The BIA Presents: The Workshop SeriesFebruary 19, 2025NewsThe BIA Presents: The Workshop Series
Join us for an exciting new workshop series designed to inspire and empower Downtown Squamish BIA members! 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 Experiences
In 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 Consultant
Laura Van der Veer is a seasoned customer engagement consultant and the co-founder of She Summits, where she empowers brands to deepen connections with their customers through experience-driven workshops focused on women’s wellness, confidence, and connection. With over 25 years of experience in retail and customer engagement, Laura has worked with top brands such as Fjällräven, Athleta, Myodetox, Kiehl’s, Fairmont Hotels, and Two Rivers Meats to cultivate brand loyalty and drive sustainable growth.
A passionate advocate for women in business, Laura also mentors female entrepreneurs through initiatives like The Forum and WORTH, helping them navigate growth and leadership challenges. Before founding She Summits, Laura honed her expertise in brand development, community-building, and customer experience through key roles at SPUD.ca, Be Fresh Local Markets, and Pacific Coast Catering. She also owned and operated Crankpots Ceramic Studio, where she gained invaluable hands-on retail ownership experience.
Fun Facts: Laura is a proud mom to a 25-year-old daughter and a plant mama to 55+ houseplants. She’s a Crime Junkies superfan and, when she grows up, she plans to be the oldest (and most enthusiastic!) trail runner in the world!
About the Food:
Emily 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 House
Located 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.
Members – Don’t miss out – space is limited! To reserve your spot, simply click here to sign up. We can’t wait to see you there!
The BIA Presents: The Workshop Series
Join us for an exciting new workshop series designed to inspire and empower Downtown Squamish BIA members! 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 Experiences
In 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 Consultant
Laura Van der Veer is a seasoned customer engagement consultant and the co-founder of She Summits, where she empowers brands to deepen connections with their customers through experience-driven workshops focused on women’s wellness, confidence, and connection. With over 25 years of experience in retail and customer engagement, Laura has worked with top brands such as Fjällräven, Athleta, Myodetox, Kiehl’s, Fairmont Hotels, and Two Rivers Meats to cultivate brand loyalty and drive sustainable growth.
A passionate advocate for women in business, Laura also mentors female entrepreneurs through initiatives like The Forum and WORTH, helping them navigate growth and leadership challenges. Before founding She Summits, Laura honed her expertise in brand development, community-building, and customer experience through key roles at SPUD.ca, Be Fresh Local Markets, and Pacific Coast Catering. She also owned and operated Crankpots Ceramic Studio, where she gained invaluable hands-on retail ownership experience.
Fun Facts: Laura is a proud mom to a 25-year-old daughter and a plant mama to 55+ houseplants. She’s a Crime Junkies superfan and, when she grows up, she plans to be the oldest (and most enthusiastic!) trail runner in the world!
About the Food:
Emily 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 House
Located 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.
Members – Don’t miss out – space is limited! To reserve your spot, simply click here to sign up. We can’t wait to see you there!
