Join us November 1-4 in Victoria BC, Canada!
The International Garden Tourism Network and the Canadian Garden Council in collaboration with Destination Greater Victoria have joined forces to organize the International Garden Tourism Conference from November 1 to 4, 2023.
This innovating event revolves around the theme “Seizing the Moment,” recognizing the abundant possibilities for gardens and the tourism sector to collaborate to enhance the appeal of gardens as well as destinations, especially post-pandemic, thereby attracting more visitors.
Join us for an exciting 4 days of exchange and networking.
Speakers
We are delighted to announce the first line-up of speakers who will join our conference this fall. This list will be updated on a regular basis as we move closer to August when we finalise the detailed programme and topics. We expect to announce a total of 20 speakers from the Gardens and Tourism industry.
Richard Benfield
Igor Josifovic-Kemper
Mary Pat Matheson
Jason Koo
Judith de Graaff
Dave Cowen
Giuseppe Sigurtà
Paul Nursey
Angela Cassie
Felix Loh
Robert Price
Anders J. Lindstrom
Wanda Heimbecker
Paul Guthrie
Gerald Dieleman
Linda Hart
Schedule
This conference will be all about the destination development and promotion of your garden. The main topics and presentations titles are listed in the schedule below. More details will be added on a continuing basis towards July.
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13.00 - 15.00
Registration at Doubletree Hotel
Please collect your conference badge and schedule at the conference desk at the Doubletree Hotel
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15.00 - 20.00
Welcome to Victoria @Butchart Gardens!
Delegates are welcome to visit the famous Butchart Gardens for a tour and welcome reception & buffet. Departure from the Doubletree Hotel at 15.00
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20.30 - 22.00
Seizing the moment Rendez Vous
Social gathering at the Doubletree Hotel
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07:30 - 09:00
Conference Registration
Please collect your conference badge and schedule at the conference desk at the Victoria Convention Center
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09:00 - 09.45
Opening Speeches
Welcome and conference warm up speeches.
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09.45 - 10.45
What Makes a Garden a Destination?
Panel sessions consist of 2-3 speaker presentations followed by a discussion
Speakers: Dave Cowen
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10.45 - 11.15
Break
In the conference hall
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11.15 - 11.35
Trends in Garden Tourism
A key-note by Richard Benfield, acclaimed international researcher and author on Garden Tourism.
Speakers: Richard Benfield
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11.35 - 12.00
Shaping a visitor oriented organisation
Speakers: Felix Loh
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12:00 - 13:30
Luncheon - Canadian Garden Tourism Awards
Lunch will be served at the conference center
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13:30 - 14.30
Knowing and delivering your tourist expectations
Panel sessions consist of 2-3 speaker presentations followed by a discussion
Speakers: Angela Cassie
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14.30 - 15.30
The Pleasure Garden: the garden as a stage for cultural, art and social activities, exhibitions and events
Panel sessions consist of 2-3 speaker presentations followed by a discussion
Speakers: Anders J. Lindstrom
Michelle Day
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15:30 - 16.00
Coffee Break
Coffee and refreshments will be served in the lobby
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16.00 - 16.30
The Pleasure Garden: the garden as a stage for cultural, art and social activities, exhibitions and events
Panel sessions consist of 2-3 speaker presentations followed by a discussion
Speakers: Jason Koo
Robert Price
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16.30 - 17.00
Keeping it real: garden identity and stories
Speakers: Mary Pat Matheson
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18.30 - 21.30
International Garden Tourism Awards Gala Dinner
Enjoy an evening with fine food, people and awards at Victoria's Union Club.
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21.30 - 22.30
Seizing the moment Rendez Vous
Social gathering at the Doubletree Hotel
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09:00 - 10:00
Creating Visibility and a Following
Panel sessions consist of 2-3 speaker presentations followed by a discussion
Speakers: Igor Josifovic-Kemper
Judith de Graaff
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10:00 - 10:30
Emotional appeals of Gardens, Flowers and Food
Key Note Presentation
Speakers: Pascal Garbe
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10:30 - 11:00
Coffee Break
Served in the conference hall
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11:00 - 12:00
Working with Tour Operators
Panel sessions consist of 2-3 speaker presentations followed by a discussion
Speakers: Linda Hart
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12:00 - 13:30
North American Garden Tourism Award Luncheon
During this lunch we will recognise gardens across North America for their destination development and promotion accomplishments.
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14:30 - 15:30
Working with Online Travel Platforms
Panel sessions consist of 2-3 speaker presentations followed by a discussion
Speakers: Paul Guthrie
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15:30 - 16:00
Coffee Break
Coffee and refreshments will be served in the lobby
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16:00 - 17:00
Festival/event appeal to tourists
Panel sessions consist of 2-3 speaker presentations followed by a discussion
Speakers: Gwen Auwerda
Treve Evans
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17:00 - 17:30
Conference wrap-up and closing remarks
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18:30 - 20:30
Victoria Dine Around
Explore Victoria's dining scene together with old and new friends from the international gardens
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20.30 - 22.00
Seizing the moment Rendez Vous
Social gathering at the Doubletree Hotel
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09:00 - 16:00
Vancouver Island Tours
On Saturday there is ample opportunity to visit some of BC's most stunning gardens, sites and activities.
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16.00 - 17.00
Seizing the moment Farewell Cocktail
Farewell drinks at the Doubletree Hotel
Partners
Event venue
- Victoria Conference Centre
- +1 6133014554
- registration@gardentourism.org