Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss.
Vancouver Startup Week is less than two weeks away, so we caught up with our friends there get all your VSW questions answered. And yes, we do have a discount code for you through the link below.
And now, in this week's issue:
A countdown to Vancouver's biggest tech moment of the year
An opportunity for women founders to get pitch-ready for Web Summit
A 5k with fellow founders — running shoes required
PLUS: If you’re hosting a Web Summit afterparty, don’t forget to add it to our Unofficial Master Afterparty List.
UPCOMING EVENTS
🗓 Monday, April 20 | Register
Every couple of weeks, we post up at a bar or café for informal, no-agenda conversation. Grab a beer, coffee, or tea and come talk to us about whatever’s on your mind—fundraising, storytelling, media, community building, where the ecosystem is heading, or something totally different.
Creators x Brands: Building Value in the 2026 Attention Economy presented by Collabstr
🗓 Tuesday, April 21 | Free registration for senior marketers and creators
This conversation brings together voices from both sides of the equation:
Ssonia Ong (Ong Squad) — Creator (10.8M TikTok followers) and digital entrepreneur building audience, influence, and brand partnerships in real time
Ali Adab, Chief Business Officer & Partner at Fixated
Contributing moderator: Ada Slivinski, Growth Strategist and VP, Swerve Strategic
🗓 Wednesday, May 27 | Register
Four days. Thousands of attendees. A global spotlight on Vancouver. Again. Round two is officially over.
Now that the dust has settled, we’re bringing together local leaders from the worlds of tech, startups, and government to unpack year two of Web Summit Vancouver.
SPONSORED BY VRIFY
Solving the Talent Gap Takes More Than AI
Talent shortages are many reshaping industries, but in mineral exploration, they’re pushing the industry to think differently and embrace change. As experienced geoscientists retire and discovery grows more complex, AI is emerging as a critical near-term solution — helping teams scale expertise, accelerate analysis, and do more with less. But technology alone isn’t enough. Addressing the talent gap will require longer-term investment in education, training, and re-framing the industry to attract the next generation of geoscientists. The path forward isn’t either/or, thought: it’s both. Organizations that pair AI-driven efficiency with sustained talent development will be best positioned to navigate today’s constraints while building a more resilient future for discovery. Read more here.
🗓 Tuesday, April 21 | Register
The Vancouver Entrepreneurs Forum (VEF) Road to Web Summit Women in Tech & Impact Tech Pitch Showcase with support from Innovate BC’s R2WSV program is back for 2026! Presented in collaboration with Innovation UBC and NorthX, this training and skill building pathway is designed to prepare high-potential impact businesses with women founders to pitch and sell at one of the world’s most influential global tech events, Web Summit Vancouver.
This program supports women-identifying founders who are serious about sharpening their pitch, strengthening investor readiness, connecting with customers, and increasing their visibility ahead of Web Summit.
SPONSORED BY SHAWNIGAN RETREATS
Your dream Vancouver Island escape
Discover Shawnigan Retreats – where family gatherings and romantic getaways come alive! This lakeside haven features luxury accommodations with everything you crave:
Rejuvenating sauna and hot tub
Game room packed with fun
Private pickleball court
Breathtaking hiking trails
With room for 18, this isn't just a stay – it's the getaway you've been dreaming about!
🗓 Wednesday, April 22 | Register
We are a few weeks out to the second Web Summit Vancouver and we want to rundown some of the exciting things happening at this years event plus get a look at what's been happening in Vancouver's tech ecosystem since last year.
Join Web Summit Vancouver co-hosts Casey Lau and William Johnson (founder of the Vancouver Tech Journal) as we countdown to the 2026 edition of Web Summit Vancouver.
🗓 Tuesday, April 28 | Register
Lace up and join RBCx at the Vancouver Startup Week edition of the Sweat Equity Run Club!
If you enjoy running businesses and pavements, gather with other tech founders at the Sweat Equity Run Club, where we will jog a fun and friendly 5k, starting and ending at North House. Connect, swap stories, and get those endorphins flowing 👟*
*Sponsored listing
SPONSORED BY WEWORK
Ready to find your ideal workspace? For businesses of all sizes—from startups to enterprises—discover coworking space that fits your needs.
Read more → *
🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES
🗓️ Ongoing | Apply
Apply for this cost-sharing grant program that funds small, medium and large enterprises to support skills training for their workforces, including prospective new hires.
SPONSORED BY RIIPEN
Founders and small businesses use Riipen FuturePath to add capacity with skilled student talent. Up to 50% of the student stipend is covered through the Government of Canada iWIL program. Book a call to learn more.
👋 YOUR COMMUNITY
🗣 VTJ Community Slack | Can’t make it to any in-person events? Network and chat with your friendly neighbourhood tech professionals using our dedicated Slack.
🗓️ Vancouver Tech Events Calendar | All local events in one place.
💪 Become a VTJ Corporate Member | Get your brand in front of thousands of tech professionals, investors, decision makers, and leaders. Get in touch today.