2025 SEe ON Tourism Summit Highlights

Excitement filled the room as tourism professionals from every corner of southeastern Ontario came together in Kingston at the DoubleTree by Hilton on November 4th & 5th for the 2025 SEe ON Tourism Summit. Over two dynamic days, participants explored new ideas, forged meaningful connections, and celebrated the people and places that make our region thrive. The energy was unmistakable – a community coming together with a shared belief that by working together, we can shape a bold and vibrant future for tourism.

This event was made possible by our wonderful sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor – Alphabet Creative
Silver Sponsor – CQCC: Canada’s Queer Chamber of Commerce
Bronze Sponsors: Doane Grant Thorton and Napanee River Tours

Day One: Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

8:45 AM: Welcome and Opening Introduction – Loren Christie, RTO 9 Board of Directors Vice-Chair

The 2025 SEe ON Tourism Summit opened with remarks from Loren Christie welcoming attendees to the DoubleTree by Hilton.

8:45 AM – 9:25 AM: Giving of Thanks – David R. Maracle – Bear Clan, Tehanenia’kwè:tarons (Cutter of the Stone)

The inspiring music and storytelling of David R. Maracle, Bear Clan of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, offered a meaningful thanks to the land and its original peoples, setting a tone of respect, unity, and shared purpose for the discussions and celebrations that followed.

9:25 AM – 10:15 AM Keynote Speaker – Pierre Cléroux, Vice President, Research & Chief Economist, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

Pierre Cléroux of BDC shared an informative overview of the current economic climate, highlighting key statistics and trends relevant to business owners and tourism operators. The presentation provided helpful context for understanding how today’s economy is shaping tomorrow’s opportunities.

10:15 AM – 11:00 AM Panel – The Economics of Indigenous Tourism – Featuring: Dianna Brant-Winkler, Business Development, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte | Michelyne (Misty) Tarbell, Tourism Activities Officer, Akwesasne Travel | David R. Maracle, Bear Clan, Tehanenia’kwè:tarons (Cutter of the Stone)

The summit featured a compelling panel on Indigenous tourism economics, giving voice to Indigenous perspectives on growing the sector responsibly and sustainably. Panelists shared success stories, key considerations for culturally authentic experiences, and strategies for balancing economic growth with community values. Their insights highlighted the vital role of Indigenous leadership in shaping tourism that benefits both communities and visitors alike.

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM Break with the Makers Market

Attendees were provided the opportunity to support local vendors through the Makers Market, where there were a variety of handcrafted items and treats available.

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM Main Room: Case Study on Sustainable Tourism – Rena Upitis, Founding Director, Wintergreen Studios

Attendees learned how Wintergreen Studios in Frontenac County integrates eco-conscious practices into every aspect of their operations, from sourcing materials to designing immersive visitor experiences, demonstrating that sustainability and economic success can go hand in hand.

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM CQCC Breakout Room: Panel – The Power of Media – Featuring: Anna Ruck, Digital Marketing Consultant, STRUCKBLOG | Victoria Wicks, Project Lead, Rainbow Registered, CQCC | Natalie Wollenberg, 555 Brewing Co. & Jackson’s Falls Country Inn

Graciously sponsored by the CQCC, the summit featured a dynamic panel on inclusive marketing, focusing on how the tourism industry can better serve 2SLGBTQI+ travelers. Panelists offered practical guidance on authentic marketing and sharing experiences that celebrate diversity while prioritizing safety and accessibility. Their insights emphasized the role of inclusivity as a driver of both community connection and business growth.

12:00 PM – 1:15 PM Lunch – Provided by the DoubleTree by Hilton Kingston

Marley Kirkpatrick, the representative from Platinum Sponsor Alphabet Creative, invited to attendees to join the Alphabet Creative Networking Reception at the conclusion of the day, and provided some takeaways from a digital marketing perspective.

1:15 PM – 2:00 PM Presentation – Insights from Six Nations – Jaquie Jamieson, Senior Manager of Tourism & Community Development, Six Nations Tourism

The summit featured a presentation from Six Nations Tourism, showcasing their model of community-led and community-controlled tourism. Jaquie shared how Six Nations Tourism delivers enriching visitor experiences while ensuring that decisions, storytelling, and economic benefits remain rooted in the community. Their insights highlighted the power of Indigenous leadership in shaping a tourism sector that is both culturally authentic and sustainable.

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM Panel Discussion – Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Gaming – Featuring: Mia Robertson and Louis Bedard, Regional Development Advisors for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Gaming

Regional Development Advisors for RTO 9, Mia Robertson and Louis Bedard from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, shared insights into programs, funding, and support available to tourism operators. The panel offered attendees guidance on leveraging government resources to grow and sustain their businesses.

2:45 PM – 3:15 PM Break with the Makers Market and Regional Trivia

Attendees had the opportunity to score incredible prizes through regional based trivia. All prizes were graciously provided by reginal operators:

• 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
• 1000 Islands Tower
• Aanii Nichii Drones
• Black Bear Ridge Golf & Resort
• Destination Ontario
• Harrowsmith Mercantile
• Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises
• Kingston Food Tours
• Kingston Trolley Tours
• Maison Maitland
• Parks Canada
• Stone Manor Studios

3:15 PM – 3:30 PM Closing Remarks – Cale Fair, RTO 9 Board of Directors Chair

Day one came to a close with final remarks from RTO 9 Board of Directors Chair, Cale Fair, who highlighted the day’s learnings and invited attendees to gather in the Cannery Kitchen & Social, on-site at the Doubletree by Hilton, to meet the Chair and Vice-Chair and get a chance to connect with other attendees at the Alphabet Creative Networking Reception.

