The Southern Ontario Tourism Conference is a two-day event packed full of new experiences, expert speakers and inspirational moments with an optional pre-conference learning tour and welcome reception!
The "Conference Agenda Overview" serves as a compact yet comprehensive preview of the itinerary and key events scheduled throughout the conference. It provides attendees with a quick glance at the various sessions, presentations, workshops, and activities planned for the duration of the event. The agenda is subject to change without notice. We aim to keep this agenda updated leading up to the conference.
Pre-Conference -Monday, March 3, 2025
10:00am - 4:00pm
Pre-Conference Learning Tours (Limited Availability + Pre-Registration Required)
Tour A: 12:00 PM – 4:15 PM
Tour B: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (SOLD OUT!)
Tour C: 10:00 AM – 3:45 PM (SOLD OUT!)
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Welcome Reception
The Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts
88 Dalhousie St
Brantford, ON
Shuttle Service will be provided to and from the Venue.
Sponsored by Tourism Brantford
__________________________________________________________________
Day One - Tuedsay, March 4, 2025
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Hot Buffet Breakfast
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Welcome Remarks
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Tourism Industry Update Presented by Joanne Wolnik, Ontario’s Southwest And Maria Fortunato, RTO3 - Hamilton Halton Brant
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Keynote Presentation: Relationships, Resilience & Regeneration Presented by Michelle Holliday
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Networking Break
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Breakout Sessions 1A – 1C
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch Break
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Breakout Sessions 2A – 2C
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Networking Break
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Main Plenary Presentation: Top 5 Digital Marketing Trends: How to Stay Ahead of 2025 Presented by Emily Baillie
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Free Time
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Cocktail Reception
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM: 2024 Ontario’s Southwest and RTO3 Industry Awards Gala
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM: The Southern Ontario Tourism Conference SoSocial Sponsored by Tourism Hamilton
___________________________________________
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Hot Buffet Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM: Welcome Remarks
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM: Keynote Presentation: Unlock What's Possible: Understand the Brain So Your Business Can Thrive Presented by Melina Palmer
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
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM: Closing Remarks
11:30 AM: Safe Travels Home