Our Kelowna contingent wrapped up another fantastic Ottawa Meet Week, with even more to share this year, including Kelowna’s new designation as Canada's first and only UNESCO City of Gastronomy and Porter Airlines’ seasonal direct flight from Ottawa. 

Destination Direct Canada

The week kicked off with Destination Direct Canada, where Tourism Kelowna participated as a Level A sponsor. Over the two-day event, we connected with planners from across the country through 20 one-on-one appointments. Guests included association executives, independent planners, and third-party organizers, all eager to learn about what makes Kelowna a destination of choice for hosting business events.

As a small gesture of hospitality, we gifted the planners with wine from Sandhill and treats from Karat Chocolate + Pastry Boutique, giving them a taste of Okanagan flavours while highlighting the destination’s creative culinary offerings.

REVEAL Social

After Destination Direct, our team, alongside our program partners, Cantrav, Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, and Jason Parkes Customs, attended REVEAL Social at the Canadian War Museum.

This casual evening allowed us to build on the connections made earlier in the week and start new conversations before the main tradeshow event. The relaxed atmosphere, paired with the unique museum setting, made it easy for guests to engage, share stories, and build new connections.

CSAE Tête-à-Tête

At the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Tête-à-Tête event, our tradeshow booth celebrated Kelowna’s culinary spirit. We partnered with Rad Jamz, a local artisanal producer of small-batch jams made from Okanagan-grown fruit, to give attendees a taste of the region. Paired with fresh breads and cheeses, the jams offered a sensory experience that went beyond the usual tradeshow setup.

A long harvest-style table evoked dining in a vineyard, allowing guests to linger, connect, and soak in a classic Kelowna moment. The visually appealing booth drew crowds throughout the day, highlighting the creativity and experiences our destination offers.

With ongoing upgrades at Kelowna International Airport (YLW), including its terminal expansion and new flight options like the seasonal Ottawa-Kelowna route starting May 13, Kelowna is more accessible than ever. Ottawa Meet Week gave us the opportunity to show off everything from versatile venues to unique local experiences.

Many planners who connect with us at events like Ottawa Meet Week are surprised by the size, variety, and creativity of what Kelowna has to offer, and once they see it for themselves, interest in bringing events here grows quickly. Sharing our story continues to open eyes to all the possibilities our city offers for conferences, incentives, and business events.

If you’re considering Kelowna for your next business event, conference, or incentive program, or want to learn more about Tourism Kelowna's Meeting Spots program, I'd love to chat with you! You can reach me at vanessa@tourismkelowna.com or at (416) 717-0009.