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Beyond the City Lights

Author: OMAFRA Staff
Creation Date: 5 February 2008
Last Reviewed: 1 April 2008

Beyond the City Lights Rural Tourism Conferences

Beyond the City Lights Rural Tourism Conferences will be offered in 5 locations during April, May and October 2008.

The focus of these conferences is to advance tourism in local communities across Ontario. Beyond the City Lights Conferences provides the opportunity to explore industry trends, hear about tourism success stories and pick up marketing ideas and strategies. Participants will also be able to learn about local tourism opportunities and take part in networking and brochure swaps.
Anyone involved or interested in local tourism is encouraged to attend - business owners, festival and event organizers, attraction operators, accommodation providers, tourism committee members, tourism marketing coordinators, chambers of commerce, BIAs, economic development staff, municipal councillors or anyone considering getting into tourism.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs works with local tourism partners to coordinate the Beyond the City Lights Rural Tourism Conferences. Each conference is organized and hosted by a committee of tourism partners and is sponsored and supported by many local organizations and businesses.

Locations and Registration
Each conference has been developed by a local planning committee and will feature a variety of speakers, sessions and topics. Registration will be coordinated by a local organization in each of the communities. Please check this site often as the conference agendas and registration details for each event will be posted as they become available.


Bobcaygeon
Date: Wednesday, April 16th, 2008
Location: The Lakeview Arts Barn, 2300 Pigeon Lake Rd

 The Getaway Country Tourism Partnership presents "Connection ~ Attraction ~ Satisfaction… Tourism Excellence". Come and find out how to connect with your customers, co-workers and others to influence your business success. Learn about the latest travel trends and niche marketing opportunities and discover how you can attract and retain valuable "Generation Y" youth in your business or organization. Hear from a panel of local business owners and festival event organizers who will share their success stories.

Brochure: html version ; PDF version - 1,018 kb

Registration Form: html version ; PDF version - 324kb

 

Simcoe County
Date: Tuesday April 29th, 2008
Location: Casino Rama 5899 Rama Road
 The Simcoe County Tourism Alliance presents "Making a BIG Deal of Customer Service".
Learn strategies on how to deliver exceptional customer service, put your business on the world wide map, identify opportunities for innovative packages, develop product for niche markets and more. Get the inside track on all the exciting tourism initiatives happening within Simcoe County and how you can participate.

Brochure: html version ; PDF version - 3,145 kb

Registration Form: html version ; PDF version - 21kb

 

Leamington
Date: Wednesday April 23rd, 2008
Date: Thursday April 24th
Location: Pelee Days Inn, Leamington
Pre Conference Tour: Explore Opportunities in Essex County & Welcome Reception
A Recipe for Tourism Success" is the theme for this year's conference. The conference organizers are serving up a program menu that will inspire and excite anyone involved in tourism. Find out about visitor trends in this region and how you can work with other tourism partners to create experiences that will drive customers to your location. Hear from local entrepreneurs and event organizers who will share their success stories.
During the pre-conference tour on April 23rd you can visit and explore various attractions throughout Essex County. A welcome reception will kick-off the conference and will feature local foods.

Brochure: html version ; PDF version - 481 kb

Registration Form: html version ; PDF version - 104 kb

 

St. Marys
Date: Monday, May 5th, 2008
Location: St Marys Golf and Country Club, St Marys
 Perth County Visitors' Association, Tourism Oxford, Stratford Tourism Alliance and Tourism St.Marys will host the Beyond the City Lights Rural Tourism Conference. This year's theme is "Creating the WOW Experience". Participate in this event and learn how you can create and deliver exceptional experiences for your guests and customers. You will also hear success stories from local businesses and event organizers. Bring along your brochures, business cards or a display and network during the always popular Brochure Swap.

Brochure: html version ; PDF version - 481 kb

Registration Form: html version ; PDF version - 104 kb


Click here to download the Beyond the City Lights Rural Tourism conferences' poster.(pdf - 251 kb)

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For more information:
Toll Free: 1-888-588-4111
Fax:1-519-826-4336
E-mail: rural.omafra@ontario.ca