Canada’s Only Culinary and Agritourism Conference Heads to Edmonton in 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taste of Place Summit to spotlight Canada’s Culinary & Agritourism Action Plan
(Edmonton, AB) – September 16, 2025 – Edmonton is set to take center stage in Canada’s culinary and agritourism movement. The Taste of Place Summit, the nation’s only conference dedicated to culinary and agritourism, will land in Alberta’s capital on June 15 + 16, 2026 promising two unforgettable days of immersive experiences, bold ideas, and national collaboration.
Hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance in partnership with Explore Edmonton, this landmark event will drive forward Canada’s Culinary & Agritourism Action Plan, connecting chefs, farmers, tourism leaders, and changemakers shaping the future of food and place-based travel.
“We can’t wait to welcome the world to Edmonton for the 2026 Taste of Place Summit. Recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the Top 10 Cities to Visit in 2025, Edmonton is ready to show how our food scene and local stories can inspire global recognition,” said Traci Bednard, President & CEO, Explore Edmonton.
A Summit Unlike Any Other
The Taste of Place Summit isn’t just a conference—it’s a culinary expedition. Delegates will dive deep into Edmonton’s vibrant foodways through Learning Journeys, hands-on tours designed to showcase Alberta’s diverse tastes of place:
Urban Edmonton – Forage with a local expert, taste artisanal chocolate, craft cocktails, and end the day with Indigenous storytelling aboard a historic streetcar.
Rural Edmonton Region – Step into Alberta’s prairie heartlands with a day that pairs seasonal farm-fresh tastes with Indigenous stories, living heritage, and warm prairie hospitality.
Strathcona County – Make pierogi at an organic farm, sip local beers, enjoy long-table dining among flowers, and explore Indigenous traditions in Elk Island National Park.
Leduc County – Experience the power of collaboration through Indigenous-owned businesses, chef-driven meals, and sustainable local ventures.
Why It Matters
The Taste of Place Summit is more than a showcase, it’s a platform for ideas that transform destinations. By advancing Canada’s Culinary & Agritourism Action Plan, the summit strengthens Canada’s position on the global stage.
“This summit is where leaders come together to spark innovation and create real impact. Hosting in Edmonton means celebrating Alberta’s authentic tastes of place while building Canada’s reputation as a world-class culinary tourism destination,” said Rebecca Mackenzie, President & CEO, Culinary Tourism Alliance.
Tickets & Registration
Registration is now open at tasteofplace.ca. Tickets include welcome events, two full days of programming including an immersive Learning Journey. Early Bird pricing runs until December 31, 2025.
About the Culinary Tourism Alliance
The Culinary Tourism Alliance is a non-profit committed to connecting tastemakers across Canada and around the world with a goal of sparking delicious developments in culinary tourism. With an established expertise in culinary tourism development, the Culinary Tourism Alliance seeks to ensure that authentic tastes of place become a significant economic driver for communities and regions, and a primary way for travellers to enrich their experience. To learn more, follow @CulinaryTourismAlliance on Instagram or visit www.culinarytourismalliance.com.
About Explore Edmonton
Explore Edmonton is Edmonton’s destination management and marketing organization, committed to showcasing the city’s best experiences to visitors from around the world. From world-class festivals to vibrant culinary offerings, Explore Edmonton drives economic prosperity while inspiring travel to and within Edmonton. www.exploreedmonton.com
Media Contact:
Rebecca Mackenzie
President + CEO, Culinary Tourism Alliance
(613) 471-0102
rebecca@culinarytourismalliance.com
