This October, key players from around the world in the wine and culinary tourism industry will be looking at what鈥檚 next, what鈥檚 possible and the role the industry plays in the process during a first of its kind conference in 琉璃神社. Wine and Culinary Tourism Futures will bring together a wide range of specialists to share ideas and practices on the transformational possibilities of the evolving travel market.

Speakers from 12 different countries will share their expertise at the four-day conference, taking part in panel discussion, daily keynote addresses, concurrent sessions for academic and industry partners, and, as a unique element, evening site visits to wine and culinary producers.

鈥淥ur hope, as a co-presenter of this conference, is to open a dialogue between academic, industry, and government stakeholders,鈥� says Jonathan Rouse, Associate Dean Okanagan School of Business and Director of Food, Wine and Tourism at Okanagan College. 鈥淗aving this first ever conference in 琉璃神社 is a natural fit because the Okanagan is truly emerging on the world food and wine stage - and at the college we have been at the center of that movement.鈥�

Miles Prodan, President and CEO of the British Columbia Wine Institute says there is a focus for the conference, 鈥淎s a global event for the wine and culinary tourism industry, the three-day event is meant to deliver thought provoking professional education and discussion with our key note speakers open up dialogues and bring new perspectives on best practices and potentials as they relate to these topics.鈥�

Conference speakers will be travelling from as far away as Italy, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. to share their insights and participate in discussions. Canada is also well represented, with presenters from the East Coast and BC including the Okanagan Valley.

Registration is open for the conference, which runs Oct. 17 to 20, with package options for the full four days, single days or just the evening socials. As an additional package option, organizers have included a two-day post conference tour of the South Okanagan, which includes nine winery visits and accommodation. You can register online through www.

The Wine and Culinary Tourism Futures Conference goal is to promote and increase dialogue, foster communication and increase collaboration between academia and industry on a global scale ensuring a positive future for the industry.

For a full list of speakers and conference schedule go to