Economic Development Tours
Explore the dynamism of rural and northern Manitoba with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce’s Economic Development Tours (EDTs). These intensive one and two-day tours connect participants directly with local chambers, decision-makers, and Indigenous, business and economic development leaders. Gain invaluable insights through meetings that delve into strategic economic initiatives and enjoy firsthand experiences with guided tours of local businesses and attractions.
Registration now open for the 2026 Tours!
Thompson: October 1-2
A tour of Thompson’s dynamic business community—northern Manitoba’s largest economic centre and a critical hub for industry, services, and regional connectivity. This experience offers a high-level look at the key sectors driving Thompson’s economy, including mining and natural resources, clean energy, transportation and logistics, Indigenous-led enterprises, and essential services that support communities across the North.
Thompson Itinerary
Thursday, October 1, 2026:
7:30AM – Depart Winnipeg to Thompson
9:25AM – Arrive in Thompson
10:00AM – Welcome Session and Light Breakfast at Thompson Regional Community Centre
11:30AM – Tour – University College of the North
1:00PM – Lunch – TBD
2:15PM – Tour – Vale Base Metals
4:00PM – Hotel Drop Offs and Delegate Downtime
6:00PM – Dinner – TBD
8:30PM – Evening Concludes
Friday, October 2, 2026:
7:00AM – Breakfast
8:00AM – Hotel Check Out
9:15AM – Pisew Falls Provincial Park
10:15AM – Tour – Global Aerospace Centre for Icing and Environmental Research
11:30AM – Lunch – TBD
12:45PM – Tour – Thompson Train Station
2:00PM – Tour – Thompson Regional Airport / Area 55
4:30PM – Dinner – TBD
6:30PM – Depart Thompson
8:20PM – Arrive in Winnipeg
*This itinerary is not final and tour stops may change.
Brandon: October 14-15
A tour of Brandon’s diverse and growing business community—Westman’s economic hub and a key driver of Manitoba’s regional economy. This experience offers a high-level look at the sectors fueling growth, including agriculture and agri-processing, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, education, and health services.
Brandon Itinerary
Wednesday, October 14, 2026:
7:30AM – Depart Winnipeg to Brandon
10:00AM – Arrive in Brandon
10:30AM – Welcome Session and Light Breakfast at Brandon City Hall
11:00AM – Driving Tour with City of Brandon
12:15PM – Lunch and Presentation – Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts at Assiniboine College
1:45PM – Tour – Assiniboine College – Victoria Ave. E Campus
3:00PM – Tour – Keystone Centre
4:30PM – Hotel Drop Offs and Delegate Downtime
6:00PM – Dinner – TBD
8:30PM – Evening Concludes
Thursday, October 15, 2026:
7:00AM – Breakfast
8:00AM – Hotel Check Out
8:45AM – CFB Shilo
11:00AM – Brandon Chamber of Commerce Health Care Luncheon
1:45PM – Tour – Glendale Industries
3:15PM – Tour – Greenstone Building Products
4:30PM – Dinner – TBD
6:30PM – Depart for Winnipeg
9:00PM – Arrive in Winnipeg
*This itinerary is not final and tour stops may change.
Interprovincial Economic Development Tours
Interprovincial Economic Development Tours bring together business and community leaders from across the Prairies to strengthen relationships and expand opportunities for interprovincial trade. Through inbound and outbound tours, participants explore regional industries, share ideas, and build partnerships that support long-term economic growth.
Express Your Interest in Upcoming Tour Options
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce are considering a number of potential tours. If you are interested in joining an upcoming tour, please complete the corresponding expression of interest form linked below.
DEFSEC Atlantic (Halifax, Oct 6-8 – Joint mission with STEP)
A tour centred around DEFSEC Atlantic, Canada’s premier defence and security conference on the East Coast. This experience offers participants the opportunity to explore Canada’s defence and security sector while building connections with industry, government, and innovation leaders.
DEFSEC West (Calgary, Mar 23, 2027)
A tour centred around DEFSEC West, showcasing Western Canada’s growing defence and security sector. This experience offers participants the opportunity to connect with businesses, government, and industry leaders while exploring opportunities in defence, technology, and advanced manufacturing.
Canadian Western Agribition (Regina, Nov 23-28)
A tour centred around Canadian Western Agribition, one of Canada’s premier agricultural events. This experience offers participants the opportunity to explore the livestock, agri-food, and agriculture sectors while connecting with industry leaders and discovering new opportunities for collaboration and business growth.
SIAL (Toronto, April 27, 2027)
A tour centred around SIAL Canada, North America’s leading food innovation and trade show. This experience offers participants the opportunity to explore the latest trends in the food and beverage industry while connecting with manufacturers, processors, distributors, retailers, and other industry professionals.
Food Fuel & Fertilizer (Regina, April 2027)
A tour centred around Food, Fuel & Fertilizer, highlighting Saskatchewan’s strengths across agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. This experience offers participants the opportunity to connect with industry leaders while exploring innovation, collaboration, and business opportunities across these interconnected sectors.
Stampede + Agri-food and Tours (Edmonton, Calgary, July 9, 2027)
A tour centred around the Calgary Stampede, showcasing Alberta’s agriculture, agri-food, and business sectors. This experience offers participants the opportunity to build relationships, explore new markets, and connect with businesses and organizations driving economic growth across the province.
Ag in Motion (Saskatoon, July 20-22, 2027)
A tour centred around Ag in Motion, Western Canada’s largest outdoor agricultural expo. This experience offers participants the opportunity to explore innovation in agriculture, connect with industry leaders, and discover new technologies and opportunities shaping the future of the sector.
Why join a tour?
Valuable Connections
These tours offer a deep dive into Manitoba’s economic landscape, plus exceptional networking opportunities with decision-makers. Whether you’re seeking to understand emerging industries or connect with established businesses, you’ll gain a comprehensive view of what drives Manitoba’s economic growth and discover why our province is a hub for economic innovation and development.
Exclusive, Immersive Access
You’ll tour a variety of local businesses and gain a behind-the-scenes look at Steinbach’s thriving economy, while meeting with municipal leaders, economic development experts and local chamber representatives.
Supporting Manitoba’s Economy
We embrace a “made in Manitoba” approach to economic development for these tours. Participants can make connections within their home province to develop partnerships that encourage local procurement in a variety of sectors, and wherever possible, MCC uses local providers for transportation services, accommodations and catering.
Hassle-Free, All-Inclusive Experience
Your registration includes: Ttravel to/from/around the destination community (including airfare), accommodations for one (1) night when on two-day trips (room and taxes only), meals (excluding liquor unless otherwise specified), and admission to any sites/events during the MCC’s scheduled itinerary.
Registration does not include travel in a personal vehicle (fuel, parking, maintenance, mileage, etc.), incidentals, liquor (unless otherwise specified), or admission to any off-itinerary sites/events.
Read the 2026 Tour Recaps:
Thank you, Winkler!
A tour of Winkler’s vibrant business community—one of Manitoba’s fastest-growing economic hubs—where innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry drive regional success. This experience offers a high-level look at the diverse sectors powering the local economy, including advanced manufacturing, agriculture and agri-processing, transportation, and technology.
Thank you, Churchill!
A tour of Churchill’s unique and resilient business community—where northern innovation, tourism, and sustainability converge in one of Manitoba’s most distinctive economic landscapes. This experience offers a high-level look at the diverse sectors shaping the region, including tourism and hospitality, transportation and logistics, Indigenous-led enterprises, research and environmental science, and Arctic infrastructure.