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.


Understanding Truth, Reconciliation, and the History of Indigenous People

On Tuesday, September 27, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is hosting a 3-hour workshop "to empower tourism professionals to engage with Indigenous neighbours, businesses, and communities within Canada."

The virtual workshop, which will be hosted by Indigenous Consultant, Desiree Baker, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., will include:

  • A brief history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada
  • How non-Indigenous people can support reconciliation and be an ally
  • Overview of the 6 categories of the Truth & Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action
  • How to incorporate the Calls to Action into everyday life at work, home, and play.

Tickets are $30, and registration is limited. Click here to secure your spot.


World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27—the day was designated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to create "awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political, and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals." 

This year's theme is Rethinking Tourism, "highlighting the shift towards tourism being recognized as a crucial pillar of development."

Register to attend the official celebrations virtually through the UNWTO website.  

BC’s Hub for Workplace Mental Health will be celebrating World Tourism Day by hosting the following event:


Introduction to Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform

BC tourism businesses are invited to join the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) virtually on Thursday, September 29 from 10 to 11 a.m. to learn more about the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform and how it can assist in tracking their progress toward the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Click here for more info and to register. 
 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed on September 30 to honour residential school survivors, those who never made it home, and their families and communities.

The day has also been recognized as Orange Shirt Day since 2013, honouring the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad and all the children harmed by the residential school system. Those looking to support the day and the ‘Every Child Matters’ movement are encouraged to wear official Orange Shirt Day merchandise. You can purchase 'Every Child Matters' shirts locally at Sncewips Museum and the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society.

Here are a few local events taking place on September 30:


Small Business BC (SBBC) Live Education

SBBC is hosting Accessibility Month this September, in conjunction with Disability Employment Month, providing free access to its business education resources, along with live ASL interpretation and closed captioning for all its webinars, which include the following: 

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 future education webinars, along with additional SBBC resources, free of charge.


YLW 75 Trips Around the Sun Cocktail Gala

Celebrate the Kelowna International Airport's (YLW) 75th Anniversary on October 1 at the newly opened KF Centre for Excellence. The cocktail gala, which will include food, local wine, beer, and cocktails, live entertainment, and a silent auction, kicks off at 6 p.m. Tickets are $175 and can be purchased through Eventbrite. 


The Black Experience in Foodservice

The Re-Seasoning Coalition is presenting this webinar on Tuesday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT to discuss "the findings of recent Restaurants Canada and Technomic surveys profiling operator, employee, and guest experiences with racism and anti-Black discrimination and how guests expect foodservice organizations across the industry to evolve to become more equitable, diverse, and inclusive spaces for the benefit of their bottom line." Click here to learn more and to register.


Commerce ConneX

The Kelowna Chamber is hosting its next Commerce ConneX at Michaelbrook Golf Course on Thursday, October 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. Join fellow local business professionals to network, enjoy refreshments, and try your hand at some putting and trick shots. The event is open to both members and non-members. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.  


Future Events


Save the Date

Registration for the following events will open soon:


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.