​
Held in the heart of the Okanagan School of Business, the Centre for Learning Atrium showcases the next generation of business professionals to the Okanagan business community. Guests will enjoy beer, wine, and cider from local businesses as well as hors d’oeuvres to fuel the conversation. The introduction of the Whova Event App. made possible by a generous donation from The RBC Foundation, enables modern communication to take place before, during, and following the event as well gives guests access to inside information and the chance to win prizes that you will not want to miss!
October 17th, 2019
ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE OKANAGAN
Established in 2017 with the sold-out A Conversation on Innovation and A Conversation on Integration, the OBSA Conversation Series brings local business speakers together to engage in a casual, moderated dialogue on topics relevant to business students and professionals alike. This event facilitates connection between these groups, contributing to a vibrant Okanagan business community and supporting the mandate of the OBSA.
This year's event is presented with the generous support of Labatt Breweries of Canada, will be centered on what it's like to build and run a successful business in the Okanagan.
Kelowna is considered one of the most entrepreneurial cities in Canada and this evening features local executives who are leading the charge. From the largest full service digital agency in the BC Interior, Csek Creative CEO, Nikki Csek joins one of the 100 most powerful women in Canada, Troika Development CEO, Renee Wasylyk and Jason Richards CEO of Minga and Okanagan College's Entrepreneur-in-Residence. With years of experience and knowledge in their respective industries, we can't wait to hear what our speakers have to say about being an entrepreneur in the Okanagan!
And it doesn't stop there! We are featuring wine, beer and cider from local vendors! So don't miss out on a great chance to enjoy some of Kelowna's finest beverages while mingling with local professionals and students.
October 18th, 2018
A CONVERSATION ON INTEGRATION
The generous financial support of BMO set the stage for the second event of the OBSA Conversation Series.
​
A Conversation on Integration was filled with insightful experience and outlook on the topic of integrating several generations into one workforce. Commentary from Mal Griffin, VP of HR for Interior Health; Nick Arkle, CEO of Gorman Brother’s Lumber; and Michelle Rogers, VP of Finance for Two Hat Securities made for a diverse representation of local industries facing change in today’s work places. Okanagan School of Business Professor, Scott Overland, facilitated the conversation as the event MC.
​
Guests enjoyed beer from Stanley Park Brewing and wine from The View Winery and Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Paired with light appetizers, these local beverages accompanied the thought provoking conversation nicely.
​
A huge thank you to all of our sponsors, speakers, guests, and mighty team of volunteers for making A Conversation on Integration such a great evening of food, wine, and dialogue! Watch for next years Conversation Series Event, and we hope to see you there!