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My last CEO message of the year is a long one and reflects a summary of TIABC's activities over the past year.
Last week, one of the participants in a virtual meeting neglected to mute his microphone and clearly wasn't paying any attention to the briefing. The meeting organizer was unable to mute him so dozens of us heard a one-way conversation about HR related matters, among other topics. Meeting attendees tried their best to carry on but the constant interruptions were distracting and off-putting.
I suspect most of us are guilty of or have experienced similar behaviour in a virtual meeting somewhere along the way. Notwithstanding that many folks have the attention span of a gnat these days, one can be forgiven for creating a disturbance or zoning out during a virtual meeting on occasion, as long as it doesn't become a habit.
So on the off-chance that some attendees at TIABC’s virtual AGM earlier this week didn't catch everything that was said, or for members that were unable to attend, I offer a top-line recap of the salient points shared by various committee chairs. For the record, the committee reports reflect the last 12 months of activity since our last AGM while the financial report is confined to fiscal year 2024.
To begin with, TIABC finished the year in a stable financial position, with a healthy balance sheet complemented by small profit.
On the Governance side, we elected three new directors this week – Kathy MacRae, ( Alterra Mountain Company’s Western Experience Division); Sharon Bond (Kekuli Café); and Chris Elder (Allied Golf Association). Earlier this year we appointed directors Clint Fraser (Northern BC Tourism Association) and Joe Baker (Okanagan College) to replace outgoing directors Dennis Innes (Vancouver Community College) and Chris Lewis (Tourism Kelowna). We also bid farewell to Nicole Ford (Rocky Mountaineer), Michael J. Ballingall (Big White Ski Resort) and Brenda Baptiste (Indigenous Tourism BC). As well, for the first time in nearly four years, the organization has a new board chair – Sandra Oldfield, founder and CEO of Elysian Projects. JJ Belanger remains on the board as past-chair.
Sandra also chaired the organization’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Reconciliation Committee which championed, among other things, educational opportunities for board members; potential partnerships and inclusion of DEIR topics in podcasts and communications; renewed partnerships with WORTH, #NotME and Spinal Cord Injury BC; and inclusion of a DEIR committee member on the 2025/26 BC Tourism Industry Conference Program Committee.
In the area of Membership and Communications, TIABC introduced a revised membership structure to better align with evolving industry needs that led to healthy membership growth, primarily in the business sector category.
One of our core membership activities is hosting the annual BC Tourism Industry Conference which brings colleagues together to network, learn, build relationships, and to celebrate excellence. By all accounts, the 2025 conference in Vancouver was a tremendous success.
As part of our ongoing communication with industry, TIABC’s Voice of Tourism newsletter continues to be the foundation of our outreach and maintains a strong open rate of 45%. Our communication tools also include social media channels which allow us to raise our voice and keep members and stakeholders informed about the work we're doing. Our audience continues to grow across all four primary platforms (FB, X, Instagram, LinkedIn), at an average rate of 12% annually.
In 2025, we added 12 new Voice of Tourism podcasts to our channel to provide education and information to various target audiences on the issues that matter to our sector. The Voice of Tourism Podcast features industry leaders from sector associations, DMOs, and businesses.
TIABC continues to forge mutually beneficial partnerships to ensure we maximize resources that are critical to supporting our advocacy initiatives. Dozens of businesses and organizations annually support TIABC, as well as the BC Tourism Industry Conference.
Finally, on the policy side, TIABC convened a series of member and partner roundtables across the province with DMOs, sector associations, Indigenous partners, small and large operators, municipalities, and regional economic organizations to identify policy gaps, validate advocacy positions, and capture the lived experience of operators on a multitude of issues. Feedback gathered from the roundtables has directly shaped several of our submissions, which include:
A) Premier’s Task Force on Trade & Economic Security
TIABC prepared a comprehensive submission (with support from sectors, DMOs, businesses) to position tourism as an export sector and identify shovel-ready projects, regulatory barriers, and opportunities to accelerate tourism’s contribution to provincial economic growth in view of tariff impacts.
