In just under three months, Kelowna will proudly host CCMA Country Music Week 2025, which includes the 2025 CCMA Awards presented by TD.To kick off the countdown, Tourism Kelowna, the Downtown Kelowna Association (DKA), and the event Host Committee came together to present "I Speak Country," a networking and information session designed to excite and prepare the local business and tourism community for Canada's biggest week in country music. 

Held at Hello Darlin', Kelowna’s newest honky-tonk speakeasy, the event introduced local businesses to the spirit of country culture and encouraged them to connect with visiting and local fans during Country Music Week. The Host Committee shared a short presentation outlining what to expect during the 4-day event, how the schedule unfolds, and practical ways businesses can get involved—from hosting sanctioned events to creating welcoming experiences for fans. The presentation showcased how Country Music Week is far more than just the awards show, and the Host Committee sought to inspire local businesses to embrace the opportunity to engage, stand out, and benefit from the influx of visitors.

 

CCMA I Speak Country Host CommitteeCCMA Country Music Week Local Host Committee (L to R): Karolina Bialkowska, Lauren Anderson, Michelle Dupuis, Jenn Dalen, Leesa Beeson, Karma Lacoff Nieoczym, Sara Correa Haslehurst, Cassandra Wysochanskyj, and Chris Lewis. 

This marks the first time CCMA Country Music Week will take place in Kelowna and only the third time it's been hosted in BC. Country Music Week was created in 1977 to increase awareness and exposure for Canada's country music artists. Over the years, the event has grown and evolved. Today, Country Music Week is made up of three distinct components: a music festival, a music industry conference, and the televised awards show, which is Canada's biggest night in country music. 

This highly anticipated 4-day event, taking place September 10-13, 2025, is expected to attract thousands of industry specialists and spectators from across Canada and beyond, generating an estimated economic impact of $10 million on the local economy.

During the "I Speak Country" event, the Host Committee delivered key details on event logistics, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, and shared ideas on how businesses can get involved. The main takeaway was clear: engagement is vital.

By getting involved in Country Music Week 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. 

CCMA I speak country

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 country music and culture.
  • In-Store Displays: Set up country-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 country-related signage or “Welcome Country Fans” messages to show your support. 

Click here to download the full the presentation. 

If you couldn’t attend the event, you can still register for the I Speak Country online session being hosted by DKA on June 17th at 10:30am. 

For more information on Tourism Kelowna's Major Event Strategy, you can reach out to me at sara@tourismkelowna.com