Holly, Tourism Kamloops’ Destination Experience Manager, recently returned from Winnipeg, Manitoba where she attended the Sports Event Congress, put on by Sport Tourism Canada, Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg. The Sports Event Congress is a 3 day conference and the the largest annual gathering of everyone connected to the over $7.4 billion sport tourism industry in Canada.
Alongside Jeff Topham, the City of Kamloops Tournament Capital & Events Coordinator she met with 19 sport organizations / events rights holders including Pickleball Canada, Hockey Canada, Water Polo Canada and Ultimate Canada to name a few. During these 10 minute “speed dating” meetings they had the opportunity to learn more about the events these organizations are planning, what they have coming up for bid soon and if Kamloops is a good fit for them.
The conference also offered Holly the opportunity to attend sessions on Sustainability in Sport, Best Practices in Bidding & Hosting and the Impacts on Climate Change on Sport Hosting. The conference also provided many excellent networking opportunities.
Moving forward, Jeff and Holly will meet and decide which events are the best fit for Kamloops and decide which bids to go after.
