2026 PROGRAM
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2 — The JAG Soundhouse
Join us for a continental breakfast and the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees before the day begins!
Join us as we kickstart the conference with opening remarks and a special Indigenous welcome!
John Colton (Ph.D., Head, Community Development, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Acadia University)
Acadia University professor and a long-time adventure guide will kick off the conference with a session that provides a clear-eyed overview of the current state of our climate.
Grounded in science and the latest global and regional data, the Climate Reality Check sets the tone for the conference by highlighting the risks, challenges, and opportunities facing the tourism industry. It’s a moment to align our understanding, confront the realities of climate change, and frame the urgency and focus needed for the discussions ahead.
Catherine Newhook (Network Manager, Shorefast), Micha Fardy (Executive Director, Friends of Fundy / Fundy Guild Inc.), Alaina Lockhart (President, Woodland Ventures and Chief Experience Officer, Sussex Ale Works) & Jennifer Dingman (Executive Director of the UNESCO designated Fundy Biosphere Region and the Stonehammer Global GeoPark)
How can tourism create stronger community economies, not just stronger visitor economies? This session shares the stories of places that have tackled this question with a practical, community-led approach, with tourism as a catalyst for broader place-based economic stewardship.
The Fundy Partnership, a collaborative network working across the Fundy Coast & Fundy Foothills region of New Brunswick, along with the Shorefast Institute for Place-Based Economies, based on 20 years of development work on Fogo Island, will share their experiences. Together, they'll offer practical tools and examples of places coming together, connecting local assets to build community economies strong enough to serve the people and places they belong to, as well as the people who visit them.
Moderator: Nora Fever (Director of Programs & Innovation, Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism)
Panellists: Genevieve McCorquodale (Project Manager, Irish Loop Tourism &
Nicole Holland (Regional Tourism Development Officer, Green Bay, NL)
How can tourism build resilience and help communities thrive on their own terms? Hear from
community practitioners using grassroots, strengths-focused, place-based approaches to explore how tourism can bring sectors together, strengthen local capacity, and keep community well-being at the centre of development. Discover how this shift can spark pride, collaboration and hope, empowering local people to shape tourism and uncover opportunities while protecting what makes their communities great places to live and visit.
Let all that knowledge sink in!
Maureen Riley (Vice President, Industry Engagement, Destination Canada), Caroline MacDonald (Director, Business Development - Curated Learning , Keyin College), Andrew Mercer (AI and Education Facilitator, Keyin College), & Kathie Hicks (CEO, Spirit of Newfoundland Productions)
Travellers increasingly use AI to decide where to go, where to stay and what to book. What does that mean for Atlantic Canadian tourism businesses, and how do you keep up without losing your authentic voice? Destination Canada, Spirit of Newfoundland Productions and Keyin Workforce share national tools, a real operator's story and practical first steps any team can take, responsibly and without a tech background.
Maya Douglas (Executive Director: Sustainability, Environment & Regulatory Law, KPMG Law)
Getting called out for greenwashing is any company’s worst nightmare, especially if sustainability is key to your guests and core to your operations. This session will get you up to speed on public (and regulatory) scrutiny, the words that matter, and the processes you can put in place to drive change and trust in your brand.
David Goldstein (CEO, Travel Alberta), Christine Loth-Bown (Vice-President, Parks Canada) and Tyler Riopel (CEO, Tourism Jasper) | Moderator: Seamus O'Regan
Two years after the devastating wildfires, this panel looks at Jasper National Park's recovery — what's changed, what's been learned, and what it means for the future of the park and the communities that depend on it. Panelists share on-the-ground perspectives on rebuilding, ecological recovery, and the path forward.
Sébastien Benedict (President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Canada)
Sustainability matters to Canada’s tourism industry, but where does it really rank among the federal government’s priorities? This session will look at sustainability through the lens of Ottawa’s evolving political and economic agenda and explore how our industry can make the case for sustainability in a way that resonates with government and drives action.
Grab a coffee, find a new conversation, and keep the ideas flowing between sessions.
TJ Arch (Creative Director, Target Marketing)
What if a whale-watching photo could do more than capture a moment? Hello Humpback helps visitors identify the whale they saw, follow its story and contribute a sighting to research. TJ Arch explores how tourism can deepen connections to place while giving visitors a meaningful role in conservation.
Roger Grimes (Former Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador; Chair, C-NLOPB), & Jim Keating (CEO, Oil & Gas Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador)
In an increasingly uncertain world, energy security has become a strategic imperative. Newfoundland and Labrador stands out as a trusted energy jurisdiction, offering world-class resources, regulatory certainty, and a proven track record of responsible development. This presentation examines how the province, and Canada, is contributing to global energy security today and the critical role it can play in supporting a stable, affordable, and reliable energy future.
