MAKING AI WORK FOR YOU
Canadian energy starts here
Publisher
Jim Schneider | jim@ifr-helijet.com
Editor Stacie Gaetz | editor@islandparent.ca
Graphic Design
Brent Foote
Account Executive
Kristine Wickheim | kristine@ifr-helijet.com
Special Contributor
Alexis Santacruz
Distribution:
Distribution in all scheduled Helijet aircraft and passenger terminals, including Vancouver Harbour, Victoria, Nanaimo and YVR Airport. Also available at local hotels.
Published by:
Island Parent Magazine
518 Caselton Place
Victoria BC V8Z 7Y5
Tel 250.388.6905
publisher@islandparent.ca
ISSN 1916-5080
In-Flight Review
FALL 2025 Vol. 18 No. 3
In-Flight Review (IFR) is a quarterly magazine published by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., for Helijet International Inc. All published material is the copyright of Island Parent Group. No part of this publication, in whole or in part, may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The written and photographic material published in In-Flight Review does not necessarily reflect the views of the air carrier or the publisher. Information and images produced in the magazine are believed to be accurate and truthful, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors.
Advertising in In-Flight Review magazine does not indicate an endorsement by Helijet International Inc. or Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd.
HELIJET FLEET
LEARJET
“Mulling around the hangar floor affords me a reality check of why I got into this business.”
How Helijet’s Co-Founder Turned a Bold Idea into a BC Icon
We sat down with Helijet president and CEO (or as he humbly calls himself, “chief bottle washer”)
Danny Sitnam to learn how he got started in the business, what he’s learned and what habits are helping him stay successful.
Over the past almost 40 years, Helijet has become a familiar name in the skies over British Columbia, but few people know the personal story behind its founding. From its modest beginnings with just one helicopter and a small crew, the company has grown into a critical transportation provider and community partner.
In our conversation, Sitnam shared the pivotal moments that shaped Helijet, the challenges they overcame, and how staying hands-on keeps him focused on the day-to-day operations.
How and when did you start your business?
The idea of Helijet started in 1984 or ’85. I was a helicopter pilot working in Northern BC, Alberta and the Yukon. The industry, as a whole, is very nomadic because helicopters are used in remote areas with no road structures. I wanted to stabilize and think of a way to use helicopters in one area. That drew me to the Lower Mainland, and I started researching how businesspeople get back and forth from the island. I knew seaplanes had been doing it for years and I thought, helicopters could too.
How many employees do you have?
We started out with one helicopter and 12 employees in November of 1986, and we are now up to 17 to 18 aircraft (including two jets) and 170 full-time employees.
Danny Sitnam, President/CEO of Helijet
What is the most unexpected aspect of your job?
I’m probably accused of being too involved. What I mean by that is, I like to get my hands dirty. I am enthusiastic and like to know all the details so I will go into an aircraft and see a little piece of torn carpet and I’ll ask the crew chief if they would like me to help them fix it. Mulling around the hangar floor affords me a reality check of why I got into this business.
Where do you see your business in 10 years?
I think we will expand in two ways in the future:
We are really exploring the non-profit side of things. My son Owen and I founded an organization called Helicopters Without Borders and we raised donations to buy helicopter time and use it to deliver clinicians and dentists to remote communities that don’t have access to health care. We have attracted the attention of the BC and Alberta government with the program, and we see this program growing.
The second area is technology. It is an exciting time to be in aviation. Much like cars, helicopters are moving into being powered by electrical motors. We are in the process of studying the infrastructure and ordering the first electric-powered helicopters in Canada. They should be here in 2030. They operate at a much lower cost, are extremely quiet and of course they are environmentally conscious. It could essentially become an Uber of the air where you can get from one point to another in a very affordable manner.
How has your perspective of success changed over the years?
At the beginning of this journey, profitability was always on my mind. Over the years, I have looked more at the social side and realized that interfacing with people and the community is really the way to profitability, rather than putting profitability first. A company’s number one asset truly is the people.
What daily habits help you succeed?
I get up early in the morning and go into the office. As much as things changed during COVID and we don’t have everyone come into work every day, I think it is important for people to see me here. They want to know who is “steering the ship.” I want my colleagues to know: “I have skin in the game with you.”
What are you most proud of?
Businesswise, I am most proud of certain events we do every year for the community. My favorite opportunity is when we fly Santa to several children’s hospitals on the island and Lower Mainland. It is just amazing to see the kids’ faces when Santa gets out of his red and white helicopter.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
I would encourage younger me to have a better work/ life balance. I have a grandson now and it is part of my routine to go and see him every morning before work. It makes me realize that I missed some of that time with my kids.
What book are you currently reading?
