This week, I had the pleasure of co-hosting an engaging Tourism Kelowna client event right here in Calgary. The hands-on event showcased the charm and opportunities of Kelowna to a targeted group of corporate and association planners.

Four Meeting & Conferences Sales Program partners from Kelowna attended the event—Dana from 50th Parallel Estate, Jocelynn from the Coast Capri Hotel, Salesh from Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, and Maxine from Kelowna Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre—each bringing a unique slice of the region with them and showcasing Kelowna's diverse hospitality offerings.

One of the highlights of the day was a gardening workshop led by Jennay Oliver, who owns and operates Paynter’s Fruit Market. Jennay guided our guests through building their own herb gardens, providing a hands-on experience that taught valuable gardening skills and emphasized Kelowna’s rich agricultural history and sustainable practices. Each guest also had the opportunity to plant a second herb garden to gift, spreading joy and a touch of greenery to brighten someone's day.

The event also featured a nutritious breakfast, giving everyone a taste of Kelowna's offerings. The meal set a perfect tone for the day, fostering an atmosphere of warmth and community. Beyond the delicious food, the event offered a valuable networking opportunity. Guests were able to connect with each other and learn more about our Kelowna partners, gaining insights into how each could enhance their upcoming business events. We also shared our OKGo campaign video, highlighting the campaign's ambassador partners and illustrating how Kelowna’s key industries can enhance the delegate experience at business events.

This gathering connected Calgary event planners with Kelowna’s vibrant community and its potential as a premier destination for business gatherings. The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing keen interest in exploring Kelowna for their future events.

We look forward to hosting more events like this, building stronger relationships, and introducing more people to the beautiful, dynamic city of Kelowna.

For more information about hosting business events in Kelowna or Tourism Kelowna's business development activities in Calgary and Western Canada, contact me at nicolle@tourismkelowna.com or (587) 716-5599.