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Oct 30, 2023

TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – October 27, 2023

TIABC

CEO MESSAGE

I play pool every Wednesday night with a close friend I’ve known for over 50 years. He’s a lifelong bachelor in his early 80’s that lives on his own in a big house filled with old stuff. Because he plans to downsize at some point in the near future, I always ask him what he’s gotten rid of since we last saw each other.

One day he told me he threw out all his old trophies, which inspired me to pull a box of my old trophies from the crawl space to either put on display or get rid of. I had awards for hockey, soccer, golf, fishing, and even an ugly, two-foot high statue for finishing second in an Aardvark race during halftime at a BC Lions game. Most of the prizes held no special meaning so I kept a couple and gave the others away via Facebook Marketplace.

Although I wilfully disposed of junk others might treasure, I’m mindful that many awards, trophies, certificates, and honours are valued as a tangible acknowledgement of a significant achievement or milestone. Case in point, I’ve heard from many recipients of a BC Tourism Industry Award how special it is to be recognized by their peers for the outstanding work they do.

As you are aware, each year at the BC Tourism Industry Conference (BCTIC – March 6-7/24 – Victoria), our gala awards ceremony honours the best of the best in the tourism and hospitality sector with awards in several categories including Indigenous Tourism Operator of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, Remarkable Experiences, DMO Professional Excellence, Sustainability, Access and Inclusion, Innovation, and Community Contribution. Occasionally we also include a Lifetime Achievement Award to an individual that has made an extraordinary impact on the tourism industry in British Columbia over many years.

Earlier this week, the BCTIC Program Committee affirmed the aforementioned categories as we get set to launch the nominations process for the coveted BC Tourism Industry awards. We may also be introducing an additional award category to recognize even more industry leaders. Stay tuned.

For many years the annual awards gala during the conference has been hosted by Indigenous Tourism BC. Each honoured recipient receives a custom-made Indigenous artifact, carving, or art work that can be proudly displayed in the office or at home. It’s a keepsake to be proud of and held onto.

During the nominations process, we typically receive dozens of submissions to evaluate and ultimately determine award recipients. Regardless of who wins, I find it so inspiring to see the depth and breadth of the amazing work being done by many incredible individuals, organizations and tourism companies throughout BC. Suffice it to say, judging is an extremely difficult task taken on by a committee comprised of award sponsors and other stakeholders.

Watch for the BC Tourism Industry Awards nomination form in the near future and please respond accordingly. Also, stay tuned as more details, including registration, for next year’s BCTIC are released over the next few weeks.

I’ve inherited a few things that my buddy chose to get rid of but nothing that sits on a display shelf and collects dust. Some stuff I’ve passed along while other items such as a crokinole game I’ve kept and will pull out for when we’re both too old to hold a pool cue with a steady hand.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

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🏆🌟TIABC Director Miranda Ji and CEO Walt Judas celebrate with Madone Pelan, GM of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Brian Cant, VP of 4VI who won Business of the Year and the Sustainability Award respectively at the Canadian Tourism Industry Awards gala in Ottawa on Wednesday night.
🎵Music Advocacy Update! 

TIABC CEO Walt Judas catching up with Erin Benjamin, president of the Canadian Live Music Association, who spoke on the value of live music at the TIAC Tourism Conference in Ottawa. Walt and Erin worked together to lobby the federal government for support for the live music industry (which was severely impacted) during the pandemic.
TIABC CEO Walt Judas chaired an all-day meeting with his provincial and territorial counterparts prior to the start of the TIAC Congress this week in Ottawa. 🇨🇦🤝

The PTTIA Committee tackled issues such as business insurance, workforce, debt, and other priorities at a national and provincial/territorial level. The group also spent some time on association best practices and discussed advocacy strategies with Federal Tourism Caucus Co-Chair, Senator Karen Sorensen.
🎉 We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference. The conference will take place at the Victoria Conference Centre on March 6 & 7, 2024 

2024 REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Visit our website to view the 2024 registration fees. Early bird rates are available with member and non-member pricing options. Full conference registrations include complete access to all conference sessions, workshops, silent auction, welcome reception, and the awards gala. Register at our early bird rate before January 17, 2024 to save $100 on your registration!

Learn more and register through link in bio! 👆
📸 TIABC CEO Walt Judas with CCCTA director Shannon Landsdowne, CEO Amy Thacker and Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor at the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast AGM & Summit.
🍁🕊️ TIABC's Board of Directors and staff join Canadians nationwide in remembering those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice. We express our gratitude for their service.

🌺 Lest We Forget.