2026 Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) Conference

Tourism Richmond proudly hosted the 2026 Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) Conference, welcoming more than 200 leading Canadian travel media and industry professionals to immersive Richmond experiences. As destination host, Tourism Richmond curated a dynamic program designed to showcase the city’s diverse culinary, cultural, sporting, and community offerings to influential storytellers and tourism leaders from across Canada. The four-day conference was hosted at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel.

The conference opened with a welcome reception at the historic Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site in Steveston. Guests enjoyed local entertainment, mocktails by Chef Nutcha of Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine, Gyotaku fish painting, and an opening keynote from Olympian Evan Dunfee, creating an authentic introduction to Richmond’s vibrant community spirit and coastal heritage. 

Throughout the conference, Tourism Richmond integrated signature destination experiences into the program. The Richmond Dumpling Trail was highlighted through live dumpling-making demonstrations by Banh Mi Très Bon, alongside curated guides and promotional materials that celebrated Richmond’s globally inspired culinary scene. 

Attendees also participated in a series of locally hosted tours led by Richmond partners, offering firsthand experiences of the destination’s diversity. These included exploring Richmond landmarks, culinary tastings, cultural experiences, and artisanal tastings from local makers. All participating partners and tours received strong engagement and positive feedback from delegates. 

Tourism Richmond collaborated with Destination British Columbia and Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) on the local host dinner at River Rock Casino Resort, which celebrated British Columbia’s tourism industry and Indigenous partnerships. The evening featured immersive thematic design, cultural storytelling, and concluded with a high-energy performance by Richmond-based world-class dance group GRVMNT. 

One of the conference’s standout experiences was the Dine Out evening, where delegates explored Richmond restaurants in surprise groups. This event further reinforced Richmond’s reputation as a culinary destination in a league of its own. Feedback from attendees highlighted the exceptional quality, diversity, and compelling stories shared by restaurant partners throughout the city. 

After the Dine Out dinner, guests were offered complimentary admission to the Richmond Night Market to end the evening with a signature Richmond experience. 

The conference concluded with an Awards Gala at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, inspired by Richmond’s iconic cherry blossom season, providing an unforgettable finale to the week’s programming while celebrating the strong relationships built throughout the event and within the community. 

The success of TMAC 2026 was only made possible through extensive collaboration with community partners, tourism stakeholders, sponsors, and volunteers. Tourism Richmond extends sincere thanks to all participating businesses, organizations, and supporters who helped showcase Richmond on a national stage and contributed to an unforgettable industry event.