Let's Talk Business: A panel discussion

Let's Talk Business: A panel discussion on the challenges and successes of navigating a business, job, and industry in today’s landscape

Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2024

Time: 4:00-5:30 PM

Join us on Wednesday, March 10th from 4:00pm-5:30 PM (MST) for a panel discussion with some of Western Canada’s most exceptional business owners and industry leaders. Learn about navigating the challenges and successes of a business, job, and industry in today’s landscape.

We'll be joined by our panelists: Penny Dyte and Bretton Grassie: Co-Owners of Venue 308, Duncan Ly: Chef/Owner of Foreign Concept, Jill Belland: Co-Founder of Barre Belle Inc. and The Belle Bod online workouts and Gemma Scott: Operations Director, Go2 Productions Inc. This conversation will be moderated by Joel Olandesca: CEO/Founder of SOS Charging Solutions.

In this session, we will discuss the obstacles faced when starting a business, managing employees in times of hardship, and how to be a leader in the face of adversity. We will hear from different industries experiences in regard to support they have received, new solutions they have implemented, and how they continue to navigate an ever-changing world of consumer habits.

We’ll explore a moderated discussion designed to inspire, and provide hope for other employers and employees, in a range of industries.

A link to the virtual platform will be sent out a few days prior to the event.

Our panelists:

Penny Dyte and Bretton Grassie: Co-Owners of Venue 308

Venue 308 is a unique multi-faceted event space in the heart of Calgary’s Victoria Park District. Located in the historic 1910 Louise Block, the Venue is 5,000 sq ft of brick, wood, and elegance. From the minute one walks into the welcoming entry, to the last dance of the evening, Venue 308 has been created to bring experiences to life and magic to memories.

Started by mother and daughter team, Penny Dyte, with a 30 year background in executive level positions in the financial and risk management industry, and Bretton Grassie, a professional photographer with over 10 years experience, Venue 308 came to life in October 2019 to service weddings, corporate events, workshops, group and business meetings, community markets, events and photo/video studio rental needs.

Core values of empathy, creativity, entrepreneurialism, and humbleness make Venue 308 truly a team that makes everyone feel like they are in "a place for everyone".

Duncan Ly: Chef/Owner of Foreign Concept

Originally from Lethbridge, AB - Chef Duncan Ly's career has taken him throughout Western Canada to work at the country’s most esteemed dining establishments including Tofino’s Wickaninnish Inn, Vancouver’s Diva and in Calgary at Catch, Hotel Arts, Kensington Riverside Inn and The Vintage Group of Restaurants.

Chef Ly is a proud member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and in earlier years was awarded the prestigious Karl Schier award as Vancouver’s Top Apprentice and represented Vancouver as an apprentice at the Canadian selection for the Bocuse d'or, one of the top international culinary competitions held in France. With numerous competitions, including two silver medal finishes at Gold Medal Plates Calgary, followed by two gold medal finishes in 2010 and 2014 under his belt, he continues to mentor young chefs across the country on their quest for culinary awards and competition podiums.

In January 2017, Calgary's Beltline neighbourhood became home to award-winning chef Duncan Ly and his vision for modern Pan-Asian cuisine, Foreign Concept. Here, dishes take flavour profiles from Duncan's Vietnamese roots, infused with inspiration from executive chef Jinhee Lee's Korean background and their combined love for bold flavours, charm and whimsy.

Chef Ly’s commitment to sustainable, seasonal and local ingredients makes the dining experience at Foreign Concept a true fusion of a passion for scratch made food, traditional cooking techniques presented with modernity.

Jill Belland: Co-Founder of Barre Belle Inc.

Jill Belland is an award winning entrepreneur and co-founder of Barre Belle Inc. and The Belle Bod online workouts. Prior to Barre Belle Inc., Jill Belland spent 16 years as an acclaimed television host and broadcaster for MTV Canada, A-Channel, and CityTV. She won numerous awards during her broadcasting career and was named “Best TV Host” by the Alberta Motion Picture Industry 3 times.

Gemma Scott: Operations Director, Go2 Productions Inc.

Gemma is the co-owner and Operations Director at Go2 Productions. She has 25+ yrs experience in administration and operations roles ranging from systems set up, audit, management of HR, accounts, sales and contracting. Gemma ensures operations run effectively and recruits new and emerging talent. She is the IPP of ILEAVancouver, member of Tourism Vancouver and DigiBC.

Our moderator:

Joel Olandesca: CEO/Founder of SOS Charging Solutions

With his extensive experience in mobile technology, marketing, and finances, Joel created and co-founded SOS Charging Solutions.

Joel is a passionate advocate for the events industry and the impact it has on the global economy and culture. He served as the President of the International Live Events Association - Calgary Chapter for the 2018/2019 chapter year. Being involved and volunteering directly in the industry allows him to continue on his path as an evolving event professional.

In addition to being an entrepreneur and innovator, he is also a firm believer of giving back to others. Joel is an avid volunteer who loves to support causes that are close to his heart.