From November 16-18, Tourism Kelowna joined almost 400 meeting and event professionals at the 2025 Canadian Innovation Conference (CIC) in Mississauga, hosted by PCMA Canada East. The theme, "The Spirit of Innovation: Where Creativity Meets Possibility," set the tone for three days full of ideas, collaboration, and energy from across Canada.

The program featured plenary sessions and learning labs that sparked curiosity and inspired new ways of thinking:
 

  • Leo Chan’s Train Your Brain to Master Curiosity encouraged attendees to tap into creative potential and make innovation second nature.
  • Dr. Samantha Yammine’s Mind Your Matter: The Neuroscience of Anxiety made neuroscience approachable and inclusive, showing how understanding the brain can inform better experiences for all.
  • Beyond the Swag Bag—FAM & Site Visit Confessionals offered candid, practical insights from real-world site visits, with strategies for protecting time, budgets, and professional relationships while delivering meaningful experiences.
  • Second Time’s the Charm: Crafting Winning International Bids demonstrated how storytelling, partnerships, and cultural understanding can elevate a bid.
  • Think it Through: Using AI to Tackle Conflict, Strategy, and Stakeholder Chaos highlighted ways technology can support planning, enhance collaboration, and encourage creative problem-solving.

Together, the sessions underscored that designing exceptional events requires creativity, strategy, and attention to detail, leaving attendees inspired and ready to bring these lessons to future events.
 

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The conference also highlighted the meetings and events industry’s commitment to community impact. I was proud to represent Tourism Kelowna on the Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee, helping drive the CIC25 Fundraising Challenge. Through a combination of fundraising activities and gamified experiences, attendees contributed over $10,400 to Food Banks Mississauga, supporting residents amid rising food insecurity. This initiative reflected the same spirit of creativity and collaboration celebrated throughout the conference and demonstrated how the industry, with engaged partners like Tourism Kelowna, can make a meaningful difference beyond the conference room.
 

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Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee presenting a cheque of funds raised for Food Banks Mississauga

CIC concluded with a lively Closing Reception hosted by Visit Mississauga at the Food District in Square One Shopping Centre. The evening combined networking, celebration, and a chance to reflect on three days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration.

For Kelowna, CIC offered a lens into how creativity and innovation are shaping business events across Canada. Our region already delivers immersive, authentic, and wellness-focused experiences that planners are seeking. Insights gained from the conference will continue to inform and elevate Kelowna’s business-events offerings, ensuring every meeting, retreat, or incentive trip is thoughtfully designed, memorable, and full of possibility.