2025 Regional Tourism Summit

By james

September 17, 2025

Rooted in the Outdoors: Growing Rural Tourism Together

Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Location: Parry Sound KOA Campground
Tickets: $50 (fees & taxes included) — limited capacity
Dress Code: Camping Business Casual

Join campground operators, rural tourism businesses, municipal reps, destination organizations, and community stakeholders to explore practical strategies that grow the regional visitor economy—grounded in the outdoors and driven by collaboration.

You’ll learn about:

Turning nature (e.g., dark skies) into market-ready experiences
AI and the travel economy
Visual storytelling for product & experience growth
The Campground Advantage
Technology’s role in outdoor hospitality

[Get Tickets] [Add to Calendar]

Program at a Glance

9:30–10:00 AM — Arrival & Welcome Coffee
Outdoor networking around the KOA lodge/firepit.

10:00–10:20 AM — Opening Remarks
James Murphy (CEO, Explorers’ Edge) & Sarah North-Harris (Vice Chair, Camping In Ontario).
Welcome from host operator Tristen (KOA Parry Sound).
Topic: Why camping is core to rural Ontario’s tourism economy.

10:20–11:05 AM — Keynote
Beyond SEO: Winning Online in the AI Travel Era — Peter Coish, President, Kuration Inc.
How AI is reshaping discovery, booking, and engagement—plus actionable steps for rural operators.

11:05–11:50 AM — Presentation
Developing Visual Content to Support Product & Experiences — Scott Adams, President, Birchbark Media
Photography, video, and storytelling to inspire travel and drive bookings.

11:50 AM–12:00 PM — Coffee & Stretch Break
Featuring Buns on the Bay (Chelsea buns story & treats).

12:00–12:30 PM — Panel Discussion
The Campground Advantage: Experiences that Drive Rural Economies
Moderator: James Murphy
Panelists: Tristen Berry (KOA Parry Sound), Kim Yeaman (Brennan’s Hill Camping & Cabins),
Alexandra Anderson (Camping In Ontario)
Focus: Programming, nature-based activities, seasonal events, and local economic ripple effects.

12:30–1:30 PM — Networking Lunch
Picnic-style (weather permitting) with Bubba Shady’s BBQ.

1:30–2:15 PM — Presentation
Technology & the Outdoor Experience — Sarah North-Harris, Camping In Ontario
How to integrate tech seamlessly while helping guests reconnect with nature.

2:15–2:45 PM — Presentation
From Stargazing to Storytelling: Turning Nature into Market-Ready Experiences
Courtney Metcalf (Economic Development Officer) & Stéphane Picard (Owner/CEO, Cliff Valley Astronomy)
Mobilizing communities around strengths (e.g., dark skies) and preparing for Ontario Northland’s return.

2:45–3:00 PM — Closing Remarks & Next Steps
James Murphy & the Explorers’ Edge team.

Speakers

Peter Coish — President & Owner, Kuration Inc. (AI & digital strategy for travel)
Scott Adams — President, Birchbark Media (visual storytelling)
Sarah North-Harris — Director of Education, Camping In Ontario (outdoor hospitality & tech)
Alexandra Anderson — Executive Director, Camping In Ontario
Tristen Berry – Owner, KOA Parry Sound
Kim Yeaman – Owner, Brennan’s Hill Camping & Cabins
Stéphane Picard — Owner/CEO, Cliff Valley Astronomy

Who Should Attend

Campground & outdoor hospitality operators
Rural tourism businesses & attractions
Municipal & economic development leaders
DMOs/RTOs and community partners

Ticketing & Capacity

This is a ticketed event with limited capacity. Tickets are $50 (inclusive). Secure your spot early.

EVENT TICKETS

Stay Overnight: Where to Book

Preferred Partner: KOA Parry Sound
In the spirit of this year’s theme, KOA offers a full range of options—from cozy cabins and yurts to fully serviced RV and tent sites. Call 705-378-2721 and mention “Explorers’ Edge Summit” to reserve. Space is limited—book early.

Campfire Social (Pre-Event):
Arriving the night before? Join James and Tristan for a relaxed campfire social under the stars at KOA.

Additional Nearby Stays:
Best Western Plus Parry Sound • Parry Sound Inn & Suites • Bayside Inn • Jolly Roger • Grand Tappattoo

Visit our community partners: