The International Indigenous Tourism Conference (#2024IITC) transformed Ottawa’s Rogers Centre (formerly Shaw Centre) into a vibrant meeting place of cultures, ideas, and traditions. Hosted on the unceded Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory, the event welcomed over 1,000 delegates from across Canada and around the world to experience Indigenous tourism at its most inspiring and authentic.
The winner of the Best Conference – Social and Community, produced by e=mc² events & Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, successfully blended meaningful cultural storytelling, modern production design, and logistical excellence into a seamless delegate experience.
Carrying the theme “Where Nations Meet,” IITC honoured Ottawa’s history as a gathering place for Indigenous Nations by creating an experience rooted in unity and respect. The striking visual identity, designed by Indigenous artists Jennifer Brunet-Rentechem, Akinasi, and Isaac Partridge, inspired every detail of the event, from decor to stage design, ensuring consistency across its various spaces.
Day one took attendees out of the conference centre and into the community, offering six local cultural tours around Ottawa. These immersive excursions, from Indigenous Walks to hands-on Makatew Workshops and visits to historic sites like Rideau Hall, set the tone for connection and discovery.
The evening’s “Taste of Turtle Island” reception showcased Indigenous chefs, engaging delegates in the stories and traditions behind each dish. Performances of hoop dancing, Métis fiddling, and flute music underscored the night’s celebratory spirit.
Days two and three delivered a packed program: 70 speakers across 39 sessions, a bustling artisan marketplace with 52 Indigenous vendors, and a grand entry and exit that grounded the event in cultural tradition. Sessions ranged from product development and marketing to partnerships and sustainability, topics that spoke directly to the challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous tourism operators.
Accessibility and inclusivity were prioritized. Wheelchair-accessible stages, multilingual interpretation in English, French, Spanish, and Japanese, and an Elders’ Room ensured all felt welcomed. The use of Slido and Pheedloop Go! fostered audience engagement and real-time interaction, proving that technology can enhance, not detract from, culturally significant gatherings.
One of the standout elements of IITC 2024 was its food & beverage program, curated in collaboration with the Indigenous Culinary of Associated Nations (ICAN). Indigenous chefs crafted menus that were not only delicious but also deeply rooted in their traditions, from bannock bread at every meal to maple scallops and desserts made with wild rice flour. The welcome reception’s food stations doubled as an educational experience, where chefs shared the cultural significance of each dish with guests.
Sustainability and creativity permeated the event. Materials like harvest tables and signage were repurposed throughout the three days, reducing waste and maintaining aesthetic appeal. The bold stage set design, featuring a dreamcatcher-inspired overhead installation and flanking trees, brought Indigenous artistry into three dimensions.
Interactive installations, such as the infinity birch backdrop and fire circle area, invited guests to engage and reflect, demonstrating how decor can tell a story while also serving as a social media moment.
The conference concluded with the ITAC National Awards Gala, a spectacular evening that honoured excellence in Indigenous tourism with nine awards. Indigenous entertainment, culinary excellence, and a lively dance party hosted by JUNO Award-winning DJ Shub left delegates feeling connected, inspired, and energized.
For planners, IITC 2024 stands as a powerful example of what happens when an event is anchored in authenticity, inclusivity, and creativity. Every touchpoint, from stage design to menu choices, told a story that aligned with the event’s theme. Cultural protocols were integrated respectfully without disrupting modern conference expectations.
In a world where attendees crave meaningful connections, IITC 2024 demonstrated how to deliver an experience that honours traditions while pushing the industry forward. For any planner looking to create an event that truly resonates, #2024IITC offers one clear takeaway: design with purpose, and let the people and their stories shine.
Event Photography Credit: Simon Sees
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