Events
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This event aims to unite invested stakeholders from across the culinary tourism value chain. see more
The Taste of Place Summit, launched in 2023, is a national gathering designed by the Culinary Tourism Alliance to unite invested stakeholders from across the culinary tourism value chain. The Summit responds to a clear need: a dedicated space for industry leaders, practitioners, and partners to explore how food and drink can powerfully shape the identity, resilience, and economic vitality of destinations. Each year, the Summit is hosted in a different region of Canada, spotlighting the country’s diverse tastes while connecting attendees with emerging industry talent and innovative ideas.
This important gathering brings together the people who shape the visitor experience, from destination developers and tourism managers to marketers, business owners, and students. They come to learn why and how to place their community’s food and drink culture at the forefront of their destination strategies. By focusing on food as a catalyst for meaningful travel experiences, the Summit helps strengthen local economies, elevate place identity, and foster sustainable tourism development.
Throughout the event, thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners share their expertise through dynamic presentations, immersive experiences, and collaborative dialogue. Delegates from across Canada and around the world gain valuable insights, exchange best practices, and draw inspiration to elevate culinary and agritourism offerings in their own regions. Summit attendees are united by a shared purpose: to equip destinations and businesses with the tools they need to create exceptional, enduring experiences that delight visitors while also benefiting local communities and the people who call them home. -
Know Your Worth. Tell Your Story. see moreYou have built something. You have shown up, navigated challenges, delivered results, and shaped your corner of this industry. But when it comes to talking about it — really owning it out loud — most of us hold back.
Know Your Worth. Tell Your Story. is an intimate professional development evening for tourism and hospitality professionals across the Explorers’ Edge region — Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands, Loring-Restoule, Muskoka, Parry Sound, and South Algonquin. This is your space to stop underselling yourself and start telling your story with the confidence it deserves.
The evening is warm, focused, and thanks to our facilitator Jen Richardson — genuinely funny. Expect real conversation, a few laughs, and two hours that could change the way you talk about yourself.
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Doors open: 5:00 – 8:00pm
Program: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Venue: Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame, Bracebridge, Ontario -
Tee up with TGGO in this great event see more
Join us for the inaugural TGGO golf Tournament
This year we'll be at Nottawasaga Resort & Golf in Alliston. Who are the TGGO?
The TGGO (Tourism Golf Group Ontario) is a group of retired tourism professionals – many of them are mentors to our industry– whose working relationships developed into lifelong friendships.
You might recognize these names:
Grace Sammut | Dave Sammut | Narvin Singh | Diane Hounsome | Bill Kenny | Jerry Feltis
They were chatting one afternoon in December (probably about the “good old days”) when they hit upon the topic of golf tournaments. It didn’t take them long before they hatched a plan to organize and run a fun tournament for all of us in the industry, retired or not. They want to give back to the industry while also supporting a great charity, the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada.
The Starlight Foundation is dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families. When the kids are out-of-hospital, they focus on granting wishes of all sizes with our Day Brightener Wishes, Great Escapes® Wishes, and Once In A Lifetime Wishes to make sure Starlight families always have a reason to believe in magic.
The TGGO reached out to Carol Greenwood, TIAO & Chuck Thibeault, Central Counties Tourism to help make it happen. Chuck and Carol are supporting this key group in making this tournament a reality.
And, of course, you can help in many ways:
- Register to join in on the fun. Every ticket includes a direct donation to the Starlight Foundation Canada. Come and golf and join a group, register as a foursome, or just come to the dinner to network - Register for what is right for you.
- Consider being a sponsor of the event or let us know of an organizaton they may be a good sponsor.
- Donate an experience to TGGO so that they can provide to the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada
- If you don’t golf but want to be there, consider being a volunteer for the day
More questions? Want to sponsor? You can email them direct at tourismgolfgroup@gmail.com.