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM Meet Your Chair & Vice-Chair – Cale Fair & Loren Christie

Attendees were provided the opportunity to meet the RTO 9 Board of Directors Chair, Cale Fair, and Vice-Chair, Loren Christie, to chat about tourism in South Eastern Ontario.

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM The Alphabet Creative Networking Reception

The day concluded with the Alphabet Creative Networking Reception that brought together tourism professionals from across southeastern Ontario. Guests exchanged insights, built new connections, and explored potential collaborations, highlighting the summit’s focus on fostering relationships that will drive innovation and growth in the region’s tourism sector.

Day Two: Wednesday, November 4th, 2025

9:00 AM Welcome and Introduction – Cale Fair, RTO 9 Board of Directors Chair

Day two opened with remarks from RTO 9 Board of Directors Chair, Cale Fair, welcoming attendees back and saying hello to those who were joining for day two.

9:05 AM – 9:25 AM Hoop Dance Performance by Feryn Karahkwiiohhstha King, First Nations Hoop and Dance Performance Artist

Feryn Karahkwiiohhstha King, an Indigenous hoop dance performance artist, delighted attendees with a performance combining skill, storytelling, and cultural expression. The performance offered a striking reminder of the richness of Indigenous traditions and importance Indigenous led cultural sharing.

9:25 AM – 10:15 AM Keynote Speaker – Jennifer Robins, Vice-President, Business Development, Environics Analytics

Keynote Speaker, Jennifer Robins, provided attendees with valuable insights into travel patterns, demographics, and behaviors of visitors to South Eastern Ontario. The session highlighted emerging opportunities for tourism operators, helping them better understand who is visiting the region, what experiences they are seeking, and how to tailor offerings to meet evolving demand.

10:15 AM – 11:00 AM Presentation – Carol Greenwood, Vice-President Operations & Partnerships, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)

Carol from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) presented their Forward Motion Strategy, outlining a vision for a stronger, more resilient tourism sector. Attendees learned about the strategy’s priorities, initiatives, and actionable steps designed to support operators, foster collaboration, and drive growth across the province’s tourism industry.

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM Break with the Makers Market

Attendees were provided the opportunity to support local vendors through the Makers Market, where there were a variety of handcrafted items and treats available.

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM Case Study on Experiential Tourism – Tara MacWhirter, Founder, Garden Path Homemade Soap and Andrea Glenn, Co-Owner and Honey Sommelier, Gibbs Honey

A joint case study from Garden Path Homemade Soap and Gibbs Honey showcased the power of experiential tourism in creating memorable, hands-on visitor experiences. Attendees learned how these local businesses expanded their offerings through garden parties, bath tea workshops, beekeeping experiences and honey tastings, to deepen visitor engagement, generate new revenue streams, and strengthen connections to their communities.

12:00 PM – 1:15 PM Lunch, provided by the DoubleTree by Hilton Kingston

1:15 PM – 2:00 PM Panel Discussion – Strategic Partnerships – Featuring: Nicole Brown, Vice-President Operations and Partnerships, Culinary Tourism Alliance | Marley Kirkpatrick, Account Manager, Tourism and Place Branding, Alphabet Creative | Louisa Mursell, Executive Director, Transportation Options and Ontario by Bike | Justin Lafontaine, Partnerships Lead, Destination Ontario

A panel on strategic partnerships explored how collaboration across businesses, communities, and organizations can drive innovation and growth in the tourism sector. Panelists shared real-world examples, insights, and best practices, highlighting the value of working together to create stronger, more resilient tourism experiences and networks.

2:00 PM – 2:15 PM Break and Makers Market

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM Presentation – How AI is Affecting Web Traffic – Cathy Kirkpatrick, Senior Tourism Marketing Consultant, Alphabet Creative

A presentation from Alphabet Creative on the impact of artificial intelligence explored how AI is shaping the way travelers plan their trips and interact with tourism websites. Attendees learned about emerging trends in consumer behavior, from personalized recommendations to automated trip planning, as well as strategies for operators to optimize online engagement and increase click-throughs.

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM Regional Trivia

Attendees had the opportunity to score incredible prizes through regional based trivia. All prizes were graciously provided by reginal operators:

• 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
• 1000 Islands Kayaking
• Attractions Ontario
• Black Dog Hospitality
• Black Fly Beverage
• Harrowsmith Mercantile
• Improbable Escapes
• Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises
• Kingston Trolley Tours
• Parks of the St. Lawrence – Fort Henry
• Rockport Cruises
• SDG Counties – SDG Jail

3:45 PM – 3:55 PM Closing Remarks – Cale Fair, RTO 9 Board of Directors Chair & Jessica Brant, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte

The summit concluded with closing remarks from the Board Chair, highlighting the successes and learnings of the two-day event and the importance of continued collaboration. Jessica Brant, a Mohawk Language Specialist from Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, assisted in closing the event, leaving attendees with valuable takeaways to reflect upon.

As the 2025 SEe ON Tourism Summit came to a close, the sense of connection and collaboration was unmistakable. Participants left energized by new ideas, renewed partnerships, and a shared vision for what’s next in southeastern Ontario’s tourism landscape. Together, we’re building momentum: one experience, one story, and one community at a time.