Save the Date for our Virtual AGM – October 29, 2025!
The Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association’s
Tourism Industry Conference & 47th Annual General Meeting
took place October 23 & 24, 2024
at the Prestige Lakeside Resort Nelson
The Conference included a variety of presentations and workshops from key partners and speakers.
INVEST IN ICONICS Session: Working Together to Build a Resilient and Prosperous Future for Tourism in BC
Lead by the Destination BC team:
Leah Poulton, Director, Global Brand Strategy (L),
Visnja Milidragovic, Senior Program Advisor, Destination Development (R).
Facilitated by Suzanne Denbak, Cadence Strategies. And joined by Erica Hummel, Director, Destination Development & Stewardship.
Destination BC will present an update on the Invest in Iconics Strategy. Delegates will then break out into small groups to collectively brainstorm together and then showcase their ideas ‘Dragon Den’ style to win prizes. Together, immediate opportunities will be identified to leverage the Iconic Route and place brands for the region through destination marketing, experience development and visitor touchpoints. It’s not just talk any longer – bring your ‘A’ game and compete for your team’s honour!
Learn more about the Invest in Iconics Strategy and how Destination BC, with support from Indigenous Tourism BC, the tourism industry and communities throughout the province, is transforming the way BC is seen through the eyes of travellers around the world by visiting DestinationBC.ca.
Sarah Moseley, Regional HR Consultant, go2HR
BC’s Tourism & Hospitality, Human Resources and Health & Safety Association
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT – Presentation PDF
Sarah will discuss regional HR topics including what is happening with businesses in and around the Kootenay Rockies in terms of people practices and labour market information. The session will also provide a quick overview of key tools and resources that may benefit your business in the coming year, in the areas of mental health, health & safety and training.
Walt Judas, CEO,
Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC)
THE PRIMARY ADVOCATE FOR BC’S VISITOR ECONOMY – Presentation PDF
On the heels of a provincial election, Walt will discuss the major issues that tourism operators currently face and what policies and recommendations TIABC is advocating for provincially and federally. The session will also provide an opportunity for delegates to voice their concerns and priorities for government attention.
Ingrid Jarrett, President & CEO
British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA)
ADVOCATE, COMMUNICATE, EDUCATE – Presentation PDF
The BC Hotel Association is the advocate for the interests of BC’s diverse accommodation industry. They are the bridge builder for owners and operators to government, the corporate community and other hospitality organizations. Ingrid will speak to BCHA’s top advocacy priorities and issues facing the tourism sector, specifically accommodators. Through her passion, Ingrid works with government, partners and stakeholders to impact positive change.
AI STRATEGIST – Luncheon Keynote speaker
Peter Pilarski, Founder, AI Tourism Network – Presentation PDF
With 20 years of experience in digital marketing, communications and government relations across diverse industries, Peter excels as a versatile strategist.
Peter’s mission is to demystify the AI landscape, enabling individuals and businesses to navigate it with confidence.
His approach is centered on understanding the big picture and translating it to specific corporate goals and challenges that AI can solve.
Peter believes that while AI will cause disruption, organizations and individuals who take a systematic, fact-based, hypothesis-driven approach, coupled with strong change management practices, will succeed in using AI to streamline operations, enrich customer experiences and achieve success.
Emergency Preparedness
Bringing together relevant emergency stakeholders and tourism businesses to promote completing Crisis Communication Plans and Emergency Management Plans.
Join in this informative and crucial discussion around Emergency Preparedness. Some key topics of discussion will be to improve Emergency Preparedness in the tourism sector, enhance communication between stakeholders and to develop crisis communication and contingency plans. Presentation PDF
Emergency Mgmt Specialist for KRT
Panel Participants:
Kate Colley, Principal
HATCH COMMS
Corrine Bundschuh, Emergency Mgmt Specialist,
KOOTENAY ROCKIES TOURISM
Ingrid Jarrett, President & CEO
BC HOTEL ASSOCIATION
Walt Judas, CEO
TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF BC
HatchComms and Hatch Hospitality
Our 2024 Conference Sponsors
Image / Video Consent & Release: During attendance at the KRT AGM & Conference, photography and/or video taken at the event may be shared in social media posts, websites, email marketing and other digital channels, both present and future.