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2025 Ontario Tourism Summit

28 Oct 2025 @ 7:00am EDT
29 Oct 2025 @ 10:00pm EDT
Event Details

OTS25 is Ontario's premier gathering for tourism leaders, innovators, and changemakers - focused on building business resilience, sustainable growth, and collaborative success.

Theme: Building Your Business. Living Abundantly. Collaboration.

Venue: Ottawa Conference & Event Centre - 5 minutes from downtown, across from the VIA Rail Station, and approximately 20 minutes from Ottawa International Airport.


 CONFERENCE OVERVIEW 

Ontario Tourism Summit is Ontario's award winning, flagship tourism industry conference, bringing together hundreds of operators, destinations, municipalities, community leaders, sector associations, and decision-makers from across the province.

The 2025 programming comes at a pivotal moment: a relentless year marked by elections, shifting priorities, climate pressures, safety considerations, rising costs, and rapid advances in technology. The need to think differently and work together has never been greater.

This year’s Summit focuses on helping tourism stakeholders strengthen operations, build resilience, and unlock shared value across communities.

The conference programming is curated by industry input and aligned with priorities identified through the Ontario Tourism Strategy consultations.

 DISCOVER 

Expert-led sessions on sustainability, workforce resilience, and market trends

Hands-on learning to move from strategy to action

Access to industry insights aligned with Ontario’s Tourism Strategy

 CONNECT 

Meet hundreds of industry professionals from Ontario & beyond

Connect with sector leaders and stakeholders looking to collaborate

Identify shared priorities and start building impactful initiatives

 TAKE ACTION

Hear from visionary speakers leading the future of tourism, hospitality and related industries

Learn actionable strategies to strengthen your projects

Leave with ideas you can apply


AGENDA AT A GLANCE

 DAY ONE 
Tuesday, October 28

Insights on the new Ontario Tourism Strategy

Breakout discussions on workforce issues, creative leadership, and future-ready operations

Interactive sessions exploring cross-sector partnerships and sustainable business models

Welcome Reception & Artisan Market: Connect with peers and explore Ontario’s local talent!

 DAY TWO 
Wednesday, October 29

Discussions on investment strategies and destination development

Data-driven sessions on visitor trends and market opportunities

Breakout workshops designed to spark innovative thinking and actionable planning

Ontario Tourism Awards Gala: Celebrating excellence in Ontario’s tourism industry!

 BOTH DAYS 

Breakfast, and refreshments provided

Networking breaks and interactive spaces to meet industry leaders

Engaging breakout sessions and main stage discussions

Opportunities to explore emerging trends, technologies, and real-world solutions

 

ACCOMMODATION

We have a room block reserved at Courtyard Ottawa East for Friday, October 24, 2025 through Sunday, November 02, 2025.

Hotel Details:
Courtyard Ottawa East
200 Coventry Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1K 4S3

Room Block Dates:
Friday, October 24, 2025 – Sunday, November 2, 2025
Last Day to Book: October 3rd, 2025

Reserve Your Room:
Click here to book your group rate for Tourism Industry Association of Ontario 2025

Prefer to book by phone?
Call 613-741-9862 or 613-741-9862 ext. 2000 and mention the group code TIAN along with your stay dates to receive the special rate.


TRANSPORTATION

Once you confirm your OTS25 tickets, your confirmation email will include a special discount code to help with your travel to Ottawa.

VALID: October 23rd 2025 to November 3rd 2025

DAY ONE: OCTOBER 28

ISABEL HILL
Travel and Tourism Office at U.S Department of Commerce

Elbows Up - Arms Wide Open - Insight Into Our Neighbour To The South


PETER ODLE
Founder, Urban Guide and Urban Expeditions 

Digital Cultural Learning

Explore how storytelling, mapping, and gamification combine to build deeper connections with urban culture at OTS25!

Peter Odle, creator of The Urban Guide, a platform using self-guided digital city tours and interactive games to reconnect people to shifting urban landscapes, will unpack how immersive digital experiences can amplify cultural awareness, local heritage, and visitor engagement.

