Places With Personality In Waterloo Region, every space tells a story. Historic properties, boutique hotels and modern cultural venues all sit within easy reach, making logistics simple and programming more dynamic. It’s also the perfect opportunity to pair a main event with an off-site experience. “A great example is the CSAE Summer Summit we hosted in 2025, with the main conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton Kitchener and an off-site evening at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum and Doon Heritage Village,” says Eddings. “The museum offered a unique indoor-outdoor setting, creating a relaxed, engaging environment for networking. Attendees could also wander through the exhibits or hop on e-scooters to explore the village.” A Taste of the Region Waterloo Region delivers strong value and planners “are leveraging the cost efficiencies of hosting here to elevate the culinary experience,” Eddings explains. With more than 1,400 farms nearby, the region’s cuisine is rooted in what’s grown just down the road. Menus shift with the seasons and culinary experiences go well beyond the expected, helping food become a defining part of the visitor experience thanks to the creativity and passion of local chefs. Indigenous Chef Destiny Moser, Founder and Executive Chef of FoodZen, creates meals rooted in responsibility, community and real food, using ingredients that are hyper-local and ultra-seasonal. Chef Darryl Fletcher (ChefD) designs dining experiences that are as unique as each client. He shares his love of food through approachable cooking rooted in simple and incredibly flavourful recipes. Add Purpose to the Program Waterloo Region makes it easy to build purpose into programming by connecting planners with local innovators, educators and community partners to create memorable experiences. “Custom CSR activities create a true sense of place. Whether it’s assembling care kits for local animal shelters or packing healthy lunches for underserved schools, partners like Cat McGuire of Wholehearted help create experiences that foster connection, encourage collaboration and leave a lasting impression,” Eddings says. Curious? Let’s Talk If you’re looking for a destination that’s accessible, collaborative and a little unexpected, start here. Jennifer Eddings Director of Business Development Explore Waterloo Region [email protected] three five Scan the QR code to visit the Explore Waterloo Region website. Tapestry Hall blends industrial charm with soaring timber ceilings and expansive windows, accommodating up to 1,000 guests across multiple spaces, including the Grand Hall at 20,500 sq. ft. A Planner's Perspective When selecting a host destination for the Canadian Culinary Federation 2026 National Conference, lead planner Sue Mercer chose Waterloo Region for its deep agricultural roots and dynamic food scene. “There are so many unique culinary experiences here and a lot of young, progressive chefs who are just great food people,” says Mercer. The conference is an experience with many layers of complexity, Mercer explains. For example, the Crowne Plaza Kitchener- Waterloo welcomed 40 visiting chefs into its kitchen to prepare the President’s Dinner, while off-site events during the conference included an Oktoberfest celebration at Concordia Club and refined dining at Langdon Hall. Curated tours, from farm visits to foraging, brought the region’s food story to life. The Walper Hotel, a 19th century landmark boutique stay in downtown Kitchener, offers 92 guestrooms, 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and locally driven cuisine. At Landgon Hall, award-winning Executive Chef Jason Bangerter (pictured) draws from on-site gardens as well as local farmers, foragers and artisans to craft distinctly seasonal menus. four Sponsored Feature | Ignitemag.ca | 39 Sponsored Feature | Ignitemag.ca | 39
