Tourism Vancouver Island is bringing tourism businesses together for its 52nd Annual Conference & AGM held September 15th – 17th at the world famous Painter’s Lodge.
This three-day event provides tourism business, suppliers, educators and government with a wealth of professional development and networking opportunities. Attracting over 150 attendees, including keynote speakers and workshop presenters, the event is expected to inject $78,000 into the local economy.
Activities commence on September 15th with the Annual Golf Classic hosted at Sequoia Springs Golf Course.
After a day on the green, delegates are invited to Tyee Spit Park for an unforgettable welcome reception. The Campbell River Airport Authority, E&B Helicopters and Vancouver Island Air have teamed up to provide delegates with an opportunity of a lifetime. Each registered delegate will receive a complimentary entry into a draw to win a 30-minute scenic tour aboard a helicopter or an otter float plane.
The lucky winners will depart from Tyee Spit Park during the welcome reception on September 15th.
“The Campbell River area has a rich and diverse history and we’re excited to be able to Share our Story with delegates attending the conference,” said Teresa Davis, Tourism Manager, Tourism Campbell River & Region. “This year’s conference theme of Share your Story is a way for us to interconnect on various levels and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to the region.”
On day two, attendees have the opportunity to enjoy a tasting tour of locally-produced Still Master Vodka at Shelter Point Distillery, or enjoy the breathtaking views from the Elks Falls Suspension Bridge. That evening, delegates attend the Gala Dinner and Awards Night, emceed by Bruce Williams of CTV Vancouver Island, at April Point Resort on Quadra Island.
This glamorous evening includes a delicious three-course dinner, Tourism Industry Awards Ceremony, and live and silent auctions.
Keynote speakers and sessions throughout the conference have been selected to inspire, motivate and build capacity among tourism stakeholders. T
his year’s speaker lineup includes: Jonathan Henning with Twitter; Mandy Farmer with Accent Inns Inc.; Walt Judas with the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia; and Keith Henry with the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia.
Jonathan is a brand strategist at Twitter in Chicago Illinois who helps the biggest brands in the United States do really cool stuff on Twitter. His clients include Sprint, Wal-Mart, Target, State Farm & McDonald’s. Mandy is President & CEO of Accent Inns Inc, a boastfully BC hotel chain with six properties, five of which are Accent Inns and the sixth being the ridiculously fun retro-chic Hotel Zed in Victoria.
Mandy is well known in the industry to pursue innovation, creativity and achieve business success. Walt Judas is the CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) which advocates for the interests of British Columbia’s $13 billion+ tourism economy. As a not-for-profit trade association, TIABC works collaboratively with its members – private sector tourism businesses, industry associations and destination marketing organizations – to ensure the best working environment for a competitive tourism industry. Keith Henry is the CEO of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (ATBC), a non-profit, stakeholder-based organization that is committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Aboriginal tourism industry.
Tourism Vancouver Island’s 52nd Annual Conference and AGM is open to anyone interested in attending. For more information, to get involved, or to register, please visit www.tviconference.ca or contact Susan Lewis by phone at 1-866-594-3243 or by email at [email protected] .
