Intimate and relaxed Kingston offers businesses the best, bespoke getaways

Ted Robinson isn’t originally from Kingston, and that, he says, allows him to see the city from a different angle – from an outsider’s perspective, where he is constantly exploring and curious about the small city’s depths and charms. It also gives him an edge in his role promoting Kingston to businesses and organizations looking to host events in the city.

“I chose to be here, I’m not a native Kingstonian,” says Robinson, who arrived in 2018, working as festival director of Kingston Pride for three years before joining Tourism Kingston in late 2021.

Robinson says Kingston makes a very compelling offering, which drew him to the city and which makes his job as business events specialist easier. It’s compact and walkable, beautiful and striking in its historic, waterfront location, and includes all the spoils of a larger city with its diverse dining experiences, rich cultural heritage, and impressive music and art scenes.

“It’s a very real city, friendly and hospitable – where else can you chat with the mayor at the Subway around the corner when you zip out for lunch? There is an intimacy here that you won’t find in larger centres,” says Robinson.

Outgoing with a love of connecting with others, Robinson brings his enthusiasm for the city and networking abilities to his role as business events specialist, curating bespoke experiences for businesses and corporations looking to host executive meetings, board retreats, sales meetings, and conferences in Kingston. He provides in-depth knowledge of the city and creates itineraries that hit all the right notes, allowing groups to unwind and relax together, and focus on work and strategic goals.

“People don’t always know what Kingston has to offer and I can be that bridge, guiding them through the attractions and possibilities, what can be done in the time they’ve allotted for their event,” he says.

Robinson networks with local partners – hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and small businesses – and provides those connections to meeting planners and company administration teams. He also accompanies meeting planners on site visits or arranges virtual tours of key facilities to find the perfect fit for their event. Currently, Robinson explains, Kingston is best suited to host small- to medium-sized gatherings of up to 250 people, though plans are in development to construct a conference centre in the core that would accommodate larger events, ceremonies, and trade shows.

In terms of curated experiences, every group is looking for something a little different, he says. There are those who want the traditional Kingston experience, choosing to visit top attractions such as Fort Henry and the Kingston Penitentiary, and enjoying a cruise through the 1,000 Islands.

Others take interest in venturing out of the core into Frontenac County or Prince Edward County, where Robinson has connections with local farmers and growers who can provide a deep dive into local sustainable agriculture. There are also top-notch food tours in the city to satisfy any foodie, and groups can visit the many craft breweries in town to learn and see first-hand how local beers are made.

Some groups, he says, crave more activity and choose options such as sailing, canoeing, and kayaking, or renting bicycles to tour historic sites surrounding the downtown. Wellness experiences at local spas or body breaks during meetings, with a yoga instructor guiding a stretching or meditation session, are also popular.

Organized events aside, Robinson says the joy of visiting and exploring Kingston is in the smaller details: the ease of travel within the downtown core, and the ability to walk along great swathes of waterfront and through historic walkways, happening upon hidden patios and local music performances.

And for him personally, the place to be is along the water, whether jumping in the lake for a quick dip at Gord Edgar Downie Pier, taking a cruise, or moving farther north to explore the historic locks system at Kingston Mills, part of the Rideau Canal National Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“How wonderful is it to be in a city that has embraced the water, and made it accessible,” says Robinson.

“There is something for everyone in Kingston. And for me, there is nothing I’d rather be doing than helping others enjoy and explore this vibrant city.”