The Canadian Vacation Ownership Association, the industry-based association dedicated to furthering vacation ownership in Canada and throughout the world, continues to move forward as we welcome new members, join forces with the Hotel Association of Canada and plan for our best annual event, VO-Con 2018, coming up in September.

New Members: Since last year's VO-Con in Whistler, we've added new members to our growing roster. Our organization supports Canadian-based companies as well as those interested in expanding their opportunities in Canada. Our members include development companies, management firms, resorts, exchange companies, service providers and suppliers. Predominant qualification for membership is to adhere to CVOA's mission:

1. To promote high standards of ethical conduct and professionalism throughout the Vacation Ownership and Timeshare industry;
2. To assist in resolving consumer matters that involve CVOA Members;
3. To consult with all levels of Canadian government to ensure fair and equitable industry advancement;
4. To work on behalf of CVOA Members to promote a better understanding of Vacation Ownership and Timeshare by the public, the media and governments;
5. To encourage the beneficial expansion of the Vacation Ownership industry.

Hotel Association of Canada (HAC): In June, CVOA and HAC announced a Memorandum of Understanding to work together as a unified force on many complementary objectives. HAC is an industry-based association focused on enhancing the prosperity of the hotel industry through strong member engagement, effective advocacy and the provision of value added programs and services.

The objective of the agreement is to foster communication and the interchange of information that will enable both Associations to collaborate as a cohesive group. The hotel and resort industry now have the assurance that issues of common interest are heard and responded to, particularly in areas of relevant legislative, policy and regulatory decisions being made by the Canadian federal and provincial governments.

We are particularly excited to participate in the HAC's Parliament Hill Day this fall. Recent challenges with hospitality industry tax structure will be easier to address via a cohesive platform with the HAC. Our agreement creates greater alignment, political strength and public visibility to both of our organizations. We are continuing to define issues that may be or are currently regulated by government, building public awareness and support, as well as lobbying and other activities that mutually support our groups.

VO-CON '18: CVOA's association's annual vacation ownership conference will be held September 25-27 at the Westin Trillium House Resort in Blue Mountain, Ontario, Canada.

Vo-Con is unique in that it provides an open forum to gain new perspectives and engage in candid discussions. Our sponsorship program is extremely affordable, and we already have supporters who have committed to sponsoring some of our upcoming events. Last year's event in brought rave reviews, with particularly high marks coming from those who made and/or solidified vacation ownership industry business relationships.

All sponsorships are at the same level and include ongoing exclusive access to the delegate list, discounted registration for two attendees, complimentary exhibit table and high visibility with logo displays in promotional and conference materials as well as frequent recognition from the podium.

The theme for the first day is "Big Challenges Demand Bigger Solutions." Panel discussions will include relevant topics like "Secondary Market Paradigms, "Advocacy and Government Relations" and "Managing Public Perception."

The second day is called "Exceeding Experiential Expectations." There will be a panel focused on "How Resorts Deliver Exceptional Experiences". The day will feature a lively keynote speech by experience economy specialist Dennis Moseley-Williams entitled "Creating Transformative Experiences." VO-Con will bring it all together with a closing, highly experiential farm-to-table lunch with Ontario wines and craft beers.

And what would be a conference without an award presentation? In addition to the presentation of the coveted Cornerstone, VO-Con is also introducing the Customer Service Awards. Visit www.CanadianVOA.org for conference registration and details.

CVOA is Canada's only association dedicated to representing the interests of the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Since its founding 1980 (originally as CRDA), the organization has become Canada's preeminent industry association representing all forms of vacation ownership. CVOA membership is a community of active industry leaders committed to promoting and maintaining a high standard of ethical conduct within the Canadian vacation ownership industry, creating B-2-B and networking opportunities between Members, and educating consumers as to the benefits of vacation ownership.