The countdown is on for Taste of Place Summit 2025, happening May 13–14 in Markham, Ontario—and if you care about the future of culinary tourism in Canada and beyond, this is the place to be. Hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, this two-day event is your opportunity to connect with leaders from around the world, learn from boundary-pushing innovators, and experience taste of place storytelling at its best. Already convinced? Grab your tickets below!

Grab your tickets

Here are five irresistible reasons to attend:

1. Choose Your Own Adventure on Day One

This year’s summit kicks off with immersive learning journeys—and we’ve cooked up four mouthwatering options. You’ll get to choose from curated field trips to:

Markham
Toronto
Mississauga
Wander Niagara

Each destination offers a unique look at how culinary experiences are shaping local tourism. It’s your chance to step out of the conference room and into the places where taste of place truly comes to life. Read more about the learning journeys on our site.

2. Be Inspired by Black Foodie Founder Eden Hagos

We’re honoured to welcome Eden Hagos, CEO of The Black Foodie, as our opening keynote speaker. A trailblazer in the food media world, Eden’s work explores the intersection of food, culture, and identity—and she’s on a mission to amplify underrepresented voices in the culinary space. Her insights on inclusive food tourism and storytelling are sure to leave a lasting impression.

3. Dive into a Full Day of Insightful Mainstage Programming

Day two of the Taste of Place Summit (May 14) delivers a rich lineup of mainstage sessions that celebrate culinary excellence, spotlight emerging trends, and provide actionable takeaways for destinations of all sizes. Programming will be offered in both English and French, with live translation available throughout the day.

Here’s a taste of what you can expect:

A warm Indigenous Welcome and opening remarks will ground the day in purpose and community.
Renée Suen, food writer and Mid-Canada Academy Chair for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, will share her perspectives on championing Canada’s culinary identity on the world stage.
The Power of Chef Collectives panel, moderated by CTA’s Rebecca Mackenzie, will explore how collaborative chef initiatives can create buzz, build destination identity, and strengthen local food systems.
Maureen Riley, VP of Industry Engagement at Destination Canada, will provide updates on how culinary tourism fits into national strategies.
The Do Something Delicious session will dive into how this national campaign is inspiring Canadians to travel deeper through food and drink—and how you can get involved.
READI to Have a Taste of Alberta? will highlight how Alberta is developing inclusive, diverse, and place-based culinary experiences under the READI framework.
Savouring Diversity brings together leaders who are designing food trails that reflect and honour the multicultural makeup of their regions.
In Turning the Tables on Food Waste, experts will discuss the tourism sector’s role in advancing sustainable food practices and reducing environmental impact.
Crafting a Great Taste of Canada for the German Market unpacks international culinary branding and how Canadian destinations can resonate with overseas audiences.
And finally, Steve Dolinsky—a 13-time James Beard Award-winning journalist known as “The Hungry Hound”—will share how Chicago’s food scene became a model for global culinary tourism success.

This day of programming is a must for anyone passionate about telling compelling food stories, developing sustainable tourism strategies, and elevating culinary experiences that reflect a sense of place.

Full Agenda

4. Kick Things Off in Style at the Opening Reception

After your learning journey wraps up on May 13, join us for the Taste of Place Summit Opening Reception—a festive evening celebrating Canada’s vibrant culinary tourism community. This is where conversations begin, connections are made, and taste of place truly comes alive.

Expect delicious local bites, regional beverages, and a welcoming atmosphere where attendees, speakers, sponsors, and partners come together in a more casual setting. Whether it’s your first summit or you’re a seasoned attendee, the Opening Reception sets the tone for two days of meaningful dialogue and unforgettable experiences.

5. Build Relationships Across the Country (and Beyond)

From casual coffee chats to curated networking opportunities, Taste of Place Summit is where Canada’s culinary tourism community gathers. You’ll meet tourism professionals, chefs, producers, marketers, and innovators from coast to coast to coast—and even international markets. Whether you’re looking to make new connections, spark collaborations, or just exchange ideas, this is the place to do it.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We extend our deepest gratitude to the generous sponsors who make the Taste of Place Summit possible:

Destination Markham
Destination Ontario
Foodism
Visit Mississauga
Destination Toronto
Wines of Ontario
Wander Niagara
Explore Edmonton
Air Canada
Northumberland Tourism
Ontario Craft Brewers
Leduc County
Strathcona County
Destination Northern Ontario
Sap Sucker
Food Day Canada
Kate’s Garden
Ontario Craft Cider Association

Your support helps build a more sustainable, inclusive, and delicious future for culinary tourism.

5 Reasons You Can’t Miss the Taste of Place Summit This May