Case Study

Creating and facilitating a transformative experience for social entrepreneurs

Opportunity

For 30 years, the Hollyhock Leadership Institute has supported social entrepreneurs to find solutions to specific strategic challenges while maintaining their organization’s social mission. Hollyhock’s flagship event, the Social Venture Institute, is an immersive annual ‘unconference’ held in a remote oceanside retreat centre. To reach a new audience and build its network, a new version of the event was introduced in Whistler, British Columbia.

Actions

Collaborated with organizing committee to design the agenda and participant experience
Introduced event producers to local vendors, entrepreneurs and opportunities
Advised on the sales and marketing approach to reach new audiences
Integrated local Indigenous culture and learning throughout the event
Co-facilitated key aspects of the event (opening, case studies and closing)

Impact

The event attracted a new cohort of social entrepreneurs who are balancing profit with purpose in the early to growth stages of their ventures. Highly interactive and experiential, participants received practical business advice with personal connection and inspiration. The format was intentionally designed to safe and inclusive, immersive, and set in a supportive environment that fostered collaboration among like-minded social entrepreneurs.

The Whistler event delivered a memorable experience and opportunity for social entrepreneurs to fine tune their business strategies, learn best practices for solving problems, and build new supportive relationships.

Contact me today to find out more. Let’s design transformational experiences and events that connect deeply.

Related story:

Social Venture Institute marks 30 years by launching Sea to Sky event

Testimonial

“SVI is like no other conference I’ve ever been to. It’s not just about ideas—it’s about depth, shared values, and honest conversations. Special shoutout to Diana Mulvey for the time, energy and care she put into facilitating our Case Study. There are too many connections made for LinkedIn to let me talk about in one post. Suffice to say, THIS is what being in community in business looks and feels like. Let’s keep the conversations going.” Melanie Ann Bitner, FireSwarm Solutions

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