Dave Butler (Dave Butler, Registered Professional Biologist - (Ret.), Strategic Advocacy Coordinator, HeliCat Canada)
Dave Butler will share his experience working with Indigenous communities in British Columbia, with a focus on building relationships based around adventure tourism. He will offer practical ideas on how tourism businesses can engage with Indigenous communities, and how economic, environmental stewardship, and cultural partnerships can be built using an "open-hearts, open-mind" approach.
Fast, practical ideas for resilient places. Seven-minute rapid pitches from practitioners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders offering tangible, scalable solutions for sustainable tourism and local economies.
Colin Corbett (Director, Innovation, Econext)
Marine transportation is vital to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy and connectivity. Ferries, cargo vessels, fishing boats, offshore supply vessels, and government fleets support the movement of people and goods between coastal communities while linking the province to national and international markets. At the same time, the sector is a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approximately 8% of the province’s total emissions. This presentation will provide an overview of econext’s work to advance marine transportation decarbonization in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada.
Andrew Mouland (Supervisor, Safety and Sustainability, St. John’s International Airport Authority)
This presentation will highlight the Airport Carbon Accreditation program and discuss the work that the St. John's International Airport Authority is doing under that program to reach our goal of 'net-zero' by 2050.
Peter Porteous (Director, Growing Forests)
Growing Forests is Atlantic Canada’s only globally certified carbon offset project. But we offer more than a carbon credit. We offer an amazing collaborative marketing opportunity—real forests, real rural economic benefits, real land conservation, and real planet impact. Whether you already offer a carbon offset solution or are exploring the possibility for the first time, Growing Forests welcomes the opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, and help you develop an approach that works for your business and your clients.
To be announced
Rebecca Brushett (Founder, Atlantic Healthy Oceans Initiative & Co-owner of Gros Morne Inn, Tour and Taste of Gros Morne)
How can tourism, ocean conservation, and community collaboration create a more sustainable future for Newfoundland and Labrador’s coastal communities? Drawing on her experience as a tourism operator and marine biologist, Rebecca Brushett will share inspiring examples from Gros Morne and the west and southwest coasts, exploring how local businesses, Indigenous partners and community organizations are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. From circular tourism practices and cultural initiatives to ecotourism development, marine science and sustainable economic opportunities, discover how healthy ecosystems can become the foundation for resilient coastal communities and a thriving regional economy.
Join us at Quidi Vidi Brewery — a working craft brewery tucked into a historic fishing village — for an evening of local brews, harbour views, and good conversation.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 — The JAG Soundhouse
Join us for a continental breakfast and the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees before the day begins!
Morgan MacRae (Co-Founder, The Masonic Project / Chair, The Marlowe Foundation)
What does it take to reimagine a historic building as a welcoming space for creativity and connection? The Co-Founder of The Marlowe Foundation and The Masonic Project shares the story behind the vision to transform a former Masonic Temple in downtown St. John's — from the decision to adaptively re-use a heritage building, to engaging the community for feedback and support, and considering how the space can serve both locals and visitors. A candid look at an ambitious project in progress.
Amélie Chanda (Senior Program Manager- Sustainable Tourism and Climate Action Programs, Greenstep), Natalie Austin (ÉCONOMUSÉE® Network Society), & Aaron Rodgers (O'Brien Farm)
Artisans across Atlantic Canada have been practicing sustainability for years, often without calling it that. Join Amelie from GreenStep for a candid conversation on assessments, action plans, and turning good intentions into next steps with Natalie from ÉCONOMUSÉE® Network Society and Aaron from O’Brien Farm.
John Steele (CEO Longplay Capital)
Explore how tourism can support rural communities, strengthen local economies, and create lasting connections, with insights from Gander and the legacy of Come From Away.
Juanita Ford (Chief Project Officer, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador), & Corryn Clemence (Chief Executive Officer at Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island )
This session explores how Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL) and the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI) are leading Atlantic Canada's shift toward regenerative tourism—moving beyond minimizing harm to creating experiences that actively benefit local communities, ecosystems, and cultural heritage.
Moderator: Katelyn Budgell (Managing Director, Cruise Newfoundland & Labrador)
Panelists: Melissa Williams (Director of Marine Operations & Harbour Master, St. John’s Port Authority), Rob Thomas (Provincial Lead NL, Trans Canada Trails, and Owner Operator of SaltBox & Everoutdoor Adventures) & Dennis Minty (Senior Advisor, Adventure Canada)
How cruise itineraries and visitor experiences are developed — with an emphasis on community engagement, destination stewardship, and creating authentic experiences that benefit both visitors and residents. Using cruise as a lens to explore broader destination development themes, including collaboration between destinations, ports, tourism operators, and cruise lines, and the growing importance of community buy-in, social licence, and authentic local experiences.
Jessica Winters (Executive Director, Arctic Inspiration Prize) & Benjamin Ryan (Chief Commercial Officer, Air North)
With $3.7 million awarded annually to projects and programs, Arctic Inspiration Prize Laureates develop and lead northern-based programs and projects that uplift, strengthen and build capacity within their communities. AIP Executive Director Jessica Winters and Air North Chief Commerical Officier Benjamin Ryan will talk about the work being done across the Arctic, its implications for tourism and local capacity, and how businesses and organizations can support solutions that are by the North, for the North.
