State of Downtown 2025

Don't miss out on this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve on downtown's evolving trends, backed by the latest data and expert insights.

Thank you to Moneris for their support as our Partner Sponsor.

Event Details

• When: Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 | 3:00- 6:00 PM
• Where: Rosewood Hotel Georgia (801 W Georgia) - Spanish Ballroom, 2nd Floor
• There will be passed canapés served with gluten-free and vegan considerations available
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options
• As space is limited, please register today to reserve your spot.

Program

Panel Topic

This year’s panel, “Investing in the Future of Downtown,” will examine the transformative potential of the downtown core. Our panelists will share insights on how strategic investments in businesses, development, and the public realm can support businesses now while positioning downtown for long-term success.

Panelists

Sean McCormick, Vice President of Business Development, Moneris Data Services, joined the company in 2015. Sean is an expert in consumer spending data, using it to enhance economic forecasting and development strategies for both public and private organizations. Initially focused on SaaS products, Sean shifted to support governments during the pandemic by providing reliable consumer spending data to inform crucial policy decisions necessitated by the historical shift in consumer spending behaviour. Working mostly with the public sector, Sean created a network of like-minded researchers and economists who leveraged Moneris data as an input for pandemic support and recovery strategies. This network continues to leverage Moneris spending insights to support a wide range of research objectives, including important consumer spending research conducted by Downtown Van on behalf of its members.

  Mary W. Rowe is one of Canada's leading advocates for place-based policy leadership, with a particular interest in how cities and communities across Canada and the United States foster their own economic, social, and environmental resilience. During her leadership at The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), she has built new partnerships and platforms for city builders from the public, private and community sectors to learn and adapt to challenges in collaborative ways that catalyze sustainable, creative change.  

 

Paul Stoilen began his career in hospitality with roles in bartending and management before joining The Donnelly Group in 2006 as Operating Partner of Republic Nightclub. He has since partially owned and operated over 15 venues, primarily focused on Granville Street. In 2017, Paul co-founded Safe & Sound Entertainment, managing four nightlife businesses and producing the Safe & Sound Music Festival. Currently, he serves as Regional Director of Business Development for The MRG Group while remaining active with Barwatch and the Hospitality Vancouver Association.

Moderator

Speaker

Downtown Van's Advisor, Research + Policy, Sean Bailey will be giving a short presentation on the findings in the report.