We’ve already started receiving your questions for TMAC 2026. We’ll keep building on this list as more questions come though.
If you have a question that you don’t see on this list, please email The Conference Team and we will direct your email accordingly.
Q: What are the dates and location for the 2026 Conference?
A: April 29 – May 3, 2026 in Richmond, BC.
(Note, there will also be Pre and Post Conference Tours just outside of these dates for media who opt in for that experience).
Q: Is there an official hashtag for the conference?
A: Yes, #TMACRichmond. Please use this in all your social posts about the Conference!
Q: Why is the Conference in Richmond?
Q: What can I expect by attending the Conference?
A. While the full schedule will be announced later, here’s what delegates can look forward to:
- Four Days of Connection – Meet, mingle, and swap ideas with travel media and industry pros.
- Media Marketplace – Our superstar event! Up to 24 one-on-one meetings to spark partnerships and new opportunities.
- Professional Development – Hands-on sessions covering the latest trends, tools, and strategies in travel media.
- Keynote Speakers – Hear from inspiring leaders shaping the future of travel and media.
- Local Tours – Explore Richmond’s hidden gems, culture, and attractions.
- Dinner & Awards Gala – Dress up and celebrate excellence in travel journalism and content creation.
- Pre & Post Tours – Media can take a 3–4 night adventure to fully immerse yourself in the region.
Q: When does conference registration open?
A: Monday, December 1st, 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time. We will have staggered registration times:
MEDIA MEMBERS: 12:00pm – 2:00pm Eastern Standard Time
INDUSTRY MEMBERS: 2:00pm – 4:00pm Eastern Standard Time
After 4 pm Eastern Standard Time, registration is open to all TMACers
Q: What is the deadline to register for the 2026 Conference?
Deadline to register for Media: February 27, 2026
Deadline to register for Industry: March 6, 2026
Q: I’ve heard that past TMAC Conferences sell out, will this be the case for Richmond?
A: We anticipate high demand to attend the 2026 TMAC Conference in Richmond. Should we SELL OUT, we will immediately start a waitlist and revisit this list should spots open up.
Q: Can I reserve or guarantee a spot for the conference before registration opens?
A: We’re thrilled about the excitement for the upcoming 2026 TMAC Conference in Richmond! To ensure fairness for all members, we are unable to hold or guarantee spots ahead of the official registration day. With ample time before registration opens on December 1st, there’s plenty of opportunity to plan and prepare. We’ll also provide detailed instructions in advance to guide you through the process. If you need someone to register on your behalf, these instructions will make it easy for them to assist you. Thank you for understanding, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the conference!
Q: What is the delegate capacity of the 2026 TMAC Conference & Media Marketplace?
A: 250 delegates in total. 105 spots for Media, and 145 spots for Industry.
Q: Will registration be available onsite during Conference?
A: No, due to capacity limitations, pre-registration is required to attend the conference. Access to the conference will be limited to registered delegates only.
Q: What are my responsibilities as a TMAC member attending the conference?
A: Adhering to our TMAC Code of Conduct. Please give yourself a refresh and ensure you have read through this to understand your role and responsibilities as a TMAC member. In particular, when planning your conference media marketplace, note that industry (and truly all members) are expected to respond to TMAC members in a timely manner, whether the response is positive or negative (Code of Conduct Section 5B).
Q: What is the TMAC registration cancellation & refund policy?
A: We understand that plans can change, but please note the following terms:
Full Refunds will be issued for cancellations made 60 days prior to April 29, 2026. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after February 28, 2026.
In the event of illness or unforeseen circumstances, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your registration and travel costs. TMAC is not responsible for covering registration cancellations, nor any other costs related to attending conference.
By registering, you acknowledge and agree to these terms. Please ensure you are comfortable with the policy before completing your registration.
Q: Should I provide my flight details to TMAC?
A: YES! We need to know when you are arriving and departing for shuttle purposes. We will send out a form following prior to the conference to capture those travel details.
Q: When does Media Marketplace Open?
A: The Media Marketplace selection will launch on March 25, 2026 at 12:00pm EST.
Q: I want to bring a second industry delegate to the conference, do they also need to be a member of TMAC?
A: Yes! All conference delegates must be TMAC members. Industry members may bring a secondary delegate. There are two ways to register. Either the primary member at the time of registration or later as a Secondary members for $800 plus tax. Please contact Christine Painter for details.
Q: What is the host hotel in Richmond?
A: There are TWO host hotels for our 2026 conference, including Sheraton Vancouver AIrport Hotel (Conference Location) and Vancouver Airport Marriott. The buildings are connected and within the same vicinity (you don’t even have to go outside if you don’t want to!).
Q: What is the hotel information?
A: Our host hotel partners, Sheraton Vancouver Airport and Vancouver Airport Marriott, will be offering TMAC the following preferred room rates for our attendees between April 29-May 3, (if you need to stay earlier or later, please contact the hotel directly to book those additional dates).
- Media Rate: $249/night + tax
- Industry Rate: $349/night + tax
- Included in your rate: Full breakfast daily, wi-fi, fitness centre, indoor heated pool, sauna, hot tub.
- Hotel’s room rates are subject to applicable provincial and local taxes, currently 16% (5% GST, 11% Hotel Room Tax), in effect at the time of check-out. These taxes and fee are subject to change without notice.
- Reservations by attendees must be received on or before is 5:00PM PST at Hotel on 03/31/2026 (the “Cut-Off Date”).
- **Travel Grant for Media requires that the member stay at the host hotel, and meet the minimum 18 media marketplace appointments.
