Resorts of Ontario conference: reimagine, reinvent, reinvest

ORILLIA, ONT. — Resorts of Ontario is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a spring conference (April 3-4, Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, Ont.) that’s taking the theme “Reimagine, Reinvent, Reinvest. LET’S TALK!” 

“Let’s celebrate the spirit of this industry and its roots,” exhorts Eric Miglin, conference chair, Resorts of Ontario, quoted in the conference preview program. “It is a time for celebration…a time to learn, share and imagine!”

“Our speakers will challenge and inspire, encourage new thinking on how we approach our businesses, explore the genera¬tional shift and how to view product and experiential development priorities,” continues Miglin. “This venue will allow us to come together as invested operators to challenge the status quo, enhance our business acumen and help us to continue growing and evolving.”

Keynote speaker Roger Brooks.

Kicking things off April 3 is a keynote session, presented by branding, marketing and product development expert Roger Brooks, who will explore such topics as the generational shift: The Boomers, GenXers, and the Millennials, and how it will dramatically change your product development and marketing efforts and priorities; why finding your unique selling proposition is critical to your success (four case histories); and the power of product development: in this social media age: you cannot rest on your laurels. 

In addition, day one will offer a full slate of education sessions. They include: Sharing Best Practices: Managing and Optimizing Revenues, presented by Dianne Hounsome, Bayview Wildwood Resort, and John Ball, Snow Valley Resort; and Marketing Your B&B/Resort, featuring panelists Doug Rapien, Stone Edge Estate B&B; Guy Laporte, Craigleith Manor B&B; and David Bell, Aquabella B&B.

Rounding out day one will be an afternoon trade show and trade show reception, and president’s reception and dinner.

Day two (April 4) brings a new slate of education sessions. Included in the agenda is a session themed, Facebook is the New Marketing - Learn How to Use This Cost Effective Channel for Optimal Results, with speakers Peter Coish, of Kuration and Kate Monk, of Explorers’ Edge; and Making the Shift to Visitor Experiences, moderated by Brenda Wood, executive director, Kawarthas Northumberland and featuring panelists Krista Morgan, Beachwood Resort and Stephen Elmhirst, Elmhirst Resort.

Spearheaded by Lorrie Pella, vice-president, visitor engagement and northern marketing, OTMPC; Chris Milner, director, northern partnerships, OTMPC; and Steve Bruno, partnership coordinator, nature and adventure, OTMPC, an April 4 lunchtime presentation will explore the canoe’s integral role in building the province of Ontario and will discuss how Canadian canoe culture can be incorporated into resort experiences.