Taste of Place Summit 2026

The Taste of Place Summit, launched in 2023, is a national gathering designed by the Culinary Tourism Alliance to unite invested stakeholders from across the culinary tourism value chain. The Summit responds to a clear need: a dedicated space for industry leaders, practitioners, and partners to explore how food and drink can powerfully shape the identity, resilience, and economic vitality of destinations. Each year, the Summit is hosted in a different region of Canada, spotlighting the country’s diverse tastes while connecting attendees with emerging industry talent and innovative ideas.

This important gathering brings together the people who shape the visitor experience, from destination developers and tourism managers to marketers, business owners, and students. They come to learn why and how to place their community’s food and drink culture at the forefront of their destination strategies. By focusing on food as a catalyst for meaningful travel experiences, the Summit helps strengthen local economies, elevate place identity, and foster sustainable tourism development.

Throughout the event, thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners share their expertise through dynamic presentations, immersive experiences, and collaborative dialogue. Delegates from across Canada and around the world gain valuable insights, exchange best practices, and draw inspiration to elevate culinary and agritourism offerings in their own regions. Summit attendees are united by a shared purpose: to equip destinations and businesses with the tools they need to create exceptional, enduring experiences that delight visitors while also benefiting local communities and the people who call them home.

The 2026 Summit will take place in partnership with Explore Edmonton, in Edmonton, Alberta.