Tourism Congress 2026
Lobster Tank
Business Investment Pitch Showcase
Learn how to turn your concept into capital! Pitch your tourism business idea live to a panel of investment experts on Lobster Tank at the 2026 Tourism Congress. You'll receive real-time feedback, as well as an inside look at how investors evaluate ventures and what it takes to secure funding.
Put your pitch to the test. Complete the TIAC Tourism Investor READI™ Assessment and apply today.
Application deadline: September 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
The three selected participants will receive one complimentary registration each (per business) to Tourism Congress 2026. The winning participant of the 2026 Lobster Tank session will receive complimentary registration to Tourism Congress 2027. Participants acknowledge that no monetary investment will be provided as part of this educational session.
Eligibility: Your Path to the Lobster Tank
Step 1
Complete the READI™ Assessment and Earn the Stamp
Successfully complete the Investor READI™ Assessment and apply for your Investor READI™ Stamp. A TIAC team member will review your assessment to ensure you are Investor READI™.
Need Help Preparing?
The Funding & Investor Readiness training provides guidance to help tourism businesses strengthen their investment proposition and prepare a compelling pitch deck.
Step 2
Apply to the Lobster Tank
Become a participant in TIAC's first Lobster Tank. Applicants must be TIAC members in good standing and hold an Investor READI™ Stamp.
Participants will be selected and notified in October 2026.
See the required submission materials below.
Step 3
Pitch Live
Present your pitch in person at the 2026 Tourism Congress in Fredericton, November 18-19, in front of an audience of your tourism peers.
Required Submission Materials
- One-page executive summary
- Ten-slide investor pitch deck, including:
- Company Overview
- The Problem
- Your Solution
- Market Opportunity
- Business Model
- Traction & Validation
- Investment Ask
- Tourism & Economic Impact
- Leadership Team
- Vision & Closing
- One- to two-minute sample pitch video
- Executive headshot
- Company logo
- One to five high-resolution images showcasing your business or pitch
Selection Process
Eligible applications will be measured against the scoring matrix below and scored out of 100 points, while considering regional, sectoral and business diversity.
Finalist notification: Selected participants will be notified in October 2026.
| Criterion | Weight | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Investor READI™ Assessment | 20 | Overall readiness and assessment results |
| Business Market Potential | 30 | Clear value proposition and growth opportunity with market potential, including demand, scalability and competitiveness |
| Financial Viability & Investment Proposition | 20 | Business model and sustainability; use of funds and expected return |
| Tourism Impact | 10 | Jobs, visitation and community benefit |
| Presentation Potential (Video Submission) | 20 | An interesting and engaging presentation or pitch, with the ability to communicate effectively and entertain the audience |
| Total | 100 |
Ready to Enter the Tank?
Put your idea in front of seasoned experts and tourism decision-makers at the 2026 Tourism Congress.
For questions, please contact congress@tiac-aitc.ca.