B) MRDT Policy Stability and Program Modernization
TIABC worked with BCDMOA, BCHA, and multiple DMOs to reinforce that MRDT be used for its core purpose: tourism marketing, projects and programs. We also participated in a working session with industry and the Province to explore several areas of improvement to the MRDT structure.
C) Short-Term Rental Regulations and the New Provincial Registry
The rollout of the STR registry raised considerable concern among tourism operators, particularly seasonal businesses and commercial accommodators inadvertently captured in the regulations. TIABC requested that government extend the early-bird registration deadline, simplify Q&A guidance, and more clearly distinguish commercial operators from non–tourism-purpose STRs.
D) Land-Use, Tenures, and Adventure Tourism Policy Modernization
TIABC continued to work closely with the Adventure Tourism Coalition on recommendations to modernize Adventure Tourism Policy, improve tenure pathways, and clarify cumulative impacts and benefits. We also participated in land and marine planning processes across the province, with a focus on reconciliation, co-governance, and consistent consideration of tourism operators within emerging land-use frameworks.
E) Ease of Doing Business
TIABC responded to the Province’s Ease of Doing Business consultation with a submission that highlighted the unique regulatory pressures affecting tourism operators and proposed practical solutions to reduce red tape, improve certainty, and enable business growth.
F) Heritage Conservation Act Transformation
TIABC submitted detailed recommendations on the modernization of the Heritage Conservation Act, emphasizing the need for clarity around Indigenous authority, practical disaster-recovery processes, implications for private land, and respectful partner engagement with First Nations.
G) Extractive Industries Policy: Implementation and Continued Advocacy
We continued advancing our Extractive Industries Policy in the context of land-use decisions, forestry planning, permitting, and compensation for displaced operators. With resource development intersecting increasingly with tourism, this file remained highly active.
H) Air Access, Fees, and Emerging Aviation Policy
We reviewed the escalating cost of domestic air travel and advanced discussions on aviation policy ahead of the federal election, stressing the need for fee and tax reform, improved regional access, and alignment with sustainable aviation fuel requirements. TIABC also monitored airline labour challenges and engaged appropriately to ensure government awareness of potential disruptions.
I) Federal Pre-Budget Submission
TIABC submitted a comprehensive brief to the federal government outlining five priority actions to strengthen Canada’s visitor economy. We called for: A dedicated tourism infrastructure and attraction fund; a national multi-modal connectivity strategy to improve air, rail, motorcoach, ferry, and rural transportation links; enhanced destination marketing and international competitiveness, including restoring Destination Canada funding and extending the International Convention Attraction Fund; stronger emergency preparedness, with a national lodging platform, improved insurance access for tourism SMEs, and targeted recovery tools; and modernized tax rules for seasonal tourism, including fixes to the Vessel Luxury Tax and reclassifying seasonal campgrounds as active small businesses.
J) Ministerial Engagement and Roundtables
TIABC engaged with several ministers and ministries, including the Tourism Minister’s roundtable at BC TIC in March, followed by a sector roundtable in November to inform the forthcoming Tourism Growth Strategy. We also held meetings related to land-use, economic development, and emergency management.
The aforementioned points are but a snapshot of activities that covered the better part of this year. I would venture to say that 2026 will be equally as busy with multiple pressing priorities for TIABC’s new CEO to tackle.
As I reflect back on the last 12 months, I offer a posture of gratefulness for having had the opportunity to serve TIABC and BC's tourism industry this year. In the meantime, as I look to wrap up in Q1 2026, allow me one final time to wish you all the best for the holiday season. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
In case you’re wondering…at the virtual meeting I referenced earlier, someone thankfully managed to track down the open mic culprit and politely asked them to either shut up or shut off. My guess is they'll be on Santa's naughty list this Christmas.
Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
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YOU’RE INVITED: TIABC Roundtable Series
Connecting with Members and Tourism Collaborators
To help shape TIABC's advoacacy priorities, join CEO Walt Judas and Director of Policy Cassandra Zerebeski, for one of our final roundtables in the series, focused on discussing tourism policy, current issues, and opportunities impacting your business or organization.
