While summer is not traditionally a busy time for familiarization tours and site requests, this year has been the exception to the rule. Meeting and event planners from across Canada have been travelling to our region to get a firsthand look at what they can expect when they meet in Kelowna. 

Hosting clients in Kelowna is vital to securing new business from the meetings, conferences, and events sector. After experiencing the destination for themselves, understanding the ease of getting here, and visiting the venues and accommodation options in person, clients have a clear picture of how their event will be successful in Kelowna. The support and expertise offered by our region's service providers and our team seal the deal that our destination is the right choice for their meeting, conference, or event.    

Curling Canada and the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) are set to host major events in Kelowna in 2025. As such, members of their team travelled to Kelowna to conduct site visits in anticipation of their events, the 2025 Montana's Brier (February/March) and Country Music Week 2025 (September), respectively. 

Other organizations with prospective business that our team has hosted for familiarization tours include:

  • North American Lake Management Society
  • BC Aviation Council
  • HPL Meetings & Events
  • Canadian Association of University Solicitors

Clients on Summer 2024 FAM at Lakehouse Cooking School
Summer FAM Clients at Lakehouse Kitchens Cooking School

Most recently, we collaborated with Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna Concierge, and Mission Hill Family Estate to co-host a familiarization tour for 9 clients from across Canada, representing the corporate and association markets. Favourable weather, a fantastic group of local ambassadors, including Nicolle and Vanessa from Tourism Kelowna's team, and a well-executed itinerary full of fun, vibrant activities—including a demo at Lakehouse Kitchens Cooking School, a boat ride on Okanagan Lake, a night at Mission Hill to attend one of their summer concerts, and more—resulted in a successful and productive few days, including one Request for Proposal already being sent out. 

Before the summer is through, we will also host Pattison Food Group and Swimming Canada. 

With the timing of requests, it appears that many planners are squeezing work into their vacation schedules to secure locations and programming ideas for their events as soon as possible. 

To learn more about these familiarization tours and site visits, please get in touch with our team at meetings@tourismkelowna.com.