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Register Now for Elevate the Cape

Where Cape Breton Island-Unama’ki’s tourism industry comes together. Join us for a day of inspiration, collaboration and connection.

Join us at the Elevate the Cape Tourism Conference at the beautiful Inverary Resort!

We’re offering an exclusive perk just for Cape Breton Island Tourism Operators: buy a ticket to Elevate the Cape and bring a colleague for FREE with code DOUBLETHEIMPACT.

9 am to 8 pm
November 26, 2025
Inverary Resort

This is your opportunity to connect with industry experts, gain insights from inspiring speakers and panellists, and experience something new — our Culinary Showcase, featuring a variety of Island restaurants and craft beverage producers.

Don’t miss out — register your spot today and be part of an inspiring day of connection, learning and celebration.

Full Day Agenda — November 26

8:00 am

Registration and Refreshments

9:30 am

Graham Marshall, Traditional Welcoming and Opening

9:50 am — Update: Cape Breton University

David C. Dingwall
President and Vice Chancellor, Cape Breton University

10:25 am

Nutrition Break

10:40 am — Update: Destination Cape Breton

Terry Smith, CEO, Destination Cape Breton
Tyler MacLeod, President, Rhyme + Reason
Jody MacArthur, Director of Marketing, Destination Cape Breton

11:10 am — Panel: Elevating the Visitor Experience

Moderator: Maria O’Hearn
Ella Nicholas, Production Manager, Amkwesowa’q Kisitutitl – The First People’s Creation
Eva Nicholas, Shop Manager, Amkwesowa’q Kisitutitl – The First People’s Creation
Angelo Spinazzola, Owner and Operator, North River Kayak and River Nest Wilderness Cabins
Michele Bianchini, General Manager, The Simon Hotel Sydney
Steven Lane, Manager, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

12:00 pm

Lunch

12:30 pm — Keynote

Yvonne Camus
Cape Bretoner, endurance athlete and leadership expert

1:15 pm — Panel: Walking Together — Sustainable Cultural Tourism

Moderator: Misty MacDonald, Cabot Discovery Tours Inc.
Graham Marshall, Partnerships Coordinator, Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network
Kenneth MacKenzie, Vice President and Director, Beinn Mhàbu
Fawnda Haché, Directrice de programmation et marketing, Les Trois Pignons
Lillian Marsman, Program Administration Officer, African Nova Scotian Affairs

1:40 pm

Nutrition Break

2:00 pm — Panel: Culinary Tourism — A Taste of Place

Moderator: Natasha Chestnut, Restaurants Association of Nova Scotia (RANS)
Cameron Armstrong, Chef, Table Doucet
Andrew McDow, Sommelier, Table Doucet
Shaun Zwarun, Executive Chef, Kiju’s
Renee Samson, Owner and Operator, Scratch Eats Market
Jill McPherson, Owner and Operator, Island Folk Cider House

2:40 pm

Input Session: Have Your Say | Experiencing the Cape

3:30 pm

Traditional Closing

4:00 pm

Networking

Culinary Showcase (MacAulay Centre)

6:00 pm — Doors Open
8:00 pm — Event Ends

Experience the Flavours of Cape Breton Island

We’re excited to present our Culinary Showcase, a celebration of Cape Breton Island’s vibrant food and beverage landscape. This evening event brings together talented culinary innovators and producers to highlight local flavours, creativity and collaboration in support of our tourism operators and industry partners.

Featured Culinary Partners

The Inverary Resort • Mainstreet Café Ingonish & Baddeck • Table Doucet • Cabot Cape Breton • Eave at the Holiday Inn Sydney Waterfront • The Markland Coastal Beach Cottages • Trio at The Simon Hotel Sydney • Kiju’s

Featuring Local Beverages From

Big Spruce Brewery • Breton Brewery • Island Folk Cider House

Winter Prize Package — Culinary Showcase Exclusive

One attendee at the Culinary Showcase will win a Winter Prize Package that includes:
• A complimentary chalet for two at LaPointe Chalets
• Dinner for two at Doucet en Hiver (winter menu)
• One complimentary beverage each

You must be present during the Culinary Showcase to win.

Accommodations:
Traditional Rooms are available at Inverary Resort for $130 plus tax and levy per night, including breakfast. The room block is available for November 25 and 26.
To reserve, please contact the Inverary Resort at 1-800-565-5660.