I have never read a book cover-to-cover in my life. I read a lot of reports and pieces in magazines. I just don’t read cover-to-cover and the few times that I have tried, I didn’t get anything out of it. If I had to choose something, I think it would be National Geographic. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I was destined to become a machinist. I always enjoyed working with my hands. I was in my third year at the Vancouver Vocational Institute, and I was also working at a steakhouse at the top of Burnaby Mountain. I was about 17 or 18 and a helicopter touched down behind the restaurant. I got to talking to the pilot and it turns out the client who hired the helicopter for a half an hour didn’t show up, so he asks if I want to go for a ride. At 17, I am thinking “this is really cool!” I went home that night and I said “Dad, I think I found a different road in life.”
What is your guilty pleasure?
I have a sweet tooth that I really have to curtail. I am trying to learn to only eat with my eyes but it can be hard because we get samples of food around here a lot so there is temptation. As you get older, you realize how important your health is, so my diet is much better now than it has been in the past.
What is a quote that guides you in your life?
“Look for the good things in everyone you meet.” That quote is from my father. He always said it will get you further to not put too much time or energy into the bad things and it has served me well.
HELIJET CHARTERS
From the moment you step on board, Helijet’s luxurious Citation X business jet is ready to go. This roomy jet can whisk up to 8 passengers in quiet luxury anywhere in North and Central America nonstop... including Hawaii. Your time is valuable, and the Citation X is one of the fastest corporate jets in the sky, with a spacious cabin and amenities that allow you to work smart en route...or just lie back, relax, and recharge.
• Full phone wi-fi, internet and streaming movie service at each seat
• Ample temperature-controlled luggage and cargo compartment
• Private washroom and lavatory facilities
• Up to 8 club-style cabin passenger seating
• Arrive fast, refreshed, and ready for whatever the day (or night) has to offer
• Helijet’s Citation X can also take you from Vancouver to anywhere in Europe with a single fuel stop on the way
Contact Helijet’s Charter Services and let us know where you need to be and when you need to be there, then leave the rest to us.
Victoria’s Tech Scene Takes Off
By Dan Gunn, VIATEC
Victoria may be known for its historic harbour, mild climate, and laid-back West Coast lifestyle, but behind the postcard views, a modern success story has been steadily unfolding. Over the past two decades, Greater Victoria has transformed into one of British Columbia’s fastest-growing technology hubs, home to an industry that now rivals the region’s traditional economic pillars like tourism, government, and education.
This rise did not happen overnight. Even through the global turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Victoria’s tech sector did not just hold its ground, it expanded, creating new companies, sustaining established ones, and adding jobs at a pace few other industries could match. That resilience has become a defining feature of the region’s innovation economy.
At the centre of this transformation is VIATEC (Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council), the nonprofit that has spent more than 35 years helping local tech companies start, grow, and thrive. VIATEC connects entrepreneurs to resources, fosters collaboration across the community, celebrates success stories, and advocates for the sector’s needs with all levels of government.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Earlier this year, VIATEC released the 2024 Economic Impact of the Greater Victoria Tech Sector report, an independent study measuring the industry’s contribution to the region. The results are striking.
In 2023, local tech companies generated $5.9 billion in direct revenue, up from just $1 billion in 2004. When the indirect impacts are included, such as the suppliers, service providers, and spin-off industries that benefit from tech sector spending, the number jumps to $7.9 billion. That is a 51 percent increase since the last study in 2017.
“This study shows the real power of collaboration in our tech community,” says VIATEC CEO Dan Gunn. “The growth we have seen is incredible, and it underscores why continued support and investment matter, not just for tech, but for the entire region’s prosperity.”
People Power
The sector’s success is built on people. In 2023, more than 20,000 people worked in Greater Victoria’s tech ecosystem, including nearly 2,100 self-employed professionals. The demand for skilled talent remains high, especially in software engineering, product development, sales, and marketing.
Each of those high-value jobs has a ripple effect, supporting local businesses from restaurants and coffee shops to arts organizations and real estate. In turn, that economic diversity helps protect the region from downturns in other industries, making the economy more resilient.
Why Victoria?
For entrepreneurs and investors, Victoria offers a compelling mix: a skilled workforce, shorter commutes, proximity to the US market, and a lifestyle that blends productivity with year-round outdoor recreation. The region is also home to strong post-secondary institutions, including the University of Victoria and Camosun College, which help train and supply a steady stream of new talent.
Challenges to Address
With growth comes pressure. Housing affordability tops the list of concerns for both employers and employees, as rising costs can make it harder to attract and retain skilled workers. Broader societal challenges, including homelessness and property crime, have also become more prominent since 2017.
These are not unique to Victoria, but they require attention to ensure the region remains competitive in the global race for talent. VIATEC and its partners continue to engage with policymakers, business leaders, and community organizations to work toward solutions.
A Region Worth Watching and Backing
British Columbia consistently ranks among the top three provinces in Canada for tech employment, and Greater Victoria is one of its brightest stars. The city is home to hundreds of innovative companies, from earlystage startups to export-driven scale-ups, whose products and services are used in markets around the world.