 


DUG STEVENSON
Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board

Putting The Altruism In Tourism

Tourism thrives when communities thrive. In this OTS25 session, perfect for leaders looking to align business goals with community well-being, Dug Stevenson will explore how altruism can build lasting trust, pride, and success through knowledge sharing, financial investment, and community involvement. 

 


DAN LAVERDURE
Town of Kirkland Lake

 

BERTHA CORMIER
Keepers of the Circle

 

Power of Local Partnerships For Sustainable Growth

Discover how collaboration between municipalities and Indigenous communities can drive sustainable tourism and economic growth. Dan Laverdure and Bertha Cormier share strategies for building strong partnerships that benefit local economies and cultural heritage.


DAY TWO: OCTOBER 29

 

MELANIE ROBERT
Head, Brand and Marketing, FIFA World Cup 2026

 

FIFA World Cup 26TM – Welcoming the World to Canada 

The FIFA World Cup 26TM is coming to Toronto and Vancouver in less than a year’s time. This is a huge opportunity for Toronto, Ontario and Canada. With international interest from around the globe, Toronto is of high interest to international travellers. This session explores the path to the FWC26, expected economic impact from the tournament, the potential for domestic and international travellers and community engagement.


ADAM VAUGHAN
Senior Advisor, Therme Group

 

Therme Spa at Ontario Place - A Model for Wellness, Reconciliation, and Inclusive Tourism

This session will explore how the Therme Spa aligns with Ontario’s tourism priorities—creating inclusive visitor experiences, advancing reconciliation, revitalizing cultural assets, and building sustainable, year-round infrastructure. Join Adam Vaughan and moderator Andrew Siegwart at OTS25 to examine how this project will strengthen Ontario’s global tourism appeal and drive long-term community and economic benefits.


JUSTIN CUMBY
Initiative Media Agency

 

LAUCHLAN ROGERS
Destination Ontario

 

Media Metrics: Understanding Impact in a Landscape of AI Influence

In a world where AI is reshaping how content is created and consumed, are you measuring what really matters?

Join Justin Cumby and Lauchlan Rogers at OTS25 as they unpack evolving media metrics and share practical ways to evaluate reach, engagement, and ROI in today’s fast-moving media landscape.


DIONNE BISHOP
CEO and Event Strategist, Events by Dionne

 

Networking | Resources |Opportunities In Working With Black Tourism Entrepreneurs

As a Founding member of the Future of Black Tourism and an industry leader, Dionne represents Ontario as a viable region to develop a stronger Black Tourism eco-system between Canada and the United States. She has worked alongside Tourism Innovation Lab in the development of the OSW Black Tourism “Spark” Program in the capacity of Mentor and Judge and continues to drive initiatives for Black Tourism in the Province. Dionne is Secretary of the Board for the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) and now serves as the Co-Chair of the DEIA Committee.


REBECCA GODFREY
Senior VP, CBRE Canada

 

Investment Opportunities: Ontario Attractions Gap Analysis

The Ontario Tourism Asset and Support Infrastructure Gap Analysis Study is part of TIAO’s efforts to position the tourism sector as a key solution to Ontario’s economic challenges. CBRE has done extensive research to identify the links between product development and investment attraction in the tourism sector. Get a sneak peek at the mapping exercise highlighting existing attractions and support infrastructure, to visualize where tourism stakeholders can work together to advocate for new investment. 

 


KELLY HAUSSLER
Ottawa Tourism

 

Sustainable Solutions: Ottawa’s Pilot Carbon Calculator Program and the Future of Eco-Measurement for Tourism in Ontario

To meet the evolving needs and wants of Ontario’s tourism market segments, Ottawa Tourism and TIAO collaborated early this year on a pilot program to measure the carbon footprint of tourism businesses. Partnering with GreenStep and their EcoBase software, data from participating tourism businesses is measured to determine their collective impact on the destination. Now, almost 6 months in, understand learnings, opportunities, of this program for consideration in your own community.


