Media Kit - EN Taste of Place Summit 2024

MTL

26 - 28 maY 2024

MONTRÉAL, QC

Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec

MTL

WHAT IS TASTE OF PLACE?

Imagine a journey where you not only taste the food and drinks of a place but also feel the stories, traditions, and warmth of the people who create them. This is what ‘taste of place’ is all about. It’s about those unforgettable moments that make you truly understand the heart and soul of a specific area’s culinary culture.

When we talk about ‘taste of place,’ we’re referring to much more than just flavours and ingredients - it’s not just about eating at a restaurant. It’s the blend of nature, agriculture, and terroir. It’s the tangible things like the local produce, and the intangible elements like the genuine hospitality that shape the visitor experience. It’s talking to the person who grew your carrots at the market and visiting a farm to take part in the work that makes their everyday so extraordinary. It’s enjoying a glass of chardonnay at a vineyard, sampling local Gouda from an artisan cheesemaker, and dining at a restaurant whose culinary team put all of those ingredients into crafting your meal.

But here’s the magic: There’s no one-size-fits-all ‘taste of place’ for a region. Instead, think of each destination as a colourful tapestry of flavours and experiences, each unique and woven together to create a beautiful and distinct ‘taste of place.’ So, when you savour the food and drinks of a region, you’re also immersing yourself in its history, traditions, and the heartwarming welcome of its people. You’re celebrating the farmers and experiences that set it apart. It’s a journey that goes beyond the palate, making every bite and sip a memorable story of its own.

ABOUT THE SUMMIT

Click here to read the full press release

Last June, the inaugural Taste of Place Summit welcomed over 250 delegates from across North America to George Brown College in Toronto, Ontario

As our co-founding partner, the Summit will be hosted at George Brown College biennially

The Summit will move to a different host city across Canada in alternating years, in collaboration with a leading Canadian academic institution

The Summit offers an incredible way to explore best practices in the host destination through a hands-on learning journey on the first day of the event

The second day of the event is a full day of curated programming with ample time for connections and networking with industry colleagues and experts. The Main Stage program will be presented in both official languages. Translation devices will be available.

The 2024 event will take place on May 26 - 28 at ITHQ in Montréal, Québec

Registration, travel, and accommodation information can be found at tasteofplace.ca

We are pleased to announce Air Canada as our official transportation partners. Delegates flying into Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) can enjoy discounted flights

ACCOLADES FROM 2023

"What an inspiring and joyful two days we had in Waterloo and Toronto.

Our sincere gratitude to you and your team for putting on such a dynamic conference.

We are leaving inspired, energized, and excited about the future of culinary in Canada."

Emily Haynes, Taste of Nova Scotia

What's new For 2024

MONTRéAL, Of course!

MTL

On May 26 - 28, 2024, the Taste of Place Summit is headed to Montréal to the renowned Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec.

The city's eclectic food scene, complemented by its historical architecture, diverse cultural festivals, and the mild, welcoming spring climate, promises delegates not only a gastronomic adventure but a full sensory immersion into one of North America's most charming urban landscapes.

All tickets include the welcome reception on May 26, a Learning Journey to experience Québec’s tastes of place on May 27, and a full day of interactive programming at ITHQ on May 28.

We are pleased to announce Air Canada as our official transportation partners.

Delegates flying into Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) can enjoy discounted flights.

Registration, travel, and accommodation information can be found at tasteofplace.ca

What's new For 2024

May 27: Learning Journeys

Delegates will embark on a journey to experience a true taste of Québec! Attendees will enjoy tours and tastings with a chance to meet the growers, producers, and chefs behind it all, gaining tips and insights along the way.

Delegates will choose from one of five deliciously curated learning journeys:

Montérégie: organic craft beverages and an award-winning farm-to-table experience
Laurentians: beekeeping, a vineyard lunch, and artisanal ciders
Eastern Townships: sustainable agriculture, artisanal cuisine, and rich wine heritage
Montréal's urban agriculture scene
Iconic Jewish cuisine in Montréal (walking tour)

Lunch and transportation is included.

