Hamilton Tourism Summit

Discover Hamilton’s tourism potential while connecting with industry leaders, city officials, and community partners to explore new opportunities, major events, and innovative strategies to elevate our city as a top destination. The event features a collection of speakers and panelists covering topics from nighttime economy to nature tourism, to music, live events and culture.

The Hamilton Tourism Summit brings together the nation’s top event and venue leaders, offering a unique opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers shaping the future of tourism, culture, and business in our city. Be part of the conversation that’s putting Hamilton on the map.

Keynote: Mathieu Grondin | Nightlife Commissioner, City of Ottawa

Canada’s first Nightlife Commissioner shares his key learnings on how cities like Hamilton can thrive after dark – unlocking economic growth and cultural momentum beyond the 9-to-5.

About Mathieu: Born and raised in Montreal, Mathieu Grondin has enjoyed a varied career in creative industries and economic development. In 2017, Mathieu founded MTL 24/24, an organization that supports nightlife development in Montreal. The organization’s main objectives are to destigmatize nightlife activities, enable a dialogue between nightlife stakeholders, the community, municipal authorities and elected officials, and enhance economic prosperity by promoting nightlife culture, experiences and attractions. Mathieu has been a featured presenter at several international conferences for prestigious organizations such as UN-Habitat (World Urban Forum Katowice, 2022), the German Center for Research and Innovation (SXSW, 2023), and the Government of New South Wales (Sydney OPEN Forum, 2023). He is widely recognized as a global leader in nightlife advocacy. In June 2024, Mathieu took over the position of Nightlife Commissioner for the City of Ottawa, becoming the first person in Canada to hold such a position. His mandate is to implement Ottawa’s Nightlife Economy Action Plan, which was adopted unanimously by City Council in May 2023, and to create the first municipal service dedicated to nightlife management in Canada, the Ottawa Nightlife Office. 

About Kelly: Kelly is currently the Executive Director of Theatre Aquarius and is the Past President of the Board for the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA). Kelly is the former Executive Director of Workman Arts, an art and mental health organization in the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. She is also the former Executive Director of the Toronto Fringe Festival and former President of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals.

About Allan: With an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the Canadian music industry, Allan Reid assumes a pivotal role as the President & CEO of The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), overseeing The JUNO Awards, MusiCounts, and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Before assuming his current position at CARAS in 2014, Allan served as the Executive Director for MusiCounts. During a quarter-century tenure within major and independent Canadian labels, he held the esteemed position of Head of A&R, significantly contributing to the success of numerous top-tier Canadian artists.

About Shelley: Her 30-year career includes national and international experience as a senior administrator, consultant, curator, and educator. In addition to the Art Gallery of Hamilton, she has worked with a variety of important cultural/educational organizations including the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, University of Toronto, Centennial College, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Toronto District School Board, Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, Sotheby’s London and Waddington Galleries, England. Ms. Falconer has directed and managed numerous award-winning projects including exhibitions and installations for Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Canada House in London, England and the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C. She has also authored, produced, and contributed to numerous artist and exhibition publications.

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Katie Stiel (k.stiel@hamiltonchamber.ca).