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While out for dinner with professional colleagues in Ottawa last month, I had a long conversation with the owner of a large St. John’s trucking firm who joined a tourism contingent on Parliament Hill to lobby the feds to invest in two additional ferries to service Newfoundland and the other Maritime provinces to ease supply chain disruptions and meet traveller needs.
I listened to fascinating tales of the operator’s exploits, including an incident last summer in which he defied government and police evacuation orders in favour of remaining on-site to protect his 8-acre storage facility and office from an encroaching wildfire. Over a period of 24 hours, he rallied his drivers and everyone he knew with a Class 1 commercial license to relocate dozens of rigs and over 100 trailers to a safer part of town.
Despite the threat of being injured, killed, arrested, or fined (none of which happened), the operator chose to fight for his business and the families it supports throughout the Maritimes. His experience reminded me of what I’ve been telling audiences during recent travels around the province: sometimes tourism operators may be forced to deploy alternate tactics during emergencies where government help is insufficient or non-existent. To be clear, I generally don’t encourage ignoring official orders, especially when it comes to safety, but occasionally more drastic measures supersede directives in order for businesses to survive.
Because the stories of Newfoundland’s wildfires were still fresh, one of the first things I noticed after returning to the office after vacation was a BC government news release regarding a National Wildfire Symposium in Vancouver that is taking place today. The Province has invited Indigenous partners, wildfire experts, and government representatives to review what happened across the country this year, as well as to explore wildfire technology, active forest management, and national readiness for future wildfires with a goal to develop a cross-Canada leadership strategy to help shape the framework of wildfire resiliency.
According to the Province, wildfires in 2025 affected nearly every region in BC despite being less destructive than other years. In its release, the Ministry of Forests also stated that BC is conducting research into the health impacts of wildfire smoke, ash and dust to wildland firefighters; evaluating automated wildfire risk and fire-growth modelling software to enhance wildfire planning and response; and studying the best ways to create FireSmart structures and communities.
Given the audience for the symposium and its focus on forestry, no one representing the tourism sector received a formal invitation to the gathering but perhaps we should have to offer another perspective.
While it’s fair to say that virtually every politician would acknowledge that wildfires have a devastating and visible impact on the landscape and forestry, I'm not convinced they recognize the magnitude of the impacts on the visitor economy.
As much as we’ve made great strides in recent years through the work of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport (MTACS), as well as the Tourism Emergency Management Committee (TEMC) and autodidact experts such as Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism CEO Amy Thacker (who recently presented on the topic of emergency management to the Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers in Winnipeg), we still have more ground to gain with all levels of government to ensure the tourism sector’s role and needs are recognized as part of crisis management. Our requests and recommendations have remained consistent and include:
A). An emergency fund (grants or low-interest loans) for businesses that are damaged or forced to close during an emergency in situations where business resumption insurance does not apply.
B). Annual funding for an online portal to help secure accommodation for displaced residents and visitors, as well as for First Responders.
C). Dedicated and sustained funding for regional and community DMOs to educate and train members (e.g. business operators) on how to develop and implement an emergency operations plan, as well as to support Emergency Operations Centres with dedicated staff to provide guest services as required (e.g. transportation, food, accommodation, communication).
D). Ubiquitous access to real-time data for communities and operators with actions that help business recovery and reputation management efforts.
E). Coordinated and consistent information and messaging by government and industry for media, residents, visitors, customers and other stakeholders.
F). Incremental investment in marketing campaigns to assist communities and businesses with recovery efforts.
G). Tourism input into decisions (e.g. travel bans) that impact communities and businesses.
H). Full tourism industry integration into the Ministry of Emergency Management & Climate Readiness’ emergency management structure and execution of crisis plans.
On a related note, the TEMC, which is responsible for oversight of BC’s Tourism Emergency Management Framework, will undergo some personnel changes next year at the leadership level, as well as within the committee itself, to complement structural changes to set up for the next evolution of tourism emergency management. Importantly, the TEMC remains committed to helping BC’s tourism sector execute on the four pillars of emergency management – preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery – to ensure we are able to handle whatever crisis comes our way in 2026 and beyond.
As you can imagine, my long chat with the St. John’s trucking firm owner was both entertaining and fun. At the same time it was also insightful as I learned about how Newfoundlanders responded to their unprecedented wildfire crisis this past summer with a view to evaluate which lessons could be applied in BC. At the very least, my new friend from The Rock inspired me to consider all the practical ways I might be able to help friends, colleagues, visitors, or neighbours during a major emergency. Unfortunately I don't possess a Class 1 driver's license to drive truck but perhaps my boating license might come in handy some day.
Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
| | Stay updated on the latest news and developments by checking out this week's compilation of important matters impacting and influencing our industry. | | | |
House Committee Seeks Public Input on Temporary Foreign Worker Program Impacts
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities is undertaking a study of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, (TFW) including its impacts on the labour market and how well it meets needs, particularly in rural areas.
The Committee invites members of the public to submit written briefs no longer than 10 pages (approximately 4,000 words) for consideration in the study. For more information on how to prepare a submission, please visit HERE.