For investors, the region offers a strong track record of growth, a culture of collaboration, and a steady supply of talent. For entrepreneurs, it is a place where creativity and quality of life intersect in a way that few other locations can match.
Whether you are a CEO scouting a new satellite office location, a venture capitalist looking for the next breakout company, or a traveller curious about the businesses shaping tomorrow’s economy, Greater Victoria’s tech sector is worth a closer look.
The full 2024 Economic Impact of the Greater Victoria Tech Sector report is available at viatec.ca/tech-industry-studies-reports.
Start Smart: How to Turn Tech into Business Growth
By Alexis Santacruz, OpenWorks
Across industries , from real estate to manufacturing to professional services, leaders are looking for ways to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and deliver better client experiences.
But for many executives, the question isn’t “Should we use AI?” It’s “Where do we start?”
Here’s a practical framework that can help you go from AI-curiosity to meaningful business impact, without derailing your day-to-day operations.
1. Focus on Value, Not Hype
AI works best when it’s tied to clear business goals. Begin by identifying your most pressing challenges: Start by defining one to two high-impact objectives. If the goal is “boosting sales conversion,” the AI solution might involve automated lead scoring. If it’s “improving customer experience,” it could be a 24/7 AI concierge that handles common inquiries while your team focuses on complex requests.
2. Begin with Low-Hanging Fruit
Trying to overhaul your business in one go is a recipe for stalled projects. Instead, look for small wins, projects that can be implemented quickly and show immediate results.
Some ideas:
• Automate repetitive processes: Scheduling, invoicing, and document preparation can be handled by AI-powered tools.
• Enhance customer interactions: Smarter chatbots and AI-driven help desks can improve response times without increasing staff workload.
• Leverage what you already have: Many platforms (Microsoft 365, HubSpot, etc.) have AI features ready to use, such as automated forecasting or personalized email sequences. These smaller projects create momentum, build confidence, and give you concrete success stories to share with your team.
3. Get Your Data in Order
AI is only as good as the data you feed it. Disorganized, outdated, or siloed data will limit what AI can do.
Audit your company’s data sources:
• Is information accessible across departments?
• Is it accurate and up to date?
• Are there gaps or inconsistencies that need attention?
Invest in “data hygiene” before scaling AI initiatives. This step might not feel exciting, but it’s the foundation for everything else.
4. Build the Right Team
You don’t need to hire a squad of data scientists to begin. What you do need is a mix of internal champions and the right external partners.
Partnerships can be especially valuable for busy executives: you get the expertise without the learning curve slowing down your core business.
5. Pilot First, Then Scale
Choose a single, well-defined use case for your first AI project. Set clear success metrics, such as reducing proposal turnaround time by 30 percent or cutting client response times in half.
Run the pilot for a fixed period, monitor results, and gather feedback from the people using it daily. Adjust as needed before expanding to other parts of the business.
6. Be Transparent
AI is as much about people as it is about technology. Be proactive in communicating why you’re implementing AI, how it will help, and what it means for your team’s roles.
Offer opportunities for employees to learn and adapt. Short training sessions, pilot project updates, and visible success stories will help build confidence and enthusiasm.
The Bottom Line
Adopting AI doesn’t have to be disruptive or overwhelming. Start small, focus on value, and involve your team every step of the way. By building on early wins, you can scale AI with confidence, transforming not just your processes, but your ability to focus on what matters most: serving your clients and growing your business.
Top Tips for Executives
• Match the tool to your task. For simple answers, stick to ChatGPT or Gemini; for big decisions, use analytics like ThoughtSpot.
• Automate repetitive work (scheduling, note conversion, email sorting) with Copilot or Reclaim.ai
Cheat Sheet for Busy Professionals
We compare 12 Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to help you decide which ones fits your business needs.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Grok
Gemini
Claude
DeepSeek
LLaMA
• Fast writing and brainstorming • Good summaries • Easy to use
• Sourced research
• Fact-checks • Compares options quickly
• Real-time trends
• Decodes sarcasm
• Social listening
• Google workspace friendly
• Edits docs/spreadsheets fast
• Great with long texts
• Compassionate tone
• Insightful
• Private • Self-hostable
• Customizable
• Multilingual
• Handles sensitive data well
• Enterprise grade
• Reads PDFs/ screenshots/ slides
• Fast conversion to editable
• English/Chinese fluent
Qwen
Microsoft Copilot
Reclaim.ai
ThoughtSpot
• Good structure/crossborder
• Seamless across Microsoft apps
• Great at automating workflows
• Smart scheduling/ calendar
• Prioritizes by urgency
• Powerful business analytics
• Natural language search
• Use privacy-focused options (DeepSeek, LLaMA) for sensitive negotiations or executive communication.
• Be aware of the tech’s limits; AI is great for structure, summary, and routine, but still needs human judgment for strategy and empathy.