Fraser Valley
Date: January 22
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Victoria at the Royal BC Museum
Date: January 28
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Please RSVP to deborah@tiabc.ca and indicate which session you will attend.
We look forward to hearing your perspectives, discussing shared challenges, and working together to inform practical solutions for government consideration.
| | Stay updated on the latest news and developments by checking out this week's compilation of important matters impacting and influencing our industry. | | | |
A Year-end Message from Minister Valdez
As 2025 comes to a close, Minister Valdez would like to wish you and your family a happy holiday season!
The Minister also reflects on the progress made together with you and shares what lies ahead.
- Supporting Small Businesses
- Supporting Tourism
- Making Life More Affordable
- Growing Our Economy
- Building Homes
- Keeping Canadians Safe
- Supporting Women and Gender-Diverse Canadians
Looking Ahead
As we enter 2026, our government will keep building a strong, inclusive economy, one that empowers middle-class Canadians, supports small businesses, protects women and children, and builds homes faster. Together, we are building a safer, more affordable, and stronger Canada.
We wish you a Merry Christmas, a joyful holiday season, and a bright, hopeful new year ahead.
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New Short-Term Rental Policy Guidelines Available
As the new year approaches and the upcoming registration renewal period for short-term rentals approaches, the Province has shared an important update.
Government has recently revised the Strata Hotel Registration and Exemption Policy Guidance to provide greater clarity and support, and has also introduced a new resource - the Seasonal Accommodation Policy Guidance - to address seasonal operations and related considerations. These updates are intended to help you better understand the requirements and ensure a smooth renewal process.
Here are the links to all the policies:
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REMINDER | Emergency Preparedness Resources
Are Available
With the ever-changing and unpredictable weather during this time of year, and recent flooding affecting parts of the province, Destination BC want to send a reminder to revisit the emergency communication tools available to BC’s tourism industry.
Whether you’re a tourism operator, sector association, or destination management organization, having clear, coordinated messaging ready during emergencies helps protect visitor safety and maintain confidence.
Destination BC’s Emergency Messaging Guidance is now available as a dynamic web resource.
Resources include:
- Templates, checklists, and planning tools
- Guidance for real-time response
- Trusted sources for up-to-date information
- Recommended mobile apps for frontline use
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Important Update | Changes to Tips and
Gratuities Practice
WorkSafeBC has just released its summary on the recent engagement process regarding the Assessable Payroll Practice Directive for Tips and Gratuities, which revealed that many concerns stemmed from limited awareness of existing policy.
Effective January 1, 2026, WorkSafeBC will be implementing the updated Practice Directive which includes the following key changes:
- Eliminating the need for employers to track or report cash tips as part of assessable payroll, unless those tips are already included on the worker’s T4, Statement of Remuneration Paid.
- During an audit, employers will only be required to provide reports of tips and gratuities that are "verifiable," primarily through existing point of sale (POS) systems or other electronic means of payment.
- For most businesses, this will mitigate the requirement to provide auditors with a copy of the employer’s policy related to tips and gratuities or to interview staff about the tip out processes or procedures when verified through payment systems.
Next steps
Throughout the first quarter of 2026, WorkSafeBC will be offering direct support to all businesses helping them clearly understand the change to the practice directive.
Learn more and access the full Consultation Report HERE.
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Canada Strong Pass Back for the Holidays
Now to January 15th, travellers can enjoy free or discounted admission to some of the country’s most iconic places. The Canada Strong Pass lets you explore the country — from museums to nature to railroads this holiday season.
The Canada Strong Pass was first introduced in summer 2025 and will also return in summer 2026, Participating organizations include national museums, provincial and territorial museums and galleries, VIA Rail and Parks Canada sites across the country.
Learn more HERE.
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FIFA Museum Coming to Science World in 2026
This coming May, visitors can discover how cutting-edge science and innovation are transforming the world’s most beloved sport at Science World’s upcoming exhibition, Soccer & Technology from the FIFA Museum, presented in partnership with the Province of British Columbia.
