Registration now open for VO‑Con 2019

WHISTLER, B.C. — WHISTLER, B.C. — CVOA has recently opened up registration for its 2019 VO-Con conference, which will be held at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort in Whistler, B.C., September 23-25.

As the only association in Canada dedicated to representing the vacation ownership industry, CVOA'S VO-Con has solidified as a must-attend conference for industry professionals looking to gain insight, knowledge, and potential business leads through educational seminars and networking opportunities.

“As the new president and CEO of CVOA, I am thrilled with the engagement, commitment and opportunities for the Canadian Vacation Ownership Industry,” said Ingrid Jarrett.

“The health and growth potential of the Canadian Industry is significant. The Canadian Federal Tourism Strategy supports experience driven development and growing partnerships. Our Canadian and International partners, members and Industry experts are highly engaged and supportive of CVOA, and I am thrilled to be hosting so many this year at our annual conference.”

“Fairmont Chateau Whistler, and Whistler as a destination is a perfect destination for the conference for several reasons. First of all, Accor Hotels and Resorts is one of our distinguished members, and Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a remarkable, iconic hotel with one of the leading hotel companies in the world. Their attention to detail, excellence in guest service and food and beverage experiences are outstanding.

“Our delegates are attending from across Canada, the US and Mexico and are comprised of leading hotel companies, independent hotels and resorts, home owner associations and all the supporting industries that make up the Travel Industry.”

This year VO-Con is focusing on the hot topics of the day with the intention of sharing best practices, and encouraging networking and doing business at the conference. The long list of compelling speakers includes Karen McIsaac with SWOOP Airlines, Angela Nagy with Green Step, Adrian Garrett with DAE, David Lund, with Hotel financial leadership, Gary Prada, with Red Week, Greg Crist, with AVO Worldwide, Technology platforms that include John McDermott with Owners Link, and Sri Raghaven with Biz Sciences to name a few.

“The advocacy panel will be significant interest to many delegates, whereby we can profile the work being done by advocacy organizations across North America. Some of these panel experts will be providing best practices and the groundwork for developing the potential working group for a time share act for Canada.

“We are also profiling some of the leading experiences, resort developments and sustainability practises in the world. The 2019 VO-Con agenda includes a wide range of panel discussions, informational sessions, and casual networking activities. Topics this year include Air Access in North America, Sustainability, Inclusion, Financial leadership, Excellence in resort development, Technology trends, Best Practices in vacation club and timeshare.

“The marketplace at the conference has a networking lounge area as well as the opportunity for the delegates and suppliers to connect one on one to do business. This is the core reason for attending, and if the business gets done at the off site experience, in the sessions or in the marketplace, at the end of the day – the business gets done.

“The Canadian Vacation Industry is robust and growing,” said Jarrett. Canadians are some of the leading purchasers of real estate, travel clubs and time share, and have been for more than 40 years. We set the best practices, and ethics to guide the industry and advocate on behalf of our industry to ensure we are educating and developing the protocols to ensure long term success of the industry.

“As the world gets smaller through increased air access, and a demographic of retirees and young family travel as well as unique destinations, we play a role in ensuring the sustainability, respect for the planet and being a connector for developers and consumers continues.”