• Needs careful prompting for accuracy • Can sound generic
• Not creative for writing
• Relies on web sources (accuracy varies)
• Focuses on social/web signals • Not for deep analysis or confidential topics
• Best in Google ecosystem
• Some features need paid plan
• Not for real-time data
• Not as strong at fast fact retrieval
• More technical setup
• Limited ready-made features
• Needs integration • May require setup for best results
• Not for writing from scratch
• Needs clean input files
• Most useful for bilingual tasks • Not for non-Asian languages
• Subscription required
• Some advanced features in rollout
• Needs calendar sync
• User interface can take getting used to
• High cost for teams
• Learning curve for non-data professionals
Writing emails, messages, drafts, idea-generating
Product/comparison research, sourcing info
Monitoring trends, buzz, and sentiment
Document summarizing, administration tasks, information organization
Reflection prompts, feedback, in-depth summaries
Secure note taking, private journalling
Translating documents, working with global teams
Making documents editable; assessments from scans
English-Chinese workflows, content creation
Meeting recaps, email summarizing, dashboard tasks
Organizing meetings/ tasks to optimize time
Business insight, data analysis
PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
Quick meeting recaps, Standard Operating Procedures creation
Market reports, vendor analysis, risk checks
Reputation management, public relations, crisis alerts
Converting lengthy documents into action items
Personal development plans, team feedback
Private executive logs, sensitive communication
International client outreach, multi-language decks
Turning scanned contracts into actionable lists
Asia market analysis, bilingual client reports
Automating calendar, scheduling, inbox triage
Syncing executive team calendars; focus time blocking
Spotting market anomalies, live Key Performance Indicators reporting
Mistral Pixtral
Modern Counselling: Powered by AI, Grounded in Humanity
By George Bielay, Waypoint Counselling Network
Artificial intelligence (AI) is often associated with things like self-driving cars, voice assistants, or productivity tools. But quietly (and rapidly) it’s finding its way into something far more personal: mental health care.
From chatbots offering late-night reassurance to behind-the-scenes tools helping therapists with their notes, AI is starting to shape how people access and experience care. And while some of the possibilities are promising, they also raise important questions about privacy, effectiveness, and where humans still matter most.
Making Support Easier to Access
Across British Columbia and much of Canada, it’s no secret that mental health services can be tough to access. Long waitlists, limited providers in rural areas, and cost barriers often leave people waiting weeks—or longer—for support.
AI can help ease some of that pressure.
Here’s how:
• 24/7 support: AI-powered apps and chatbots offer guidance when other services are closed—sometimes helping people manage anxiety, low mood, or panic in real time.
• Streamlined intake: Some clinics are using AI to review client forms and match people to appropriate services faster.
• Early warning signs: Certain tools can flag potential mental health risks by analyzing language patterns in text or speech, nudging users to seek help sooner.
These tools aren’t futuristic, they’re already being used in digital therapy platforms and by some providers here in BC. For example, a student in northern BC,
overwhelmed and unsure whether their stress “counts,” opens a guided AI app. After answering a few questions, they receive validation, breathing exercises, and a recommendation to connect with a human counsellor—all before sunrise.
A Tool, not a Therapist
Despite how smooth some of these tools may feel, AI doesn’t think, care, or understand in the way a human does. It doesn’t notice body language. It doesn’t hold space for silence. And it can’t truly listen with empathy. That’s why mental health professionals stress: AI should support, not replace, real therapy.
At its best, AI can take on tasks that free up therapists, like writing summaries or organizing information, so they can spend more time with clients. But real progress still happens through relationships, not algorithms.
Important Considerations
As AI becomes more embedded in mental health care, a few key concerns are emerging:
• Privacy matters: Mental health data is highly sensitive. If someone uses an AI-powered app, where does their data go? Is it stored securely? Is it governed by Canadian privacy standards, like those in British Columbia?
• Bias in the system: AI tools are only as good as the data they’re trained on. If that data lacks cultural or linguistic diversity, it may not serve everyone equally.
• Not always accurate: While AI can spot patterns, it’s not always right. There’s a risk of false reassurance (or false alarm) if people rely too heavily on automated responses.
Tip for Users
Before using a mental health app or digital tool, check where it was developed and how your information is stored. Look for transparency, especially around privacy policies and data use.
How It’s Being Used Locally
Some BC-based counselling organizations, such as Waypoint Counselling Network, are cautiously integrating AI in thoughtful ways. Not to replace therapists, but to enhance what they do, such as:
• Drafting progress summaries to save time between sessions
• Supporting triage in busy networks with growing demand
• Helping match clients with counsellors based on preferences and needs
Used carefully, AI can reduce admin strain and make it easier to access the right kind of support sooner.
The Takeaway
AI is quickly becoming part of the mental health conversation. It’s already helping expand access, speed up systems, and offer support when people need it most. But it’s not a replacement for human connection and never should be.
