2026 Tourism Summit Registration & Program
Hunlen Falls | Jesaja Class
Annual Tourism Summit 2026
October 19-21, 2026 in Lillooet, BC
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism is excited to be hosting the annual 2026 Tourism Summit & AGM in Lillooet, BC from October 19 to 21, 2026. We are excited to welcome delegates from across the region and all areas of BC tourism to come together, network, gain knowledge and support the Tourism Industry and Economy. The event is designed to educate, provide network opportunities, influence new ideas and recognize our amazing industry leaders here in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast.
Explore Lillooet
Complimentary Pre-Summit Excursion – Monday October 19th
Day 1
October 19th – Monday
- 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Optional pre-summit experiences and local tours
- 5:00 PM: Registration Table Opens
- 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Welcome Reception & Networking
Day 2
October 20th – Tuesday
- 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Breakfast & Registration
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Opening & Welcome Remarks
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Speaker Sessions & Wellness Break
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch & Networking
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Annual General Meeting
- 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Tourism Town Hall & Board Update
- 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Board of Directors Meeting (CLOSED MEETING)
- 5:15 PM – 10:00 PM: Gala Dinners, Awards, and Networking
Day 3
October 21st – Wednesday
- 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Breakfast & Registration
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Opening Remarks
- 9:00 AM – 12:45 PM: Speaker Sessions & Wellness Breaks
- 12:45 PM – 2:00 PM: Closing Lunch, Prize draws, Event wrap-up, Announcement of the 2027 Summit & AGM host destination
Speakers
Frances Ishii
Destination BC
Frances Ishii is the Manager, Events on Destination BC’s Partner & Market Development team, supporting both Travel Media and Travel Trade. At its core, her work is about creating opportunities for people to connect, and on the Travel Trade side that means bringing BC tourism businesses face to face with international buyers. She leads the BC Accelerator Program, which prepares BC tourism businesses to sell to international markets and connects them with buyers through a dedicated marketplace, as well as Team BC’s presence at Rendezvous Canada, the country’s premier international travel trade marketplace. A graphic designer by training, Frances brings a visual storytelling lens to every event she creates.
Sabrina Robson
Destination BC
As Manager, Travel Media Relations at Destination BC, Sabrina leads media relations activities across North America, connecting travel storytellers with the people, places and experiences that make British Columbia one of the world’s most compelling destinations. With 18 years of experience in tourism and more than a decade on Destination BC’s Media Relations team, Sabrina brings deep expertise in destination storytelling, strategic communications, media relations and public relations. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking with a glass of BC wine in hand, thrifting and hiking with her rescue pup, Georgie.
Nicholas Ning
CEO - Farpoint
Nicholas Ning is a serial entrepreneur with a background in mechatronics systems engineering and an MBA from MIT Sloan. Over the past decade, he has built a reputation for bringing unique lateral perspectives to problem solving, having worked in a variety of industries including finance, ag-tech, software/hardware, fashion, and the culinary arts. Today, he is best known as the founder and CEO of Farpoint, a global AI consulting firm helping enterprises across industries leverage AI to stay ahead, expand imaginations and transform work.
Terri Hadwin
Thompson-Nicola Film Commission
Terri Hadwin is a community leader with a wealth of knowledge of the Kamloops and Thompson-Nicola Region area. Her earlier career path included Early Childhood Education, where she was a pre-school teacher for a brief period of time, then found her passion working in tourism, the arts and non-profit work.
She works for the Thompson-Nicola Regional District as the Film Commissioner. The Thompson-Nicola Film Commission’s purpose is to represent the TNRD in film industry growth for the region. Encouraging film and media activity, supporting local culture, sharing information and resources for film productions and providing education or skill enhancing opportunities to residents wishing to be employed in the Motion Picture sector. Informing and supporting local residents on film location benefits and procedures.
She volunteers as Chair for the Kamloops Timeraiser Committee. Previous volunteer and Board engagement include, Volunteer Kamloops President, BC Alliance for Arts and Culture Secretary, Big Sisters, Scouts, Historic Hat Creek Ranch, Thompson Nicola Film Commission, BC Geocaching Association and New Pathways to Gold. Giving back to community is a driving force for her volunteer work.
Terri’s favourite pastimes are reading, watching movies, and attending art exhibits/concerts/theatre performances. Hiking with her husband and dogs is also a favourite way to spend her weekends. Her top favourite movies are: Mermaids, The Truman Show, Rocky, and Sin City.