- Upgraded room types are available as follows: Club Floor King (+$50.00), Junior Suite (+$75.00), Executive Suite (+$140.00). A cot (maximum of “one” cot per room) can be supplied in a Traditional King Room or Suite if required and based on availability.
Q: Is there a room block / special rate for the host hotels?
A. Yes!
BOOKING LINK: “TMAC Annual Conference – Media Block” Book your group rate for TMAC Annual Conference – Media Block
BOOKING LINK: “TMAC Annual Conference – Industry Block” Book your group rate for TMAC Annual Conference – Industry Block
Q: I’m driving into Richmond. Is there parking on site?
A: Yes. The host hotel is able to offer TMAC members a special parking rate of $15/day or overnight.
Q: Are there any airline travel codes?
✈️ Air Canada Promo Code: V6EWZAM1 – The travel period begins 04/22/2026 and ends 5/10/2026.
✈️ Westjet Discount Code: 8E8G2VI. 5% off Econo* and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium base fares for travel within Canada and between Canada & US. No discount will apply to Ultra Basic or Business class bookings. Please visit www.westjet.com to make a booking online. For travel to Vancouver only between 4/22/2026 and 5/10/2026. FYI if you are booking through a travel agent, use the code YBV57.
✈️ Porter: Please book online at https://www.flyporter.com/en-ca/?promocode=TMAC26 or through your travel agent using promo code “TMAC26”. This is for a 10% discount on available base fares (with the exception of the lowest class fare during a public seat sale to Vancouver only.. You can start booking the discounted from October 07, 2025 to April 28, 2026. The discount only works for travel until May 4, 2026.
🚗 Park’N Fly Discount Code: 1120263
Q: We're interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, are there any available?
A: Yes, there are great Conference Sponsorship Opportunities and Awards Sponsorships to select from. Reach out to Jerry Grymek, Sponsorship Chair to secure an opportunity!
Q: Are families/children allowed on the pre and post-tours or at the conference?
A: The conference experience is strictly for TMAC members. Family or children are not permitted to participate in the Pre and Post tours or any of the conference-related events.
Q: What are the Local Tours?
A: Tourism Richmond developed an array of wonderful local tours for all delegates to participate in. The local tour itineraries will be ready for your perusal when conference registration opens on Monday, December 1st at 12:00pm EST.
Q: Will there be themed events?
A: Yes! Those will be unveiled at a later date. We promise to give you ample time to plan all your outfits.
Q: I heard TMACers like to dance. Will there be a dance aspect to the famed TMAC Awards Gala?
A: Yes! There will be dancing after the TMAC Awards Gala wraps up. Bring those dancing shoes.
Q: Will there be TMAC Delegate Badges? Do I really need my Delegate Badge at all times?
A: Yes and yes! You’ll need to show your delegate badge to enter all events and sessions.
Q: Should I bring a reusable water bottle?
Yes! TMAC is constantly looking at ways to implement sustainable practices. To limit single plastic use, we won’t be offering bottled water and juice during the conference breaks and lunches. There will be water stations all day where you can use your water bottle or glasses provided by the hotel.
Q: What is a TMAC Chapter meeting?
Essentially, there is a TMAC rep for each of the 5 chapters of Canada. As a delegate, you are able to go to one of these chapter meetings (depending on your location) to learn about what the chapter did this year!
Q: What member types are able to register?
We have new member types for the 2026 Conference. The TMAC registration process will include a participant designation for:
-
Editorial/Earned Media only
-
Sponsored/Commercial Content Creator only
-
Both Editorial and Sponsored/Commercial
Learn more about these participant types:
- Editorial/Earned Media only: These participants produce content for traditional editorial outlets (print, digital, broadcast) and do not engage in paid partnerships. Their participation is focused solely on editorial coverage.
- Sponsored/Commercial Content Creator only: These participants create content for their own platforms (blogs, social media, or other digital channels).
This designation does not automatically mean they only work for cash. It indicates that their content is commercially focused or suitable for brand partnerships, which may or may not include payment. The distinction is about the type of content produced, not the payment method. They will also have access to the Media Marketplace, but industry members will see that these participants are open to partnership opportunities, including sponsored content.
- Both Editorial and Sponsored/Commercial: This designation applies to media members who do both where they produce editorial content and also engage in sponsored or commercial partnerships.
Overall the goal is to make interactions in the Media Marketplace more efficient and transparent, helping industry and media connect in ways that match content type and goals, without restricting participation.
Q: I am not interested in the optional late-night events. Are there wellness-focused/non-drinking events?
A: Yes! We had success in 2025 Saskatoon when we implemented wellness sessions that offered meditative yoga. We plan to implement wellness sessions in the 2026 conference program.
These options provide meaningful ways to connect, relax, and explore without the pressure of staying up late. This will ensure that all attendees have a diverse set of options to support the most optimal conference experience.
Q: I will book a hotel room with another media member, should I notify the hotel of both or all names on the room?
A: Yes, please do so when you register. This is to keep track of media bookings in relation to the Travel Grant and for emergency purposes for the hotel. Note there is a policy of maximum two Travel Grants per shared room in host hotelsat the Conference.
Q: Where do we meet up for all the events?
A: The host hotel, Sheraton Vancouver AIrport, is the central location for the Conference: including the Registration/Information Desk, Conference Sessions, and departure/arrival for all off-site events. If you are not staying here or at Vancouver Airport Marriott, you will need to be at this hotel for shuttles to/from events. All delegates are encouraged to stay at the host hotels.