OHC2022
SPEAKERS & BIOS
SPEAKER BIOS
Robert Carter
Managing Partner, StratonHunter Group
Robert Carter is Canada’s leading restaurant and foodservice expert with over 20 years of unique industry experience spanning operations, strategy, marketing and consumer research. As Managing Partner of The StratonHunter Group, Robert leads a portfolio of high growth companies in the restaurant and food-tech industry by developing strategic growth plans to increase market share, establish operational efficiencies, lead organizational change initiatives and secure growth capital.
Emile Gourieux
STR
Emile Gourieux is the Senior Sales Executive for STR in Canada. STR provides clients with premium, global data benchmarking and analytics.
Emile is responsible for growing STR’s network of hotel partners and strengthening their overall data set. Along with increasing the volume of room-related data, Emile also champions efforts to expand benchmark reporting in categories such as Forward Bookings, Guest Segmentation, and Operating Statistics so hoteliers will have the information they need to thrive. As Emile always says, “success is in the numbers!”
Prior to joining STR, Emile managed luxury hotels on California’s Central Coast for nearly 15 years. Most recently he was Director of Business Development for the Hotels Sector at JPMorgan Chase where he designed marketing campaigns for hotels and resorts around the world. He resides in Nashville, TN with his wife and daughter.
Mo Aladin
President & FOUNDER, Big Sky Hospitality Inc.
Co-Founder Peer Guidance Group
Mo’s passion and drive comes from developing people of all levels from entrepreneurs to senior executives. His career encompasses many industries including Tech, Pharmacy, Environmental Biology, and Hospitality.
Mo has over 25 years in running businesses (small to over 350 employees) and HR Leadership in the training and development of teams. Following his role as Director of Operations and Training Swiss Chalet and Harvey’s, Mo Founded Big Sky Hospitality Inc with over 350 employees provided many challenges that he turned into opportunities to create: the right culture, design and implement succession planning, develop leaders, grow sales, and increase profitability, all in an ethical, safe, and integral manner. He has also effectively coached executives in these areas. He has helped transition leaders from one career to another and sharpen their style to take on a bigger or more challenging role. In his Peer Guidance group, he helps entrepreneurs with great ideas bring forward creative solutions as well as mentoring them to be a better.
His specialties are Planning for the Future, Transformation and putting a mirror to executives and helping them with self-discovery. His strong people background helps him bring forth strategies on professional and team development. Culture drives performance not words or vision and mission statements on a wall. Living the principles makes people work for you. Mo believes in a balanced approach to life, Mental physical, emotional and spiritual. His mental approach if to read great books and listen to podcasts that expand his mind, physically he is engaged in competitive Tennis and Squash. Emotional is his cultivation and desire to continue to have a strong family and friends who keep him grounded and finally his spiritual need is to meditate, think about why we are here and what are you leaving behind to the next generation. “No one will care how much money you made only how you made them feel”.
Minto Schneider
Destination Specialist, Government Affairs - Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC)
Minto has more than 30 years experience in the tourism industry including hotel marketing, destination marketing and management. She brings extensive knowledge of the Canadian market including more than 20 years working in DMO roles. Most recently, Minto spent 9 years as CEO at Explore Waterloo Region where she led the development for a business event specific marketing strategy, working closely with Destination Canada. Destination development in Waterloo Region focused on sport and the outdoors under Minto’s leadership.
In August 2022, Minto joined TIAC as a Destination Specialist, Government Affairs. In this role, she is advocating for the interests for destination organizations. Minto’s career also includes significant time spent in Nova Scotia at the provincial marketing organization and prior to that, Minto was with Hilton Canada in hotels across Canada in senior sales and marketing roles. Minto has served on the boards of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, the Destination Marketing Association of Canada, Destination Ontario and Destination Canada’s Business Events Advisory Committee. She currently serves on the boards of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario and Meetings Mean Business Canada.
