Workshops and Events

 

Oct. 20, 2026: Meta Ads Overview: Targeting & Audiences

A strong Meta Ads strategy starts with knowing exactly who you’re trying to reach. In this foundational session, tourism operators will explore how to build and refine effective audience targeting strategies using Meta’s evolving advertising tools.

First introduction session to the Meta Ads platform. This session will focus on the essential building blocks of audience strategy, including how to stay current with recent changes in Meta Ads targeting and how these updates impact campaign performance. Participants will also learn how to identify and select the right audience segments to align with their business goals.

10 am - 11:00 am Webinar.  Part 2 will be on October 27.

Hosted by RTO9

Presented by: JBC

Learn more or register.

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Oct. 21-22, 2026: Ontario Tourism Summit

Westin Hotel Ottawa - 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa

Learn more or register.

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October 22, 2026: Small Business Success Forum
(formerly Bridges to Better Business)

The evening brings together entrepreneurs, community leaders, and innovators for an inspiring mix of networking, education, and awards. This year’s theme, “Grit, Growth and Greatness,” empowers entrepreneurs to rise above obstacles, embrace growth and achieve greatness.

Who Should Attend?

• Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: Gain practical insights and tools to help grow your business.
• Medium-Sized Businesses: Discover strategies to scale operations, optimize cash flow, and enhance leadership within your organization.
• Community Members: Support local businesses and learn more about the economic development initiatives in your area.

4-8 pm

Hosted by: Leeds Grenville Small Business

Brockville Memorial Centre, 100 Magedoma Blvd, Brockville

Registration Deadline: October 12th. Space is limited, so register today!

Learn more or Register now.

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October 27, 2026: Meta Ads Overview Part Two: Building Ad Campaigns

Once your audience strategy is in place, the next step is building campaigns that convert. This session takes a practical look at how to structure and optimize Meta advertising campaigns for stronger performance and better return on investment.

In this second session to the Meta Ads platform, you will explore the core components of successful Meta Ad campaigns, including how ad sets and individual ads work together to reach different audience segments effectively. The session will also cover key budgeting strategies, helping you understand how to allocate spend in a way that supports your goals and maximizes impact.

This session is ideal for those ready to move beyond the basics and start actively optimizing their Meta advertising efforts.

10:00 am - 11:00 am Webinar

Hosted by RTO9

Presented by JBC

Learn more or register.

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Oct. 29, 2026: Starting a Food Business & Regulatory Compliance

Part of the FoodPreneur Startup Series, this session is offered 4 times per year.

This session is for you if you are in the early stages of development and are looking to gain knowledge in the food and beverage industry.  You will learn about:

• Creating a Business Model
• Doing your Market Research
• Analyzing the Competition
• Your Value Proposition
• Codes and regulations

10:00 am to 11:00 am webinar

Cost: Free

Learn more or register.

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Nov. 5, 2026: Sustainability 101 for Tourism Businesses

Sustainability can feel overwhelming when you're not sure where to begin. This 60-minute webinar is your starting point, designed for tourism businesses that haven't yet formalized their approach. You will gain a practical foundation including common language, concrete first steps, and guidance on tracking progress.

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Presented by GreenStep

Learn more or register.

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Nov. 5, 2026: How to Sell Your Food Product

Part of the FoodPreneur Startup Series, this session is offered 4 times per year.

Successfully selling your product involves more than just having great tasting food. Pricing, marketing, and how you position your product all play a key role in ensuring that people will buy it.  Learn key factors to consider in successfully selling your product, whether you're selling at markets, online, or to retailers.

Speaker: Nicole Haney, former Founder & CEO of Boho Bars

10:00 am to 11:00 am webinar.

Cost: Free

Learn more or register.

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Nov. 5, 2026: Sustainability 101 for RTO9 Tourism Businesses

Sustainability can feel overwhelming when you're not sure where to begin. This webinar is your starting point, designed for tourism businesses that haven't yet formalized their approach.