What's new For 2024

May 28: MAINSTAGE PROGRAMMING

Delegates will network and knowledge share with industry experts, thought leaders, marketers, and stakeholders to gain insights and inspiration to unleash the power of growing culinary and agritourism in their operations and destinations.

NOTABLE SPEAKERS

Chef Rodrigo Pacheco

Renowned Ecuadorian chef and advocate for agrifood sustainability, known for integrating biodiversity into his culinary innovations at his restaurant Bocavaldivia, and promoting sustainable food and agriculture practices, as well as appearing on Netflix’s "The Final Table”.

Jean-Martin Fortier

Celebrated author, founder and chef at Espace Old Mill, known for his innovative culinary techniques and significant influence on sustainable farming practices across Quebec, and pioneering farm-to-table initiatives that have reshaped the region's culinary and agricultural landscapes.

View the full speaker lineup

PERTINENT TOPICS

Building sustainable agritourism practices
Creating immersive learning experiences
Indigenous tourism initiatives
Attracting earned media exposure

Full Agenda

ABOUT THE CULINARY TOURISM ALLIANCE

The Culinary Tourism Alliance is a not for profit devoted to connecting taste-makers, sharing their stories and sparking delicious developments in food tourism. With its expertise in food tourism development, the Culinary Tourism Alliance seeks to ensure that authentic tastes of place become a significant economic driver for communities and regions, and a primary way for travelers to enrich their experience.

To learn more, visit culinarytourismalliance.com and follow @CulinaryTourismAlliance

REBECCA MACKENZIE President + CEO,

Culinary Tourism Alliance

As the President & CEO of the Culinary Tourism Alliance, Rebecca’s efforts have significantly raised the profile of Canada’s tastes of place through various key initiatives, culminating in the launch of a national brand, Canada Culinary, and a cooperative marketing campaign, The Great Taste of Canada, in June 2023.

Her role involves spearheading community development projects, forging strategic partnerships, and driving marketing initiatives to spotlight Canada's culinary and agritourism scene. Rebecca also chairs important industry boards, such as the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario and Visit the County. She also contributes to the UNWTO Gastronomic Tourism Network, showcasing her leadership in the field.

Rebecca has made notable contributions to gastronomic tourism education, including developing a curriculum for Centennial College and participating in the creation of key industry publications. Holding a Master of Arts in Global Leadership with a focus on sustainable tourism, she teaches part-time at George Brown College. Rebecca enjoys blending her professional passion with her personal life, sharing her culinary adventures with her family in both Toronto and Prince Edward County.

ABOUT INSTITUT DE TOURISME ET D’HÔTELLERIE DU QUÉBEC

The Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec, is a world-class hotel school, unique in Canada.

Recognized as a centre of excellence for specialized teaching in the tourism, hotel management and restaurant services sectors, the ITHQ boldly focusses on a distinctive and leading-edge teaching approach, applied research activities and ongoing collaboration with the industry. Thanks to its expertise and status, the ITHQ ensures the training of the next generation of top-level professionals, including future managers and leaders in the hospitality industry.

To learn more, visit ithq.qc.ca and follow @ithqofficiel

Liza Frulla

President,

Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec

With extensive experience in marketing, communications and politics, the Honorable Liza Frulla, P.C., C.M., O.Q, knows how to apply her in-depth knowledge of the political process. She inspires with her passion for public affairs and media. A woman of action, a series of firsts marked her career: first female sports journalist in the history of electronic media in Québec; first female marketing director of a major Canadian brewery, Brasserie Labatt; first woman to serve as general director of CKAC, then the largest French-language radio station in Canada; Minister of Culture and Communications in the National Assembly of Québec and Minister of Canadian Heritage in Ottawa.

She is the only person in Canada to have assumed cultural responsibilities at the provincial and federal levels. As an analyst, commentator, radio and television show host, columnist, author and speaker, Ms. Frulla takes part in all the debates that drive our society. In August 2015, she became general director of the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality of Québec. She also sits on the board of directors of numerous organizations and has chaired the board of directors of Destination Canada since 2021. Ms. Frulla is a Member of the Order of Canada, a member of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, an officer of the National Order of Québec, companion of the Order of Arts and Letters of Quebec and officer of the Order of the Pléiade.