GNEX CRTA Annual Conference Scheduled for Ottawa, CA

CRTA (Canadian Resort and Travel Association) is an industry association dedicated to furthering the ownership-based vacation and resort development industry, both at home and abroad. The association was founded in 1980 as “The Resort Timesharing Council of Canada” in response to the public’s demand for more information about vacation ownership. Since then, CRTA has evolved into the preeminent industry association representing all forms of Vacation Ownership in Canada.

Under the leadership of Gaetan Babin, President and CEO of CRTA, the nonprofit trade association’s member base has grown to include resorts, timeshares, vacation clubs, developers, HOAs, exchange companies, management companies, financial servicing companies, resale companies, marketing companies, suppliers, as well as other industry associations and professionals who offer their services within the industry.

Gaetan said “As the president of CRTA, I’m committed to advancing the ownership-based vacation and resort development industry in Canada and abroad, ensuring that Canadians have access to top-notch vacation options and unparalleled hospitality. Our Association represents not only vacation ownership options in Canada but also the companies dedicated to providing Canadians with unforgettable travel experiences abroad.

“CRTA and our members are committed to supporting the highest standards and ethics in the vacation ownership industry. I am pleased to see how much so many properties and affiliated service providers endorse this standard of professional and transparent practice. The end objective is to provide Canadian travelers a secure, high valued, high standard level of vacation experience.

“Our upcoming conference in our nation’s capital is attracting top resort professionals and developers from Canada, the USA, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and India. It’s an opportunity for all delegates to interact and network with all attendees.”

“I look forward to personally welcoming you to Ottawa .” Gaetan Babin

This year’s annual GNEX CRTA Conference will be held in Ottawa from the 3rd to the 5th of September at the historic Fairmont Chateaux Laurier. CRTA has partnered with GNEX to deliver the premier Canadian vacation industry conference that brings together senior-level leaders from Canada, USA, Mexico, Caribbean and beyond. Association members get favorable rates, but everyone is welcome to come together, network and collaborate.

Networking Opportunities

GNEX events place a high level of focus on networking opportunities to forge professional bonds. In fact, GNEX stands for Global Networking EXperience. At the GNEX CRTA event, members are welcome to attend and observe the Board of Directors business meeting and participate in the Annual General Meeting prior to the general conference. Topics of conversation will include a legislative report, a membership update and challenges and opportunities for Canadian timeshare owners.

The first day of the conference spotlights the 60-Second Pitch which gives one representative of each participating company the chance to take the mike for a fast elevator pitch about who they are and the core competencies of their company. This is unique to GNEX and allows attendees a quick overview so they can decide with whom they would like to meet during the course of events.

Also unique to GNEX is The Board Room which is billed as the “ultimate” meeting of minds. The audience will listen in as subject matter experts discuss trending topics and deliver insights on what the future holds for the timeshare hospitality industry.

“At the GNEX CRTA conference, we bring together industry leaders from across North America, including the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This event is a unique opportunity for companies that sell to Canadians to connect with key decision-makers and forge valuable relationships. Our goal is to facilitate collaboration and innovation in the resort and travel industry, ensuring a thriving future for all stakeholders.” Paul Mattimoe, CEO of Perspective Group.

“Our goal is to facilitate collaboration and innovation in the resort and travel industry.” Paul Mattimoe

Golf Tournament September 3—First Come First Served

Prior to the event, the 3rd Annual GNEX CRTA Golf Tournament will be held at The Marshes, Ottawa’s leading public golf club. Designed by both Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and Sr., the remarkable course combines the superior layout with the natural beauty of the Ottawa area.

River Cruise Sponsored by Living Water Resorts and Shopr

Attendees will also enjoy Ottawa from a different perspective aboard the Ottawa River Queen which will cruise along the Ottawa river which divides Ontario from Quebec. The cruise, sponsored by Canada’s Living Water Resorts and Shopr, will sail past historic federal landmarks such as Parliament Hill, Museum of History, Rideau Falls and the Prime Minister’s House and guest will enjoy an open bar, delicious food, and entertainment.

GNEX CRTA Sponsors

Warren Smith, Chairman of the CRTA Board and a timeshare industry veteran of 25 years, is currently Executive Vice President of Living Waters Resorts in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada. Living Waters is a Gold Sponsor of the industry event. Warren commented: “We are thrilled to be a Gold Sponsor for GNEX CRTA. This is a particularly important conference for us, as it represents Canada’s voice in the timeshare industry, and focuses on forging relationships and alliances that span the whole of North America. An industry working in unity. The concentration of high-level executives that come out for this event, the format of the conference itself, and the locations they select, make this an event that is not to be missed.”

Coming from a sponsor’s point of view, Sharon Mattimoe, COO of Shopr said, ““We’re thrilled to be a Gold Sponsor at the GNEX Conference in Ottawa. At ShopR, we are revolutionizing the way customers earn rewards with our innovative mobile app, offering instant cash back on everyday purchases at over 325 major brands. Shopr significantly enhances customer engagement by providing businesses with a powerful in-app marketing and communication platform to drive future transactions and revenue. We look forward to showcasing our unique product and connecting with industry leaders at this premier event.”

Gold sponsors for this year’s event are Living Water Resorts, Home Depot, Shopr and SafeGuard. Silver sponsors include Generator, Move, and SPI software®. Supporting sponsors are Interval International and Jim Madrid. Presenting sponsor CRTA is joined by other association and industry partners such as ACOTUR, Developments, AMDETUR, C.A.R.E., GBG & Associates, Resort Trades and Send Me on Vacation. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

GNEX CRTA will be held September 3 to 5, 2024 at Fairmont Chateaux Laurier in Ottawa. To register and obtain more details go to https://gnexcanada.com/ which will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.

Georgi Bohrod Gordon is principal of one of the timeshare industry’s most respected PR firms, GBG & Associates.