The return of the Canadian Meetings + Events Expo (CMEExpo) this year brought a fresh wave of excitement among industry professionals. Tourism Kelowna, alongside a few partners—Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, Hyatt Place Kelowna, and 50th Parallel Estate Winery—proudly joined the Experience BC aisle again, which featured a record-high participation from 12 destinations across the province. This collaboration not only showcased the best of BC but also significantly bolstered Kelowna’s presence as a premier business events destination.
Pictured (left to right): Dana Haudenschild, 50th Parallel Estate Winery; Vanessa Osborne, Tourism Kelowna; Treena Avery, Hyatt Place; Salesh Lal, Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
Our booth this year featured a Kelowna Prize Package valued at over $1,000. One lucky winner was awarded a stay with accommodations at Hyatt Place Kelowna and Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, including breakfast from OAK + CRU Social Kitchen & Wine Bar. No trip to Kelowna is complete without a visit to 50th Parallel Estate Winery and the Kelowna Visitor Centre, so the recipient will also have the opportunity to hand-pick some local goodies with their gift cards.
CMEExpo 2024 was filled with exciting innovations and opportunities for professionals in the meetings and events industry. This year's expo expanded its educational offerings, featuring sessions on cutting-edge trends such as sustainability and event technology. Attendees enjoyed dynamic networking opportunities, including the REVEAL Social Opening Party, which set a lively tone for the event. The tradeshow floor buzzed with new exhibitors showcasing the latest event tech and unique venues.
In addition to attending the exhibition and opening event, Tourism Kelowna proudly served as an Executive Sponsor of the Strategic Site Selection (SSS) x Sandbox Events ‘Last Call,’ a signature networking event that brought together 175 event planners and 150 sponsors for an unforgettable evening of connection and collaboration. Not only is this a fantastic event, but all remaining proceeds from partner ticket sales and sponsorships are donated to the Hospital for Sick Kids Foundation, which supports children and their families in Canada and around the world.
A massive shoutout to all of the show organizers for making these events possible and to our Kelowna team for all of the support. We can't wait to be back again next year!
For further information about CMEExpo, Experience BC, or the Toronto market, please contact me at vanessa@tourismkelowna.com or (416) 717-0009.