Cancellation Policy
Please be advised that TIAO does not offer refunds or cancellations after registration. Substitutions are permitted up until the day of event. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the TIAO office at 416-483-1691.
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Tourism North Bay Annual General Meeting see more
Tourism North Bay is holding their Annual General Meeting this April where Executive Director, Tanya Bédard will share highlights and impacts from 2025. Details are as follows: Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2026 Time: 11:00 a.m. Location: North Bay Museum (2nd Floor) - 100 Ferguson Street, North Bay, Ontario *Parking is available in City Parking Lot #2.
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Free Market Research Tools for Your Business Success
Find out how the Markham Public Library and the Markham Small Business Centre can help you access competitive market intelligence information for your small business. Whether you are in the starting stages of a business or thinking of expanding, come learn about the market research tools available to you at zero cost!
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DIY Your Business Plan see more
DIY Your Business Plan
A business plan is vital to any startup. It outlines the company’s vision and creates a road map that gives potential business partners an opportunity to gain deep insights into the startup. The fundamentals and techniques gained during the business planning process will allow a startup to plan, strategize, and assess risk all in one document.
During this workshop, we will cover the following topics:
-How to Build an Effective Business Plan?
-What is your Compelling Value?
-Who is your Best Customer?
-Tools & Frameworks for Support
About the Presenter - Enrique Soissaclient-facing
With nearly two decades in the media and entertainment industries, working in content roles, Enrique has spent his time in major media organizations as well as start-ups. From founding and running his own business in the music industry to acquisitions and client management roles, Enrique has a wide variety of experiences to draw from.
Now with Futurpreneur in the role of a Business Development Manager, he works to support new entrepreneurs during their key foundational stage to help them launch successfully.
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In this engaging session, you will be given key tools to use in navigating through the various import, export and customs procedures.
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The City of Sault Ste. Marie is hosting EDCO's Northern Regional Professional Development Event see more
Day One: June 15th, 2025
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Sunset Cruise Networking Boat Cruise
The City of Sault Ste. Marie is pleased to host EDCO Regional Seminar delegates on a sunset networking cruise aboard the Miss Marie Lock Tour Boat. Enjoy a two-hour cruise along the scenic St. Marys River, taking in downtown views of both Canadian and U.S. Sault Ste. Marie while relaxing on one of the region's most iconic waterways.
The evening before the seminar, connect with fellow delegates over light appetizers and a complimentary beverage (cash bar available). Set against a historic trade corridor linking Lake Superior to the Great Lakes, this unique experience brings the seminar's themes of infrastructure, connectivity, and regional opportunity to life.
Day 2: June 16th, 2025
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Registration and Networking
9:00 AM – 9:20 AM – Welcome and Opening Remarks
- Welcome from the City of Sault Ste. Marie
- EDCO Welcome
9:20 AM – 10:10 AM – Plenary: Marine Connectivity & the Great Lakes Advantage
Guest Speaker: HOPA Ports
- Unlocking port potential in the Great Lakes system
- Marine infrastructure as a catalyst for regional growth
- Integrating ports into rail and road networks to improve market access
10:10 AM – 10:30 AM – Coffee and Networking Break
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM – Plenary: Rail Connectivity & Northern Supply Chains
Guest Speaker: Watco
- The role of shortline rail in connecting people, resources, and markets
- Cost reduction, reliability, and competitiveness for Northern industries
- Rail as a strategic asset for rural and resource-based economies
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM – Panel Discussion: Multimodal Infrastructure as an Economic Enabler
- Aligning infrastructure investment with economic outcomes
- Overcoming geographic and scale challenges in the North
- Public-private collaboration models
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Lunch and Networking
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM – Sector Spotlight: From Core Industries to Community Impact
A facilitated conversation featuring:
- Agri-Food: lowering operating costs and improving market access
- Tourism SSM & Downtown Revitalization:
- How increased industrial and business activity drives tourism, culture, and service-sector growth
- The relationship between economic activity, vibrancy, and quality of life
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM – Coffee and Networking Break
2:00 PM – 3:15 PM – Guided Experiential Session: Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre – Curator-Led Tour
- Historical role of aviation in opening Northern Ontario
- Movement of people and resources as the foundation of economic development
- Linking historic gateways to today's multimodal opportunities
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM – Closing Reflections
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Kollab in The Kawarthas is a fun in-person meetup where local creatives connect! see more
Welcome to Kollab in The Kawarthas!
Let's come together as Ptbo County tourism leaders for a day of collaboration, creativity and connection in the beautiful Kawarthas!
Kollab in The Kawarthas! ✨🚤
Get ready for the 2026 Visitor Season! Kollab in The Kawarthas is your chance to learn from industry leaders and network with like-minded entrepreneurs!
🎤Guest Speaker Justin La Fontaine, Destination Ontario
💬 Panel Speakers Learn from local tourism operators, experts and leaders to provide an exceptional experience, how to market your business to visitors and how kollabing is your best way to succeed!
👋 Meet Our Team: connect with our Economic Development and Tourism team
🤝 Connections & Networking! This high-energy session is designed to spark new partnerships, cross-promotions, and creative package ideas. You'll have the opportunity to meet fellow business owners, exchange ideas, and explore ways to work together to enhance the local tourism experience.
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Join us at Rendez-vous Canada 2026 in Toronto! see more
Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) is Canada’s signature international tourism marketplace, co-produced by Destination Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). For nearly 50 years, this event has shone the spotlight on Canada, connecting international travel buyers with Canadian tourism businesses and creating meaningful opportunities from coast to coast to coast.
We are thrilled to be hosting Rendez-vous Canada 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, the heartbeat of Canadian urban life, May 26–29, 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
In Canada, awe-inspiring landscapes and warm-hearted people come naturally, and even the most ordinary moments can feel extraordinary. Our open hearts foster a sense of belonging, our open spaces, a sense of awe and wonder, and our open minds fuel refreshing perspectives. It’s precisely this unique blend of openness and authenticity that sets Canada apart, and it’s what we hope you will experience at Rendez-vous Canada 2026.
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TIAO's most important annual advocacy event see more
Join us for TIAO's most important advocacy event of the year!
Tourism Day at Queen's Park
8:00 AM - 5:00 PMExclusive to TIAO Members, Tourism Day at Queen’s Park, is TIAO’s annual lobby day event at the provincial legislature. One of the association’s most highly rated events and membership benefits, TD@QP allows tourism industry leaders and stakeholders valuable face time with MPPs, Ministers, and other government officials and staff.
Tourism Day at Queen’s Park is by invitation only – we ask that all members interested in attending register their intent to participate. Please note that this does not guarantee participation, and TIAO will reach out to those who will be scheduled into meetings.
TIAO will share applicable messaging and meeting details with members in the coming weeks.
Please note that you MUST be a TIAO Member in order to register for this event.
Taste of Ontario Reception
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
TD@QP ends with a special Taste of Ontario Reception, presented by the Culinary Tourism Alliance. All TIAO members are welcome to register for and to attend the reception! -
Canada’s #1 Latino-themed cultural celebration see more
The 22st annual Salsa on St. Clair is set to be an unforgettable celebration as the streets of St. Clair Ave West in Midtown Toronto’s Hillcrest Village come alive with delicious eats, electrifying performances, mucho music, and non-stop dancing! Hundreds of thousands of attendees – locals and visitors alike from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ages – will come together to celebrate, united by their shared love of all things Latin. We can’t wait to share some of the exciting highlights, from our vibrant festival parade to the unforgettable performances, and so much more.
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OMCA Marketplace prides itself on its quality buyers and appointments see more
OMCA Marketplace is an intimate event that provides group-tourism-related companies a chance to connect, network, learn, and secure future group bookings.
Tour Operators meet one-on-one with tourism suppliers for two days of 8-minute appointments for a speedy update on products and services available to their upcoming groups (buyers sit and sellers move). All delegates enjoy evening networking receptions, networking lunches, and educational sessions to boost their knowledge and ability to navigate the successful recovery of motor coach and group tourism.
No other Marketplace provides the valuable atmosphere of OMCA’s conference, which provides the opportunity to touch base with every attendee – with or without a one-on-one appointment.
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Get together with industry colleagues for a casual day of networking, sport, dining, and prizes at OMCA’s Annual Golf Tournament!
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Join us for free family-friendly concerts all summer at Midland's Little Lake Park! see more
Join the Town of Midland this summer for free, family-friendly evening events at Little Lake Park’s newly covered stage, where incredible local musicians bring the community together each week. Settle into the stage's seating—or bring your own chair—and enjoy the show!Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, your own chair (if you prefer)
PERFORMANCE DATES
- Sunday, July 5, 2026
- Sunday, July 12, 2026
- Sunday, July 19, 2026
- Sunday, July 26, 2026
- Wednesday, August 5, 2026
- Sunday, August 16, 2026
- Sunday, August 23, 2026
- Sunday, August 30, 2026
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Celebrate art, music & maritime magic on Georgian Bay this August! see more
The Georgian Bay Waterfront Festival is a brand-new, free, family-friendly celebration that brings together scenic waterfront views, working tugboats, and breathtaking murals into one unforgettable two-day event on the shores of Georgian Bay. Taking place August 8 and 9, 2026, in Downtown Midland and Harbourside Park, the festival transforms the waterfront into a lively hub of art, music, and maritime excitement from morning to night.
Festival Highlights- Explore 30+ murals throughout Midland, one of Ontario’s largest outdoor art galleries
- Discover artwork spanning King Street, laneways, the Midland Harbour, and beyond
- See the monumental Huron Native and Jesuit Priest at Sainte-Marie mural 80 ft x 250 ft — the largest outdoor historic mural in North America
- Enjoy live music, buskers, food trucks, local artist booths, and hands-on art activities
- Free, family-friendly, and open to all ages
- Live entertainment
- Vendors and family activities
- A full day-to-night festival experience on Saturday, and all day fun on Sunday
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Ontario's original, biggest, and best butter tart festival in Midland, Ontario! see more
Midland's downtown core and waterfront parks will host 200+ vendors and food trucks for Ontario's Best Butter Tart Festival presented by Chapman's. Our festival has been voted by Festivals and Events Ontario as one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in the province since 2019!
Our vendors sell everything from butter tarts to unique, hand-made items. And the variety of butter tarts you’ll find at our festival include plain, raisin, pecan, walnut, Skor, maple, bacon, coconut, chocolate covered, PB&J, s’mores, gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, cheesecake, pumpkin... and so many more.
This event is FREE to attend - no registration required.
Visit www.ButterTartFestival.ca for full details.
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The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) proudly presents the 2026 BIA Conference see more
Hosted by the St. Catharines Downtown Association, this annual gathering brings together BIA leaders, municipal partners, and community builders from across Ontario for three and a half days of learning, networking, and inspiration.
This year’s theme, Main Streets in Bloom: BIAs Rooted in Purpose, celebrates the growth, resilience, and local identity that define Ontario’s downtowns. Delegates will explore innovative tools, emerging trends, and practical strategies that support thriving, purpose-driven main streets.
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Ontario Tourism Summit is Ontario's award winning, flagship tourism industry conference see more
ACCOMMODATION
We have a room block reserved at The Westin Ottawa. Situated in the heart of Ottawa on the Rideau Canal and steps from Parliament Hill, The Westin Ottawa hotel offers easy access to Canada's national attractions.
Hotel Details: The Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1N 9H4
Room Block Dates: Tuesday, October 20th - Friday, October 23rd
Last Day to Book: 09/28/2026
Reserve Your Room: Click here to book your group rate for Tourism Industry Association of Ontario 2026
Featured Events
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