The NK’MIP Conference facility is the largest, full-service conference centre in the South Okanagan, with 9,000 square feet of flexible and functional meeting, exhibition and ballroom space for events of up to 350 people. The Centre also offers six break-out rooms, including three individual meetings spaces and three alternative conference facilities: a 25-seat facility at NK’MIP Cellars Winery, a 75-seat facility at Spirit Ridge and an 80-room amphitheatre-style conference facility at the NK’MIP Cultural Centre.
The Conference Centre is the newest addition to the OIB’s award-winning NK’MIP Resort. “The development of the Conference Centre enables us to increase our shoulder season business for the destination by targeting a growing meetings market that we could not attract to the South Okanagan without this new facility,” said Mohamad Awad, GM of Spirit Ridge Resort,
As the only First Nation 4.5 Star resort, NK’MIP Resort provides an option for hosting First Nations health, education, council and business meetings as well as a variety of private sector meetings and events. “Native bands and organizations host meetings, conferences and retreats every month dealing with a multitude of issues, including: youth, health, social services, education, governance and economic development. Too many times, these meetings are held off-reserve at venues that do not support First Nation employment or provide revenue to a First Nation community,” says OIB Chief Clarence Louie.
The Osoyoos Indian Band employs First Nations people from at least four provinces and from as many as 13 different Bands.
Meetings and events at the new Conference Centre are projected to generate an additional $2.4 to $3 million per annum in economic activity for the Osoyoos area, based on average daily spending by conference delegates in the Okanagan region. The meetings sector currently accounts for approximately one-quarter of total revenues for Spirit Ridge Resort.
The NK’MIP Conference Centre will be operated by Bellstar Resorts and completes the Phase two development of Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa. Total development for Phases one and two is valued at more than $80 million.