The future of mental health care will likely include both: thoughtful, ethical technology alongside skilled, compassionate therapists. It’s not either/or. It’s how we combine the best of both worlds.
As AI continues to evolve, the most important question isn’t “What can it do?”—it’s “How do we use it in ways that truly help?”
The answers will depend not just on innovation, but on the values we continue to bring to care: Safety, trust, and above all, human connection.
Plan with ease in downtown Victoria. Eight flexible venues, award‐winning dining, and full event support make every meeting a success.
Supercharge Your Sales Strategy
By Alexis Santacruz, OpenWorks
If you ’re leading a sales team or managing key accounts, you know that time is your most valuable currency. Every hour spent chasing the wrong lead or wrestling with administrative tasks is an hour you’re not building relationships or closing deals.
The solution? Harnessing AI to work smarter, not harder.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are no longer “nice to have,” they are transforming the sales process for leaders and executives by automating routine tasks, optimizing pipelines, customizing proposals, and guiding timing decisions. The result: more efficient operations, higher win rates, and the freedom to focus on strategic selling.
Why AI Belongs in Your Sales Playbook
Top-performing sales teams are already leveraging AI in four powerful ways:
1. Pipeline management without the guesswork. AI delivers predictive lead scoring, automated followups, and real-time updates, keeping your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) accurate while ensuring your team focuses on the most promising opportunities.
2. Proposal customization that resonates. By analyzing customer data, AI suggests tailored messaging for each proposal, increasing engagement and boosting conversion rates.
3. Perfectly timed outreach. AI tools analyze thousands of data points, past communications, sentiment, industry activity, to pinpoint the best moment to reach out, follow up, or push a deal forward.
4. Smarter, faster communications. From hyperpersonalized email campaigns to automated nextstep suggestions, AI streamlines outreach while maintaining a human touch.
A Real-World Example: Turning Customer Care into a Sales Asset
At OpenWorks, we met a client whose sales team was drowning in routine scheduling calls, answering the same customer questions repeatedly, and chasing postservice follow-ups. Important work, but it was stealing time from the conversations that close deals. That’s when we introduced them to our AI-powered SaaS
platform: BotLand.ca. In just weeks, BotLand was handling those repetitive tasks automatically, giving the sales team back their most valuable asset: time to win new business.
By introducing AI-powered voice agents, those interactions were handled instantly and around the clock. Leaders gained real-time visibility into customer touchpoints, while automated feedback collection uncovered new upsell and cross-sell opportunities. Within three months, customer satisfaction improved, sales teams reclaimed more productive hours, and close rates climbed noticeably, all without adding headcount.
First Steps Checklist for Sales Leaders
You don’t need to overhaul your entire sales process to start seeing the benefits of AI. Significant gains can come from small, targeted changes like automating follow-up reminders, so no opportunity slips through the cracks, using email sequencing to keep prospects engaged with relevant and timely content, and activating lead scoring so your team’s energy is directed toward the conversations most likely to convert. These quick wins create momentum and make it easier to expand AI adoption across your sales operations.
Ready to adopt AI into your sales process but not sure how? This checklist will guide you step-by-step— from pinpointing your sales pain points to tracking ROI—so you can adopt AI with confidence and clarity.
• Identify your pain points. Too much admin? Low lead quality? Poor visibility into the pipeline?
• Map your sales process. Identify where automation will have the greatest effect.
• Audit existing tools. Many CRMs already include AI capabilities you may not be using.
• Compare AI platforms. Look for predictive lead scoring, automated outreach, and real-time insights (e.g., Apollo.io, Pipedrive).
• Start with a pilot project. Pick one key process to automate, measure the results, then expand.
• Track and optimize. Use AI-generated reports to assess ROI and adjust your strategy.
Why Now Is the Time to Act
The most effective sales leaders will be those who combine their experience and relationship skills with AI-driven precision.
AI won’t replace top sales professionals, but it will give them sharper insights so they can focus their efforts on the right opportunities at exactly the right moment.
If you want to close deals with less wasted effort, the time to integrate AI into your sales strategy is now. Your next big opportunity is already in your pipeline. AI can help you find it, act on it, and win it, before your competition even sees it coming.
ai human
Your go-to agency for comprehensive marketing solutions
Planning Your Next Adventure with a Digital Assistant
By Alex Santacruz, OpenWorks
For many of us over 50, travel is more than just a hobby; it’s a chance to reconnect, reflect and rediscover the world through new eyes. But let’s face it: planning a trip can be daunting. Between searching for flights, comparing hotels and organizing all the little details, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, there’s a new kind of travel companion that’s changing the game: Artificial Intelligence.
My AI-Aided Adventure: The Berlin Marathon I discovered just how helpful these tools can be when planning for a milestone trip: running the Berlin Marathon this September. As excitement built, so did the logistics, booking the right hotel, choosing the best flights and remembering all the essentials. It began to feel like a marathon before the race even started.
