The BIA Presents: The Workshop Series

Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association

Join us for an exciting new workshop series designed to inspire and empower Downtown Squamish BIA members!

The Ledge

Our first workshop will take place on Thursday, March 13, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Ledge Coffee House in the heart of downtown Squamish. This special event will feature delicious bites from Dine Wilder, paired with an insightful workshop, "Creating Customer Engagement Experiences," hosted by Laura Van der Veer, Co-founder of She Summits.Workshop Overview:Creating Customer Engagement ExperiencesIn this hands-on workshop, Laura will share innovative strategies to help brands create memorable customer experiences that drive engagement and loyalty. She will focus on in-store events that foster community connections and create lasting relationships, offering practical tips to transform your space and boost sales. Whether you're a small business owner or part of a larger organization, this workshop will provide valuable insights on building meaningful customer engagement.Meet Your Workshop Speaker:Laura Van der Veer, Co-Founder of She Summits | Retail Experiential Marketing ConsultantLaura is a seasoned customer-centric entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in retail and customer engagement. As co-founder of She Summits, she works with leading brands to enhance customer engagement through experience-driven workshops focused on women’s wellness, confidence, and connection. Her work has helped top brands like Fjällräven, Athleta, Myodetox, Fairmont Hotels, and Two Rivers Meats build authentic relationships with their customers, fostering brand loyalty and driving sustainable growth.In addition to her consulting work, Laura is passionate about supporting women in business through mentoring programs like The Forum and WORTH, where she helps female entrepreneurs navigate growth and leadership. Prior to founding She Summits, Laura held key roles in brand development, community-building, and customer experience at SPUD.ca and Pacific Coast Catering.With her unique blend of hands-on retail experience and a deep understanding of the challenges small businesses face, Laura brings fresh, impactful insights to every workshop.Fun Fact: Laura is a proud plant mom to 55+ house plants and is a dedicated Crime Junkies fan!About the Food:Dine Wilder / Graze WilderEmily Shimwell, founder of Dine Wilder Events and co-founder of Graze Wilder Charcuterie, is passionate about the art of connection. She curates immersive experiences that bring people together in meaningful and memorable ways. Whether through beautifully designed gatherings, intentional conversations, or shared meals, Emily believes in creating moments that engage all the senses and leave a lasting imprint. Emily also takes her craft into retail and unconventional spaces, transforming them into intimate dinner retreats for women. These unique experiences not only offer a night of connection but also bring attention to the host venue, raising awareness of its potential. In this workshop, she will present a stunning grazing table, thoughtfully paired with carefully selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to complement the experience.Fun Fact: Once you’ve met Laura and Emily, it’ll be of no surprise to you that their shared favourite book is Unreasonable Hospitality; one they both highly recommend for any business owners wishing to enhance their customer experience.About the Venue:The Ledge Coffee HouseLocated in the heart of downtown Squamish, The Ledge Coffee House is a ministry center and pay-it-forward café. Their mission is to foster a sense of community through quality coffee and create a space where everyone feels welcome. We are grateful to The Ledge for generously hosting our event on March 13.Why Sign Up?This workshop is an incredible opportunity to gain practical insights into customer engagement, learn from a seasoned expert, and connect with other local businesses. Whether you’re looking to drive sales, build brand loyalty, or simply enhance your customer experience, Laura’s expertise will provide you with the tools and inspiration you need to succeed. Plus, you'll enjoy delicious food, drinks, and a chance to network in a welcoming and supportive environment.This workshop is for BIA Members - Don’t miss out – space is limited! We can’t wait to see you there!

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The BIA Presents: The Workshop Series

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The BIA Presents: The Workshop Series

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