For the first time, Tourism Kelowna proudly participated in IMEX America, one of the world's largest and most prestigious gatherings of event professionals, held in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. As part of the Destination Canada booth, which featured over 70 participants from Team Canada, we were excited to showcase what makes our region so special to an international audience of meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) professionals.
Given the overwhelming interest from partners wanting to attend this key event, we hosted a draw earlier this year to select our attending partner—Dana Haudenschild, Corporate Sales Director for 50th Parallel Estate, was chosen to join us. Together, we embarked on a dynamic few days of networking and business development.
We participated in 26 pre-scheduled B2B meetings with prospective buyers during the event. These interactions allowed us to introduce Kelowna’s breathtaking venues, exciting activities, and outstanding accommodation options to planners seeking memorable event destinations. From lakeside vineyards to stunning mountain landscapes, the natural beauty surrounding Kelowna sparked genuine interest and excitement from attendees. At the same time, the ease of access and versatile venues made it an even more attractive option for future events.
Our experience at IMEX extended beyond business meetings. We also attended SITE Night, an exciting networking event at Topgolf Las Vegas that brought together hundreds of incentive professionals. This offered an informal setting to strengthen relationships with key contacts further.
Additionally, Destination Canada hosted an unforgettable Canada Night at the Cheri Rooftop under the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. This spectacular event aimed to leave guests "Inspired, Not Tired" and truly celebrated Canadian culture and cuisine. The evening featured inspiring performances from Indigenous artists, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of our nation, while regional food stations served a variety of Canadian culinary delights. It was a night that brought a taste of home to the heart of Las Vegas and made a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
Although IMEX is an international powerhouse event, the welcoming and supportive atmosphere made us feel like we truly belonged. Event planners and buyers were genuinely excited to learn more about Kelowna's uniqueness, from our spectacular natural surroundings to the diverse experiences we offer for meetings and incentives.
As we left Las Vegas with RFPs in hand and many new connections, the real work has only just begun. We are excited to nurture the relationships we established and look forward to welcoming many of these event professionals to experience Kelowna firsthand. IMEX America was a significant milestone for Tourism Kelowna, and we are confident that the future holds exciting opportunities for our destination in the global MICE market.