Marion Joppe
Professor, School of Hospitality, Food & Tourism Management, University of Guelph
When did you first join TTRA Canada and what prompted you to join?
I learned about TTRA while doing undergraduate work in Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo. TTRA International held a conference in Ottawa, probably around 1974 or 75, with such luminaries as Claire Gunn and J.R. Brent Ritchie as speakers. I was smitten!
How many conferences have you attended?
Too many to count. Once I returned to Canada in 1988, I did not miss many TTRA Canada conferences and very few TTRA International conferences.
What has been the highlight of attending TTRA Conferences?
Everyone will tell you it’s the networking: meeting well known academics, rising stars among the students and well experienced leaders in the destination and supplier worlds is a learning like no other.
Do you have a memory of an experience at the conference that stands out to you?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one over so many years, but the methodological debates that can ensue among some strong researchers is always fascinating (and sometimes the sparks really fly!!!)
How has attending TTRA conferences benefited your career over the years?
The ability to discuss approaches to research and findings with people who really understand the subject and methodologies is invaluable in constantly improving as an academic.
What would you tell another academic/professor considering joining TTRA or attending the conference?
It’s not just a cliche to say that TTRA is a family. You will always be able to reach out to other members who will generously share their experience with you, even outside the conference. Many will be willing to share contacts, data, lessons learned and even take time to review or participate in studies. You can never start building your network too early and receive support for your career ambitions, no matter where it takes you in our fast evolving field.
Jill Bueddefeld
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Manitoba
When did you first join TTRA Canada and what prompted you to join?
I first joined TTRA in 2014. I joined in order to attend the TTRA Canada Conference in Yellowknife and the TTRA International Conference in Brugge Belgium to present my master’s research.
How many conferences have you attended?
Three so far. Most recently, I attended the TTRA Canada Conference in Halifax
What has been the highlight of attending TTRA Conferences?
I received the DMAC Graduate Scholarship in 2014 at the TTRA Canada Conference. I had the opportunity to present my work in front of the entire conference, which was a real privilege as a masters student. The award, of course, was also quite the honour!
Do you have a memory of an experience at the conference that stands out to you?
The dance parties at TTRA Canada! Everyone talked this up during the conference, and I was very skeptical if anyone would actually “tear up the dance floor”. They definitely delivered – that dance floor was shredded to pieces!
How have attending TTRA conferences benefited your educational experience?
TTRA is great because it attracts top academics and top practitioners. You get to hear first hand about how research can impact the industry, and also what the industry needs are. I think it also creates practical collaborative opportunities that you don’t necessarily always find at conferences that attract only academics.
Do you intend to pursue a tourism research career? How do you think being a part of the TTRA community will enhance your career?
I do! I think it has already enhanced my career. I’ve built a network of people that I know that has led to writing opportunities and contacts for future post-doc opportunities. And hopefully a job one day!
What would you tell another student considering joining TTRA or attending the conference?
If you’re going to go to one tourism conference, this should be the one you go to. The conference is large enough to attract top scholars and industry members, but small enough that you get a chance to meet people that are interested in you and your research career. The quality of the sessions is also worthwhile. You’ll always come away with learning something useful and having some new ideas and insights.