
About this Event
Join RTO 9 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Kingston, Ontario for our 2-day SEe ON Summit experience on November 4th & 5th, 2025!
Both days will be packed with incredible speakers, forward thinking ideas and inspiration to spark creativity and help Envision Tourism Growth in South Eastern Ontario.
Looking to spend the night? We have a block of rooms reserved at a special rate at the DoubleTree by Hilton. You can book a room at the special rate by clicking
Lunch will be provided both days. Please reach out to Meg Dabros at [email protected] for any dietary considerations. Tickets for this event are non-refundable. If you have any questions prior to purchasing a ticket or have extenuating circumstances, please contact Meg at RTO 9.
Spots are limited! Grab your tickets today!
You can find the agenda for both days of the event . Please note that the agenda is subject to change.
Two-Day Admission (valid for both November 4th & 5th, 2025)
- Standard (July 1 - September 30): $70.56 (incl. fees)
- Last Call (October 1 - November 3): $75.88 (incl. fees)
One-Day Admission (for either day: November 4th, 2025 OR Day Two: November 5th, 2025)
- Standard (July 1 - September 30): $43.93 (incl. fees)
- Last Call (October 1 - November 3): $49.26 (incl. fees)
Agenda - November 4th
🕑: 08:00 AM
Makers Market Opens
Info: Kick off your day at the Makers Market! Browse a variety of locally made goods and connect with the talented makers behind each product. Don’t forget to bring your wallet!
🕑: 08:30 AM
Opening Remarks
Host: Cale Fair
Info: RTO 9 Board Chair, Cale Fair, opens the Summit with a warm welcome. The morning continues with a special cultural welcome from David Maracle, who will share Indigenous teachings and give thanks to the natural world.
🕑: 09:15 AM
Keynote Speaker - Pierre Cléroux, BDC
Host: Pierre Cléroux
Info: Gain valuable insights into economic and consumer trends that are shaping the future. Learn how businesses can adapt, grow, and stay ahead of change in a shifting marketplace.
🕑: 10:00 AM
Panel Discussion - Economics of Indigenous Tourism
Host: David R. Maracle
Info: Presented with Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO), this panel explores how Indigenous tourism supports community economic development and contributes to sovereignty and self determination.
🕑: 11:15 AM
Break
Info: Time to refuel! Grab a coffee, stretch, and visit the Makers Market.
🕑: 11:30 AM
Main Room: Case Study - Sustainable Tourism
Host: Rena Upitis
Info: Discover how Wintergreen Studios, an off-grid accommodation in Frontenac County, is leading by example in the sustainable tourism space. This case study highlights how values-driven operations can align with market expectations and environmental responsibility
🕑: 11:30 AM
The CGLCC Breakout Room: The Power of Media
Host: CGLCC
Info: Join us in the CGLCC Breakout Room to explore how authentic representation shapes perceptions and experiences in tourism. This session will discuss the importance of inclusive storytelling, featuring strategies for ensuring diverse voices and perspectives are reflected in travel media.
🕑: 12:15 PM
Lunch
Info: Enjoy a buffet-style lunch provided by the DoubleTree by Hilton. If you have dietary restrictions, please contact Meg in advance: [email protected].
🕑: 01:15 PM
Presentation - How AI is Affecting Website Traffic
Host: Cathy Kirkpatrick
Info: Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping online visibility. This session dives into the evolving relationship between AI and website performance—and what it means for your tourism business.
🕑: 02:00 PM
Panel Discussion - Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Gaming
Host: Mia Robertson
Info: Get to know the Ministry representatives working within RTO 9. This panel discussion will introduce you to the regions they support, the services they offer, and how they can help your tourism business grow and succeed.
🕑: 02:45 PM
Closing Remarks
Host: Cale Fair
Info: RTO 9 Board Chair, Cale Fair, wraps up day one with key takeaways and reflections—plus a look ahead at what’s in store for tomorrow’s sessions.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Alphabet Creative Networking Reception
Host: Alphabet Creative
Info: Cap off the day with an evening of connection and conversation, hosted by our wonderful friends at Alphabet Creative! Join us at the Cannery Kitchen and Social (right on site at the DoubleTree by Hilton Kingston) for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and great company. A ticket to the summit is required in order to attend the Alphabet Creative Networking Reception.
Agenda - November 5th
🕑: 08:00 AM
Makers Market Opens
Info: Makers Market opens for the day - be sure to bring your wallet! Peruse the amazing local products and chat with the owners behind the brand.
🕑: 08:30 AM
Opening Remarks
Host: Cale Fair
Info: RTO 9 Board Chair, Cale Fair, kicks off Day Two of the Summit. Enjoy an inspiring hoop dance performance to start the day on a high note.
🕑: 09:15 AM
Keynote Speaker - Jennifer Robins, Environics Analytics
Host: Jennifer Robins
Info: Dive into the latest consumer trends for the region and discover how data collection plays a vital role in shaping smart, informed decisions in the tourism industry and within the region.
🕑: 10:00 AM
Presentation - Tourism Industry Association of Ontario
Host: Carol Greenwood
Info: Carol Greenwood shares timely updates and key advocacy efforts from TIAO, helping you stay current on the issues impacting Ontario’s tourism sector.
🕑: 10:45 AM
Break
Info: Stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and visit the incredible Makers Market.
🕑: 11:00 AM
Case Study - Experiential Tourism
Host: Tara MacWhirter
Info: Hear from Tara from Garden Path Soap as she shares how she added a hands-on bath tea–making experience to her business offerings—creating new revenue streams and deeper connections with her visitors.
🕑: 12:00 PM
Lunch
Info: Enjoy a buffet-style lunch provided by the DoubleTree by Hilton. Please notify Meg in advance if you have any dietary restrictions: [email protected]
🕑: 01:15 PM
Panel - Strategic Partnerships
Host: Phil Casey
Info: Join this engaging discussion on the value of collaboration. Learn how partnerships with sector associations and industry allies can amplify your reach and impact, and strengthen the industry as a whole.
🕑: 02:00 PM
Break
Info: Take a chance to stretch your legs and take a stroll through the Maker's Market.
🕑: 02:15 PM
Presentation - Removing Barriers
Host: Tim Hasid
Info: Tim Hasid from Resonance delivers an insightful session on breaking down barriers in tourism and building a stronger, more inclusive industry. He’ll also provide a high-level overview of the RTO 9 cycling initiative in partnership with Destination Canada.
🕑: 03:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Host: Cale Fair
Info: RTO 9 Board Chair, Cale Fair, wraps up the Summit with reflections on the past two days and a look at what’s next. Stick around for a special prize giveaway to close things out on a high note!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
DoubleTree by Hilton, 1550 Princess Street, Kingston, Canada
CAD 43.93 to CAD 70.56