Local, provincial, and national organizations regularly host in-person and virtual events to provide learning and networking opportunities and facilitate discussions on various topics. Here are some of the upcoming events you can attend in the weeks ahead.
What’s the Buzz? The Latest from Rainbow Registered
Rainbow Registered accredited businesses and those interested in learning more about the Rainbow Registered program—the only national cross-industry standard for ensuring safe and inclusive spaces for the LGBT+ community—are invited to the CGLCC's next What's the Buzz? webinar, taking place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10. The one-hour session will provide updates on the program, share best practices, and provide networking opportunities. Visit the CGLCC website to learn more and to register.
New Year Kick-Off 2023
Accelerate Okanagan (AO) is inviting tech entrepreneurs, enthusiasts, investors, and supporters to its new year kick-off on Thursday, January 12. Taking place at BNA Brewing Co. from 6 p.m. to late, the event will include food, dancing, unlimited bocce and bowling, and more! Dress in your best '80s wear to participate in the Back to the Future theme. Visit Eventbrite for more info and to purchase tickets.
Dine Around Kelowna Launch Party
The BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA) annual Dine Around festival kicks off with a launch party on Tuesday, January 17. The event, which includes 10 food stations as well as wine and beer booths, will take place at Metro Hub from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event is 19+, no minors. Tickets are available through the Dine Around website.
Dine Around Kelowna takes place from January 18 to February 9, with more than 60 restaurants in and around Kelowna serving up 3-course meals at set price points ($15-$65 per person). Visit dinearound.ca for more information.
Small Business BC (SBBC) Live Education
Small Business BC (SBBC) has several upcoming webinars, including:
- Thursday, January 12
- Digital Marketing Tip for 2023 | 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Friday, January 13
- Market Research 1: Finding Business Data & Insights | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 18
- Market Research 2: Surveys and Focus Groups | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Click the links above to register or visit the SBBC website to view additional upcoming webinars.
Visit Destination BC’s website for information on how to access these and future education webinars, along with additional SBBC resources, free of charge.
Truth and Reconciliation: Where Are We Now?
Westbank First Elders, Pamela and Grouse Barnes, will lead this virtual session on Tuesday, January 17, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Presented by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, the session will "empower tourism professionals to engage with Indigenous neighbours, businesses, and communities within Canada." More information and a link to register are available on the TOTA website. Space is limited.
Navigating LGBT+ Diversity and Inclusion in the Tourism Industry
The CGLCC is hosting another session for tourism industry businesses to learn more about creating inclusive and welcoming spaces and experiences for 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers. The free webinar will take place on Thursday, January 19, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Visit the CGLCC website to learn more and to register.
TAC Talks with Christine Couvelier, Culinary Trendologist
Join BC Beverage Technology Access Centre (BC BTAC) on Thursday, January 19, for its next TAC Talks webinar, where Christine Couvelier, Culinary Trendologist and President of Trendi, will "explain how being informed about key market influences, as well as being up to date on global food trends are the cornerstones of any food and beverage business." The online session will take place via Zoom from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Registration can be completed through Zoom.
Speakers Series: Experiences from our Top 40 Alumni
On Thursday, January 19, the Kelowna Chamber brings together alumni from its Top 40 programs for an in-person event at the Coast Capri Hotel. The Top 40 panel will feature the following alumni:
- Morgan Decksheimer - Chief Executive Officer at Meal Prep for You
- Colleen Fitzpatrick - Executive Director at Rotary Centre for the Arts
- Matt Stewart - Chief Operations Officer at Mamas for Mamas
- Samantha Ulasy - Owner at Margaret Valley Landscaping
The luncheon takes place from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Learn more and purchase tickets through the Kelowna Chamber website.
Future Events
- IMPACT Sustainable Travel & Tourism Conference 2023 | January 23 – 25, 2023 | Victoria, BC
- 2022 Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit | February 22, 2023 | Kamloops, BC
- Every Chef Needs a Farmer, Every Farmer Needs a Chef | February 28, 2023 | Kelowna, BC
- 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference | March 1 – 2, 2023 | Prince George, BC
- 2023 International Indigenous Tourism Conference | March 8 – 10, 2023 | Winnipeg, MB
Have an upcoming event or webinar that would be of interest to those in the tourism industry? Email us so we can include the information in our next roundup.