You will gain a practical foundation including common language, concrete first steps, and guidance on tracking progress.

Presented by GreenStep

10:00 am - 11:00 am Webinar

Learn more or register

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Nov. 12, 2026: Costing, Pricing & Unit Economics

Part of the FoodPreneur Startup Series, this session is offered 4 times per year.

Revenue is exciting—but profit keeps your business alive.

Successful food founders understand their numbers. They know exactly what it costs to produce every unit, how much profit each sale generates, and how pricing decisions impact long-term growth.  Participants will leave with the confidence to price strategically and make financial decisions that support sustainable growth.

10:00 am - 11:00 am Webinar

Cost: Free

Learn more or register.

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Nov. 17-18, 2026: SEe ON Tourism Summit

Both days will be packed with incredible speakers, forward thinking ideas and inspiration to spark creativity and help Envision Tourism Growth in South Eastern Ontario.

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

DEV Hotel & Conference Centre, 1950 Montreal Road, Cornwall 

Learn more.

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Nov. 19, 2026: Branding & Marketing Your Food Product

Part of the FoodPreneur Startup Series, this session is offered 4 times per year.

Hear expert insight, from how to create your brand, how to retain and grow your brand to what sort of colours and typography styles are right for your product. You will learn the difference between designing for store shelves vs. food markets vs. digital spaces. She will also cover tips for working with a graphic designer and determining exactly who your product is for.

Speaker: Amanda DeVries of Eye Candy Design

10:00 am - 11:00 am Webinar

Cost: Free

Learn more or register.

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Nov. 20, 2026: Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit

North Grenville Municipal Centre, Kemptville

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Learn more.

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Nov. 24, 2026: Introduction to Google Advertising

This introductory webinar designed to help tourism operators understand the essentials of Google Ads and how it can be used to increase visibility, drive website traffic, and attract more potential visitors.

Participants will explore the core structure of Google Ads, including an overview of key campaign types such as Performance Max and Search campaigns, and how each can support different marketing goals. The session will also introduce keyword strategy, including how to use tools like Keyword Planner to identify relevant search terms, assess competition, and make informed decisions about targeting.

This session is ideal for tourism operators looking to build a strong foundation in Google Ads and begin advertising more effectively online.

10:00 am - 11:00 am Webinar

Hosted by: RTO9 and JBC

Learn more or register.

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Nov. 26, 2026: Food Safety Fundamentals for Startups

Part of the FoodPreneur Startup Series, this session is offered 4 times per year.

When you’re launching a food product, understanding food safety is essential not only for protecting your customers, but also for meeting regulatory expectations and building retailer trust.

Learn simple, actionable steps you can take to build food safety into your business from the very beginning—without getting overwhelmed by regulations. 

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of basic food safety expectations, practical steps you can implement immediately, and the confidence to move your food business forward safely!

Speaker: Lisa Cove, Food Safety Consultant and Founder of Shelf Ready Inc.

10:00 am - 11:00 am Webinar

Cost: Free

Learn more or register

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Dec. 3, 2026: Labelling & Packaging your Food Product

Part of the FoodPreneur Startup Series, this session is offered 4 times per year.

This session is for you if you have a food or beverage product that needs an accurate and compliant label.

Nicole Haney, former Founder & CEO of Boho Bars will guide you through what to consider when choosing a package for your food product, what to include on your label, and what mistakes to avoid when packaging your food product.

This session is part of the Foodpreneur Advantage Series.

Speaker: Nicole Haney

Hosted by: Small Business Advisory Centre

10:00 am - 11:00 am Webinar

Cost: free

Learn more or register

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Mar. 4, 2027: International Women's Day

Bring together women entrepreneurs, professionals, business leaders, and community members to celebrate International Women's Day through an inspiring evening of learning, networking, and recognition

Memorial Centre, Brockville

Learn more.

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* While every effort has been made to ensure the information on this page is correct at time of publication, please be sure to visit official event websites to confirm dates and times.