You’re Invited to the Big Applause Awards 2026

A morning celebrating the people and ideas driving tourism forward.

Exceptional visitor experiences are created by people who make this place better. The Big Applause Awards exist to recognize those people — tourism professionals across the Explorers’ Edge region who show up through the challenges of fall and winter, bringing patience, professionalism, and genuine care to their work and in doing so, make visitor experiences across our region truly memorable.

Join us as we honour this year’s honourees, followed by a keynote from Destination Ontario’s Chief Marketing Officer, Lauchlan Rogers..

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Grandview Golf Club – 245 Grandview Drive North, Huntsville, ON
Tickets: $10 per person
Continental breakfast provided

Featured Presentation

Navigating Change in Tourism Discovery: A Strategic Update from Destination Ontario

How is generative AI changing the way travellers find their next destination? In this timely session, Lauchlan Rogers draws on Destination Ontario’s own data and broader industry trends to explore how AI-powered search is reshaping traveller discovery — compressing the path from curiosity to booking and redefining what it means to be visible online. A must-hear for anyone working in tourism today.