TOURISM ISSUES FORUM 2021
We will be hosting our upcoming Tourism Issues Forum in a virtual format, with the Forum taking place over the course of three mornings. We will have one speaker present on a different topic each day and presentations will include the opportunity for attendees to participate in live Q&A with our speakers.
As our industry continues to face the devastating challenges inflicted by Covid-19, we have worked to design a program that will address the questions you need answered the most. Our industry experts will discuss:
- Why we need to support Rural Tourism Development now more than ever
- Resiliency, Collaboration & Looking Ahead – The June Motel & Sauble Beach Motel
- Mental Health & Psychological Safety
We recognize that after the past year, purchasing a ticket might not be feasible for many. We have included $0 ticket option below for you, however, IF you are able to pay the ticket price, we appreciate you assisting us in covering the costs incurred to put on this event. Either way we look forward to hosting you at TIF.
TOURISM ISSUES FORUM 2021 PROGRAM
Tuesday, February 9th, 2021, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Ken Coates, Professor, Canada Research Chair in Regional Innovation, Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
Ken will speak to why the commitment to the revival and revitalization of rural and small-towns is of the utmost importance, now more than ever, due to the effects of Covid-19.
Canada now finds itself in a midst of a deep economic meltdown. The country has many high priorities, from protecting and revitalizing Indigenous communities to supporting fishing villages on the East Coast. It needs to restart and expand the manufacturing sector, decide if it wants to revitalize the oil and gas sector, and try to revive retail, service and restaurant companies. The challenges facing rural and small-town Canada have largely escaped notice for the past few decades; now these communities have to vie for the government’s attention during a time of national crisis.
One rural sector – the tourism industry –reveals the extreme vulnerability of the small-town economy in Canada. Quite remarkably, the crises facing tourism have attracted limited attention countrywide. As the summer season approaches, a monumental economic meltdown is underway. The country needs to think seriously about its commitment to the revival and revitalization of rural and small-town Canada, for the prospect looms large that a precipitous decline could easily follow on the heels of the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thursday, February 11th, 2021, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Sarah Sklash, & April Brown, Moteliers at The June Motel
The June Motel is a boutique motel that was reimagined by co-moteliers Sarah and April. This dynamic duo will speak to resiliency, collaboration, working with the local community and pre-pandemic pivots.
The June Motel was created by us–April Brown and Sarah Sklash–just two best friends who share a love for discovering new travel destinations, good wine and creative designs. In 2016 we quit our jobs in Toronto and made the leap into the world of motels, purchasing a dingy roadside motel in Prince Edward County. We rolled-up our sleeves and re-imagined the entire experience of staying at a motel. Today, local hospitality is served-up with a chilled glass of wine at check-in–just the way we like it! We’re a throwback to the good ol’ days and staying with us is all about living in the sunshine and enjoying the simple pleasures of life in beautiful spaces.
Since opening, we’ve been turning heads for our rosé state of mind and colourful doors, and we’re doing it all again! We just completed renovating our second motel property in Sauble Beach, Ontario–The June Motel & Swim Club–which is now open!
Friday, February 12th, 2021, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Hassel Aviles, Executive Director, Not 9 to 5
Not 9 to 5 is a non-profit organization empowering hospitality, food and beverage service workers by mobilizing education and support for mental health and substance use.
Executive Director, Hassel Aviles, will bring TIF to a close with a discussion on shifting the workplace culture in the hospitality industry and increasing psychological safety in kitchens, bars, restaurants and beyond. Attendees can expect to discuss the following key points, and will also receive take-home resources to review after the session:
- History and influence of the brigade system
- Why is psychological safety important in the hospitality industry?
- What is psychological safety?
- How to foster psychological safety in the workplace
- The impact: ROI of workplace mental health
