VIATeC Membership Benefits
VIATeC’s mandate is to nurture the success of local tech companies, large and small. We meet our mandate through a variety of methods and realise that not everything we do for our members can be quantified with a dollar value. Although we understand the need to keep an eye on return on investment, the value of a membership goes beyond anything that can be seen on the bottom line.
Sector Information and Promotion:
Website -The VIATeC website is a fantastic source of information on the local tech community. The site engages all members of the community, keeping them well informed on news and events in the tech sector. Discussion groups, forums, detailed company profiles for members – all of these will serve to provide up to date information.
Reports - VIATeC provides access to current surveys, reports and studies accessible only to members. Can’t make it to a seminar? Check to see if it was recorded and posted on the site. Need current information on compensation? Check the library for the latest survey.
Peer Round Tables - valuable exchanges of information happen at these peer round discussions. Staff from member companies discuss best practices, issues, opportunities and other areas of specific interest to each group. These groups are only open to peers, increasing the confidentiality and value of the exchanges.
Executive Briefing - VIATeC recognises that the concerns of C-level executives are unique and our executive briefings are designed to address issues at this level. Both a CEO club and Early Stage CEO club operate in order to best match you with your peer group. ACETECH is also geared to CEO’s, with the information and discussion provided by these sessions proving to be incredibly valuable.
Seminars – Members receive a discount to attend, but the value of these seminars goes beyond the monetary. VIATeC arranges seminars that might not occur otherwise. Again, those in attendance tend to be peers, increasing the value of these learning opportunities.
Promotion - VIATeC strives to increase awareness of the importance of our sector. Events bring public awareness of local companies which is keys when companies are seeking investment, government support and employees. Through the annual VIATeC Technology Awards, companies are encouraged to submit nominations to this program which draws media, political figures as well as senior management members of large tech companies. It’s a great gala evening at the conference centre which leaves the 500 guests feeling pumped about our sector
Media Relations - last year VIATeC was featured in nearly 40 local news stories and was instrumental in arranging for 50 member profiles in the media. Coverage ranged from television and radio, to daily and monthly print publications. Editorial coverage is far more valuable than paid advertising and VIATeC pitches story ideas on an ongoing basis to ensure the tech sector remains top of mind. We are also the go-to source for media outlets seeking input on issues which impact our sector, giving us the opportunity to provide balanced input into reporting. The VIATeC 25, Food Bank Challenge and major events provide further story opportunities and generate a great deal of media attention.
Talent
VIATeC works to keep the career opportunities in the Victoria tech sector on the radar screen of current and future job seekers through our online job board and promotional activities.
Career Fairs – from virtual career fairs, to local events, VIATeC is there to represent the full tech community.
Science Fairs – today’s young scientist is tomorrow’s technology employee and we dedicate resources to supporting participation in science fairs as a way to keep kids fired up about science and technology. VIATeC also actively seeks out ways to build strong connections between industry and education to benefit our members now and in the future.
Industry/Education connections - events provide a great opportunity for students and industry leaders to meet. VIATeC seeks out sponsors for student tickets to events such as the Technology Awards. In addition we hold events at post secondary institutions and work with these organizations to build strong bonds with the tech community. Some of our events do double duty by providing not only promotional benefits, but also helping to build community. Connections made at networking events often result in future partnerships, investment or employment.
We also help company’s staff members feel a part of a larger whole through organizing or sponsoring these activities:
- Foodbank Challenge
- Floor Hockey Challenge
- Softball League
- Canary Derby
- Power to Play
Networking and Connections
The strongest reason companies join VIATeC is to network and develop connections. Throughout the year, many opportunities are provided including:
- VIAfest – mixers held 5-6 times per year
- Christmas Party
- Technology Awards
- Golf Tournament
- Softball League
- Floor Hockey Challenge
- Island Tech
- Peer Round Tables
Education and Mentoring
Mentoring - The VIATeC team assists with introductions and mentoring matches and maintains a database of mentoring resources.
Business Accelerator Council – This incredible resource allows companies to bring business challenges to seasoned professionals who will help polish pitches, provide business advice and assist with the pursuit of financing options.
VIATeC works in partnership with a number of other organizations: the BCRSTN, BCTIA and BCIC to provide a cohesive approach to opportunities and challenges for the broader technology industry in BC. This benefits all VIATeC members who are thus able to add their voice to a larger group. In addition, we work closely with other business groups such as the GVCC, GVDA, and Tourism Victoria to benefit the economic future of Victoria.
Technology members of VIATeC have access to all BCTIA member benefits*. Savings on program admissions, business services as well as profile listings in their online directory are immediate benefits you can take advantage of. Click here to see the complete list of BCTIA member benefits.
*Professional service companies, as defined by the BCTIA, are exempt from this agreement.
ACETECH – we were able to provide this high value full day symposium at no cost for tech CEO's who had the opportunity to engage in frank, high level discussions with an expert facilitator.
Island Tech – companies show off their innovations to the public, job seekers, and media.
Peer to Peer Roundtables – these provide an excellent opportunity to share best practices with peers in various management roles.
Seminars and mixers – all staff of member companies are able to attend sessions where they can learn and mingle.
Our member surveys show that most organizations join VIATeC for the networking opportunities, followed by a desire to support VIATeC’s efforts to promote the tech sector and foster a healthy business environment. When larger organizations give back to the tech community, young companies are able to thrive and eventually find themselves in a position to give back. With the support of our members, we are able to nurture interest in science and technology in the school system, attract workers to Victoria and continue to promote local innovation.