Cameron Woof
AVP, Hotels & Syndication - CWB Franchise Finance
Cam Woof has been lending in the Canadian hospitality sector with CWB Franchise Finance for over a decade. He has managed a loan book in excess of a billion dollars from coast to coast, and has financed hotel acquisitions, renovations, new construction, and portfolio restructuring throughout the hospitality industry. Currently the AVP, Hotels & Syndication for CWB Franchise Finance, Cam and his team of financing professionals are dedicated to supporting Canadian hoteliers and their business.
Cam holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Guelph’s Hotel & Food Administration program, and lives just outside Guelph, Ontario with his wife, Christy, and three children, Ben, Eli and Eden.
Margot Swindall
Director of Business Development, Technomic
Margot Swindall, Director of Business Development for Technomic, aligns syndicated and custom research and consulting insights to support strategic business growth for the company’s Canadian clients. She draws upon over 30 years of Canadian and U.S. industry experience, working for a variety of foodservice CPG, operator and distribution organizations. Her tenure at these organizations spanned innovation, customer marketing, insights, and sales and marketing leadership roles for food consumed away from home. Margot holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University of Guelph’s Hotel and Food Administration program, where she also taught third year hospitality marketing as a sessional instructor for three (3) terms. Margot’s passion and leadership for the foodservice industry have also played out in a variety of volunteer roles throughout the industry. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, golf, curling, yoga, and cycling. She is mother to three dynamic and ever-changing Generation Z young adults.
Chef John Higgins
George Brown College
Bio coming soon.
Jamie Berryman
Vice President National Sales, Sysco Canada
Jamie has over 30 years of experience in the Canadian foodservice industry. Prior to joining Sysco in 1995, he worked with industry pioneers Maple Leaf Foods and Elmira Poultry.
In his role as Vice President, National Sales, Jamie leads the Sysco Canada National Sales team, who are responsible for managing the relationships with Sysco’s significant national chain and healthcare & senior living customers. Jamie is passionate about developing long term partnerships to deliver mutual success. What he finds most rewarding in his role is the opportunity to coach and develop future leaders and share the commitment to deliver a better tomorrow. To support this, he serves as the Executive Sponsor for Sysco Canada’s Indigenous Associate Resource Group, CIRCLE, an associate led group, which celebrates diversity, nourishes a safe and inclusive environment for all Indigenous and Non-Indigenous associates to learn, honor and appreciate Indigenous history, culture, teachings and values.
In his leisure time, Jamie enjoys traveling and spending time with his active family in Nova Scotia.
Gunjan Kahlon
Wyndham Hotels
Gunjan Kahlon is Vice President of Development for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, responsible for growth across the company’s family of iconic hotel brands in Eastern Canada. Prior to joining Wyndham, Kahlon was a Corporate Sales leader with Dolce Hotels & Resorts, now part of Wyndham’s brand portfolio, in Toronto. She started her career in India with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts in Jaipur and served as a Sales Manager with Hyatt before moving to Canada in 2006. Kahlon holds a Master’s Degree in Tourism Management.
Gunjan is also a Board Member at Hotel Association of of Canada, Member Board of Directors at Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association and an Editorial Advisory Board Member at Stay Magazine
Joe Baker
CEO, Joe Baker & Co / Strategic Director of Workforce Development, ORHMA
Joe Baker is a passionate leader within Ontario’s tourism, hospitality and education sectors and a vocal advocate for a resilient, inclusive, future-forward industry. He is currently working with ORHMA as Strategic Director of Workforce Development and is CEO of Joe Baker & Co., a human capital consultancy focused on transformational strategy, coaching, training and talent.
He was previously Dean at Centennial College’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts where he led the most significant transformation in the school’s over 50-year history. Joe has held senior management roles at George Brown College’s Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts including Director of Operations, Services and Partnerships. Before joining higher education he worked in hotels and managed restaurants including with Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality and The Keg Steakhouse and Bar.
