INDUSTRY EVENTS
Upcoming leading Industry Events including conferences, summits, symposiums and meetings which provide a platform to showcase successes, share knowledge and network.
This free, virtual event features a week of engaging sessions designed to help small businesses build resilience, embrace innovation and prepare for the future. Each session is complimentary and open to all, making it a great opportunity for small business owners and leaders across the networks to gain practical insights and connect with experts.
Kootenay Lake Summit
October 25, 2025 – Harrop Hall
The Summit is a time to connect with others who love Kootenay Lake. This year, the focus is on stewardship in action. They are excited to share what they’ve accomplished with the help of members, donors, sponsors and supporters. 5:30-9pm; Three guest speakers, live music by local musician Eva Tree, dinner, Harrop Wetlands Tour, silent action.
KRT Annual General Meeting
October 29, 2025 – Virtual
Register for the 2025 Kootenay Rockies Tourism Annual General Meeting which will take place virtually this year.
SOUTHERN INTERIOR REGIONAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT
November 3-5, 2025 – Salmon Arm, BC
Collaborating for Economic Success – At this economic symposium, participants learn from and interact with leading experts. Key areas of focus include development, leadership and critical sectors of our economy. Engage in discussions, referencing current and relevant data.
WESTERN IDEAS FORUM & ACCOMEX
November 3-6, 2025 – Cranbrook, BC
Join campground, RV park, glamping and outdoor hospitality operators from across Western Canada for three days of inspiring speakers and expert-let sessions, practical workshops tailored to your business and networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers.
COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES OPEN HOUSE
November 5, 2025 – Cranbrook, BC
College of the Rockies celebrates 50 years of learning at their annual Open House. Connect with faculty and current students, see samples of state-of-the-art technology used in classrooms and learn more about their programs.
THE BASIN FOOD SUMMIT AND EXPO
November 6-7, 2025 – Nelson, BC
The Basin Food Summit & Expo is the Columbia Basin’s premier annual gathering for food system leaders, producers, innovators and community changemakers. Rooted in place and driven by purpose, this Food Summit and Expo is more than an event – it’s a catalyst for connection, collaboration and regional food resilience.
TIAC TOURISM CONGRESS
November 18-20, 2025 – Gatineau, PQ
Save the date for the 2025 Tourism Industry of Canada Tourism Congress. Takes place at the Hilton Lac-Leamy. This event unites tourism leaders, stakeholders and innovators from across Canada and beyond. Share insights, explore new ideas and celebrate the industry’s resilience and creativity.
2026 IMPACT SUSTAINABILITY TRAVEL & TOURISM SUMMIT
January 25-28, 2026 – Victoria, BC
Get ready to explore Aligned action, shared direction and real progress alongside global changemakers. With a brand-new Workshop Series, immersive case studies, and hands-on tools to take home, IMPACT 2026 will equip you to transform your destination into one that’s not just visited, but nurtured.
BC HERITAGE WEEK
February 16-22, 2026
BC Heritage Week is a province-wide celebration held each year during the third week of February. Each year, a new theme is chosen to spark creativity and guide events across the province. The week is an open invitation for British Columbians to share stories and experience heritage in their communities.
2026 INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS TOURISM CONFERENCE
February 17-19, 2026 – Edmonton, AB
The many Nations that call the area home, including Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Sioux and Métis People, are excited to welcome you to their territory at this amazing celebration of Indigenous tourism.
2026 BC TOURISM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
March 4-6, 2026 – Kelowna, BC
Save the date for the 2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference. Planning will begin early fall 2025. This annual conference will take place at the Delta Hotel, Grand Okanagan Resort.
2026 BC FARMERS MARKET CONFERENCE
March 6, 2026 – North Vancouver, BC
Join in for Savour the Story: Crafting your Community Culinary Destination Experience, a hands-on, one-day workshop presented by the Culinary Tourism Alliance at the Pinnacle at the Pier Hotel.
WEST KOOTENAY CAREER FAIR
March 11 (Nelson) & March 12 (Castlegar), 2026
Secure a spot at one of the largest hiring and networking events in the region. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Attend one day or select a two-day package.
2026 BCHA SUMMIT
April 14-15, 2026 – Nanaimo, BC
As the premier event for BC’s hotel industry, the BC Hotel Association’s Summit brings together owners, general managers, industry leaders and cutting-edge suppliers.
ANNUAL HERITAGE CONFERENCE
May 4-6, 2026 – Sea to Sky, BC
Heritage BC’s Annual Conference is a chance for professionals across the heritage sector in BC to come together to connect, learn and discuss the future of heritage. Each year it features discussions on the most pressing topics that heritage professionals are grappling with including climate change, governance, conservation, planning, intangible cultural heritage, reconciliation and more.
2026 ORCBC CONFERENCE
May 20-22, 2026 – Kamloops, BC
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC will also be celebrating a half a century of promoting and protecting outdoor recreation in BC. The conference theme is Building Stronger Communities Through Outdoor Recreation and will provide a vital platform for collaboration on key issues such as access, stewardship, reconciliation, inclusion and the economic value of recreation to communities, tourism and rural development.