Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss.
And now, in this week’s edition:
Coffee, conversation, and a fresh start
What's ahead for Vancouver tech in 2026
The global battle for talent heats up
One quick note: This is our last Midweek Memo until January! We hope you enjoy the holiday season and a well-deserved break with family and friends.
UPCOMING EVENTS
🗓 Thursday, January 15 | Register
Join the Vancouver Tech Journal team for an informal coffee meetup to kick off the new year. William Johnson and Nicole Hsueh will be there, along with friends of VTJ, for relaxed conversation and a low-key catch-up after the holidays.
SPONSORED BY VRIFY
The Real Barrier to Effective Machine Learning
Effective machine learning starts with disciplined data, yet exploration datasets often span decades of inconsistent formats, missing context, and ad-hoc structures. This piece outlines how automation, modern data schemas, and focused human review can transform legacy records into coherent, ML-ready inputs, highlighting insights that extend well beyond mineral exploration.
🗓 Wednesday, January 21 | Register
Vancouver’s tech sector is entering a pivotal moment. After years of rapid growth, shifting global markets, rising capital costs, and evolving talent dynamics are reshaping what it means to build and scale in this city.
As we head into 2026, founders, operators, and investors are asking big questions: Where is the momentum? What headwinds should we be preparing for? And where are the real opportunities emerging?
🗓 Wednesday, January 28 | Register
Join Vancouver Tech Journal and Chartered Professional Accountants of BC (CPABC) for an exciting conversation at the intersection of accounting and technology. Discover how CPAs and founders are building smarter businesses, unlocking efficiencies, and creating game-changing opportunities that go far beyond traditional roles.
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, February 18 | Register
Canada has long been seen as a magnet for skilled talent — but with shifting immigration policies, rising global competition, and new incentives emerging in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, the landscape is rapidly changing.
So the real question is: Can Canada keep its edge? And what will it take to win the next decade of talent?
🗓 Thursday, February 26 | Register
Join Vancouver Tech Journal and BCIT for an in-depth conversation on how technology is reshaping the way we anticipate, respond to, and recover from disruptions. From wildfire detection and emergency response to infrastructure modernization, workforce readiness, and data-driven decision-making, this event will explore where BC is leading, where gaps remain, and what it will take to build a truly resilient province.
SPONSORED BY FASKEN MARTINEAU
Fasken has supported founders, investors and acquirers in the emerging tech ecosystem for over 30 years. We offer a full suite of services that scale as your needs evolve. Learn 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 NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Northeastern University Vancouver invites you to a webinar on January 20 to learn about graduate programs, industry partnerships, and campus life. See how experiential learning gives students an edge in B.C.’s tech market. Register now.
👋 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.