Event Calendar
Business Lunch: Focused Growth, Lasting Impact: Tourism, Community and the Outlook Ahead
Date and Time
Friday Jun 19, 2026
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM PDT
Location
Whistler Conference Centre
4010 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC V8E 1J2
Fees/Admission
Early Bird Pricing (Available May 5 - 11)
Members $79 | Future Members $99
Standard Pricing (Available May 12 - June 11
Members $89 | Future Members $109
Contact Information
Jacquie McLean,
Marketing & Events Manager
Send Email
.png)
Description
In Whistler, tourism is the heart of our economy, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and delivering services and amenities that make Whistler an amazing place to both visit and live.
In 2026, Destination BC launched their 2026-2028 Corporate Strategy: Focused Growth, Lasting Impact – a visionary roadmap designed to double provincial tourism revenue by 2036, and to help create a better future, economically, socially, culturally and environmentally.
In 2026, Destination BC launched their 2026-2028 Corporate Strategy: Focused Growth, Lasting Impact – a visionary roadmap designed to double provincial tourism revenue by 2036, and to help create a better future, economically, socially, culturally and environmentally.
Join us in the Grand Foyer at the Whistler Conference Centre for a special business luncheon event (VIEW THE MENU HERE) with Richard Porges, President & CEO of Destination BC (DBC).
Fresh from launching Destination BC’s new 2026–2028 strategy, Richard will share how the strategy plans to grow tourism in a way that delivers stronger returns, not just for visitors, but for businesses and communities like Whistler.
This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from provincial tourism leadership, gain clarity on where tourism is heading, and understand what it means for your business.
We’ll close with a facilitated discussion focused on Whistler, so you can connect the dots between provincial strategy and local opportunity.
Key Takeaways:
Fresh from launching Destination BC’s new 2026–2028 strategy, Richard will share how the strategy plans to grow tourism in a way that delivers stronger returns, not just for visitors, but for businesses and communities like Whistler.
This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from provincial tourism leadership, gain clarity on where tourism is heading, and understand what it means for your business.
We’ll close with a facilitated discussion focused on Whistler, so you can connect the dots between provincial strategy and local opportunity.
Key Takeaways:
- How Destination BC's strategy is:
- Growing tourism to drive visitation across both peak and off-peak seasons
- Increasing stronger economic benefits for people living in BC
- How the Super, Natural British Columbia® brand family, including iconic places and routes, are being leveraged to compete globally
- What Destination BC’s strategy means in practical terms for Whistler businesses today
🎟️ Seats are limited—secure your spot early!
(Plus, watch this space for a few exciting giveaways to be announced.)
(Plus, watch this space for a few exciting giveaways to be announced.)
Event Agenda*:
| Time | Description |
| 11:30 | Registration & Networking |
| 12:00 | Opening address & welcome |
| 12:15 | Three-course Lunch |
| 12:45 | Update from Richard Porges, President & CEO, DBC |
| 13:00 | Deep dive discussion with Richard Proges, President & CEO, DBC |
| 13:15 | Audience Q&A |
| 13:45 | Event wrap up |
*event agenda subject to change
RICHARD PORGES President & CEO, Destination BCRichard is Destination BC’s President and CEO, and previously served as the corporation’s Vice President of Corporate Development.
Richard Porges is Destination BC’s President and CEO, and previously served as the corporation’s Vice President of Corporate Development. Richard joined the corporation’s research department in 1999 and moved to progressively more senior roles within Destination BC and the provincial government. Before joining Destination BC, Richard taught in the Economics, MBA, and MPA programs at the University of Victoria, and served as a consultant for several government and non-profit organizations. Richard holds an MA in Economics from Simon Fraser University.
----------------------------------------------
Event Partnership Opportunities
Interested in partnering on this Business Lunch event? We have a number of opportunities available including:
- Presenting Partner - One available
- Platinum Partner - One available
- Gold Partner - Limited available
- Community Partners
- Door Prize Partners
----------------------------------------------
Cancellation Policy: Payment is non-refundable for cancellations made within five (5) business days of the event, or non-attendance on the day. If you have registered and paid for an event, you will be automatically added to the attendance list. Photographs taken at the event may be used in marketing and promotional campaigns and messaging by the Chamber.
Thank you to all our Partners!
Images
.png&p[title]=Business+Lunch%3a+Focused+Growth%2c+Lasting+Impact%3a+Tourism%2c+Community+and+the+Outlook+Ahead){kind=link}