Joe has a Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership, a Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality and Tourism Management and extensive executive education and certifications. He serves proudly on the board of directors at Tourism HR Canada and Tourism Industry Association of Ontario.
Jonathan Holliwell
Senior Director Canada Franchise Operations, Marriott Hotels of Canada
Jonathan Holliwell is an accomplished and experienced Hotel Operation Expert. He has 25 years of experience spanning managing in the Fairmont and Delta organization and joined Marriott 11 years ago. During his time with Marriott has has become a two-time General Manager in the Seattle and Toronto markets. He also spent 5 years as Area Director of Operations for Canada responsible for Operational Excellence at multiple Brands from Luxury to Select service. This also included the opening operations lead at the Delta Thunder Bay, Marriott Toronto Markham and the conversion of the St. Regis Toronto. His region improved all operational metrics every year during this time. Recently, He began a new role overseeing Operations across Marriott Canada’s 200+ Properties.
Jane Yrenaya
Implementation Specialist, FranklinCovey
Jane brings close to 20 years working in Human Resources and Learning & Development space, having worked mainly in the hospitality industry. In her most recent position as Corporate Director of Talent & Learning, Jane worked closely with the Human Resources and Senior teams to develop learning strategies in support of achieving operational goals.
Jane’s passion for impacting culture is rooted in helping leaders realize the talent potential in their teams. She has designed several learning and development programs, shaping her on a career path specializing in Leadership/Organizational Development and Employee Engagement. Having worked with an international hotel brand, Jane brings global experience working in various hotels in Canada, Bermuda, New York, UK and Abu Dhabi/Dubai.
As a former client of FranklinCovey, Jane now works as an Implementation Strategist, drawing on her own experience, knowledge and expertise when working with clients to build great cultures and leadership development so they can achieve their business outcomes.
Jane has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Human Resources. She has achieved her Coaching Certificate with the Association of Talent Development and her Diversity & Inclusion for HR Certificate with Cornell University. She is also certified in Psychological Safety with LeaderFactor.
Todd Barclay
Recipe Unlimited
Todd Barclay is President of Casual Brands & Government Relations at Recipe Unlimited. As a seasoned industry professional, prior to returning to Recipe to take on this role, he was CEO & President of Restaurants Canada, Vice President of Cardinal Meats, and had spent over 10 years prior with Cara (now Recipe Unlimited) where he served in various executive roles including Senior Vice President of Strategic Sourcing, Senior Vice President of Restaurant Development and Senior Vice President of Swiss Chalet.
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Krista LeClair
Executive Director, Kingston Accommodation Partners (KAP)
Krista LeClair is a Paul Harris Fellow and was appointed Executive Director at Kingston Accommodation Partners in December 2019 following almost ten years in the charitable sector at Easter Seals Ontario. Krista has also taught in the Hospitality and Tourism Programs at SLC since 2011. Krista has held Board positions as an Executive at the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals South Eastern Ontario, and Director for the Rotary Club of Kingston. Krista is also an advisor for the Downtown Kingston BIA Board and Tourism Kingston Board. Krista is now serving on the ORHMA Board of Directors, the RTO9 Board of Directors, the Policy Advisory Committee through TIAO, and on the Program Advisory Committee for the Tourism program at SLC. Krista is a community tourism development professional focusing on sector associations, advocacy, and government relations, revenue management, and stakeholder and partnership relations. Krista has experience in fundraising and event planning, leadership, media, and public relations. Krista prides herself on her ability to engage stakeholders and present ideas and concepts instilling a culture of collaboration and high performance.
