When Stevie McKeeman first joined the Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA) eight years ago, she says she didn’t know the first thing about how the motorcoach industry worked or what an association even did. But now, as OMCA’s membership and industry engagement specialist, “I’m the person who yells ‘Bus!’ every time I see a motorcoach,” she says. “I especially love spotting our members in action. I take great pride in helping our members build meaningful connections, strengthen partnerships, and grow their businesses. Watching those relationships turn into lasting success is one of the best parts of my job.”
With OMCA’s Marketplace conference coming up Nov. 2-4 in the Waterloo Region of Southern Ontario, McKeeman spoke with Group Tour about what OMCA does and why OMCA Marketplace is a valuable opportunity for tour planners.
Q. How would you describe OMCA to someone who is unfamiliar with the organization?
A. OMCA is a warm, welcoming community of amazing people who are passionate about motorcoach tourism. There is a camaraderie amongst our members that can only be found in an industry that thrives through long-lasting partnerships and a sprinkle of altruism.
Q. The 2026 edition of OMCA Marketplace is coming up—what makes it a valuable conference for group tour planners to attend?
A. The OMCA Marketplace is an incredible three-day opportunity to connect (or reconnect) with the partners who make your group travel bookings seamless. In every booth is a tour operator who places a high value on the reliable and responsive tourism suppliers who add the wow factor to their itineraries. Across from them are destinations, attractions, and other tourism organizations that understand the true value of travel trade and the relationships forged within it.
Q. How does OMCA Marketplace help tour operators plan their group tours?
A. OMCA devises a full appointment schedule for tour operators to meet with tourism suppliers, gather inspiring new itinerary ideas, nurture relationships with key group contacts, and condense months of independent research into just two days. These eight-minute, back-to-back appointments utilize a sophisticated algorithm to ensure that tour operators meet only with suppliers who can benefit their business.
Q. What else do attendees need to know?
A. The 2026 OMCA Marketplace is hosted in Waterloo Region from Nov. 2-4, with shuttle service for delegates flying into Pearson Toronto Airport. The host city is helping immerse its OMCA Marketplace visitors in its culture through Pre-FAM tours and evening networking events in exclusive venues.
Registration is free for all tour operator companies taking appointments. OMCA member companies qualify for a full hotel rebate for their stay during the event. New member operators also qualify for a $200 travel rebate, making the membership fee (starting at $270) a no-brainer! Supplier/seller registration fees are $1,095 for members and $1,795 for nonmembers. We maintain a 4-to-1 seller-to-buyer ratio to ensure that all sellers have a valuable number of appointments.
Q. Is there anything else our audience of tour operators should know about OMCA or Marketplace?
A. Staying connected with industry partners on both sides of the border is essential to long-term group business success. Markets shift, travel patterns evolve, and visitor numbers naturally fluctuate, but strong relationships remain the foundation of future business. Being the consistent, reliable partner your customers can count on is what sets industry leaders apart. OMCA Marketplace offers a welcoming, affordable, and enjoyable opportunity to strengthen those connections and invest in tomorrow’s business.
Ontario Motor Coach Association
416-229-6622
stevie@omca.com
www.omca.com
Lead Photo:
OMCA Evening Events
Photo courtesy of Ontario Motor Coach Association
