Tourism & Professional Development Week

Celebrate Tourism in the Comox Valley with Discover Comox Valley's Tourism & Professional Development Week. Featuring workshops and programs Monday to Wednesday, and finishing with the Tourism Industry Mini-Conference on Thursday. See below for full descriptions and details of all Workshops. Space is limited so make sure to sign up for a workshop (or 2 or 3!) when you get your tickets to the Tourism Industry Mini-Conference.

"Superhost Destination Ambassador - Comox Valley"
Monday, October 21st from 12:30-4:30pm - $75

Presented by Gaetane Palardy, Tourism and Hospitality Training & Consulting

A remarkable experience relies on exceptional customer service, starting from the moment a visitor sets foot in a community and at every touch point that follows. How do you become a local Ambassador and ensure that you are contributing to a positive, authentic visitor experience that shows all that your community has to offer?

Destination Ambassador covers key topics that make for memorable visitor experiences, including:

• The role of local ambassadors in the visitor experience
• The importance of tourism and how it benefits your local community
• Different visitor profiles and reasons they visit your area
• Products and services your community has to offer visitors
• Where to access information and how to provide helpful service to others

"Grow with Google Program" - Sold Out!
Wednesday, October 23rd from 10:00am-3:00pm - Free, lunch provided

Presented by Dana Wacker, Tourism Vancouver Island

You can also join Dana's mini-session discussion at the Tourism Industry Mini-Conference on Thursday, October 24th, or come learn how to make social media work for you (without working more) at Tuesday's Food & Beverage Industry Workshop (whatever industry you're from!)

"Make Social Media Work for You!" - Food & Beverage Industry Workshop
NEW DATE & TIME: Thursday, October 24th from 1:45-4:00pm - Free

Registration from 1:30 - 1:45pm

Presented by Ian Tostenson, BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association

For all Food and Beverage Industry professionals! Ian and Samantha from the BCRFA will discuss how to better use Social Media and photography for your company's followers, without spending more time to do it! Learn about leveraging opportunities with local events and campaigns such as the Dine Around Festival, BC Seafood Festival, and Eat Drink Local.

Tourism Industry Mini-Conference
Thursday, October 24th from 4:00-7:30pm - $25, BBQ included

This event is sponsored in part by the Comox Valley Airport

Don’t miss the annual regional tourism sector development event for operators, owners, front line staff, and stakeholders! This Tourism Industry Mini-Conference, features concise yet informative business development mini-sessions, a series of one-stop-shop info stations on 2020 marketing and partnership initiatives, and a delicious networking BBQ. Get the latest research and tourism data, provide input & feedback into destination marketing initiatives, and meet new business contacts!

Mini-sessions include:

4:15 to 4:45pm: Dana Wacker, Tourism Vancouver Island - "Utilizing the BC Tourism Content Commonwealth"

• Description: In a world where social media is driving inspiration for exploration, how do businesses and organizations help elevate their social exposure with limited resources? In this discussion, attendees will explore the concept of content commonwealth and how they can easily leverage assets and opportunities available to them right now, regardless of their marketing budget.

4:55 to 5:25pm: Martin Littlejohn, Mountain Bike Tourism Association - "Where the Rubber Hits the Trail; Opportunities in Mountain Bike Tourism"

• Description: An overview of the mark BC has made in the world of mountain biking, how we have leveraged our reputation and created one of the most diverse mountain biking destinations on the planet. Learn about the Ride Island initiative and review tactics and results from the past 2 years.

5:35 to 6:05pm: Ken Beattie, BC Ale Trail - "Tapping into the BC Craft Beer Tourist"

• Description: Join Monica Frost and Ken Beattie as they discuss the journey from Canada's first modern day craft brewery in 1982 to becoming a world class beer destination in 2019. The talk will explore the growth, trends and opportunities that BC Craft Beer offers your business, your neighbourhood, your community and our province. Monica and Ken will discuss how to leverage the opportunity beer tourism brings to your business.

Keynote Session:

6:30pm: Ian Tostenson, President and CEO, BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association

• Description: Hear updates and the latest on hot-button tourism and hospitality issues including ride sharing legislation, cannabis impacts, labourforce shortages & solutions, and more!

Information Stations from 4-7:30pm:

• Tourism Vancouver Island
• Comox Valley Arts Council
• Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Sid Williams Theatre
• Courtenay Downtown BIA
• Destination BC
• North Island College Student Employment Services
• Harbour Air Seaplanes
• and more

Networking BBQ & Mixer 6-7:30pm:

Catered by The Pickled Carrot

It's time to mix and mingle with other professionals in the tourism industry, while enjoying delicious bites from The Pickled Carrot, beverage tasting stations, and cash bar.

Tasting Stations provided by:

• 40 Knots Vineyard & Estate Winery
• Wayward Distillery
• New Tradition Brewing Company
• Ace Brewing Company
• Land & Sea Brewing Company
  
• Shelter Point Distillery
• Gladstone Brewing Co.