Event 02 · iPOP Burnaby
Friday, October 9
Sometimes as entrepreneurs we network for business, and play sport to keep ourselves grounded. This is a community where you do both: networking through the fastest-growing sport in North America, with founders, operators, mentors and the people building alongside them.
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.
- Date
- Fri Oct 92026
- Court time
- 4–6 PMFood and conversation 6–7
- Location
- iPOP Burnaby9855 Austin Road, Unit 2
- The room
- 30 spotsSo everyone gets plenty of court time
- Cost
- $30 plus taxCourt time, food and prizes included
- To bring
- Gear & gratitudeIndoor shoes and a paddle (rentals available)
The plan
Competition, then conversation. Sport is a natural icebreaker and hands you something easy to talk about, and trying to beat someone you might later build something with is a good kind of challenge.
On the court
Partner, play, compete, have fun. You and your partner take on different teams through the afternoon, with rotation breaks to catch your breath and talk to someone new.
In the room
Food & networking with everyone you just played against: entrepreneurs, founders, mentors and people just getting started. Drinks this time are courtesy of Hai Tea. Once a quarter we run a feature night: Meet the Mentor (or Beat the Mentor), a Q&A, short talks, a panel.
The Why
Traditional business events can be fun and productive, but networking through sport has always been a part of business. In the past, sports like golf, tennis and boating have been places where The Who's Who would meet and greet. In today's climate, many people are looking for activity, access, and affordability.
We've created this community as a fun way to open doors to new relationships. A partnership on the court can turn into a partnership in the boardroom. Your opponent today could become your mentor tomorrow. Or you can just have a great time and make genuine friendships with like-minded peers.
I have questions!
- I don't own a paddle
- Most new players haven't bought gear yet. Borrow one from a friend, rent one from iPOP Burnaby for the session, or pick up an inexpensive starter paddle. No need to spend properly until you know you want to.
- I'm not that good
- Excellent. The rotation is built for mixed skill levels.
- What is the $30 plus tax for?
- Court time, prizes and expenses. Taxes are added at checkout.
- Who's in the room
- Founders, operators, coaches, advisors and mentors - plus people still working on their first business. You won't know for sure until you're in the room.
- Where exactly is it?
- 9855 Austin Road, Unit 2, the former Safeway attached to Lougheed Town Centre, with plenty of free parking.
- Who's behind Pickleballpreneurs?
- Praveen Varshney and Fenton Eng, both BC business owners with a passion for challenge, contribution and community, with a founders' group forming around them.
Who's involved
The Inclusive Place of Pickleball: courts, coaches and a room built for players of every level. ipop.fun
Entrepreneurship is the next great adventure sport. Be a successful entrepreneur, and an even better human.
On the night
A family recipe turned feel-good alcohol alternative: herbal tea made for socializing, 100% natural, caffeine free & vegan. Jay Tenga's playing too, so grab a can & ask him the story behind it. haiteabeverages.com
Friday, October 9.
We keep it to 30 so everyone gets plenty of court time. 80% of the battle is being in the room.
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.