Making its North American debut at Science World, this travelling exhibition arrives as Vancouver gets ready to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 26™. The exhibition opens to the public on May 15th and runs until September 7th.
Learn more HERE.
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Jen Riley Appointed as New CEO for BC
Chamber of Commerce
After an extensive search process, the BC Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Jen Riley as their new CEO, effective January 12th.
Jen brings extensive senior leadership experience across business strategy, brand, and communications, gained through work with organizations ranging from startups and mid-sized regional companies to a Fortune 500 enterprise. Her career is marked by a strong ability to build meaningful partnerships, deliver measurable results, and successfully navigate complex challenges. With a background spanning real estate and technology, Jen recognizes the role BC's business network plays in driving the economy forward.
TIABC's Board of Directors extends its sincere congratulations to Jen on her appointment with the BCCoC and looks forward to the leadership and insight she will bring to the role. Read the full news release HERE.
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Claire Smith Announces Retirement from VCC
Claire Smith, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Vancouver Convention Centre, has announced her retirement. In a message shared with industry leaders, Vancouver Convention Centre General Manager Craig Lehto reflected on her remarkable legacy.
"It’s difficult to put into words the impact Claire has had on our organization, Vancouver, and our industry. Her vision and leadership have not only elevated our reputation worldwide, but have helped define what it means to bring meaningful, transformative events to Vancouver."
Claire will be retiring from her role with the VCC, effective April 3rd. TIABC's Board of Directors extend their heartfelt best wishes to Claire as she prepares for her next adventure.
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A friendly reminder that registration is open for the 2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference. The conference will take place at the Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna, March 4 - 6, 2026.
Don’t miss out - register by January 14, 2026 to secure early bird pricing and save!
| Join us for this smart, moving, and surprisingly funny keynote on leadership in uncertain times. Tod blends history, humour, and lived experience to show how Canadians can lead with steadiness and integrity, even in. polarized environments. | |
AWARD NOMINATIONS | Final Call to Submit Nominations!
The BC Tourism Industry Awards demonstrate a standard of excellence for operators and employees in the industry, showcasing the province’s best products, services, experiences, and people. We encourage applications from all industry members.
Nomination deadline extended to end of day TODAY! Learn more and NOMINATE TODAY HERE.
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NOW ACCEPTING | SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS
We are now accepting donations for the 2026 Silent Auction in conjunction with the conference. This year, we’ll once again be using Bid Beacon to showcase items and manage bidding during the conference.
If you would like to contribute a silent auction item, please submit your donation through our online form. Learn more and submit HERE.
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IN MEMORIAM
Over the past year, our industry has said goodbye to colleagues and friends whose contributions and presence meant so much to our sector. Their loss is felt deeply throughout our entire tourism and hospitality community.
During the conference, we will once again honour those who have passed away with an In Memoriam slideshow tribute. To ensure we recognize everyone in a thoughtful and meaningful way, we invite you to share the names and details of individuals we should include. Submit HERE.
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Our sponsors are critical to what makes the BC Tourism Industry Conference a consistent success. Aside from helping to offset the costs of staging this event, sponsors deliver benefits to delegates that help grow their businesses, as well as BC’s visitor economy as a whole.
If your company is keen to connect with tourism leaders and stakeholders throughout British Columbia and Canada, we encourage you to partner with us for the 2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference. Contact us at sponsorship@bctourismconference.ca
If you have any questions relating to the BC Tourism Industry Conference, please visit the conference website or contact us at info@bctourismconference.ca.
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Reflecting on Six Months of Collaboration and a 25-Year Legacy
As 2025 draws to a close, I have been reflecting on my first six months serving as Executive Director of the Wilderness Tourism Association of BC through the partnership with TIABC, and the privilege of advancing policy priorities that support this remarkable sector. It has been an honour to work at the intersection of these two organizations, both built on decades of advocacy, collaboration, and a profound belief in the value of British Columbia’s wild places for communities, visitors, and future generations.
