Monday, December 1st
OPENING NIGHT MEET & GREET AT ALEXANDER KEITH’S HISTORIC BREWERY
Join us at the historic Alexander Keith’s Brewery, as we reconnect and welcome new friends and colleagues. What better place to meet up and have a cold one than at this 1820 landmark, site of Nova Scotia’s first brewery. TIANS is proud to co-sponsor this event with our great partners at the Keith’s Brewery.
Tuesday, December 2nd
PLENARY SESSIONS
SUMMIT OPENING AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER LEAH GOLDSTEIN
Mental Resilience to Achieve the Impossible
TIANS is pleased to welcome Leah Goldstein as our Opening Keynote for the 2025 Tourism Summit – Nova Scotia Needs Tourism. (See Leah’s Bio in Speakers Tab)
CHAIRMAN’S LUNCH
TIANS Chair, Kevin Toth, will address delegates as we acknowledge TIANS esteemed Past Chairs. During the luncheon, TIANS will also be recognizing a select number of community groups that are making significant contributions to the health and well-being of our communities.
NOVA SCOTIA TOURISM SECTOR STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
TIANS and Tourism Nova Scotia will share an update on the recently launched Tourism Plan. Hear more how you can get involved in championing the six strategic pillars, as we strive to reposition the Nova Scotia tourism industry.
TUESDAY CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Best Practices for a New Approach to Tourism Growth
During the development of the NS Tourism Strategic Plan, TIANS and TNS carried out a jurisdictional scan on destinations that shared similarities. As we embark on the Implementation Phase of the Tourism Strategy, we are delighted to be joined by our friends from the Maine Office of Tourism and the Scottish Tourism Alliance as they share an update on progress they are making on similar strategic challenges. You will see the results of the scan that helped inform the new Strategy and hear best practices NS can learn from. Facilitated by Dr. Rick Williams, President, Praxis Research & Consulting Inc.
Risky Business – Future Proofing Your Tourism Operation
Between cyber- attacks becoming increasingly sophisticated, weather-related events; Insurance mitigation and financial fraud, future proofing your business has become more important than ever. During this session, explore what proactive measures you can take that will help protect your business and your guest. Bring your thoughts and questions!
Game Changer – Driving Brand NS and Economic Growth Through Events
The NS Tourism Sector Strategic Plan has identified events as a critical element in generating year-round tourism activity in communities across the province. Over the last few years, the caliber and quality of event attraction have enhanced the global presence of Nova Scotia. How can we better position the events agenda as a core driver to meet our economic, social and cultural goals.
Chicken or Egg – Extending Nova Scotia’s Tourism Season to Drive Growth
Despite being a long-held aspiration, many communities and businesses continue to be challenged by an open for business mindset. How do we align resources to support off-peak tourism product and experience development? How do we embrace innovation and cross-sector collaboration and develop conditions to support year-round operation of our key tourism assets?
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.
Checking In – A Look at Future Accommodation Trends
Join Smith Travel Research (STR Inc., a CoStar Group Company) for the latest and best data around Nova Scotia’s competitiveness as a destination as it relates to capacity and quality of accommodation product. Join the team at STR as they review the what’s happening in the accommodation landscape across Canada with a special focus on Nova Scotia. Whether you are a large or small accommodation operator, this will help you understand the market dynamics at play and the forecast for 2026 and beyond.
One Small Step – The Impact of Regenerative Tourism Workshop (90 Min)
Industry is increasingly hearing the terms sustainable tourism and regenerative travel, but what businesses or destinations in Nova Scotia are already operating using these values and seeing the benefits? Why have they made this shift, and what best practices are they learning? This unique workshop, led by Celes Davar of Earth Rhythms will highlight those who are “walking the walk”. Insights will be shared on how to apply best practices for regenerative tourism within your business and in your community.
TOURISM SUMMIT PRE-GALA RECEPTION
Enjoy a Taste of Nova Scotia in the grand ambiance of the newly restored historic VIA Rail Station. Showcasing local Nova Scotian vendors and artisans; located off the main lobby of The Westin Nova Scotian.
2025 TOURISM AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE GALA DINNER
Join your colleagues and help celebrate excellence in the Tourism Industry as we present the 2025 Tourism Awards of Excellence and Pineapple Awards with special guest, the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, The Honourable Mike Savage.
Wednesday, December 3rd
PLENARY SESSIONS
INDUSTRY BREAKFAST- HOSTED BY THE WESTIN NOVA SCOTIA HOTEL
(Speaker TBA)
Kick off Day Two with colleagues and friends at the networking breakfast sponsored by The Westin Nova Scotian.
WEDNESDAY CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Plowing Our Way to Prosperity – Agricultural Heritage Driving Tourism Growth
The tourism experience is a living demonstration of Nova Scotia’s way of life, and no better example is the interconnectivity between our agricultural heritage and our culinary expertise. Tourism preserves our countryside amenities and social traditions, and drives local economies. FarmWorks Investment Co-operative is helping bridge the gap supporting new enterprises and greatly enhancing the support local movement and fostering culinary excellence.
Community Prosperity Through Cultural Partnerships
Cultural and historical travel accounts for 40% of all global travel, with the potential to create significant employment opportunities and stimulate economic transformation. The Tourism Strategy for Nova Scotia calls for action to capitalize on tourism’s potential while preserving and enhancing history and culture as a pathway to generate prosperity at the community level. This session will explore how to maximize your business impact by leveraging culture as a competitive advantage.
Putting AI into Action for Your Tourism Business
In the rapidly evolving global market, AI has become a catalyst for innovation and productivity and Nova Scotia’s Tourism Strategic Plan has identified the critical importance of understanding and using AI to our advantage. At the forefront of this, is the Canadian Tourism Data Collective from Destination Canada. Come see how DMO’s and tourism operators can leverage this award-winning AI based platform to improve targeting and marketing return on investment including detailed segmented visitor profiles.
Ensuring Access – Nova Scotia’s Global Competitiveness
The success of Nova Scotia as a globally competitive destination depends on high quality, reliable transportation infrastructure. Leveraging our road, air and marine connections are critical to reaching the goals outlined in the new Tourism Strategy around year-round access and increased visitor dispersion. Get the latest updates on current and future investments being made by transportation providers that will enhance Nova Scotia’s access to markets at home and abroad.
Human Excellence and Tech Innovation – Nova Scotia’s Talent Pipeline
Can Nova Scotia accelerate the talent pipeline by leveraging innovative and best in class education models? How do we foster strong industry partnerships and embrace digital transformation to enhance productivity and workforce engagement? Join an open discussion with Philip Mondor, President and CEO of Tourism HR Canada, who will share the latest research and insights that will make you rethink your approach with your current and future workforce.
2025 TOURISM SUMMIT CLOSING LUNCH
Delegates will enjoy a pre-lunch screening of a short documentary viewing from our partners at Devour! The Food Film Fest. We will recognize the 2025 Graduates of the Serve it Up! Culinary Career exploration program – shining a light on rising talent.
NOTE: Session Programming Subject to Change; Additional Session Details Will be Updated
