The countdown to the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota is officially underway—in less than two months, Kelowna will host Canada’s premier junior hockey championship!

To help the local tourism and business community prepare for the event, Tourism Kelowna, the Downtown Kelowna Association, and the Memorial Cup Host Society partnered to present 'I Speak Hockey,' an information session and networking event. 
 

^{Sara Correa Haslehurst speaks to I Speak Hockey attendees on behalf of Tourism Kelowna}

During the event, held at Prospera Place—the venue for all tournament games—members of the Memorial Cup Host Committee delivered a short presentation outlining what to expect throughout the 10-day event. This included information about on-ice action and the many surrounding activations, along with practical ways for businesses to get involved, from hosting events to creating welcoming, fan-focused experiences.

The presentation emphasized that the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota is about far more than the games themselves, encouraging local businesses to embrace the opportunity to engage, stand out, and benefit from the influx of visitors. They also introduced and walked attendees through a new online Business Playbook, a centralized hub of resources designed to make it easy for businesses to engage with the event.

The main takeaway from the I Speak Hockey event for businesses was clear: engagement is vital.

By getting involved in the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, local businesses can:

• Enhance the Visitor Experience: Engaging with the event helps create a welcoming atmosphere and turns first-time visitors into repeat customers.
• Introduce Your Business to New Audiences: It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business to out-of-town visitors and locals who may be discovering you for the first time.
• Drive Traffic to Your Business: Event attendees are more likely to visit businesses that actively engage with them during the event. 

The session also provided creative ideas to help businesses make the most of the event. Some suggestions included:

• Themed Menus and Special Offerings: Create signature dishes or drinks inspired by the tournament. 
• In-Store Displays: Set up hockey-themed displays in your business windows or lobby to welcome event-goers.
• Promotions for Event Attendees: Offer discounts or special deals exclusively for ticket holders or participants.
• Visual Engagement: Decorate your business with hockey-related signage or “Welcome Hockey Fans” messages to show your support. 

Click here to view the online playbook for resources
 

^{Pictured (left to right): Memorial Cup Event Manager, Jillian Haller (Kelowna Concierge); Sara Correa Haslehurst, Tourism Kelowna; Cassandra Wysochanskyj, Downtown Kelowna Association}

For more information on the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota or Tourism Kelowna's Major Event Strategy, reach out to Sara Correa Haslehurst at sara@tourismkelowna.com