The Southern Ontario Tourism Conference (SOTC) is our region’s premier gathering of tourism operators, businesses, industry partners, association bodies, with municipal, provincial and government entities to connect, network and learn. The Conference is presented jointly by Ontario’s Southwest (OSW), and Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association (HHBRTA).
Why You Should Attend
Are you engaged in the tourism and hospitality sector? Are you a student aspiring to enter the workforce within this industry? Are you actively seeking to establish professional connections in Southern Ontario? Are you committed to continuous learning, the examination of inherent biases, and the cultivation of the skills essential for sustained success in this field? Do you yearn for inspiration and a heightened sense of enthusiasm?
The Southern Ontario Tourism Conference is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Gain valuable knowledge through workshops, presentations, learning tours, and panel discussions.
- Receive knowledge and insights by staying updated on the latest trends, best practices, and market insights.
- Embrace networking opportunities by connecting with industry peers, potential partners, and experts.
- Learn new skills necessary to create a sustainable future.
- Be inspired by incredible keynote speakers with actionable ideas.
- Discover strategies for growing and improving tourism-related businesses.
- Celebrate the finalists and winners at the Regional Tourism Innovation Awards Gala.
And don’t forget, we promise to sprinkle in some laughs and excitement along the way!
Who Should Attend
All individuals directly involved or interested in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry. These include but are not limited to:
- Stakeholders of the Tourism Industry
- Business owners
- Investors
- College and University Students
- Consultants
- Municipal & Provincial Government
Event Details:
Location: The Affinity Conference Centre, 30 Fen Ridge Ct. Brantford, ON N3V 1G2
Dates: March 3rd - March 5th
Agenda:
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MONDAY MARCH 3rd, 2025 |
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10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Pre-Conference Learning Tours
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5:30 PM – 7:30 PM |
Welcome Reception Location: The Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts 88 Dalhousie St Brantford, Ont **Shuttle Service will be provided to and from the Venue. Sponsored by Tourism Brantford |
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TUESDAY MARCH 4th, 2025 |
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7:00 AM – 8:30 AM |
Hot Buffet Breakfast |
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8:30 AM – 9:00 AM |
Welcome Remarks |
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9:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
Tourism Industry Update Presented by Joanne Wolnik, Ontarios’ Southwest And Maria Fortunato, HHBRTA |
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10:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
Keynote Presentation: Relationships, Resilience & Regeneration Presented by Michelle Holliday |
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11:00 AM – 11:30 AM |
Networking Break |
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11:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
Breakout Sessions 1A – 1C |
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12:30 PM – 2:00 PM |
Lunch Break |
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2:00 PM – 3:00 PM |
Breakout Sessions 2A – 2C |
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3:00 PM – 3:30 PM |
Networking Break |
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3:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
Main Plenary Presentation: Top 5 Digital Marketing Trends: How to Stay Ahead of 2025 Presented by Emily Baillie |
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4:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
Free Time |
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5:30 PM – 6:00 PM |
Cocktail Reception |
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6:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
2025 Ontario’s’ Southwest and HHBRTA Industry Awards Gala |
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8:30 PM – 10:00 PM |
The Southern Ontario Tourism SoSocial Sponsored by Tourism Hamilton |
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WEDNESDAY MARCH 5th, 2025 |
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7:30 AM - 9:00 AM |
Hot Buffet Breakfast |
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9:00 AM – 9:15 AM |
Welcome Remarks |
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9:15 AM – 10:15 AM |
Keynote Presentation: Unlock What's Possible: Understand the Brain So Your Business Can Thrive Presented by Melina Palmer |
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10:15 AM – 11:15 AM |
Main Plenary Presentation: It’s the End of the World as we Know It (and I Feel Fine) Presented by Brock Dickinson |
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11:15 AM – 11:30 AM |
Closing Remarks |
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11:30 AM |
Safe Travels Home |
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Book Your Accomodations
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
Last Day to Book: Saturday, February 15th, 2025
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Hampton Inn and Suites
Group Name: SOTC
Last Day to Book: Friday, February 28th, 2025
Don't Miss the 2025 Southern Ontario Tourism Conference hosted in Brantford!
Thank you to our Host Destination - Brantford!