Back to All Events

VMHA Eastern Route Rising: Tourism and Economic Development Power Summit

  • Hanna Community Hall 503 5 Ave W, Hanna, AB T0J 1P0 Hanna. Alberta Canada (map)

Overview

Join us to explore how tourism is boosting the economy along the Eastern Route—network, learn, and grow!

Eastern Alberta is Rising - and it's time to lead the conversation!

Eastern Route Rising: Tourism & Economic Power Summit is a one-day tourism and economic development conference designed to inspire businesses, empower newly elected councillors, and strengthen collaboration across communities along the Eastern Route.

This inaugural summit brings together municipal leaders, tourism operators, economic development professionals, and business owners to explore how tourism can drive local economies, support community identity, and create sustainable growth — even in regions that have historically been underrepresented at the provincial level.

Whether you are new to tourism, newly elected to council, or looking to take your existing offerings to the next level, this conference will provide practical tools, real-world examples, and bold ideas to help your community and business thrive.

What You’ll Learn

  • Tourism fundamentals — how to identify and leverage the assets you already have

  • The role municipalities and councils play in supporting tourism growth

  • How communities turn potential into compelling visitor experiences

  • Provincial tourism trends, programs, and partnership opportunities

  • How collaboration across a regional corridor strengthens visibility and impact

Who Should Attend

  • Municipal councillors, CAOs, and elected officials

  • Tourism operators and attraction managers

  • Business owners interested in visitor markets

  • Chambers of Commerce and community organizations

  • Entrepreneurs and those exploring tourism opportunities

  • Economic development and community development staff

Why Attend

Tourism is more than attractions — it’s a powerful economic driver that supports small businesses, creates local jobs, and strengthens community pride. This summit is your opportunity to gain clarity, confidence, and inspiration to help shape the future of tourism and economic growth along the Eastern Route.

The East is rising. Be part of it.

Vendor Opportunities

A limited number of vendor booths are available for businesses, organizations, and service providers who wish to showcase their offerings to municipal leaders, tourism operators, and economic development professionals from across the Eastern Route.

Vendor booths are located within the main conference space, allowing vendors to participate fully in all presentations while engaging with attendees throughout the day. Each vendor registration includes a six-foot table, chairs, and one full conference pass, including access to all sessions, networking opportunities, morning refreshments, and lunch.

Vendor pricing reflects the added value of visibility, networking, and full conference participation:

Member Vendors: $295

Non-Member Vendors: $395

Space is limited to maintain a high-quality experience for both vendors and attendees. Early booking is encouraged.

Previous
Previous
November 28

A Very Vegreville Christmas