2023 Session Listings

tourism summit 2023 session Lineup

Opening Keynote – Lital Marom
Join us for this exclusive and impressive Opening Keynote address:  The Future of Business: New World, New RulesWe strive to introduce you to new thinking from some of the best minds and Lital Marom is a terrific example of that.  Lital is a software engineer, serial entrepreneur, and investor. Lital got her start building computer systems for companies in Israel and Europe, before advancing to lead global sales and strategy for Fortune 100 giants across three continents. Since then, she’s lived in 10 countries and founded 4 companies. Ever heard of “disrupt or get disrupted?” Lital takes it to the next level. She guides business leaders how to shake things up from within, making emerging technologies work for them! This isn’t just about survival—it’s about pioneering new paths to amplify customer loyalty, explore uncharted markets, and foster innovative thinking.

Chairman’s Luncheon with Minister’s Address and Serve it Up Recognition
Join us for the Opening Chairman’s Luncheon of the 2023 Tourism Summit. Hosted by TIANS Chair, Wes Surrett, the Luncheon will recognize our deserving Past Chairs for their service and commitment to the Tourism Industry.  The Honourable Allan MacMaster, Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage Minister, will provide an Address to delegates during the Lunch Event, which will wrap up with the 2023 Serve It Up Recognition for participating High School students.

Day One Closing Keynote – Mandy Rennehan
Who better to wrap up Day One of the Tourism Summit – Building Resiliency than Mandy Rennehan, CEO & Founder of Freshco.  Mandy is a sought-after speaker, author, multiple award-winning entrepreneur, philanthropist, HGTV host and trade industry ambassador. But at the heart of everything, Mandy is a Nova Scotian who has relied on her resiliency and innovation to ensure that her success contributes to the wider community around her.  We often look beyond our borders for role models and examples of business excellence, Mandy reminds us that we need look no further than what is within ourselves to achieve success.  Her (respectfully) uncensored honesty is matched by her quick wit, East Coast humour, and big heart. It is impossible to remain unchanged after coming into contact with this authentic, self-taught and self-made powerhouse.

 

CONCURRENT SESSIONS:

Employers are from Mars, Workers are from Venus – An Unfiltered, Uncensored Discussion
It’s a new world order when it comes to attracting and retaining your workforce, and we know you have many questions. Join this conversation to gain a better understanding of the forces at play and have a frank discussion with your colleagues to better prepare you to be an employer of choice.
Philip Mondor, President & CEO, Tourism HR Canada

Future Proofing Your Tourism Business
Tourism operators are facing a perfect storm of challenges building back financial stability and market share while reducing their operating costs and carbon footprint. We know the only constant is change, and that means we need to build resiliency into our businesses. Join experts from BDC, the Insurance Bureau of Canada and Efficiency Nova Scotia to hear practical advice on future proofing your business.
Gloria Haydock, CIP, Manager, Consumer and Industry Relations Atlantic Region, Insurance Bureau of Canada; Russell Hopson, Manager, Entrepreneurship Centre, Business Development Bank of Canada; Spencer LeBlanc, Business Development Manager, Efficiency Nova Scotia

Market Readiness ? – What Does it Mean and How Can You Increase Your Market Share
Do you want access to the high-end international travel market? Do you want reservations on the books earlier in the year? Do you want year-over-year repeat business from International Tour Operators? Then you should consider working with the Travel Trade! Led by an international tour operator, and a travel trade expert, this session provides the tools to get involved in this lucrative business segment.
John Simon, President, Canadvac Travel Service/Hygge Life Travel & Eva Gutsche, Founder, STEM Consulting

Indigenous Tourism Reconciliation
Indigenous Tourism can play a vital role in educating and sharing authentic Mi’kmaq culture, build economic opportunities and develop meaningful partnerships. During this session, you will learn more about this growing tourism sector and how you can engage to be an effective partner and champion of Indigenous Tourism.
Robert Bernard, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network

Unlocking the Power of Technology – Emerging Tools to Enhance Your Tourism Business!
Staying ahead of the curve means constantly expanding your knowledge of what new technology applications are out there. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just stepping into the industry, there’s always something new to learn and explore. Join us for this engaging session to hear the latest in digital trends and how you can be more efficient and competitive.
Owen Sagness, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Nova Scotia

Elevate Your Business with Tourism Nova Scotia
Don’t miss out on programs and tools that could help you boost your business! Join Tourism Nova Scotia staff for a comprehensive overview of valuable research, programs, and resources that can help you take your business to the next level. From improving business practices to upping your marketing game – there are tools and resources available to help you reach the goals you have for your business.
Tourism Nova Scotia Staff; Joann Fitzgerald, Chief Marketing Officer; Nick Fry, Manager of Business Development; Heather Yule, Manager of Experience Development; Richard Foot, Research Manager

Older Workers – An Economic Development Driver
The tourism industry is all about people. Staffing remains a persistent challenge for many operators. Meanwhile, many older workers are seeking purposeful and engaging work. This session, led by Age Friendly CEO and Founder, discusses ways to engage a mature workforce, drive business for the industry and keep our economy growing well into the future.
Tim Driver, CEO and Founder, Age Friendly Ventures

Building to 365 – Developing Four Season Opportunities
Nova Scotia’s tourism potential will only be reached if we leverage business in the shoulder and winter seasons. How are you talking advantage of major events in the urban centers with pre and post business? What are you doing around local sport tourism? This session explores opportunities and how we rethink our approach to building year around business.
Jamie Ferguson, CEO, Sport Nova Scotia; Carrie Cussons, President & CEO, Events East Group; Terry Smith, CEO, Destination Cape Breton

Protecting Our Tourism Assets
A healthy tourism economy relies on our natural product, rich history and our diverse cultural assets. Join TIANS’ partners to hear how you can play a role in protecting what makes Nova Scotia a desirable place to live and visit and how this impacts the economic success of tourism.
Emma Lang, Executive Director, Heritage Trust; Juanita Peters, Director, Africville Museum; Raymond Plourde, Sr. Wilderness Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre

Pitch Perfect – New Tourism Business Pitch Competition Finals 
Come watch the Final IGNITE Competitors vie for top spot!  
The development of new, innovative tourism products and experiences is crucial to attracting new and returning visitors. During the past two months Ignite Atlantic has been hosting regional pitch sessions across the province challenging entrepreneurs to share their tourism business ideas. Be part of the excitement as four regional finalists present their new concepts as they vie to win this Dragons’ Den style competition. One new business will be selected as the winner and receive cash and mentoring support to incubate their new tourism venture.
Ignite Atlantic Staff & Pitch Competitors

Nova Scotia’s Tourism Summit – Bringing Industry Together