Event 01 · Thu Sep 24 · iPOP Burnaby

Event 01 is in the books

What a first one!! Every skill level on the courts, and every stage of business in the room: aspiring founders, people landing their first revenue, recent exits, investors, coaches and some seriously accomplished business owners. On the court you couldn't tell who was who. Then the food came out, and the networking was every bit as fun as the pickleball.

See the photos →
Between games and the conversations are already going: players catching up on the sidelines, paddles still in hand.

The photos

Between games and the conversations are already going: players catching up on the sidelines, paddles still in hand. Co-founder Praveen Varshney leaning on the rail between games, deep in conversation, paddle in hand. Arm in the air and laughing out loud mid-game. Walking back to his spot with a big grin for someone just out of frame. Lining up the serve with a grin that says there's a plan. Three players sharing a laugh courtside between games. Full stretch at the net to keep the rally alive. Eyes locked on the ball, a player stretches low to dig it out. Paddle up at the kitchen line, ready for the return. A player in a backwards cap moves in for the shot while a partner covers behind. Partners on the same side of the net, both tracking the ball back over. Knees bent, paddle ready, locked in on the next shot. Crouched, focused and ready for whatever comes over the net. Across the net, a doubles pair waits on the serve. Mid-rally, both players down low and locked on a ball that's barely off the court. Name tag on, paddle down, taking in the game between points. Watching the ball all the way onto the paddle. Partners meeting in the middle for a paddle tap after a good point. The courts at iPOP in full swing. Four players meet at the net after a game, and everyone's laughing at the same moment. Walking off the court together, still smiling from the last point. A few players linger on the court after the last game, too busy talking to leave. Off the court & into the room: two players still laughing about the games, paddles parked on the table. Taste of Splendour's sandwich platter: fresh bread piled high with greens and sliced meats, with a heap of crispy chips alongside. Plates filling up at Taste of Splendour's table, with the conversations picking up right where the games left off. Plates in hand, and trays of fresh sandwiches from Taste of Splendour to choose from. Taste of Splendour's baking: golden, flaky pastries and thick slices of sweet loaf.

Photos by Tony Chao. Would you rather not be up here? Email connect@pickleballpreneurs.ca and the photo comes down, no reason needed.

Thanks to

Food sponsor
Taste of Splendour

Fed the room after the games. Cafe and catering on Canada Way, ten minutes from the courts. tasteofsplendour.com

Chef Suresh Chakma Chef Suresh Chakma
Tony Chao
Behind the lens
Tony Chao

Tony shot every photo on this page, so we all left with something worth keeping, or posting. Thank you Tony!! LinkedIn

Next up: Friday, October 9.

Open to everyone this time, including if you've never held a paddle.

Claim your spot →

Registration runs through iPOP's court booking system. Your confirmation email has a PIN code that gets you into iPOP on the night, so keep it handy.