Join the TIAC Tourism Congress 2024 to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and collaboratively tackle current challenges in Canadian tourism.
Event Location: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel 1000 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6Z 2R9
Program
(Subject to Change)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024WORKSHOP DAY & NATIONAL FORUM ON DISASTER READINESS AND RESPONSE | |||
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TITLE |
DESCRIPTION |
SPEAKER(S) |
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9:00am- 12:00pm |
Introduction to Export READIness |
Expand Your Market Reach with the TIAC READI Stamp Accreditation Program (MORE INFO) | |
| 9:00am- 12:00pm |
Fast Track to Sustainability for Tourism Businesses & Destinations |
Transform Your Tourism Operations with GreenStep's Sustainable Tourism (MORE INFO) | |
| 9:00am- 12:00pm |
Culinary & Agritourism |
Master Food Storytelling with Culinary Tourism's Workshop (MORE INFO) | Gabrielle Mueller |
| 9:00am- 12:00pm |
Managing Environmental & Social Impacts with Visitor Use Management Framework |
Learn strategies for ensuring sustainable, positive experiences on recreational trails by effectively managing visitor impacts. (MORE INFO) | Michael Goodyear |
| 9:00am- 12:00pm |
Flourishing in Tourism: Building Your Capacity to Flourish in the Future |
Explore how the Flourishing Business Canvas can help your organization shape a sustainable and impactful future in the Canadian tourism sector. (MORE INFO) | Trevor Jonas Benson Camilo Montoya-Guevara |
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12:00pm - 1:30pm |
Networking Lunch |
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1:30pm - 4:30pm |
Canada's National Forum on Disaster Readiness and Response |
Join us at the National Forum on Disaster Readiness and Response to collaborate with industry leaders on innovative strategies for enhancing the resilience of Canada's tourism sector. (MORE INFO) |
TBC |
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4, 2024TOURISM CONGRESS -DAY 1(Program Subject to Change) | |||||
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TITLE |
DESCRIPTION |
SPEAKER(S) |
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8:00am - 9:00am |
Networking Breakfast and Marketplace |
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9:00am - 9:30am |
Opening Remarks and Indigenous Welcome |
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9:30am - 10:15am |
Embracing the Journey: The Power of Canada's Tourism Industry with Jon Montgomery |
Join Gold Medal Olympian Jon Montgomery, Host of The Amazing Race Canada, as he shares his inspiring journey through Canada’s vibrant tourism landscape, celebrating its beauty, diversity, and unforgettable experiences. |
Jon Montgomery |
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10:15am- 11:30pm |
Leadership Report and Feedback Forum |
Beth Potter |
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11:30am– 12:00pm |
Networking Lounge and Marketplace |
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12:00pm- 1:15pm |
Air Canada Future Leaders Luncheon
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Join us at the Air Canada Future Leaders Luncheon, an inspiring event dedicated to the next generation of tourism professionals featuring a compelling presentation on building a successful career in the tourism industry. Additionally, we will celebrate the achievements of this year's Air Canada Future Tourism Leaders Contest winners. |
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1:15pm- 2:00pm |
Concurrent Session: From Caution to Confidence: How to Stop Worrying and Learn to Love AI |
In the realm of cultural tourism, AI integration offers exciting opportunities and unique challenges for museums and cultural sites. Join interactive designer Corey King as he delves into the development of Artefacta, an innovative AI-curation platform that is revolutionizing the industry. This session will illuminate how AI can dramatically enhance visitor engagement and offer tailored experiences across diverse institutions. Learn best practices for maintaining authenticity and accessibility, strategies to overcome resistance to new technologies, and explore future trends that AI brings to the tourism landscape. Don't miss this chance to discover how AI is transforming the cultural tourism experience and shaping the future of the industry. |
Corey King |
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Concurrent Session: Telling Your Destination's Taste of Place Story |
Each destination boasts a unique "taste of place" story that sets it apart, offering visitors a memorable culinary journey that reflects its heritage and flavors. From dining in historic kilns to savoring wines that embody the local terroir, each experience is distinctive and rich with cultural significance. Join Gabrielle Mueller, Marketing Manager for the Culinary Tourism Alliance, as she leads a compelling panel featuring industry leaders from Discover Halifax, Tourism Thunder Bay, and Tourism Medicine Hat. This session will delve into the art of effectively sharing these culinary stories with targeted audiences, highlighting the profound economic impact of culinary tourism. Learn how to leverage your region’s unique gastronomic experiences to attract visitors, stimulate local economies, and elevate your destination’s profile on the global stage |
Moderator:
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Concurrent Session: Navigating the Future: Emerging and Key Sectors in Canadian Tourism |
Join our expert panel as they delve into the dynamic sectors reshaping the Canadian tourism landscape. This session will spotlight emerging trends and innovations that are driving economic impact and diversifying the tourism industry. Explore the rise of RVing and road trips and their growing economic significance. Learn about the transformative effects of wellness tourism, where travelers seek rejuvenation and holistic experiences. Discover the growing impact of sport tourism, which attracts visitors through major sporting events and boosts local economies. Finally, understand the substantial contributions of meetings, conventions, and business events to local economies. Gain valuable insights into how these segments are enhancing the resilience and future of destinations across Canada. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with industry leaders and uncover the potential of these key tourism sectors. |
Moderator: TBC Panelists: Minto Schneider Lesley Anderson |
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2:00pm- 2:30pm |
Networking Lounge and Marketplace |
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2:30pm- 3:30pm |
National Tourism Panel Session: Enhancing Canada's Global Competitiveness through Transportation |
