Event Type : Speaker Series

Chris Hughes is passionate about two things: motorcycles and toilets. An interesting combo for sure, but there is always a good story as to why. His 26-year career in tourism development has seen him crisscross the country (mostly on his motorcycle) helping clients create the next great tourism experience, and with that he has seen it all.

On Two Wheels

Eleven years ago, Ontario’s Highlands came to BC Hughes with a seed of an idea to create a world class motorcycle destination. Having already helped build Ride Lake Superior, Ride the North, Ride Grey Bruce, and other motorsports destinations, Chris and his team were excited at the opportunity, knowing full well that the region had all the successful ingredients: twisty roads, delicious food/drink and friendly locals. Fast forward to today, and Ride the Highlands is one of the top motorcycle destinations in North America.

On the Toilet

The bathroom, washroom, potty, commode, outhouse, no matter what you call it, we all need it, especially when we are tourists. Chris has spent his whole career looking for the perfect public toilet and feels as a society we are really missing the perfect flush. Learn why Tim Hortons still hasn’t figured out what ‘business’ it’s really in, see how Stratford’s new Boathouse Bathroom is winning over theatre guests, and see examples from around the world of those that get it and those that miss the mark.

Chris is co-owner and director at BC Hughes Tourism Consulting located in Shallow Lake, Ontario (located right beside the really deep one – Lake Huron). As a University of Waterloo alumnus, Chris was trained on the integration of business and the environment. Something extremely relative in today’s tourism economies. Chris specializes in developing memorable and innovative tourism experiences; from the Han Wi (full moon dinner), to goat yoga to motorcycle touring routes, he thrives on working with businesses of all sizes

As an expansion of the well-established “native plant sale,” FEEL is offering this exciting educational opportunity with experiential workshops, demonstrations, and presentations. As always, potted native plants will be available to purchase and ecologists will be on-site to help you make the best choices for your landscape. Local environmental organizations will be on-site too, for you to ask burning questions, and for them to share their insights and knowledge with you, all under the umbrella of ecology! 

As a family-friendly event, the workshops are great for little hands to get involved. FEEL’s Children’s Water Festival coordinator will be activating one of our hands-on activity stations for kids and families to engage with. And, of course, as our host for this event, Abbey Gardens is a beautiful place to walk, have fun in the Enchanted Forest, say hello to the ponies, and grab a bite to eat at the Food Hub. 

Register for a workshop today!

As an expansion of the well-established “native plant sale,” FEEL is offering this exciting educational opportunity with experiential workshops, demonstrations, and presentations. As always, potted native plants will be available to purchase and ecologists will be on-site to help you make the best choices for your landscape. Local environmental organizations will be on-site too, for you to ask burning questions, and for them to share their insights and knowledge with you, all under the umbrella of ecology! 

As a family-friendly event, the workshops are great for little hands to get involved. FEEL’s Children’s Water Festival coordinator will be activating one of our hands-on activity stations for kids and families to engage with. And, of course, as our host for this event, Abbey Gardens is a beautiful place to walk, have fun in the Enchanted Forest, say hello to the ponies, and grab a bite to eat at the Food Hub. 

Register for a workshop today!

John Turner was the prime minister of Canada in 1984 for only 79 days. But that short stint in no way reflects the commitment he made to his country, or the impact he had. Steve Paikin takes us through the life of a man who wasn’t born in Canada, but gave so much to it.

Steve Paikin is the host of TVO’s flagship current affairs program, The Agenda with Steve Paikin. He co-hosts the weekly provincial affairs #onpoli podcast and contributes columns to tvo.org. Paikin was born and raised in Hamilton, which explains his love of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Toronto Maple Leafs. We’re still trying to figure out his obsession for the Boston Red Sox.