Conference Overview

Newfoundland and Labrador – One of a Kind

As we look across the country of Canada, we often think about the mainland and all it has to offer. Keep looking further east, on the edge of North America and you will find an island all on its own. As though it sits apart from the nation, Newfoundland is an island all its own as unique as the people who live there. Deeply embedded in the history are the people. The residents of Newfoundland are hardworking, kind, faith based and funny to the core and known for their creativity, unique language, and knack for storytelling. The warm welcome received is like no other. It is within these small communities that lies the heart of the island that makes it so special. Tradition and heritage of the English, Irish, French, and Indigenous ancestors make for a truly one of a kind cultures special to Newfoundland. It is not hard to find tradition, such as kitchen parties or a sing along in a garage with accordions, guitars, and spoons. With an open-door policy, every home will welcome you like family; ready with a meal served, or a game of cards and a drink.

The communities are rich with stories and legends, explorers and inventors. Newfoundland captures the roots of the people through the numerous historic sites across the island. While exploring this beautiful place, it will be evident just how important the fishery was to this province and how communities worked together to ensure they kept it viable. The landscape and history speaks through the people with its rich colourful environment. In the architecture, in its personal crafts, in the names of the towns, and even in the way they built their roads, Newfoundland is special to itself. Visiting the many historical sites and well-known places such as Signal Hill, Fogo Island and Cabot Tower will provide insight to its history. The natural phenomenon like the icebergs and whale watching are aww inspiring. Once you have visited you will want to come back over and over again. We want to share this “home” with you by opening our doors to this history by sharing a meal, saying a prayer, dancing a jig, visiting family and getting to know the incredible province that is Newfoundland and Labrador.

It’s no wonder why, Maclean’s magazine thinks Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the “Top 10 Friendliest Cultures in the World!”

See you there!

Walter Keating
2024 Conference Chair

Accommodation
The Conference will be held at the Delta Hotels St. John’s Conference Centre. Updated pricing and reservation details will be announced in the coming months.

Getting There
Flight discounts with Porter, Air Canada and WestJet will be available in the coming months.

Program
The 2024 Conference program will feature timely presentations by industry experts and leaders, business meetings where you can engage in sector-specific discussions and networking opportunities to connect with friends new and old.

The Conference will kick-off on the Wednesday evening with the Manufacturers and Distributors Reception where you will get your first taste of what St. John’s will have to offer.

Thursday’s program will feature several invited speakers, as well as the contractor, manufacturer and distributor breakout sessions. The spousal/family program will also be running this day. For those of you planning to bring your children, please register by June 1 so that we can organize age-appropriate activities for them. This day will wrap up with a very special off-site evening.

Friday morning will include more presentations, followed by TIAC’s traditional golf tournament. Friday evening is a night off and delegates are encouraged to get out and rock the rock!

As we reach Saturday, the final day of the Conference, join us for the last morning of presentations, including an update from the TIAC Innovators and a sneak-peak at the 2025 Conference scheduled for August 13-16 in Whitehorse, YK.

The Conference will be wrapped up at the President’s Dinner and Dance.

Visit the Destination St. John’s website to learn more about the 2024 TIAC Conference host city! We recommend you book extra time following the conference to explore beyond the city limits. To book additional tours before/after the Conference, contact our tour partner McCarthy’s Party.

REMINDERS!
If you are bringing your children to St. John’s, please register by July 1 so that we can organize age-appropriate activities for them.

Register by June 1, 2024 and be entered into the early bird draw for a FREE registration for the 2025 TIAC Conference in Whitehorse.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

AGENDA

Registration

Registration fees include: Presentations and Meetings; Manufacturer and Distributor Reception; Off-site Dinner; Delegates and Spouses Breakfasts/Lunches; and, the President’s Dinner and Dance.

Presentations

The Conference Planning Committee is confirming speakers who will speak to both industry and general business strategies to provide you with insights to improve your day-to-day operations. Updated speaker information will be posted here so be sure to check regularly.

Spousal/Family Program

Family programming will developed based on the registrations received by June 1. A sample of the possible tours can be found below. The exact activity schedule will be confirmed in the coming months.

HISTORIC ST. JOHN’S & CAPE SPEAR TOUR
Become acquainted with the city of St. John’s and its surroundings, including Cape Spear, the most Easterly point in North America. This is the oldest colonized region in the new world and your local guide will regale you with its steeped history, legends & lore – all flavoured with their personal anecdotes and good humour from which Newfoundlanders are so famous. Enjoy the brilliant vistas from Cabot Tower and Signal Hill, one of the most recognizable skylines in Canada. Walk through a cliffside World War II gun battery, watch for whales and seabirds and visit the oldest standing lighthouse in North America. Other stops include Quidi Vidi Village, Jelly Bean Row, Government House, the Roman Catholic Basilica and an orientation of the shops and restaurants of the downtown core.

BIRD ISLAND TOUR
Today begins with a drive along the Southern Shore to visit the historic Irish outport community of Bay Bulls. Here we take a ride with O’Brien’s Boat Tours out to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve Bird Islands, home to millions of Atlantic Puffins, Murres and Kittiwakes in the spring and summer. Keep a sharp eye for whales that frequent this bay in great numbers. Multiple sightings are considerable and frequently enjoyed in this plankton rich marine environment. Iceberg viewings are also possible in late spring and early summer.

OUTPORTS & LUCKY ROCKS TOURS
Cliffs, coves, and beaches! Leave the city behind and head north, following Marine Drive along the rugged coastline of Newfoundland. Visit the Ocean Sciences Center to see the touch tank, seal observatory, and the finger rocks of Logy Bay. Explore Middle Cove’s pebble beach and dramatic cliffs while looking for lucky rocks. Visit Tapper’s Cove, an active fishing wharf in the town of Torbay. In Flatrock, enjoy the expansive view of Newfoundlands’ unique geology while visiting a Grotto cut into the cliffside. Learn about the folklore, humour, and deep-rooted culture of the Newfoundland people along the way. In season, watch for icebergs, whales, seabirds, and capelin.

Spousal/Family Program

Useful Links

• https://destinationstjohns.com/

Sponsors

Download the sponsorship participation form – COMING SOON. To confirm your sponsorship, please complete and return the participation form to info@tiac.ca. Prices exclude tax. Payment is due before the Conference.

ALL EVENT SPONSORS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING:

• Corporate profile on TIAC website with links
• Logo and recognition on TIAC Social Media
• Recognition in Conference program
• On-site recognition throughout Conference, through verbal announcements, signage and sponsor slides

Traveling to St. John’s

Accommodation
The Conference will be held at the Delta Hotels St. John’s Conference Centre. Updated pricing and reservation details will be announced in the coming months.

The group rate (once confirmed) will be available for those wishing to extend their stay (pending availability).

Getting There
Flight discounts with Porter, Air Canada and WestJet will be available in the coming months.

Details to come as confirmed.