Agenda - 2011 Spring Conference & AGM

May 5 - 7, 2011 in Dawson City, Yukon

AGENDA - PRINT VERSION
For the Printable Conference Agenda, please click here.

PROGRAM
Learn more about this year's Spring Conference presentations, workshops and panels below; and sign up or for a Bonus One-on-One Consultation here.

Charlie James: Sustainable Business Practices (11:00am and 1:30pm Friday, May 6, 2011)
"Going Green - Improve Your Bottom Line and Your Brand"

Businesses are facing significant pressures from government to reduce their carbon footprint and from consumers who are demanding environmentally sustainable practices from the businesses they buy from. Becoming more sustainable or “going green” is an essential part of an effective strategy for tourism businesses of all shapes and sizes.

But “going green” is not just about doing the right thing for the planet; it's about doing the right thing for your business. Besides reducing operational costs there are other ways it will improve your bottom line.

While many tourism businesses want to “go green” and reduce their carbon footprint, they may find the prospect overwhelming. Where to start? What to measure? How to keep track of their progress? In these tough economic times of rising prices and lack of resources, this task can be daunting and often inhibits them from taking their first or next step.

This workshop is designed to give participants an easy-to-follow roadmap to “going green”. No matter where you are on your journey to sustainability, learn how to reduce your carbon footprint, improve your bottom line and convert those efforts into building your brand and attracting more customers.

A workbook will be provided.

Lian Dumouchel: Innovation and Product Development Workshop (11:00am and 1:30pm Friday, May 6, 2011)
“Fire Up Innovation & New Product Development in your Tourism Business”

Innovation and product development have long been identified as priorities by Yukon’s tourism industry. But what are innovation and new product development, exactly? Why are they so important for tourism businesses – even when business seems good? And how, with so many priorities, can small business owners become successful innovators?

In this highly interactive 90-minute session, participants will explore the importance of innovation and new product development to tourism-related businesses, the unique challenges our industry faces and the critical elements required for successful innovation.

This is a team sport; innovation and new product cannot be undertaken in isolation. Explore how to build effective innovation networks and discover different approaches to successful innovation.

This workshop is designed to help tourism-related businesses – regardless of size or sector – get “Fired Up.”

A resource list will be provided.

Social Media Panel (10:15am Saturday, May 7, 2011)
Social media is quickly revolutionizing the tourism industry. Today, visitors are seeking out experiences online and establishing virtual relationships long before actually taking any trip. While tourism has always relied on relationships and experiences, today’s online tools allows us to engage a wider group of potential visitors then every before, and gives new opportunities to put Yukon front and centre in people’s minds.

Using social media to create a Yukon buzz and to engage potential visitors is something every business can do. Through this interactive panel hear how some businesses are doing just that - and what results they have been experiencing.

Scott Stratten, Un-Marketing
Dee Enright, Outside the Cube
Marsha Cameron, Boréale Mountain Biking
Greg Karais, Harper Street Publishing

Truly Yukonic Panel (10:00am Friday, May 6, 2011)
Yukon has iconic scenery, exceptional art and culture, exhilarating experiences and great product. But what makes our product Yukonic?

Through this interactive panel hear how some businesses are enhancing their product offer and collaborating with partners, often in unusual ways, to create memorable experiences that make our visitors’ Yukon vacation unforgettable."

John Caton, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Rod Taylor, Uncommon Journeys
Cathie Findlay-Brook, Interpretive Supervisor, Tombstone Territorial Park
Other participants to be announced.

Communities and Cultural Centres Presentation (1:00pm Saturday, May 7, 2011)
Yukon communities are filled with creative artists, local cultural attractions, access to incredible natural resources and fascinating history – and they want you to visit!

Throughout the territory, efforts are underway to ensure more visitors experience the wealth of natural and cultural amenities available in our communities. From programming and events, to infrastructure investment and partnership development, Yukon First Nations and their partners are developing tourism products aimed to entice visitors off the highway and into their community. Through “slightly longer than” 2-minute elevator pitches, hear what initiatives are currently underway, what are planned and what opportunities just might be on the horizon.