Walt Judas
Walt has been involved in the tourism industry for over 35 years, having worked at BC Pavco, Port Metro Vancouver, and Tourism Vancouver prior to joining the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) in May 2015, from which he retired as CEO in early 2026.
As the former CEO, Walt led multiple advocacy/policy files, set the strategic course for TIABC, built relationships with members and industry stakeholders, and communicated the value of B.C.’s visitor economy to various constituents—work that he continues to do today.
Before his retirement and his time at TIABC, Walt spent 15+ years at Tourism Vancouver as Vice President of Marketing Communications, Membership and Sport.
Over the years, Walt has held dozens of board and committee positions. At present, he is on tourism program advisory committees for Capilano University, Western Community College and Vancouver Community College. He also serves on the City of Vancouver’s Sport Hosting Grant Committee. In 2021, he was appointed to both Chair of the Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Association (PTTIA) and the board of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) until May 2025.
Walt holds a Bachelor of Hospitality Management Degree from Vancouver Community College (VCC), as well as a Diploma in Broadcast Communications Technology from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).
Having visited over 40 countries, Walt loves to travel and especially enjoys visiting communities around British Columbia and other provinces to meet with tourism colleagues. For fun he plays hockey and golf, cycles to stay fit, and enjoys spending time with family and friends
Michelle Edwards
Operator Profile - Storyteller
Michelle Edwards is a former Chief of the communities of Sekw’el’was and Qu’iqten, whom she served for 12 years. With a background in Natural Resource Management and administration, Michelle is passionate about land stewardship and the protection of natural resources.
Chris Hathaway
Vista Reach
Chris and Alison are Marketing Specialists with Vista Reach who work with businesses and organizations to help share their message and reach their audience. Drawing on local knowledge and marketing expertise, they support clients with advertising solutions that connect communities across the Cariboo region and beyond.
Alison Warner
Vista Reach
Alison and Chris are Marketing Specialists with Vista Reach who work with businesses and organizations to help share their message and reach their audience. Drawing on local knowledge and marketing expertise, they support clients with advertising solutions that connect communities across the Cariboo region and beyond.
CCCT Board of Directors
Town Hall
Join the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Board of Directors, led by Angela Bissat for an open discussion focused on the opportunities and challenges facing the tourism industry across the region. Attendees are encouraged to share insights, observations, and perspectives directly with the Board.
CCCT Team
Past Fiscal Updates
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism staff will share highlights from the past fiscal year, providing an overview of key activities, programs, initiatives, and accomplishments through a recorded team presentation.
Photo Credit: Jonny Bierman
Thank you to our Sponsors
Pavilion Platinum
Fraser Canyon Gold
Seton Lake Silver
Bridge River Bronze
Thank you to Fountainview Academy Orchestra for Performing at Our Gala Dinner and Awards
Sponsorship Opportunities
YOUR BRAND. OUR SUMMIT. SHARED SUCCESS.
We invite you to join us as a sponsor. Your support not makes this event possible.
Thomas Drasdauskis
Online Auction
Our Online Auction has officially closed. Thank you to our generous donors, and congratulations to all of the winning bidders!
View our Donor Gallery Below
Accommodations
Reynolds Hotel – 1237 Main Street
Event rate: $139/night
Tel: (250) 256-4202
Toll Free: 1-877-655-5506
Email: info@reynoldshotel.com
Reynolds Hotel Website
Retasket Lodge and RV Park – 1264 Bouvette Rd
Event rate: $100/night
RV rate: $40 / night
Tel: 250-256-2090
Toll Free: 1-866-456-2090
Email: frontdesk@retasketlodge.com
Retasket Lodge
Canada’s Best Value Inn Mile-0-Motel – 616 Main Street
One-bed room: $109 per night, plus applicable taxes
Two-bed room: $119 per night, plus applicable taxes
Tel: (250) 256-7511
Canada’s Best Value Inn Mile-0-Motel Website
If you are an accommodator and you would like to offer a special rate for the Tourism Summit and AGM, please email agm@landwithoutlimits.com or call us at 250.392.2226 to let us know.
Photo Credit: Jonny Bierman
The CCCTMA Virtual AGM held on September 17th 2026, has now concluded. Thank you to all participants.
Questions or more information needed? Please contact agm@landwithoutlimits.com or 250.392.2226