Canadian Vacation Ownership Conference a success

The Canadian Vacation Ownership Association (CVOA) has released hugely positive survey results from its annual conference VO-Con 2018, which was held in September.

The event, which took place at Westin Trillium House Resort in Blue Mountain, Ontario, was predominantly attended by stakeholders in the vacation ownership industry, and met with rave reviews.

Jon Zwickel, president and CEO of CVOA, said the organisation “extends a huge thank you to VO-Con ’18 attendees and sponsors for making the event an incredible success”.

Post conference survey responses showed that:

• 98% of attendees confirm the conference provided exceptional networking opportunities.
• 79% of attendees found new business opportunities that collectively could be worth in excess of $7 million.
• 86% of attendees stated that networking opportunities are the top reason they attend VO-Con.
• 95% of attendees stated that conference exceeded their expectations.
• 79% of attendees rated VO-Con 8+ on a scale of 1-10 rating compared to other industry conferences.

Zwickel added: “Feedback from conference attendees proved that a casual format, with plenty of time for networking and professional relationship building, was enthusiastically welcomed by attendees.”

Delegates Duane Lee, Christy Chris and Linda Mayhugh at VO-CON 2018

Barry Landsberg of AccorHotels said: “CVOA 2018 was a well-orchestrated event that brought industry colleagues together in a format and at a venue that lends itself to building deeper relationships within the industry.

“The educational sessions were relevant, networking opportunities ideal, and social opportunities enhanced the event.”

The programme also resonated with professional hospitality suppliers, such as Michael Dorsey, president of Fireplace Safety Screen, who shared that it was his first time at VO-Con. “The meeting was small enough to more easily meet potential customers,” he said. “That is how I judge the benefits of attending an industry event like this.”

Rick Collins of Mara Lakeside Resort and Wellness Community gave the event another resoundingly positive review. “I found the VO-CON 2018 conference the most educational, social and enlightening as any conference I have attended in this industry,” he said. “I sincerely look forward to attending the 2019 conference.”

CVOA alternates its annual conference location between west and east. Next year’s event is scheduled for September 23-25 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in Whistler, B.C.