 

JASPREET SANDHU
Ontario Arts Council

 

SARAH FOX
Visit the County

 

JANNA SMITH
County Arts

 

Developing A Global Attraction In Rural Ontario With Your Municipalities

LOCAL ARTISAN MARKETPLACE 

Our 4th annual Local Artisan Marketplace hosted as part of the 2025 Ontario Tourism Summit is designed to showcase the host region, Ottawa, and support local. 

 

MAMA BEAR GEMS 

In the midst of the pandemic, Jane stumbled upon the soothing art of jewelry-making. It started as a therapeutic hobby and pastime with her two daughters.


ARTY CHICK TEXTILES 

Lori has been creating with textiles since graduating from Fashion Design in 1984.

She creates hand painted textiles and then sews them into functional art. 


PASTE N' PAPER

A small artisan shop that specializes in hand bound journals, cut paper art pieces & handmade goods.


VANIER MUSEOPARK

Nestled in a 17.5-acre urban forest park in the heart of the nation’s capital, the Vanier Sugar Shack passionately perpetuates the tradition of maple syrup-making. This know-how, rooted in the Vanier neighbourhood since 1939.


MADE ON AVENUE T

Avenue T is named after a street in Ottawa, Ontario where her grandmother lived for over six decades. Now, a small Ottawa business run by Grace, Made on Avenue T is the perfect custom gift for any occasion.


 

TUBBY TABBY SOAPS

Queer-owned business that makes the best handmade soap in Ottawa! Giftable, colourful & gender-neutral soaps for all.

 


CROCHET CUSTOMS

Full time crochet business owner creating fun plushies and patterns.


HAICO'S HOT SAUCE

Hot sauce with flavour. Haico's Hot Sauce grow Carolina Reapers, Scorpion and Ghost Peppers in our backyard in Ottawa.

 


KATHLEEN KOT 

Kathleen is a Mixed Media - Acrylic - Maple Leaf - Laser cuts local artist.

 


 

THE HEART OF THE WILLOW

At the heart of their farm is a respect for nature, animals, and craftsmanship. They believe the finest fibre comes from well-loved animals, which is why they use low-stress, natural farming that supports both their herd and the land.


DANIEL LEE

Born and raised in China and studying at Dafen Art School, Daniel Lee hand carves real maple leafs.

 


DISCRAFTY MOM

Andrea turned to crafting in 2020, and hasn't looked back. She loves creating things for others.

 


HUMBLE CRAFTS

Handmade beaded earrings, necklaces, and bracelets for every occasion.

 


KOKUMOON

Jewelry inspired by the moon, earth, and water. Crafted with pearls, shells, gemstones, and locally sourced natural materials.

 

2025 ONTARIO TOURISM AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

The 2025 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence celebrate success and recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to Ontario’s tourism industry.

Awards are jointly presented by;

 

 

 

Awards finalists and winners are celebrated at the Ontario Tourism Awards Gala at the 2025 Ontario Tourism Summit.

ONTARIO TOURISM AWARDS SILENT AUCTION

TIAO will be hosting its 4th annual Ontario Tourism Awards Silent Auction at the Ontario Tourism Summit. All money raised will go towards scholarships for underrepresented youth that are choosing post-secondary education in culinary, tourism, or hospitality programs.

We invite you to donate an in-kind prize and be featured in our auction, which will be showcased to over 450 industry attendees. Your logo and URL will be highlighted alongside your item and included in branded banners within the auction app!

