Monday, December 1st
OPENING NIGHT MEET & GREET AT ALEXANDER KEITH’S HISTORIC BREWERY 5:30 – 7:30PM
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
2025 TOURISM SUMMIT REGISTRATION AND COFFEE & MUFFINS 9:15AM – MEZZANINE
2025 TOURISM SUMMIT opening 10AM Commonwealth ballroom
SUMMIT OPENING 10:00AM – COMMONWEALTH BALLROOM
The 2025 Tourism Summit kicks off at 10a.m. with an Opening Musical Performance from Nova Scotia’s own, multi Juno Award winner, Classified – one of Canada’s most respected and successful rap artists, producers, and songwriters. We can’t wait to host you!
KEYNOTE SPEAKER LEAH GOLDSTEIN – Mental Resilience to Achieve the Impossible
For Leah Goldstein, surpassing limits and achieving what many deem impossible is a way of life—not luck or chance. Her unparalleled success in ultra-endurance racing, military leadership, and world championship combat sports is rooted in one fundamental truth: mental strength is the ultimate competitive edge. Leah reveals the No Limit Mindset—the proven mental strategies she uses to cultivate resilience, overcome setbacks, and outperform even the toughest competitors. Attendees will discover the three essential practices Leah applies daily to train her mind into a relentless, focused, and adaptable force. Leah’s insights provide actionable techniques to reframe challenges, maintain unwavering focus under pressure, and harness the power of mindset to transform goals into reality.
TUESDAY CONCURRENT SESSIONS
11:30 – 12:20
#1 Risky Business – Future Proofing Your Tourism Operation (Lunenburg)
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!
Meredith Cowan – Executive Director, Department of Emergency Management
Thomas Rizzuto – Cybersecurity Specialist, ON-LINE Computer Services
Stephen Hiscock – Manager of Government & Stakeholder Relations, Atlantic Region – Insurance Bureau of Canada
#2 Checking In – A Look at Future Accommodation Trends (Harbour A/B)
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.
Emile Gourieux – Regional Director, Smith Travel Research Canada
Natacha Pouzin – Sales Executive, Smith Travel Research Eastern Canada
#3 Ensuring Access – Nova Scotia’s Global Competitiveness (Atlantic Ballroom)
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.
Mark Wilson – Owner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bay Ferries Limited
Marie Manning – VP Business Development & CCO, HIAA
Laurence LeFrançois – Specialist Director, Service Planning, VIA Rail Canada
2025 chairman’s lunch 12:30PM Commonwealth ballroom
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.
Best Practices for a New Approach to Tourism Growth Plenary Session
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. Led and Moderated by Dr. Rick Williams from Praxis Research.
Marc Crothall, MBE – CEO, The Scottish Tourism Alliance
Carolann Ouellett – Director, Tourism, Film & Outdoor Recreation, Maine Department of Economic & Community Development
3:00 – 4:00 *(4:30)
#1 Chicken or Egg – Extending Nova Scotia’s Tourism Season to Drive Growth (Atlantic Ballroom)
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?
Leslie Wilson – President and General Manager, Ski & Bike Wentworth
Martin Kejval – CEO, Cape Smokey
Glenn Squires – CEO, Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc.
#2 One Small Step – The Impact of Regenerative Tourism Workshop *90 Min. (Harbour A/B)
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.
Celes Davar, Workshop Lead – President, Earth Rhythms
Lesley Robb – Founder, Swell Impact
Brittany Parker – Director of Hospitality, Benjamin Bridge Winery
Jeff Nearing – VP Business Events, Discover Halifax
TOURISM SUMMIT PRE-GALA RECEPTION 6PM VIA RAIL Station
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 7PM Commonwealth Ballroom
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, His Honour, The Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia.
Wednesday, December 3rd
industry breakfast 8AM Commonwealth ballroom
HOSTED BY THE WESTIN NOVA SCOTIA HOTEL
Kick off Day Two with colleagues and friends at the networking breakfast sponsored by The Westin Nova Scotian.
NOVA SCOTIA TOURISM SECTOR STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
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.
WEDNESDAY CONCURRENT SESSIONS
9:30 – 10:30
#1 Plowing Our Way to Prosperity – Agricultural Heritage Driving Tourism Growth (Harbour A/B)
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.
Kim MacPherson – Chef and Owner of Lupin Dining & Pantry
Linda Best – Medical Microbiologist and Gastroenterology Researcher
Rebecca Tran – Founder, The Station Food Hub Company
Poet MacLean – Owner, Lake City Cider/Darty Brewing
Shawn Crouse – Red Seal Chef and Manager, Tatamagouche Farmers’ Market
#2 Grow Your Business with Tourism Nova Scotia (Commonwealth Ballroom)
Tourism Nova Scotia’s programs and resources can help you reach your business goals while building a thriving, year-round tourism industry in line with the new Nova Scotia Tourism Sector Strategic Plan. Hear directly from TNS’s program managers about the opportunities to work together to attract visitors, leverage emerging research and technology, and extend the tourism season. The team will help you connect with the right programs and information to help you reach your goals. Moderated by Afton Doubleday, Director of Outreach and Engagement.
Nick Fry – Business Development Manager
Peter Johnson – Market Development Manager
Tanya Johnson – Marketing Manager
Jessica Spooner – Experience Development Manager
Amanda Tate – Research Manager
#3 Rise of the Machines – Putting AI into Action for Your Tourism Business (Atlantic Ballroom)
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.
Meaghan Ferrigno – Senior Vice President, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Destination Canada
10:45 – 11:45
#1 Game Changer – Driving Brand NS and Economic Growth Through Events (Atlantic Ballroom)
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.
Frank Denis – Executive Director, Sail Nova Scotia
Suzanne Fougere – Executive VP, Strategy & Business Development, Events East Group
Susan Jeffries – Executive Director, Culture & Heritage Development
#2 Community Prosperity Through Cultural Partnerships (Harbour A/B)
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.
Gwen LeBlanc – Manager of Community Economic Development at the Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse
Lewis MacKinnon – Executive Director, Gaelic Affairs, NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Juanita Peters – Executive Director, Africville Museum
2025 TOURISM SUMMIT CLOSING LUNCH and Keynote 11:45 Commonwealth ballroom
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.
Closing Keynote 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.
NOTE: Session Programming Subject to Change; Additional Session Details Will be Updated