This past year also marked the WTA’s 25th anniversary, a milestone that offers a quiet but powerful reminder: real progress in tourism happens when people come together, stay the course, and choose partnership over division. At a time when public conversations can feel increasingly polarized, wilderness tourism continues to demonstrate what is possible when diverse perspectives align around stewardship, fairness, and the collective good.
In recent months, I have been deeply moved by stories and experiences from across the province, operators supporting one another through challenging seasons, regional partners working toward shared goals, and guides like Mollie, who works with a whale watching business and contributes her expertise to the Commercial Bear Viewing Association. Spending a day with her on the Salish Sea underscored the heart and soul of this industry: people whose deep connection to the land, ocean, and wildlife enriches every visitor experience. Moments spent on the water, in the alpine, or alongside wildlife reinforce a simple truth: this sector thrives because so many people care profoundly about place and about one another.
I have also seen Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners working collaboratively on land stewardship, regional DMOs advancing aligned priorities, and sector leaders championing clarity, certainty, and equitable approaches in provincial policy. These examples reaffirm what makes this industry special and why the work truly matters.
In both my WTA leadership role and my policy responsibilities with TIABC, I am continually inspired by your commitment to sustainable growth, responsible decision-making, and the hard work required to create experiences that shape lifelong memories for residents and visitors alike. Our landscapes may be the backdrop, but it is the people in this sector, your passion, expertise, generosity, and care for place, who define British Columbia’s tourism story.
As we look toward the new year, I am grateful for the partnerships being built, the bridges being strengthened, and the shared path ahead. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly, for the trust you place in both TIABC and WTA, and for the leadership you bring to the visitor economy every day. Wishing you and your families a safe, restorative, and joy-filled holiday season. I look forward to continuing this important work with you in 2026 and for many years to come.
Cassandra Zerebeski
Policy Director, TIABC
Executive Director, Wilderness Tourism Association of BC
| AN AI MOMENT WITH PETER PILARSKI | |
The Best of 2025: A Year of AI Transformation
in Tourism
Our last feature focused on what's coming in 2026 - now let's look back at where we've been. What a year 2025 turned out to be.
In this year-in-review article, Peter Pilarski reveals the five breakthrough themes that defined 2025's AI conversation in tourism. Discover the AI Adoption Hierarchy that guided successful implementations across the industry, inspiring stories of small eco-lodges outcompeting major chains with AI-powered personalization, and the leadership principles that turned scattered experiments into systematic wins. You'll explore why "human skills" became more valuable as AI grew more powerful, how tourism businesses won on two fronts (internal adoption and the agentic web), and the practical framework that made AI accessible to organizations of every size. This isn't about what might happen, it's a celebration of what already worked in 2025 and what's now possible for you in 2026.
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New Westminster Sparks Innovation with NWX Tourism Contest
With support from the Pooni Group, Destination BC, the City of New Westminster, and Vintop Development, Tourism New Westminster recently held the first-ever New West Experience (NWX)—a creative challenge aimed at inspiring fresh, bookable tourism experiences in the city.
From a strong pool of entries, four winning concepts were selected: Royal City Wrestling Nights and Strum & Sip: (Tied, Non-Student Business Experience), TEDx NewWest: (Student Business Experience), and Bioluminescent Experience: (Tourism Improvement Idea).
Winners received up to $5,000 in funding, and all 12 finalists were awarded $500 honorariums to help bring their ideas to life. The event also featured a special unveiling of a soon-to-launch 3D “I Love New West” sign, a future city landmark.
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FortisBC Programs Available to Help You Save
FortisBC is here to help you save money and energy through our various rebate programs.
Vladimir Kostka, Key Account Manager at FortisBC, has been serving the energy needs for tourism buildings and hotels in BC for over 15 years. He will provide you with access to and full-circle support for the right energy solution for your building.
Talk to Vladimir today at 604-592-7967, or at Vladimir.Kostka@fortisbc.com
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District of Tumbler Ridge
The District of Tumbler Ridge is a municipal government for the town of Tumbler Ridge, located in North-Eastern British Columbia, responsible for local services such as Visit Tumbler Ridge and development. It is part of the Peace River Regional District, known for its mining history, UNESCO Geopark status, and outdoor adventure.