Click here for a sneak peek of the prizes up for grabs

Access Code: 4R2BLL

Interested in donating? Contact: sgonsalves@tiaontario.ca

Register

Ticket Name Sale Ends Price Quantity
REGULAR Rate: MEMBER - - includes all meals, Life Time Achievement Lunch and welcome reception, Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence Reception & Dinner and Club Ontario
14 Oct 2025
$945.00
Log In Required
REGULAR GROUP Rate (3 or more - 1st ticket at Member Rate, next 2 or more tickets at $845 each) plus hst
14 Oct 2025
$895.00
Log In Required
REGULAR Rate: NON - MEMBER - - includes all meals, Life Time Achievement Lunch and welcome reception, Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence Reception & Dinner and Club Ontario 29 Oct 2025 $1,145.00
Day One Ticket Only - MEMBER rate - includes all meals and Welcome Reception
14 Oct 2025
$495.00
Log In Required
Day Two Ticket Only - MEMBER rate - includes all meals and DOES NOT include Gala
14 Oct 2025
$465.00
Log In Required
Day Two Ticket Only - MEMBER rate - includes all meals and Ontario Tourism awards of Excellence Reception & Gala
14 Oct 2025
$545.00
Log In Required
Day Two Ticket Only - NON - MEMBER rate - includes all meals and DOES NOT include Gala 14 Oct 2025 $620.00
SUMMER HEAT Rate: MEMBER - - includes all meals, Life Time Achievement Lunch and welcome reception, Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence Reception & Dinner and Club Ontario
02 Sep 2025
$845.00
Sale Ended
SUMMER HEAT GROUP Rate (3 or more - 1st ticket at Member Rate, next 2 or more tickets at $795 each) plus hst
02 Sep 2025
$795.00
Sale Ended
SUMMER HEAT Rate: NON - MEMBER - - includes all meals, Life Time Achievement Lunch and welcome reception, Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence Reception & Dinner and Club Ontario
02 Sep 2025
$1,045.00
Sale Ended
Day One Ticket Only - MEMBER rate - includes all meals and Welcome Reception
03 Sep 2025
$425.00
Sale Ended
Day One Ticket Only - Non-MEMBER rate - includes all meals and Welcome Reception
03 Sep 2025
$545.00
Sale Ended
Day One Ticket Only - Non-MEMBER rate - includes all meals and Welcome Reception
03 Sep 2025
$495.00
Sale Ended
Day Two Ticket Only - MEMBER rate - includes all meals and Ontario Tourism awards of Excellence Reception & Gala
03 Sep 2025
$495.00
Sale Ended
Day Two Ticket Only - MEMBER rate - includes all meals and DOES NOT include Gala
03 Sep 2025
$415.00
Sale Ended
Day Two Ticket Only - NON - MEMBER rate - includes all meals and Ontario Tourism awards of Excellence Reception & Gala
03 Sep 2025
$570.00
Sale Ended
Day Two Ticket Only - NON - MEMBER rate - includes all meals and DOES NOT include Gala
03 Sep 2025
$495.00
Sale Ended
ADVANCED Rate: MEMBER - - includes all meals, Life Time Achievement Lunch and welcome reception, Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence Reception & Dinner and Club Ontario
04 Aug 2025
$745.00
Sale Ended
ADVANCED Rate: NON - MEMBER - - includes all meals, Life Time Achievement Lunch and welcome reception, Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence Reception & Dinner and Club Ontario
04 Aug 2025
$945.00
Sale Ended
ADVANCED GROUP Rate (3 or more - 1st ticket at Member Rate, next 2 or more tickets at $695 plus hst
04 Aug 2025
$695.00
Sale Ended
EARLY BIRD MEMBER PRICING
26 Jan 2025
$645.00
Sale Ended
Ontario Tourism Award of Excellence - Reception & Gala
21 Oct 2025
$180.00
Log In Required
Click here to enter your promotional code
Ticket Name Sale Ends Price Quantity
MEMBER - Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala - OCTOBER 29, 2025
29 Sep 2025
$185.00
Sale Ended
NON-MEMBER - Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala - OCTOBER 29, 2025
29 Sep 2025
$195.00
Sale Ended
NOMINEE & Guest of Nominee - Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala - OCTOBER 29, 2025
29 Sep 2025
$170.00
Sale Ended
TABLE (up to 8 seats) - Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala - OCTOBER 29, 2025
29 Sep 2025
$1,320.00
Sale Ended

28 Oct 2025 @ 7:00am EDT
29 Oct 2025 @ 10:00pm EDT

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  • Ottawa Conference & Event Centre 200 Coventry Rd, Ottawa, ON K1K 4S3
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