Event Calendar

Belonging at Work: Building Inclusive Cultures in Whistler Businesses

Date and Time

Wednesday Jun 24, 2026
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM PDT

Location

Whistler Chamber Gateway Boardroom
4230 Gate Way Drive, Whistler, BC V8E 0Z8

Fees/Admission

Members $95 | Future Members $125

Contact Information

Chamber Team
Send Email

Enter your email address below to receive a reminder message.

Please complete the Captcha

Description

In a place like Whistler where teams are diverse, fast-moving, and often seasonal, creating a true sense of belonging isn’t optional. It’s a competitive advantage.

This interactive workshop is designed for business owners, managers, and team leads who want to build stronger, more connected workplaces that people want to be part of. Because when your team feels valued and included, everything improves - from retention to performance to the guest experience.

Join Heather Odendaal, Founder & CEO at WNORTH, who will share practical, real-world strategies you can apply immediately to strengthen your team culture and lead with confidence.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

Build a workplace culture where people feel respected, included, and motivated
Recognize and address common barriers to belonging—especially in seasonal and small teams
Use simple, effective communication tools that build trust and alignment
Turn inclusion into a driver of employee retention and team performance

If you’re looking to strengthen your team, reduce turnover, and create a workplace people are proud to be part of - this session is for you.

Spaces are limited (only 22 seats available) - so get in quick!

Meet the Facilitator: Heather Odendaal

Heather Odendaal is the founder of WNORTH, an award-winning leadership platform that has hosted hundreds of workshops, retreats, and summits across North America and the UK. With over 15 years of experience in corporate communications, leadership training, and experience design, Heather specializes in creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and connected. At the 2024 WNORTH Conference, 96% of surveyed attendees rated their sense of belonging 8/10 or higher — a reflection of her intentional, human-centered approach to inclusion.

Heather has been based in Whistler for over 20 years and deeply understands the unique dynamics of our community — including the challenges that come with seasonal employment, cultural diversity, and small team dynamics. She has worked in many Hospitality, Events & Marketing roles in the community before she started her own company in 2010. She has spoken at leadership and business events around the world and is a proud member of the Whistler Chamber.

Testimonials:
“Heather recently presented at our iPower Symposium in Mississauga. She delivered a powerful keynote on The Modern Professional Journey: Finding Balance and Breaking Barriers. She used storytelling and lived experience to captivate the audience, weaving together personal insights with actionable strategies. Her message resonated deeply with our team, sparking meaningful conversations about leadership, resilience, and redefining success. Heather’s authenticity and presence on stage were truly inspiring.”

— Denise Evans, AVP Technology at The Co-operators

“Heather and I worked together in a variety of capacities and I am always struck by her tenacity, compassion, insights and genuine commitment to excellence while supporting and building opportunities for those around her. She has been a star since early in her career with Whistler Blackcomb marketing, executing countless successful detailed events, as well as her deep and powerful network at WNORTH growing women into executive positions. Her work is exceptional and I recommend her as a trusted business partner. I am absolutely confident that she will surpass expectations and make you shine in all endeavors."

— Cassandra Zerebeski, Policy Director, Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC)

Cancellation Policy: Payment is non-refundable for cancellations made within five (5) business days of the event, or non-attendance on the day. If you have registered and paid for an event or training, you will be automatically added to the attendance list. Photographs taken at the event may be used in marketing and promotional campaigns and messaging by the Chamber.

Event Sponsors