The deadline for the Committee to receive written briefs from the public is Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). Briefs may be submitted electronically to the Committee Clerk at HUMA@parl.gc.ca or submitted online through the following link:
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Destination Canada Present the Generative
AI Search Playbook
As generative AI transforms how travellers search and discover destinations, ensuring your content is visible and cited by AI search platforms has never been more critical. To help our industry stay visible and competitive, Destination Canada is excited to share a practical, 17-page Generative AI Search Playbook: A Practical Guide to Smarter GEO designed to make the core strategies easier to understand, implement, and — most importantly — share across your member and partner networks.
The guide outlines:
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Why GEO matters: Staying visible and discoverable in an AI-driven search landscape.
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How to prepare: Foundational steps for your website, partnerships, and reputation-building.
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What to do next: Practical checklists and clear actions to help associations and businesses “win with AI” by ensuring their content is surfaced when travellers search for Canada.
Access the Generative AI Search Playbook through the link below.
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Outdoor Recreation Fund - Opens December 8
The Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC is launching its third annual intake on December 8, with applications due January 20th.
The Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC supports grants for community-based initiatives that create and shape meaningful outdoor recreational and nature-based experiences for British Columbians. Some of the project eligibility requirements are:
- Are ready-to-go which means that any required authorizations are in place before applying.
- Take place in British Columbia.
- The project takes place in natural settings—such as parks, trails, and natural aquatic areas—and does not include activities that take place in highly cultivated recreation areas (such as playgrounds, skateparks, sports fields and urban farms).
An information webinar will be held on December 9th at 1:00-2:00 pm PT.
- Register HERE for the webinar.
- Learn more about the fund and apply HERE.
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The Canadian Ski Council and GreenStep Launch
National Ski Industry Stewardship Program
The Canadian Ski Council in partnership with GreenStep has launched a groundbreaking initiative designed to accelerate environmental, socioeconomic, natural, and cultural leadership across Canada’s ski industry. The goal of The National Ski Industry Stewardship Program is to help ski areas succeed amid a changing climate while meeting the rising expectations of visitors, communities, and governments.
Canada’s ski and snowboard sector is a powerful tourism engine, generating billions in visitor spending, tax revenue, and local economic activity each year. It supports more than 35,000 jobs - many in small, rural communities - and sustains local businesses and regional economies. By drawing international visitors, snow sports also strengthen Canada’s reputation as a premier winter destination. Learn more through the following link:
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Help Celebrate BC Heritage Week
BC Heritage Week is a province-wide celebration held each year during the third week of February. The week is an open invitation for British Columbians to share stories and experience heritage in their communities. This year, BC Heritage Week takes place from February 16 to 22, 2026, aligning with both BC’s Family Day and Canada’s National Heritage Day
The goal of BC Heritage Week is to inspire people to connect with local heritage and to raise awareness of the many ways it shapes our communities, identities, and daily lives.
The 2026 BC Heritage Week theme is "Stir the Pot" - an open invitation to celebrate food as a form of heritage that is both deeply personal and widely shared.
Learn more, including how to register or plan an event HERE.
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Tourism Golden Announces Transition in Leadership
Tourism Golden has announced that longtime Executive Director Joanne Sweeting will retire at the end of 2025, concluding nearly 14 years of leadership.
Joanne has guided the organization through a period of sustainable growth, marked by the expansion of year-round tourism offerings and the creation of programs that benefit both residents and visitors.
Sincere congratulations are extended to Andy Brown, Tourism Golden's current Communications Manager, who will move into the Executive Director role following Joanne's retirement.
Read the full press release HERE.
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Xenia Slosarcik Appointed to Help Shape the Future of Surrey’s Tourism Industry
After 11 years as a leading performer in BC’s travel industry, plus additional experience internationally, Xenia Slosarcik has been appointed the new Director of Business Development for the Surrey Hotel and Motel Association.
Surrey was among BC tourism markets Xenia served in her previous travel industry roles. With this new appointment, Xenia will focus her collaborative spirit, attention to detail, passion for destination marketing, and expertise in relationship-building on supporting and elevating Surrey’s tourism sector.
Previously with the Globus Family of Brands, Xenia spent much of her time on the road managing more than 200 accounts across British Columbia. Her efforts contributed to year-over-year sales growth in Vancouver, Surrey, and the Okanagan.
“Xenia knows the world, and she knows Surrey,” said John Kearns, Chair of the Surrey Hotel and Motel Association. “We’re sure Xenia’s broad expertise combined with her local intel and connections will help take tourism in Surrey to even greater heights as our city continues to grow.”
(Submitted by Surrey Hotel and Motel Association)
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We’re pleased to announce that registration is now 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.
Register at the early bird rate by January 14, 2026 to save on your registration!
Session titles, speakers, and full program details will be announced soon, so keep checking the conference website for updates as the program comes to life!
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SUBMIT YOUR AWARD 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 is Dec. 12th. 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.
| AN AI MOMENT WITH PETER PILARSKI | |
AI Trends Reshaping Tourism in 2026: What You
Need to Know Now
Most tourism operators Peter works with across North America are already experimenting with AI, some quite extensively. The challenge isn't adoption anymore; it's knowing which emerging trends will actually reshape the industry and deserve your strategic attention now, before they become table stakes in 2026.