An insightful panel discussion featuring leading experts from the airline, rail, motorcoach, and water transportation industries. This dynamic session will delve into how groundbreaking advancements across these transportation modes are propelling Canada’s global competitiveness. Key topics include enhancing accessibility, fostering innovation, improving interconnectivity, streamlining border access, and tackling critical infrastructure challenges. Join us to gain valuable perspectives on how these developments are shaping the future of transportation in Canada and positioning the nation as a leader on the world stage |
Moderator: TBC Panelists: Michael Acosta Elizabeth Brown |
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3:30pm– 4:30pm |
Plenary Session |
TBC |
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4:30pm- 4:45pm |
End of Day 1 - Wrap-up |
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2024WELCOME RECEPTIONVANCOUVER AQUARIUM |
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6:15pm |
Transportation starts from the Sheraton Wall Hotel Lobby to the Vancouver Aquarium |
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6:30pm- 8:30pm |
TIAC Welcome Reception Co-Hosted with Destination Vancouver and the Vancouver Aquarium |
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 5, 2024TOURISM CONGRESS DAY 2 |
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8:00am - 9:00am |
Networking Breakfast and Marketplace |
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9:00am- 9:15 am |
Morning Kick-off Welcome |
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9:15am- 10:15am |
Plenary |
TBC | |||
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10:15am- 11:00am |
Concurrent Session: Ensuring Tourism Thrive When All Belong -Powering Canadian tourism through inclusive and accessible employment |
The Canadian tourism sector is at a crucial juncture where inclusivity and accessibility can drive growth and resilience. The session "Ensuring Tourism Thrives When All Belong" explores how inclusive employment practices can transform the sector. By creating workplaces that support individuals, including those with disabilities, the industry can leverage diverse talents to boost innovation and enhance guest experiences. Delegates will learn from diverse perspectives, including employees with disabilities, small business owners, HR professionals, and accessibility experts. The session will cover best practices, legal and ethical responsibilities, economic benefits, and societal impacts of inclusive tourism. Attendees will gain actionable insights to foster a supportive environment and improve business performance, customer satisfaction, and brand reputation. Join us to explore how embracing inclusivity and accessibility can power the future of Canadian tourism. | Moderator: Jiaxuan (Jasmine) Qi Director, Workforce Inclusion, Tourism HR Canada Panelists: Jazz McLarty Prep Cook, Krackers Katering Rami Kassem President, Javaroma Gourmet Coffee & Tea – Yellowknife, NT Jamie Millar-Dixon Principal Consultant, MacLeod Silver HR Business Partners |
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Concurrent Session: TBC |
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Concurrent Session: Sustainable Tourism: Global Trends and Canada's Performance |
Explore the evolving landscape of sustainable tourism, focusing on emerging global trends and Canada's pivotal role in this transformation. This session offers a deep dive into compelling case studies and data, shedding light on the real-world implications of the EU Green Claims Directives and GSTC standards. Gain practical guidance on navigating complex regulations, enabling your organization to enhance sustainability efforts, avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing, and implement truly effective practices. Whether you’re an industry leader, policymaker, or sustainability advocate, this session provides the tools and insights necessary to stay ahead in the rapidly changing world of sustainable tourism. |
Angela Nagy |
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11:00am- 11:45 am |
Networking Lounge and Marketplace |
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11:45am- 1:00 pm |
Luncheon |
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1:00pm- 1:45pm |
Concurrent Session: Building Partnerships and Employment Pipelines With Canadian Educational Programs |
Join us for an insightful panel discussion that introduces the Canadian Coalition of Tourism Universities, highlighting its vision and mission to strengthen the tourism industry through education. This session will present a comprehensive model for developing a pipeline approach to connect students with the industry through a structured hosting program. | Wayne W. Smith, Ph.D. Director - Institute for Hospitality & Tourism Research Professor - Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Toronto Metropolitan University |
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Concurrent Session: TBC |
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Concurrent Session: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in Canadian Tourism Investment |
Join us for an insightful session that delves into the complexities of investing in the Canadian tourism industry. Our panel of experts will examine significant challenges such as economic fluctuations, regulatory hurdles, and global events. They will also offer strategic solutions for overcoming these obstacles, providing valuable insights to help you navigate and seize opportunities in this dynamic sector. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders and enhance your investment strategies in Canadian tourism. | ||||
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1:45pm- 2:15pm |
Networking Lounge and Marketplace |
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2:15pm- 3:15pm |
Strengthening Canada's Global Position: A National Panel on Enhancing Competitiveness |
Join us for a dynamic and insightful discussion as leading national organizations come together to tackle the pressing issue of Canada's global competitiveness in tourism. This national panel features representatives from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Tourism HR Canada, Destination Canada, and Parks Canada. Through collaborative dialogue, these experts will explore innovative strategies and actionable solutions to bolster Canada's standing as a premier global destination. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives and contribute to shaping the future of Canada's tourism industry. |
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3:15pm-4:15pm |
Plenary |
TBC | |||
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4:15pm- 4:30pm |
Closing remarks |
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024CANADIAN TOURISM AWARDS |
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6:00pm- 7:00pm |
Canadian Tourism Awards Gala Reception |
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7:00pm- 8:00pm |
Canadian Tourism Awards Gala Dinner |
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8:00pm- 9:30pm |
Canadian Tourism Awards |
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