Business Development Update – July, 2026

Tourism Richmond’s Business Development team has been connecting with meeting planners through destination experiences, client events, conferences, and industry activations across Canada. These activities help showcase Richmond as a meetings and events destination while strengthening relationships with current and prospective clients.

WELCOMING VICTORIA MEETING PLANNERS TO RICHMOND

On July 9, Tourism Richmond welcomed seven meeting planners from Victoria for a familiarization experience in partnership with Richmond Hotel Destination Association hotels.

The visit included a Seair Seaplanes experience, a floral workshop at Athiana Acres, and a guided food tour along Alexandra Road. The itinerary introduced planners to Richmond’s off-site venues, local restaurants, and experiences that could be incorporated into pre- and post-conference programs.

HOSTING A SUMMER CLIENT APPRECIATION EVENT

On July 31, the team will also host a client appreciation event during Summer Lights in English Bay, creating another opportunity to connect with clients and strengthen industry relationships.

CONNECTING WITH THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY

From June 22 to 24, the team attended the Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP) Annual Conference. The conference concluded with an awards gala, where Tourism Richmond’s Lori Lopez, Senior Account Executive, received the 2026 Industry Partner Award. The recognition celebrates Lori’s contribution to the professional event planning community and the relationship-building work of Tourism Richmond’s Business Development team.

At the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Summer Summit from July 8 to 10, Tourism Richmond sponsored the conference lunch. The sponsorship included stage time and a creative fortune cookie activation. Each attendee received a message reading, “Get ready. Your conference could be coming to Richmond.” Three attendees received winning fortunes, each paired with a $200 Visa gift card.

Tourism Richmond also attended the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Assembly from July 14 to 16, connecting with First Nations leaders, organizations, and event decision-makers while highlighting Richmond as a destination for future meetings and gatherings.

UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS

The Business Development team will continue promoting Richmond and connecting with meeting professionals at two upcoming industry events:

• Canadian Meetings + Events Expo, August 10 to 12
• MPI The EVENT, September 14 to 16