Learn more about the District of Tumbler Ridge HERE.
Photo Credit: Visit Tumbler Ridge
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Let's Work Together on What Matters Most
To bolster industry advocacy efforts, membership in the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) is a good investment.
Becoming a member of TIABC offers many significant benefits that can enhance your business, elevate your voice on the issues that matter, and contribute to the success of BC’s visitor economy. As well, you will gain ease of access to a collaborative network of businesses, partners and allies that support the tourism industry, both nationally and provincially.
Contact info@tiabc.ca for more information, visit our website HERE or the link below.
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BCHA's Fast Track Your Future Education Series
The BC Hotel Association's (BCHA) Fast Track Your Future education series is back! Designed for aspiring, new, and seasoned leaders who want to build practical skills, improve performance, and advance their careers.
Each series is designed to be accessible, relevant, and immediately applicable, helping individuals and teams grow their impact and contribute to long-term business success.
2025/2026 Series Schedule:
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Human Resources Strategy for Hospitality sponsored by VVS Global | Jan 14 – Feb 18, 2026
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Communication & Marketing Strategies for Hospitality | Jan 27 – Mar 3, 2026
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Managing Food & Beverage Operations | March 4 – April 8, 2026
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Advanced Leadership for Hospitality Professionals – level 2 | Apr 15 – May 20, 2026
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Guest Experience & Service Excellence sponsored by Stayntouch | Apr 21 – May 26, 2026
Learn more about the Fast Track Your Future Series HERE.
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National Tourism Workforce Summit | Getting Organized, Setting an Action Plan
Tourism HR Canada looks forward to kicking off 2026 with the National Tourism Workforce Summit: a free, 90-minute webinar on the latest labour market research, including key trends, pressures, and opportunities shaping the national workforce.
Date: January 19 at 10:00 am (PST)
What you’ll gain:
- A concise, research-driven overview of current labour market conditions
- Clarity on existing workforce strategies and their effectiveness
- Actionable recommendations that support cross-sector collaboration
- A shared framework for aligning stakeholders around workforce priorities
Learn more and REGISTER HERE.
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Tourism DMO Sustainability Training Course – Spring 2026
Synergy Academy is a new learning format from Synergy Enterprises, created to make real-world sustainability knowledge more accessible and actionable for the business community.
The courses empower executives, professionals, teams, and emerging leaders to integrate sustainability into their operations, strategy, and decision-making processes. The following courses are specifically designed for Destination Management Organizations:
A). 5 modules in workshop format from March 3rd to March 31st
- 1-hour, virtual, Live delivery
- 10 AM PST, Every Tuesday
B). 5 modules in workshop format from March 4th to April 1st
- 1-hour, virtual, Live delivery
- 10 AM PST, Every Wednesday
Learn more and register HERE.
| | | CONFERENCES & SPECIAL EVENTS | |
Dine Out Vancouver Festival
Savour and sip your way through Canada’s largest food and drink festival with experiences to please your palate. Choose from curated fixed-price menus at over hundreds of Vancouver’s hottest restaurants and discover unique culinary events that span everything from sea foraging to dumpling fests.
Mark your calendars for Season 24 from January 21st to February 8th.
Learn more and check out the participating restaurants HERE.
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IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit - 2026
Registration is now open for 2026's iteration of the IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit Victoria
Dates: January 25-28
Get ready to explore Aligned action, shared direction, and real progress alongside global changemakers. With a brand-new Workshop Series, immersive case studies, and hands-on tools to take home, IMPACT 2026 will equip you to transform your destination into one that's not just visited, but nurtured.
Learn more and secure your spot HERE.
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SAVE THE DATE | VCM Tourism Region Industry Forum
The Vancouver Coast & Mountains (VCM) Tourism Region is pleased to announce that the next VCM Industry Forum will take place in Burnaby.
Date: Wednesday, February 4
Location: Delta Hotels Burnaby Conference Centre
This free, in-person event will bring together tourism businesses, First Nations, and Community Destination Management Organizations from across the region. It’s a valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and explore how collaboration strengthens tourism in British Columbia.
