September 17 – 20, 2016
Delta Bessborough Hotel
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Named after the 14th Governor General of Canada, the historic Delta Bessborough will play host to the 54th Annual TIAC Conference. Nestled among five acres of gardens on the bank of the South Saskatchewan River, the Castle on the River features several restaurants boasting award-winning chefs, Damara Say Spa and Aesthetics, swimming pools and a sundeck, as well as a newly renovated gym complete with whirlpool, sauna, and steam room.
The 2016 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 Saturday evening with the Manufacturers and Distributors Reception.
Sunday’s program will feature several invited speakers, as well as the contractor, manufacturer, and distributor breakout sessions. The spousal / family programs will also be running this day.
Monday morning will include more presentations and TIAC’s Annual General Meeting, followed by TIAC’s traditional golf tournament. Located on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation lands, the Dakota Dunes Golf Links has been rated Saskatchewan’s “Top Ranked Public Courses” by SCOREGolf magazine. The course is laid spaciously through natural sand dune formations, and indigenous prairie grasses. Undulating fairways, large greens, and natural blow-out bunkers are all part of this unique golf experience. Five tee decks on every hole provide challenge and enjoyment for golfers of any skill level. Dakota Dunes Golf Links offers the finest conditions in the province, and is a must-play for golf enthusiasts.
Monday evening is a night off and delegates are encouraged to explore the Paris of the Prairies.
As we reach Tuesday, the final day of the Conference, join us for the final morning of presentations, including a sneak-peak at the 2017 Conference program scheduled for August 23 to 26 in Toronto.
The Conference will be wrapped up at the President’s Dinner and Dance.
Presentation Information
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 to the TIAC website (www.tiac.ca) so be sure to check there regularly.
Spousal/Family Programs
Not sure what there is to do in Saskatoon? Here are some of the activities that the planning committee is looking to include in the program.
YXE Street Food Festival: Running all day on September 19, this street eat party will feature over 20 mobile food vendors.
Saskatoon Comic & Entertainment Expo: Scheduled for September 17 and 18, the 2016 Expo will bring to life the world of comics, sci-fi, horror and comics through cosplay (including a costume contest!), panels, Q&A’s and exhibits.
Canadian Light Source: The Canadian Light Source is Canada’s national centre for synchrotron research and a global centre of excellence in synchrotron science and its applications. The synchrotron is one of the largest science projects in Canadian history.
What’s a synchrotron? A synchrotron is a source of brilliant light that enables scientists to study the microstructure and chemical properties of materials. Extremely bright synchrotron light is produced by using radio frequency waves and powerful magnets to accelerate electrons close to the speed of light.
Prairie Lily Riverboat Cruise: Offering a unique view of the city, these hour-long cruises travel under four of Saskatoon’s nine bridges. The tour commentary will share information on the river, landmarks, and cultural history.
Western Development Museum: The Western Development Museum is the keeper of Saskatchewan’s collective heritage. Transport yourself back to a time when the clip-clop of horses filled the air. You don’t just visit this museum, you live it!
- Did You Know…
Saskatoon is one of the top five sunniest major cities in Canada – recording an average of 2,329 hours of sunlight annually. - The world’s first effective cancer treatment with cobalt-60 radiation therapy occurred at the University of Saskatchewan in 1951.
- John G. Diefenbaker, the 13th Prime Minister of Canada, moved to Saskatoon in 1910. He received his BA and MA in political science and economics at the University of Saskatchewan.
- Saskatoon has 200 parks and nearly 1,000 hectares of parkland throughout the city, including almost 160 hectares of river valley parkland.
- Saskatoon has been mentioned in song lyrics by many famous artists including The Guess Who, “Running Back to Saskatoon”; Johnny Cash, “Girl in Saskatoon”; and, City and Colour, “Coming Home.”
Famous Saskatonians include: - Gordie Howe – Former NHL hockey player, four-time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings
- Kim Coates – Actor, known for roles in “Sons of Anarchy” (Tig Trager) and Black Hawk Down
- Joni Mitchell – Musician and artist, first Canadian woman to be inducted in the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1997)
- Farley Mowat – Author, known for Lost in the Barrens and Never Cry Wolf
- Roddy Piper – Former professional wrestler, actor
- The Sheepdogs – Rock band, winner of Rolling Stone’s Choose the Cover competition, becoming the first unsigned act to grace the cover of the magazine
- Shannon Tweed – Actress, model, wife of Gene Simmons of Kiss
- Visit www.tourismsaskatoon.com to learn more about the 2016 TIAC Conference host city!
