True Confessions Session: Tonya Surman, CEO of the Centre for Social Innovation

Schedule 2025

8:11 am

Optional: Milk Jar Candle Tour

Join founder Holly Singer for a tour of Milk Jar's production space and learn how she built a nationally recognized brand rooted in strong values and community impact. This tour also offers a unique opportunity for more intimate conversation with Holly before she takes the stage as the True Confessions speaker that evening.

Holly Singer

11:00 am

Optional: Pre-event Networking Brunch

Start building connections before SVI officially begins. Join fellow attendees for a casual meal at a local values-aligned restaurant. No formal program, just good food and conversation. Food and beverages for this meal are at your own expense. Location to be announced.

1:00 pm

Arrival and Registration

Arrive to Ralph Klein and register

1:30 pm

Welcome, Smudging and Intro

2:30 pm

Marketplace of Ideas

Got an idea, project, or opportunity you’d like to share? You'll have the option to step up and give a 60-second pitch to the group. It’s a supportive, low-pressure environment to let others know what you’re working on.

3:45 pm

Nourish & Connect

Take a moment to recharge with snacks and refreshments while connecting with fellow attendees.

4:00 pm

Workshops

Expect actionable tools, fresh ideas, and strategies you can put to use right away. Workshop topics will be announced soon.

6:15 pm

Dinner

Enjoy a shared meal with fellow attendees and speakers. Opportunities for one on one time with business experts.

6:28 pm

Sunset

7:15 pm

True Confessions: Holly Singer, Milk Jar Candle Co.

True Confessions aren’t polished success stories—they’re honest conversations about the challenges, failures, and hard-earned lessons behind the journey. Join Holly Singer, Founder & CEO of Milk Jar Candle Co., as she shares the realities of building a multi-million-dollar brand carried in over 600 retail locations worldwide, while staying true to her values along the way.

Holly Singer

8:45 pm

Band, Cocktails and Mingling

8:00 am

Sunrise Ceremony

Ceremony begins 8:00 AM, sunrise begins at 8:13 AM :)

9:00 am

Case Study

A local business shares a real challenge they’re facing, and the room works together to explore possible paths forward. A panel of experienced leaders and the audience both contribute ideas, questions, and perspectives to help uncover new possibilities.

10:30 am

Connection & Reflection Time

Book a one-on-one conversation with an expert, connect with another attendee, or step outside and enjoy some time in nature.

11:00 am

Peer Circles & Lunch

In groups of five, each participant will have the opportunity to bring a current business challenge, receive feedback, and learn from the experiences and perspectives of others.

1:00 pm

Nature Break

A chance to slow down and spend time on the land. This time can also be used for optional one-on-one conversations with business experts.

1:30 pm

True Confessions: Käthe Lemon, Red Point Media

True Confessions aren’t polished success stories—they’re honest conversations about the challenges, setbacks, and failures along the way. Join Käthe Lemon, President & Co-Owner of RedPoint Media Group, as she shares the realities of building one of Western Canada’s leading independent media companies.

Käthe Lemon

3:00 pm

Closing Circle

Some of the most meaningful conversations happen at the very end. Join us as we gather one final time to reflect, connect, and bring the SVI experience to a close.