WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5TH, 2025
MICROTEL INN & SUITES BY WYNDHAM
REGISTRATION AT 8:30 AM
SYMPOSIUM STARTS AT 9:00 AM UNTIL 4PM
(Includes: Refreshments, Lunch, Snacks)



DONT MISS OUT ON THIS INFORMATIVE SYMPOSIUM - REGISTER TODAY!
The Business IT Symposium is an exciting and dynamic event designed to bring together business owners, educators, IT professionals, and community members to explore how technology can revolutionize local business growth and community development.
Thank you to our symposium sponsors:




Through insightful workshops, expert-led discussions, and interactive networking opportunities, participants will gain valuable tools and strategies to harness the power of technology for their success. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to streamline operations, an educator exploring new tech solutions, or simply curious about the future of IT, this event is for you! Additionally, the symposium will address pressing issues like cybersecurity and business fraud, providing attendees with practical knowledge to safeguard their organizations in the digital age.
FEATURED SPEAKERS

CONSTABLE GARY O’BRIAN, RCMP
– BUSINESS FRAUD SESSION
Reserve Constable Gary O’Brien retired from the RCMP in 2021 after 32 years of service. Shortly afterwards he signed a 3-year contract to continue his employment as a Reserve Constable with the Nanaimo RCMP.
He is currently the Media Relations Officer (MRO) for the local detachment, a position he has held for the past 15 years. Along with his duties as the MRO, he is also the Crime Stoppers Coordinator for Central Vancouver Island and Block Watch Coordinator for the Nanaimo RCMP. On top of these duties, he is often called upon to speak to present to various groups on any number of police related topics.
During his career Gary he has worked in Powell River and the remainder in Nanaimo. While in the harbor city, he has been posted to the Bike Squad, the Drug Unit, as a School Liaison Officer and General Duty. Prior to joining the RCMP he worked as a geologist in various provinces across Canada. He is married and is blessed to have three beautiful intelligent adult kids who are starting their own careers as a Nurse, a Probation Officer and Pipe Fitter.
In his down time, Gary likes to hike, bike, fish, workout, travel and watch his Canucks play inspiring hockey.
Today, Gary will be addressing the issues of fraud and scams in our community, the impact they have, who is responsible for carrying them out and what we can do individually and collectively to protect ourselves and our hard-earned money.
DJ LEVY, ALPHA, IT AND WEB DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS
– CYBERSECURITY SESSION
As President of ALPHA IT for the past eight years, DJ Levy has been dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and enhancing clients’ businesses. Under DJ’s leadership, ALPHA IT has become a trusted partner for organizations seeking innovative solutions that drive efficiency and growth. With a steadfast commitment to keeping clients’ data safe, ALPHA IT ensures that every strategy not only meets but exceeds industry security standards. DJ’s passion for excellence continues to steer ALPHA IT toward empowering businesses in a secure and ever-evolving technological landscape.

JENNIFER HUFNAGEL, HUFNAGEL CONSULTING
– CHAT GPT 101 SESSION
Jennifer Hufnagel is an accomplished corporate trainer, operations consultant, and AI Enthusiast. With a Bcom in Entrepreneurship from UVIC, she brings 25 years of experience as a Learning & Development Specialist and Business Consultant.
Through her consulting practice, Hufnagel Consulting, she helps small to medium businesses, nonprofits, Fortune 100 companies, optimize their operations, adopt new technologies, and train their teams. At Innovation Island, Jennifer co-created the DER3 Program, which helped over 460 Vancouver Island businesses “Get Digital” and expanded to serve organizations across British Columbia.
Jennifer is known for her energy, enthusiasm and strong ability to Get “Stuff” Done.