Registration details and a detailed agenda will be shared soon. For now, please mark your calendars!
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SAVE THE DATE | 2026 International Indigenous Tourism Conference
The 2026 International Indigenous Tourism Conference (#2026IITC), hosted in partnership with Indigenous Tourism Alberta and Explore Edmonton, will be held on unceded Treaty 6 Territory in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton).
Dates: February 17-19
The many Nations that call the area home, including Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Sioux and Métis People, are excited to welcome you to their territory at this amazing celebration of Indigenous tourism. Learn more and register HERE,
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Wilderness Tourism Association AGM
Mark Your Calendar and plan to attend Wilderness Tourism Association's annual general meeting. This year’s AGM will be held in person, with hybrid options available for those joining remotely.
Date: March 3
Time: 4:00 pm (PST)
Location: Delta Hotels, Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna
More details—including agenda, and how to participate—will be shared soon.
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SAVE THE DATE | BCDMOA Members Roundtable Meeting
It's that time again! Mark March 3rd on your calendar for the BCDMOA Members Annual Roundtable Meeting. In conjunction with the BC Tourism Industry Conference, the BCDMOA Roundtable Meeting will be an all-day meeting with engaging guest speakers and lively conversation. This meeting is open to all BCDMOA Members. Watch your emails for more information.
Location: Delta Hotels, Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna
Email info@bcdmoa.ca to register and be sure to book your accommodation for March 2nd, rooms space is limited!
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2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference - The Transformative Power of Tourism
Registration is now open for the 2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference. Join industry colleagues for this must attend conference.
Dates: March 4-6
Location: Delta Hotels, Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna
Be part of the Transformative Power of Tourism and REGISTER TODAY!
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BCHA 2026 Summit
The British Columbia Hotel Association invites you to the 2026 BCHA Summit, taking place at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo.
Dates: April 14-15
The Summit is the must-attend event for BC's hospitality industry, bringing together hoteliers, educators, suppliers, key industry stakeholders, and emerging leaders for thought-provoking sessions, valuable connections, and unforgettable experiences.
This year's theme — Future Ready: Strategies for a Stronger, Smarter Sector — highlights the people, ideas, and opportunities that will elevate our industry.
Registration is NOW OPEN - Learn more HERE.
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2026 Pig Out Festival
Get ready for the 2026 Pig Out Festival where local and guest chefs will take center stage, serving unlimited bites alongside tastings from award-winning wineries, live theatre, and culinary demos.
Date: Saturday, May 2
Location: Cellar Door & More!, Oliver
Adult tickets are $109 + tax, youth (13–18) $45, kids 12 and under free. Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.
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Save the Date | BC Outdoor Recreation Conference 2026
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC is celebrating 50 years of advocacy in 2026, and we’re marking the occasion in a big way! Join us at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC, for this milestone event.
Dates: May 20-22
Location: Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops
This conference will bring together outdoor recreation leaders, advocates, and enthusiasts from across British Columbia to reflect on our past, celebrate our achievements, and shape the future of public recreation. Look forward to engaging speakers, insightful panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and valuable networking with recreationists, land managers, and decision-makers.
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Tickets on Sale now for the Culinary Tourism Alliance’s Taste of Place Summit
From Soil to Story
Hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, the Taste of Place Summit is a national gathering bringing together destination leaders, chefs, producers and marketers from across Canada to celebrate and advance culinary and agritourism.
Dates: June 15 - 16
Location: Westin, Edmonton
Delegates can expect immersive learning journeys, thought-provoking discussions during main stage programming and plenty of networking along the way.
Early bird registration is now open until Dec. 31. Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.
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TIABC recognizes that our members, stakeholders and staff occupy the ceded, unceded and traditional territories of Indigenous Nations across British Columbia. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to live, work and play on the lands that our Indigenous friends and First Nations ancestors honour and care for.
#970 - 1050 West Pender Street | Vancouver, BC | V6E 3S7 | 604.685.5956
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