During these last few days, it's been easy to get caught up in the media stories coming fast and furious about COVID-19. For those of us who rely on the meetings industry to bring visitors and much-needed revenue to our destination, we have watched in apprehension to determine just what effect this will have on the year ahead. It doesn't seem like that long ago that we had to rise up and rally to remind government and corporations the value of face-to-face meetings, which was the birth of Global Meetings Industry Day.  

April 14 is now the day when we as an industry must come together, tell our story, and remember just how valuable face-to-face meetings really are. Please ensure you plan to join us for lunch where we will hear from our dynamic panel of speakers including:

  • Hospitality dynamo turned business coach, Jennifer Grant, is certified in global business etiquette, communications, and image consulting; she will share with us the power of personal connections and building relationships for business through face-to-face meetings.
  • Accelerate Okanagan's Community Manager, Alex Goodhew, works closely with many successful technology companies and witnesses the power of meeting face-to-face even for these businesses at the forefront of communication innovation.  
  • Kelowna International Airport (YLW) Director, Sam Samaddar, has seen a lot of growth and development over his 28 years at YLW.  With exciting new expansion plans, Sam will explain what the growth means for the meetings industry in the Okanagan.  
  • Tourism Kelowna's President & CEO, Lisanne Ballantyne, is no stranger to the world of business events.  With her past experience at the Edmonton Convention Centre, Lisanne will speak to crisis communications, business recovery, and the important role that meetings play in our economy.

Tickets are now on sale with a reduced rate of $40 for MPI, ILEA or PCMA members. Non-member rate is $50.  Click here to purchase your tickets and plan to join us on April 14 at 11 a.m. at the Eldorado Resort's Manteo Hotel.    

GMID

For more information on this event and Global Meetings Industry Day, please contact me at jennifer@tourismkelowna.com.