Enjoy a refreshment break while networking with attendees and speakers!
Amy Coady (Municipalities NL), Gracen Chungath (Senior Vice President, Investment and Destination Development, Destination Canada), & Jennifer Dingman (Executive Director, UNESCO-designated Fundy Biosphere Region & Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark)
Paul Nursey (CEO, Destination Greater Victoria), Ricky Mawunganidze (Executive Director, Klondike Visitors Association), Paul Bugge (CEO, Destination St. John's), & Natalie Thiesen (Vice President of Tourism, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism)
What does it take to build a thriving tourism destination while balancing community needs, economic growth, and long-term sustainability? Hear from destination leaders representing Victoria, the Klondike, St. John’s, and Winnipeg as they share perspectives on destination development, industry collaboration, and the evolving role of destination marketing organizations (DMOs). Explore how destinations can move beyond promotion to support stronger local communities, create meaningful visitor experiences, and build a more resilient tourism industry for the future.
Jillian Larkham (Director of Tourism, Language, Culture and Tourism, Nunatsiavut Government), & Stephanie Webb (Visitor Experience Coordinator, Nunatsiavut Government), & Devon McDiarmid (Director, TMBCRS Operations & Expedition Programs, Arctic Kingdom)
How does a remote, culturally significant region become a world-class tourism destination? This session traces the evolution of the Torngat Mountains experience—from early community vision to the thriving Base Camp operation of today.
Alexis Kereluk (Co-Founder, ConnectSeven Group) & Deirdre Campbell (President, Tartanbond)
As weather patterns shift and extreme events become more frequent, climate change is directly shaping visitor behaviour, threatening tourism infrastructure, altering operational seasons, and affecting destination image across Atlantic Canada, while also opening new opportunities for those prepared to adapt.
This interactive 45-minute workshop offers tourism operators, destination marketing/management organizations, and community leaders a practical entry point into understanding climate impacts on the Atlantic Canadian tourism industry, both the risks and the opportunities, while exploring actionable strategies to build resilience. Participants will explore how climate impacts are unfolding regionally, learn from real-world tourism adaptation examples, and engage with open-access climate assessment tools. Through a hands-on exercise, attendees will assess the climate impacts most relevant to their own destination and/or business, identify potential operational vulnerabilities and opportunities, and begin brainstorming practical strategies to adapt and thrive in a changing climate.
Allison Connors (Project Manager, Seasoned NL), Nick Van Mele (Head Chef, The Grounds Café), & Shelby Beals (Founder, Wildera)
Food waste sits where sustainability and food cost meet, making it one of the few sustainability wins the culinary sector can deliver right away, with no capital investment. Chefs Nick Van Mele and Shelby Beals show how they turn kitchen scraps and byproducts into something new and delicious using local, seasonal ingredients, offering a taste of what sustainable culinary tourism looks like in practice.
Collect a card at each station with recipes and waste-reduction resources to share with your networks, and leave us your answer to one question: what’s one thing leaving our kitchens that shouldn’t?
Grab a final cup and connect with fellow participants. A chance to exchange contacts, share takeaways from the day, and continue conversations before the closing session.
Alex Blagdon (Culinary Director, The Cape Retreat)
Born and raised on the island Alex grew up hearing the stories that formed generations of Newfoundlanders. The methods of preservation that fed families into the winter months and the responsibilities that fell on families to get food on the table. With a culinary identity born and sustained by survival, Alex became deeply involved in the food scene as gardens grew, wild food made its way onto restaurant menus, and the cod moratorium shifted from a present reality to a story of the past. We're rewriting what our Food Traditions are when it comes to Newfoundland and it's a result of the people on the Island who are experimenting with new ingredients and methods. Alex is here to share a few of those who inspire her menus and impact what's possible on our island in the middle of the Atlantic.
Jason Sarracini (Founder & CEO, Landsby) & Sheldon D'Sylvia (Director, Product, Jonview)
Turning sustainability commitments into meaningful change takes collaboration, creativity, and action. Discover how tour operators and travel companies can use their influence to reshape tourism from the middle out, working with suppliers to expand responsible travel experiences, support Indigenous-operated businesses, and bring more sustainable options to market. Through real-world examples from Jonview and Landsby, explore how businesses can turn their environmental commitments into practical steps that benefit travellers, tourism partners, and the destinations they visit.
Paul Nursey (CEO, Destination Greater Victoria), & Deirdre Campbell (President, Tartanbond)
Two of the founders of IMPACT Sustainability Travel and Tourism will share the story of how it all began!
This session is a call to action for tourism professionals and community leaders to unite around shared sustainability goals, commit to meaningful change, and take concrete steps toward a more responsible industry.
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