In an exciting kick-off to 2024, I headed off to sunny San Diego alongside Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort's Senior Sales Executive, Kirsten Harrison, to represent Tourism Kelowna at PCMA’s annual Convening Leaders Conference as part of Destination Canada’s Team Canada.
Team Canada. Photo courtesy of Destination Canada
The PCMA Convening Leaders Conference is a renowned annual event that brings together professionals from the meetings and events industry. It serves as a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and fostering partnerships. For the first time, Tourism Kelowna embraced the opportunity to participate, joining forces with Destination Canada to position the region as an attractive destination for meetings and conventions to a new audience. Kelowna's presence at the conference allowed industry professionals to discover the unique offerings of our picturesque city. From our stunning vineyards and orchards, pristine waters of Okanagan Lake, and bustling economic activity, Kelowna proved to be a compelling choice for event planners seeking a distinctive and memorable setting.
The crowning jewel of Tourism Kelowna's participation at the PCMA Convening Leaders Conference was the Canada Night event, a celebration of Canadian culture and hospitality. Destination Canada hosted 106 clients and 42 partners for a memorable evening.
The après ski-themed event transported guests to a Canadian winter wonderland, showcasing the country's popular food and warm hospitality. From the moment attendees stepped into the rooftop venue, they were greeted by the iconic maple leaf, symbolizing Canada's welcoming spirit. The evening unfolded with a perfect blend of entertainment, culinary delights, and networking opportunities, which provided Tourism Kelowna and other Canadian representatives the chance to forge connections with industry professionals from across the USA and Canada.
Tourism Kelowna's participation at the PCMA Convening Leaders Conference, coupled with the success of Canada Night, signifies a promising future for the region's tourism industry. By making a strong impression on key decision-makers in the meetings and events sector, Kelowna has positioned itself as a compelling choice for hosting conferences and conventions.
As Kelowna continues to grow as a premier destination, the experience gained from attending international conferences like PCMA will contribute to the city's allure. The connections made, insights gained, and the positive exposure generated from such events will undoubtedly bolster Tourism Kelowna's efforts to attract a diverse range of business events to the region.
For more information on this event or Tourism Kelowna's West Coast business development activities, contact me at nicolle@tourismkelowna.com or (587) 716-5599.
