About Us
Global Vision, Local Impact
Our vision is to create a globally-connected business platform and ecosystem that elevates local companies onto the world stage while attracting foreign investment and international collaboration to the region.
Strategically located in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan region, WTC Okanagan will serve as a gateway connecting one of Canada’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding economic regions to the global market. Known for its thriving technology sector, world-class agriculture and wine industries, recreational amenities and tourism, growing population base and strong entrepreneurial culture, the Okanagan has emerged as a highly sought-after destination for both talent and investment within Western Canada.
The Okanagan’s potential is enormous. While our roots are firmly planted in the Okanagan, our reach is truly global – our initiative will showcase the natural beauty, temperate climate, abundant resources and untapped opportunities to the world.
Our Mission
Leading Trade, Travel, Technology and Transformation
From the Okanagan to the World
WTCO seeks to build a trusted, recognized and impactful business platform linking the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada with the world – creating strategic value for our members, partners, and the regional community through the development of innovative programs, services and projects, including in trade, investment, commerce, technology and healthcare, and hosting major events in our region with the development of a new, state-of-the-art convention complex with hotels, offices, retail and residences along the downtown Kelowna waterfront.
At WTC Okanagan, we don't just offer advice – we provide a proven, established network and dedicated gateway for worldwide learning and business collaboration. We specialize in transforming the unique strengths of local enterprises into competitive advantages on the world stage.
WTCO Organization
World Trade Centre Okanagan (WTC Okanagan or WTCO) is a globally connected business hub based in Kelowna, British Columbia, and a member of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), which links more than 300 World Trade Center locations across nearly 100 countries and territories. Positioned in the heart of the Okanagan region—one of Canada’s fastest-growing economic areas known for its technology sector, agriculture and wine industries, recreation and tourism, and entrepreneurial ecosystem—WTC Okanagan serves as a gateway connecting local and regional businesses to international markets.
Through its core services in business networking, trade and investment facilitation, conferences, exhibitions and events, and real estate development, WTC Okanagan provides companies with access to global partnerships, market intelligence, and international investment opportunities while supporting the region’s long-term economic growth.
WTCO is comprised of three legal entities – WTC Centre Okanagan Corp. (as the WTC license holder), WTCO Developments and Enterprises Inc. (as the operating company) and WTCO Community Foundation (as our not-for-profit arm) – each with its own governance board, executive management and operational teams currently under development.
Co-Founders & Executive Leadership
The WTCO initiative and organization was founded in summer 2025 by its Co-Founders – Simon Wong, Michele Lau, Lisa Palleson, Richard Tam, and our late Co-Founder, John Hui – a multidisciplinary leadership team with extensive experience across real estate development, finance, technology and international trade, united by a shared vision to elevate the Okanagan’s global connectivity.
Strategic Advisory Council
Our WTCO initiative is strongly supported by local, provincial and federal government ministries and agencies, business and industry leaders, and dedicated, expert professionals from Kelowna, nearby municipalities, and the greater Okanagan region.
Interested in providing strategic and senior leadership support? Please contact us for further information. Strategic Advisory Council members may be appointed to our Boards of Directors and/or Senior Executive Teams as our WTCO initiative advances and grows.
About WTCA
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 300 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 countries and territories. As the owner of the "World Trade Center" and "WTC" trademarks, WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for members to use in conjunction with their independently owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its members, the goal of WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe, creating an ecosystem built around commerce, community and connection. To learn more, visit www.wtca.org.
WTC and WTCA are globally recognized brands with strong reputation and international reach, having a long-standing, professional and successful history of promoting and developing international trade, commerce and investment.