In this detailed guide, Peter shares 8 AI trends that will define tourism in 2026, filtered specifically for what matters to wilderness lodges with skeleton crews, DMOs managing complex stakeholder networks, and rural B&Bs competing with OTAs. Real examples show the impact: organizations implementing comprehensive AI literacy programs report 27% productivity improvements, early agentic AI adopters are seeing 171% average ROI, and businesses preparing for agentic commerce are achieving 30x higher conversion rates from AI-driven referrals. No technical expertise required, just strategic thinking about AI as infrastructure, not novelty.
Learn more in the link below.
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Dr. Sophie Pierre Recognized by ITBC
Congratulations to Dr. Sophie Pierre, who was recently recognized with (ITBC) with the Tourism Industry Leader (Legacy) Award by Indigenous Tourism BC.
This honour celebrates Sophie’s decades of leadership, vision, and her incredible impact on Indigenous tourism across the province. The transformation of the St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino remains one of her most powerful and inspiring legacies.
Dr. Pierre served as a central spokesperson in TIABC’s Value of Tourism on Reconciliation - Kootenay Rockies video. The video can be viewed HERE.
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Accent Inn's Mandy Farmer Wins CQCC Business Leader of the Year Award
Congratulations to Accent Inn’s president and CEO Mandy Farmer who was recently recognized as Business Leader of the Year by the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce’s (CQCC). The CQCC Business Leadership Awards celebrate trailblazers driving inclusion, innovation, and growth in Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ business community.
Mandy is the president and CEO of Accent Inns, proudly owned and operated by the Farmer family since 1986. She took over the role from her father, Terry Farmer, in 2008. She is also the founder of Hotel Zed and Tofino restaurant, ROAR.
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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, 2026
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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Dine Out Vancouver Festival Returns for Season 24 in 2026
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, 2026!
Learn more and check out the participating restaurants HERE.
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BCLCA Advise on Winter RVing in British Columbia
According to the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) - "there are those that want to “really” experience the winter outdoors – the true adventurists who avidly enjoy winter activities and must camp in a tent. Then there are those who want the comfort of an RV but still enjoy the challenge of winter."
In their latest edition of Travel British Columbia .com - they have provided a list of RV Parks that are open for business for the winter RVer. Visit HERE.
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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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Thompson Rivers University
Since 1970, TRU has been providing an excellent education to every student who comes to us — from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives, at various stages of the learning journey. TRU serves more than 25,000 students on its campuses in Kamloops and Williams Lake, and via distance or online courses and programs through Open Learning.
From traditional academics to trades, from certificates to graduate degrees, TRU offers over 140 on-campus programs and 60-plus Open Learning programs.
Learn more about Thompson Rivers University HERE.
Photo Credit: Thompson Rivers University
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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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Supporting Workplace Mental Health Over the Holidays
The holiday season brings celebration, but it can also bring fatigue, pressure, and emotional strain for tourism & hospitality teams. Long hours, high guest expectations, and limited downtime can take a toll on both employees and leaders. Join go2HR in this free webinar;
Date: Tuesday, December 9
Time: 1:00–2:00 PM (PST)
For practical strategies to support mental wellbeing, maintain team cohesion, and strengthen resilience during the busiest time of year - this is a timely opportunity to help workplaces navigate seasonal stress with care and confidence.
Learn more and register HERE.
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Tourism Destination Management Organization 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 | |
BC Chamber of Commerce | Annual Premier & Cabinet Luncheon
The BC Chamber of Commerce is delighted to welcome Premier David Eby, members of Cabinet and Parliamentary Secretaries to its annual Premier & Cabinet Luncheon, an event that offers business leaders the opportunity to connect with the Executive Council of the provincial government.
Date: December 10
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Vancouver (details to be announced)
Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.
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Barkerville Presents Olde-Fashioned Christmas
Barkerville Historic Town & Park is pleased to announce the return of Olde-Fashioned Christmas. This festive weekend remains one of the community’s favourite winter traditions, offering a warm and lively holiday experience in the heart of British Columbia’s most iconic gold rush town.
Dates: December 13 & 14
Barkerville’s Olde-Fashioned Christmas offers a memorable way to experience the historic site during the winter season. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and prepare for changing winter conditions along Highway 26. For event details and advance tickets, please visit HERE.
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REGISTER TODAY! | TIABC Annual General Meeting
The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) is inviting members and partners to join us for our Annual General Meeting.
Date: Wednesday, December 17
Time: 10:30 am (PST) - Virtual
This year’s AGM will be held virtually, providing an opportunity to elect the 2025-2026 Board of Directors, review TIABC’s 2024 financials, and celebrate the accomplishments and milestones achieved over the past year.
REGISTER 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 | 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. Save the date!
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SAVE THE DATE | BCDMOA Members Roundtable Meeting
It's that time again! Mark March 3 on your calendar for the BCDMOA Members Annual Roundtable Meeting. In conjunction with the TIABC 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.
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 Hotel, 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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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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