That’s when AI became my travel lifeline. Google Travel helped me zero in on the best hotels near the starting line, while Hopper tracked flight prices and nudged me to book at just the right moment. With those digital allies, the stress eased. Planning felt less like a chore and more like the beginning of the journey.
From Daydream to Destination: Getting Inspired
Not sure where to go next? AI tools like ChatGPT or Google Bard can suggest travel ideas based on your interests, budget and the time of year. Say you love art, history and mild spring weather, you might get recommendations like Lisbon or Kyoto without flipping through a single brochure. Personalized, practical and instantly inspiring.
Meet Your High-Tech Travel Buddy
Imagine a personal assistant who knows your preferences, finds the best travel dates, alerts you to price drops and even reminds you to pack your passport. Today’s AI-powered travel tools take the stress out of trip planning and make it refreshingly simple.
Booking, Simplified
Apps such as Hopper and Skyscanner use AI to track prices and tell you the best times to book flights and hotels. Many travel platforms now remember your preferences, like requesting a ground-floor room or not staying close to the elevator. Some assistants can even compare travel packages and summarize the pros and cons, saving you time and hassle.
Packing with Peace of Mind
What should you pack for a 10-day Alaskan cruise? Just ask your AI assistant. These tools can create a customized packing list based on the destination, activities and weather. They can also sync with your calendar to send reminders about travel documents, vaccinations or airport transfers, helping you stay ahead of the details that matter.
On the Road with a Digital Assistant
Once the trip begins, your AI assistant stays by your side, right in your phone. Need help translating a menu in Paris or finding your way through Rome? Tools like Google Translate and smart maps have your back. Looking for a nearby vegetarian-friendly restaurant with outdoor seating? Just ask.
Staying Informed & Safe
Safety is always a top priority, especially in unfamiliar destinations. AI-powered apps can deliver real-time updates on weather conditions, travel advisories or health alerts. If your plans change suddenly, your assistant can help you find alternative flights or accommodation, fast and without the stress.
Tailored Travel That Fits You
Perhaps the best part? As I mentioned earlier, these tools get to know you. Prefer boutique hotels to bigname chains? Want to avoid overnight flights? Your digital companion learns your preferences and helps you make choices that match your style. It’s not about giving up control, it’s about simplifying the journey so you can focus on what matters.
Travel Smart, Travel Joyfully
Travelling in our later years isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about meaningful experiences that uplift, connect and surprise us. With AI in your corner, trip planning becomes less of a logistical puzzle and more of an invitation to explore.
So, whether you’re dreaming of Tuscany, Tokyo or a weekend in the mountains, your digital assistant is ready when you are.
• Google Translate: translate.google.com
FALL AGENDA
ROYAL BC MUSEUM PRESENTS: BEYOND THE BEAT: MUSIC OF RESISTANCE AND CHANGE
Now until January 5
Discover how music has shaped history and inspired social change at this fascinating exhibit at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
VANCOUVER FRINGE FESTIVAL
September 4 to 14
This famous entertainment festival has something for everyone with an impressive 87 shows this year! vancouverfringe.com
BELFRY THEATRE
1979 – September 9 to October 5
Burning Mom – October 28 to November 23
The Victoria theatre’s 2025/26 season kicks off with some incredible shows this fall including a sharp comedy about backroom politics and a one-woman show about taking a big bite out of life. belfry.bc.ca
GREAT OUTDOORS COMEDY FESTIVAL
September 12 to 14
Enjoy live comedy in the great outdoors at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park in Vancouver. greatoutdoorscomedyfestival.com
NANAIMO INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL PRESENTS: HOLLY COLE’S DARK MOON TOUR
September 13
Canadian/international jazz singer Holly Cole performs her sultry songs at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo. nanaimojazzfest.ca
PACIFIC SALMON FOUNDATION 2025 COMOX VALLEY GALA DINNER & AUCTION
September 20
Celebrate the Comox Valley’s impact on restoring salmon at the Florence Filberg Centre in the Comox Valley. psf.ca
THE WHO
September 23
The Who’s North American Farewell Tour comes to Rogers Arena in Vancouver. ticketmaster.ca
CHEMAINUS THEATRE HOME TO ROOST
(co-presented by Helijet)
September 26 to October 19
Head to the historic Chemainus Theatre to see this funny and warm story about family. chemainustheatrefestival.ca
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
October 2 to 12
Talks, conferences, live performances, and some of the best cinema from around the globe at the VIFF Theatre in Vancouver. viff.org
NANAIMO FALL HOME SHOW
October 3 to 5
Visit the ultimate home improvement show with everything you need to spruce up your living space at the Beban Park Social Centre in Nanaimo. homeshowtime.com