Vito Curalli
Vice President of Americas Sales & Services - Hilton Supply Management
As the Vice President of Americas Sales & Services with Hilton Supply Management, Vito oversees several teams who are responsible for the development and growth of HSM accounts across the enterprise. The teams drive value through engagement and delivery of targeted supply-chain solutions. With a strong international sales background, his focus is to provide account support and service for HSM’s growing portfolio of hotels and brands in the region. Previously, Vito was the Executive Director of International Sales and Industry Relations with Hilton Worldwide Sales–responsible for Hilton’s industry relations with key strategy partners throughout the Americas and overseeing teams for Group, Business Travel, and Leisure Sales within Canada, the US, and Latin America. Prior to joining Hilton, Vito was the Vice President of Development for AFM Hospitality based in Toronto as well other roles within AFM including Sales and Marketing responsibilities for key brands under AFM. Vito is a graduate of Ryerson University's Hospitality and Tourism School (BComm.), University of Wales(Finance)and the University of Guelph's Hospitality and Tourism Management School (MBA).He received his CHA designation in 2016.Vito has taught Sales and Marketing Courses at Ryerson University's Hospitality and Tourism School and currently sits on several boards including the Hotel Association of Canada, Ryerson’s Ted Rogers School’s Dean Council and Humber’s School of Hospitality Advisory Board.
Jesse Hamilton
Deerhurst Resort / FREED Hotels and Resorts
Jesse’s start in Hospitality began with his first summer job, cleaning rooms and running laundry, and he’s never looked back. Jesse’s career started in Muskoka, and has taken him to Collingwood, the island of Saint Lucia, and back to Muskoka again. In addition to numerous positions as General Manager, Jesse spent 5 years as an instructor of Hospitality and Tourism at Georgian College.
Jesse’s passion for the industry continues to be demonstrated as the Chair of the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel, Motel Association, as a Board Member of Destination Ontario, and as the President of both the Huntsville Hotel Association and the newly formed Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association. With the recent sale of Deerhurst Resort where he was General Manager Jesse has recently became Vice President of Freed Hotels and Resorts.
Jesse finds the greatest joy at work when surrounded by those who share his passion creating exceptional guest experiences as well as a passion for storytelling and sharing the incredible destinations in Ontario. Jesse spends the most important part of his day with his family and is happiest on the water in Muskoka.
Juanita Dickson
Gusto 54 Restaurant Group
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As the President and CFO of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, Juanita’s passion for brand loyalty; exceptional customer experience and a “culture as king” philosophy guides her direction. Juanita is responsible for establishing the Gusto 54 brand and expanding it beyond the existing restaurant experiences in a scalable and sustainable way. Juanita’s mandate is to lead the transformation of the group from owning a couple of restaurants in Toronto to becoming a global restaurant group. She oversees the development and launch of new business opportunities, product line development, partnership agreements, real estate acquisition, and overall restaurant expansion in both Canada and the United States. Since joining as President in 2014 the company has transitioned from 3 to 14 concepts, receiving international acclaim.
Juanita comes to Gusto 54 with almost two decades of brand and marketing agency experience, as well as a strong track record of exponential brand growth with some of the world’s top fortune 500 brands providing strategic counsel and execution on product launches, customer experience design, employee engagement and brand loyalty solutions. Juanita holds her Masters in Marketing and Communication from Schulich School of Business, an undergrad in Hospitality & Business Administration from Ryerson University and studied Neuroscience at Harvard. Juanita has been committed to giving back to the Ryerson University community by sitting on the Advisory Board for the School of Hospitality and contributing actively to mentoring programs and class lectures. She is often on the speaker circuit talking about Branding; Women in Leadership, Customer Experience, Employee Experience and overall Company Culture. She has a contagious entrepreneurial spirit that turns a strong vision into reality in a journey that is fun, collaborative and as quick as they come!
Steve Ball
President & CEO - Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association (OGHA)
Steve Ball is the President of the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association since 2014. Before that he was a Vice-President at the Canadian Medical Association and spent 25 years running a successful publishing company. He is a graduate from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Economics and Law. Steve was awarded the “Tourism Leader of the Year” Award in 2017 and is very involved in the community.
