On Wednesday, June 23, our team, along with six Meetings & Conferences Sales Program partners—50th Parallel Estate Winery, Cove Lakeside Resort, Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, Eldorado Resort, Mission Hill Family Estate,and Ramada by Wyndham Kelowna Hotel and Conference Centre—hosted a wine- and wellness-themed virtual event for 16 BC-based meeting planners.
The sensory experience featured a guided wine pairing highlighting a sparkling wine from Mission Hill and rosé from 50th Parallel as well as a hydrosology workshop led by Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm. James Addington of JAC Experiences led the wine pairing and featured local products from Perseval & Young Cheesemongers, Karat Chocolate + Pastry Boutique, Kelowna Beer Institute, and Taste of the Okanagan, which all paired wonderfully with the wines.
Following the food and wine pairing, guests blended their own facial toner and bath salts with beautiful botanical ingredients provided by Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm. Andrea McFadden and Katie Reimer shared their extensive knowledge on the healing properties of the various ingredients so clients were able to perfectly customize their blends. Prior to the event, guests were invited to learn about Kelowna and our partners by participating in a virtual scavenger hunt, getting clues from our websites.
The decision to focus on BC-based meeting planners was strategic as we are forecasting to see a return to events first from organizations within the province. The planners who were in attendance represented corporate accounts, provincial and national associations as well as third-party planners. This event allowed Kelowna to remain top of mind as planners begin to source destinations for future meetings and events, and we have already received two opportunities as a result.
If you have any questions about this event or future programs, please feel free to reach out to me at nicolle@tourismkelowna.com.