Schedule

20+ top speakers from the world’s most renowned gardens, tourism industry and media professionals,
Share their experiences and best practices in interactive panel sessions on:
- Destination Development: creating and enhancing visitors’ experiences and attractions, that increase visitation
- Destination Promotion: working with local/national tourism boards and (online) travel platforms and media to attract visitors and enhance the visitor journey.
Awards Gala
Unique networking opportunities and site-visits

The main topics and presentations titles are listed in the schedule below. More details will be added on a continuing basis towards July.

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

08:00 - 09:00
Conference Registration

Please collect your conference badge and schedule at the conference desk.
09:00 - 09.45
Opening Speeches

Welcome and conference warm up speeches.
09.45 - 10.45
What Makes a Garden a Destination?

Panel sessions consist of 2-3 speaker presentations followed by a discussion
10.45 - 11.15
Break

In the conference hall
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
11.35 - 12.00
Shaping a visitor oriented organisation
12:00 - 13:30
Luncheon - Canadian Garden Tourism Awards

Lunch will be served at the conference center
13:30 - 14.30
Knowing and delivering your tourist expectationsP

Panel sessions consist of 2-3 speaker presentations followed by a discussion
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:

Felix Loh

Mary Pat Matheson
15:30 - 16.00
Coffee Break

Coffee and refreshments will be served in the lobby
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
16.30 - 17.00
Keeping it real: garden identity and stories
18.30 - 21.30
International Garden Tourism Awards Gala Dinner

Enjoy an evening with fine food, people and awards at Victoria's Union Club.

09:00 - 10:00
Creating Visibility and a Following

Panel sessions consist of 2-3 speaker presentations followed by a discussion
10:00 - 10:30

Emotional appeals of Gardens, Flowers and Food

Key Note Presentation

Speakers:

Pascal Garbe
10:30 - 11:00
Coffee Break

Served in the conference hall
11:00 - 12:00
Working with Tour Operators

Panel sessions consist of 2-3 speaker presentations followed by a discussion
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.
14:30 - 15:30
Working with Online Travel Platforms

Panel sessions consist of 2-3 speaker presentations followed by a discussion
15:30 - 16:00
Coffee Break

Coffee and refreshments will be served in the lobby
16:00 - 17:00
Festival/event appeal to tourists

Panel sessions consist of 2-3 speaker presentations followed by a discussion
17:00 - 17:30
Conference wrap-up and closing remarks
18:30 - 20:30
Victoria Dine Around

Explore Victoria's dining scene together with old and new friends from the international gardens

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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Welcome to Victoria @Butchart Gardens!

Conference Registration

Opening Speeches

What Makes a Garden a Destination?

Break

Trends in Garden Tourism

Richard Benfield

Shaping a visitor oriented organisation

Luncheon - Canadian Garden Tourism Awards

Knowing and delivering your tourist expectationsP

The Pleasure Garden: the garden as a stage for cultural, art and social activities, exhibitions and events

Felix Loh

Mary Pat Matheson

Coffee Break

The Pleasure Garden: the garden as a stage for cultural, art and social activities, exhibitions and events

Keeping it real: garden identity and stories

International Garden Tourism Awards Gala Dinner

Creating Visibility and a Following

Emotional appeals of Gardens, Flowers and Food

Pascal Garbe

Coffee Break

Working with Tour Operators

North American Garden Tourism Award Luncheon

Working with Online Travel Platforms

Coffee Break

Festival/event appeal to tourists

Conference wrap-up and closing remarks

Victoria Dine Around

Vancouver Island Tours