The Summit is an annual forum for the tourism industry to hear the latest trends, be exposed to new ideas and best practices, and network with colleagues. Entitled 'The Road Ahead,' the 2009 conference theme will focus on actionable strategies to move the industry forward and will include a series of panel sessions, workshops and presentations.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

Day 1: Tuesday, September 29, 2009
 
3:00-7:00 pm Registration - Caesars Windsor
 
6:30-9:00 pm Welcome Reception - Hiram Walker's Canadian Club Brand Centre
 
 
Day 2: Wednesday, September 30, 2009
All activities to be held at Caesars Windsor
 
8:00 am-6:00 pm Registration
 
8:00 am Breakfast
 
9:00 am Welcome Remarks
 
9:20 am Economic Outlook - Don Drummond, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, TD Bank Financial Group
 
10:00 am Travel Trends - Peter Yesawich, Chairman & CEO, Ypartnership
 
10:45 am Refreshment Break
 
11:15 am OTMPC & CTC Presentation - 'Converting brand equity into sales'
Robin Garrett, President and CEO, Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC)
Michele McKenzie, President and CEO, Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC)
 
12:00 pm Lunch
TIAO & TIAC Presentation
Bill Allen, President, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)
Randy Williams, President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC)
 
1:30 pm Panel: '2020: Meeting the Challenge'
In order for Ontario's tourism industry to reach ambitious targets set for 2020, industry and government will have to work together to capitalize on the opportunities for revitalization and growth. Don't miss an interactive session with industry and government representatives examining how all tourism partners can accept the challenge and collaborate towards success.

Panelists include:
Bill Allen, President, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)
Drew Fagan, Deputy Minister, Ontario Ministry of Tourism
 
3:00 - 5:00 pm Tourism Café & Refreshment Break
 
 
Day 2: Wednesday, September 30 EVENING
All activities to be held at Caesars Windsor
Dress code: Formal/black tie optional
 
6:00 pm Awards Gala Reception
 
7:00-10:00 pm Awards Dinner and Speeches
Welcome Remarks
 
Marketing Awards:
  • Best Tourism Advertising
  • Best Tourism Marketing Campaign under $25,000
  • Best Tourism Marketing Partnership
  • Best Tourism Interactive Marketing
  • Best Tourism Printed Collateral Material
 
Journalism Awards:
  • Best Travel Journalism Award
  • Best Travel Photography Award
 
Industry Awards of Excellence:
  • Tourism Innovator of the Year Award
  • Business/Event of the Year Award
  • Volunteer of the Year Award
  • Employee Attraction & Retention Award
  • Sustainable Tourism Award
 
Lifetime Achievement Award
 
 
New Awards for 2009!
Two new culinary tourism awards will be announced shortly. Please watch for future updates.
 
 
Day 3: Thursday, October 1, 2009
 
7:00 - 11:00 am Registration
 
8:00 - 9:00 am Breakfast and keynote speaker
Best Practice Jurisdiction - Christopher Rodrigues, Chair, VisitBritain
 
9:00-10:30am Concurrent Sessions*
  • Operating successfully in today's business environment
  • Marketing with the latest cool online tools
  • Developing strategies for sports tourism attraction
 
10:30 am Refreshment Break
 
11:00 am - 12:30 pm Concurrent Sessions*
  • Winning formulas for tourism organizations
  • Developing and marketing packages that sell
  • Using visitor services to increase sales

*Details and speakers to be finalized.
 
 
 
Optional

Take the VIA Summit Train
TIAO and OTMPC are pleased to partner with VIA Rail to offer complimentary return transportation for registered Summit delegates to meet and network with fellow attendees on the way to the Summit. Seating is limited to the first 100 delegates who register for the full conference and wish to take the VIA Summit Train on the designated dates and times.
For more information and to book a seat, visit How to Register.

Golf Anyone?
Summit delegates can register to play a round of golf at the Ambassador Golf Club, the premier public golf club in Essex County, prior to the start of the Summit conference on Tuesday, September 29 from 9am-2pm.
For more information and to register, visit How to Register.

Attend TIAO's Annual General Meeting
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) is hosting its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, September 29 at 3 pm at Caesars Windsor.
For more information, contact:
Emily Harper-Hawkins at 416-483-1691/ toll-free: 1-888-436-6441 or by email at emily.harperhawkins@tiao.travel.

 

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