POWER TO BE HAVE A GO DAYS
September 27 and November 2
Free, family-friendly events that are open to the public, and are an opportunity to gather at Prospect Lake to hike, fish, canoe, listen to music and more. powertobe.ca
FRIGHT NIGHTS AT PNE
Select nights
October 3 to 31
Don’t miss Vancouver’s scariest Halloween experience complete with haunted houses, entertainment, spooky foods and rides at the PNE. frightnights.ca
BLUE RODEO
October 8 & 9 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver
October 11 – Save On Foods Memorial Centre, Victoria
The highly acclaimed Canadian country rock band will perform their hits in Vancouver and Victoria this fall. bluerodeo.com
SARAH MCLACHLIN - FUMBLING TOWARDS ECSTASY 30TH TOUR
October 15
Revisit old favourites at this nostalgic concert at the Save On Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria. ticketmaster.ca
RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE WERQ THE WORLD
October 15
This not-to-be-missed drag show will light up the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. tickets-center.com
GATEWAY THEATRE PRESENTS:
MS HOLMES & MS WATSON –APT 2B
October 16 to 25
This comedic detective play kicks off the 2025/26 season at the Gateway Theatre in Richmond. gatewaytheatre.com
UFC FIGHT NIGHT
October 18
Ultimate UFC brings its intense action to Vancouver at the Rogers Arena. rogersarena.com
VANCOUVER WRITERS FEST
October 20 to 26
The Vancouver Writers Fest connects people to exceptional books, ideas, and dialogue at Granville Island. writersfest.bc.ca
VANCOUVER FALL HOME SHOW
October 23 to 26
Explore the Vancouver Fall Home Show for home goods, expert tips, inspiring displays, and presentations to fuel your next home project at the Vancouver Convention Centre. vancouverfallhomeshow.com
VANCOUVER FALL HOME SHOW
THE BEACHES
October 24 – Save on Foods Memorial Centre, Victoria October 25 – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sport Centre, UBC, Vancouver
Catch this amazing Canadian band on tour in Victoria or Vancouver. ticketmaster.ca
THE ARTS CLUB THEATRE
PRESENTS: DISNEY’S FROZEN
October 30 to January 4
Get ready to start the 2025/26 season this September. Don’t miss Disney’s Frozen on the Stanley Stage. artsclub.com
2025 FIM WORLD SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
November 15
Supercross returns to Vancouver for an action-packed and unforgettable night for the whole family at BC Place. bcplace.com
BROADWAY ACROSS CANADA PRESENTS MJ THE MUSICAL
November 25 to 30
The musical explores the creation of the Dangerous World Tour and delves into Michael Jackson’s creative mind at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. vancouver.broadway.com
VANCOUVER ISLAND SYMPHONY PRESENTS: THE CELTIC TENORS
November 29
Join the Celtic Tenors for an unforgettable performance of vocal brilliance and festive cheer at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo. vancouverislandsymphony.com
Making Mealtimes Easier with AI
By Erika Palmer, In-Flight Review
Let ’s face it, cooking isn’t always easy. Whether you’re juggling a family’s worth of food preferences, making dinner for one, or staring down a fridge full of mystery ingredients, the daily “what’s for dinner?” question can wear you down.
But thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI), the kitchen is getting a major upgrade. This is real, accessible-to-anyone tech that’s helping people cook smarter, waste less, and enjoy food more—no matter your age, cooking skills, or household size.
Let’s look into how AI is making kitchens everywhere more intuitive, helpful, and fun.
Your Fridge Just Became a Recipe Generator
We’ve all been there: hungry, tired, and staring at a random mix of ingredients wondering what you could possibly make for dinner. AI takes the guesswork out
of those moments by scanning your available ingredients (or whatever you type in) and offering a list of possible meals.
Instead of defaulting to takeout or another round of cereal for dinner, you get quick inspiration based on what’s actually in your kitchen. Leftover roast veggies and a half-block of feta? There’s a salad for that. Three eggs and some tortillas? Sounds like a breakfast-fordinner situation.
AI offers creativity when yours is running low. And it often leads to meals you never would have thought of on your own.
Smarter Meal Planning for Real Life
Planning meals sounds like a good idea, until life gets in the way. Work runs late, plans change, and suddenly your carefully thought out week of dinners is out the window. AI can adapt to the changes.
Using your preferences, goals, schedule and cooking style, AI can map out personalized meals that actually work for your life. Whether you’re gluten-free, cooking for one, dealing with picky kids, trying to eat plantbased, or just looking for 20-minute recipes that don’t involve three pots, AI can handle it.
It helps reduce decision fatigue and keeps cooking from becoming the same five meals on repeat.
Grocery Lists That Practically Think for You
Once you’ve got your meals sorted, the grocery list takes care of itself. One of AI’s underrated superpowers is automatically generating smart shopping lists based on what you plan to cook and what you already have at home.
