Event Calendar
Business Lunch: Focused Growth, Lasting Impact: Tourism, Community and the Outlook Ahead, presented by Gibbons Whistler
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
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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.
Richard will then join Barrett Fisher, President and CEO of Tourism Whistler for a fireside chat and Q&A.
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.
Richard will then join Barrett Fisher, President and CEO of Tourism Whistler for a fireside chat and Q&A.
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, all attendees have the chance to win this fantastic draw prize:
Plus, all attendees have the chance to win this fantastic draw prize:
- A 2-hour licensed drone photo and video shoot with Reactive Media, including edited aerial photos and professionally finished video clips, valued at $1,250, thanks to Reactive Media
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
Meet our Guest Speakers
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RICHARD PORGES President & CEO, Destination BC Richard Porges has served as Destination BC’s President and CEO since August 2020 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 and MBA programs at the University of Victoria and served as a consultant for several government and non-profit organizations. |
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Barrett Fisher, President & CEO, Tourism Whistler Barrett brings to her position 30 years of tourism experience, and is responsible for marketing and selling Whistler to the world, elevating Whistler from a winter regional destination to a year-round international destination. In addition to heading up the tourism organization of Research, Destination Development, Market Development, Marketing, Communications, and Conference Sales, she also oversees the operations of the Whistler Conference Centre, the Whistler Golf Club, the Whistler Visitor Centre, and Whistler.com Reservations. |
Barrett is passionate about strategic planning, change management, and people leadership, and her organization’s most recent focus has been on responsible and regenerative tourism.
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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
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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!
Event Sponsors
Presenting Partner
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Prizing Partners
Event Partner
Images
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