Totem Summit, high adventure at Whistler tech conference, March 26 – 28

By @SimonCocking. We interview Sau Cheng to find out more about the new Totem Summit. The world’s most adventurous #tech#conference. #Speakers, #investors, #executives #network and discuss #futureofwork and the next economy. Join us Mar 26-28th. 

When is it on?

March 26 – 28, 2017

How many years has it been going?

Totem Summit 2017 is our inaugural event!

What was the inspiration to start it?

We’ve traveled the globe and have attended many great conferences. The challenge has always been the limited ability to break the ice with other attendees and getting through the high volumes of speaker/exhibitors while making meaningful connections. So, we decided to disrupt the conference model and make it unconventional by focusing on fun with adventure networking!

What exciting things can people look forward to this year?

TOTEM SUMMIT’s theme this year: The Future of Work, Technology, and Business for the NEXT Economy

1. During the day, attendees will have the chance to go “Adventure Networking” – where they will participate in some form of ice breaker activity (snowshoe talks, gondola rides, etc.). For those looking for a premium experience, our Featured and VIP Passes offer an option of an Olympic activity (bobsled), a lift ticket, a snowmobiling experience, or the Nordic inspired, outdoor Scandinav Spa.

In the evening, everyone can attend the Digital Night Market, inspired by the Christmas markets in Europe. The Digital Night Market is an indoor/outdoor marketplace which includes business showcases, live stream broadcasting from media partners, music performances, film screenings, speakers, and of course, curated matchmaking sessions in the lounge (we have 3 specific tracks B2B Sales, Investment, and Talent Acquisition).

2. We are also partnering with other tech conferences around the globe so our attendees get a taste of their conference. Each of our partnered conferences will host an activity in the Digital Night Market and there will be a surprise for our attendees!

What opportunities are on offer for startups, investors, and companies attending?

We want a unique and curated experience for our attendees so our executive team is learning about individual needs and providing the right opportunity for them. For instance, we provide our VIP?s? with a 1-1 consultation prior to the event so their prospects are on-site to make deals happen. Whether that’s an investor looking for other investors or ?investors looking for startups. ?There are no additional costs for these services while other conferences charge a premium fee for these types of opportunities.

What tips would you give to people attending to get the most out of it?

Try Adventure Networking with us! Connecting with people while having fun and they’ll take you more seriously in the boardroom. We’ve tried it and know it works!

How can people book tickets?

Visit www.totemsummit.com/ to purchase tickets. Special promotion of 50% all passes until 29/01/17 with limited availability. We recommend buying as early as possible since the activities are filling up fast and that gives us more time to ensure the attendees are matched up with who they need to meet.

Anything else you’d like to add / we should have asked?

We’re working closely with our partners to support job creation and economic development for the people in Whistler.

Our host for the conference, The Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Center is a center that represents the community and joint partnership between two First Nations. Mindful of the historic precedence of shared lands and the overlapping interests in land stewardship, the Lil’wat Nation met with the Squamish Nation in 1999 to discuss land use and planning in areas of traditional territory overlap. As a result, in 2001 the two Nations signed a historic Protocol Agreement, which formalized our mutual relationship. This Protocol Agreement commits us to continued co-operation in matters of cultural and economic development, and co-management of shared territory. The only agreement of its kind in Canada, the Protocol Agreement, formalized our mutual relationship. In the spirit of this partnership, we will be providing free exhibit space and passes to the First Nations community.

In addition, we are supporting the Whistler Sport Legacies which is a not-for-profit organization that honors the spirit of sport from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. On June 1, 2010, WSL became responsible for the operation of the Whistler Sliding Centre, Whistler Olympic Park and the Whistler Athletes’ Centre to provide active, accessible and safe opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

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