These lists can be categorized, adjusted on the fly, and often synced with any digital shopping services. Even if you’re a “wing it in the store” kind of person, having a list that updates in real-time makes shopping less of a hassle and reduces the chance you’ll forget that one essential item.
It’s a simple upgrade that saves time, cuts stress and helps prevent food waste.
Welcome
to the Age of Smart Kitchens
AI isn’t just living in your apps, it’s being built right into the appliances we use every day. Smart fridges can track expiration dates and suggest recipes using what’s inside. Some even remind you when it’s time to use the
spinach before it becomes a science experiment. Meanwhile, smart ovens can detect the food you’re cooking and automatically adjust temperature and timing for perfect results. Voice assistants can walk you through recipes step by step, convert measurements, or remind you to check the oven while you’re chopping onions.
Even smaller countertop appliances like blenders, air fryers and coffee makers are getting smarter, learning your preferences and delivering consistently better results.
The Future Is Delicious
AI isn’t about replacing your instincts or ditching handwritten recipes handed down from your grandma. It’s about making the everyday parts of cooking—deciding what to eat, finding something in the fridge, getting groceries and using up leftovers—easier, smarter and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re a busy parent feeding three kids with different tastes or an executive looking for a reprieve from too many business dinners out, AI has something to offer.
It helps us cook with less stress, shop with more purpose, and waste less in the process, so maybe it’s time to “hire” AI as your new sous chef.
Coastal beauty, perfectly served.
Flying Intothe Future
How AI is Rewriting the Rules of Digital
Marketing
By Rob Cooper, PlusROI Online Marketing
Aviation has changed a lot over the years. So has marketing.
Just like autopilot made flying safer and smoother, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making digital marketing faster, smarter, and way more effective. From search engines to writing tools to workflow automation, AI is helping businesses punch above their weight. The ones who embrace it now are getting a serious head start.
Here’s how forward-thinking companies are using AI to find their voice, reach more people, and outpace their competition.
Cracking the Code of AI Search
Search engines are no longer just a list of blue links. With AI-powered search experiences like Google’s new Search Generative Experience or tools like ChatGPT, users are getting more direct, conversational answers to their questions, often without ever clicking through to a website.
This is where AI Search Optimization (AISO) comes in. Unlike traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO), which focused on ranking in Google, AISO is about making sure your content is structured and helpful enough to show up in AI-driven results. That means organizing your information clearly, answering real questions, and being genuinely useful.
Instead of writing for algorithms, you’re now writing for AI agents trained to mimic human curiosity. The companies that adapt to this shift are showing up more often, in more meaningful ways, at exactly the right moment.
Work Smarter, Not Slower
One of the most exciting things about AI is how it turbocharges the stuff that used to eat up hours or days.
AI-assisted writing tools can help draft blog posts, ad copy, and customer emails. They won’t replace a
good writer, but they’ll give you a strong starting point. You still need your unique tone, your point of view, and that spark of creativity. Think of AI like a smart intern. It can help with the heavy lifting, but it still needs a human editor.
The same goes for research and planning. Whether you’re looking at competitors, brainstorming content topics, or building a marketing calendar, AI tools can pull together insights at lightning speed. It’s like going from navigating by compass to flying with radar.
Building Your Own AI Toolkit (Without Coding)
For the more adventurous marketers out there, the possibilities go even further. Using platforms like Make.com, Zapier, or N8N, you can build custom automations that connect your apps and do repetitive tasks for you.
Here’s where “vibe coding” comes in. You describe what you want in plain language, and AI helps you build it. For example, you could set up an automation that takes every new blog post, publishes it to social media, sends it in a newsletter, and saves it to a content library, all without lifting a finger.
These tools are unlocking the kind of efficiency that used to require a full development team. Now, with a bit of curiosity and a few hours, marketers can build their own productivity engines.
Real-Life Win: Organizing 1,300 Blog Posts
At my agency, PlusROI Online Marketing, we had a client who had a blog with over 1,300 posts. It was a mountain of content that was poorly categorized, and nearly impossible to navigate.
Using AI tools, we analyzed and reorganized the entire archive. It would have taken hundreds of hours manually. Instead, we used AI to identify themes, recategorize content, and clean up metadata.
The result? A blog that’s easier to explore, performs better in search (including AI-driven results), and gives visitors a clearer path to the info they want. It was one of those projects that would have sat on the backburner for years until AI made it possible to just get it done.
Ready for Takeoff?
Here’s the bottom line: AI isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a powerful shift in how businesses of all sizes can approach digital marketing. You don’t need to be a tech giant or have a huge budget. You just need a willingness to experiment, learn, and adapt.
With the right tools and mindset, you can work faster, market smarter, and position yourself right where your audience is looking, even if they’re asking an AI to help them find you.
Just like any good flight, success in AI marketing isn’t about flying the fanciest aircraft; it’s about knowing where you’re going and having the tools to get there.