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Andrea Nicholson
Since the early age of thirteen, Andrea has been consumed by the art of food. She is a creator, teacher and connoisseur. Andrea is a Red Seal certified chef who received her culinary training at George Brown College in Toronto. Her professional experience includes positions in respected Toronto restaurants and culinary institutes such as Luce, Via Allegro, The Fifth, Humber College, George Brown College, 35 Elm, Trattoria Nervosa, and Partner/Culinary Director of Great Cooks, as well as traveling the culinary globe and working with internationally acclaimed chefs and the world renowned 6 star luxury liner Regent Seven Seas.
Andrea has also trained in New York City under Roberto Caporuscio and now holds a diploma from the A.P.N. of Naples, Italy, distinguishing her as a certified Pizzaiuoli. Andrea’s passion for food is evident in her masterful creations, which celebrate the purity of local and seasonal ingredients. Supporting sustainability, Canadian farmers, purveyors and Ocean Wise is the central tenet of her cuisine. Through this love of local and seasonal produce, Andrea created her own artisan product line called Killer Condiments which is available across Canada.
Andrea’s Food Network stardom originated when she appeared as a contestant on Season 1 of Top Chef Canada. Andrea has been a host on The Marilyn Denis Show, Restaurant Takeover and is currently a judge on Food Network’s and Cooking Channels Fire Masters.
Gopal Rao
Seneca Business School of Hospitality & Tourism - Professor
After a career spanning 37 years in 5 countries in a variety of roles and responsibilities within the hospitality sector, Gopal now is a full-time academic, dedicated to grooming and mentoring & preparing the talent pipeline of future tourism and hospitality leaders. He holds an MBA from Smith School of Business at Queen’s University.
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Amodini Chhabra (Amo)
Compass Digital Ventures
Amodini Chhabra (Amo) is the Director and Investor of Compass Digital Ventures (CDV) where she leads the investment and value creation team from sourcing early-stage startups through due diligence and investment. Amo works with her team to ensure successful pilot programs for startups and helps them scale within Compass Group, the global leader in contract foodservice and hospitality. With a strong background in venture strategy, she has been a part of CDV since its genesis. Prior to CDV, Amo worked at BCG Digital Ventures (BCG’s corporate investment and incubation arm), where she focused on driving innovation for Fortune 500 companies through building and scaling disruptive ventures in healthcare, consumer, automotive and energy spaces. Amo holds a MBA in Design Strategy from California College of the Arts, San Francisco.
Nick Nanos
LCBO
As the Chief Supply Chain Officer, Nick Nanos oversees LCBO’s innovative supply chain operations and B2B operations, including inventory planning, transportation, logistics, distribution, quality assurance and wholesale. In this role, he and his team are responsible for moving 110 million cases of beverage alcohol products from more than 80 countries annually to retail and wholesale customers across Ontario. Nick has held progressive leadership positions throughout his three decades at the LCBO, spanning retail, distribution, finance, wholesale, internal audit, and supply chain. His leadership and logistics expertise has been critical to the modernization of LCBO’s supply chain and success of priority programs such as eCommerce and the creation of the LCBO’s wholesale operations. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Studies and a post-graduate certificate in Executive Leadership from Queens University, Nick holds a designation from Supply Chain Canada and is CITT-Certified Logistics Professional (CCLP). He is also a certified Supply Chain Management Professional (CSCMP) and Fraud Examiner and earned a Certificate in Logistics Management from the Schulich School of Business. Active in the community, Nick sits on the National Board of Directors with the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation, Trafalgar Senior Homes Ltd. & Oakville Community Homes Inc. He was also part of an expert panel advising Ministry of Government Services and Supply Ontario and a member of program advisory committees at Conestoga College and George Brown College. Nick is a recipient of Drinks Ontario’s Industry Partnership Award (2015).
Christopher Chevrier
Employment and Social Development Canada
Christopher Chevrier has been a member of the federal Public Service for 17 years in progressively senior roles. In 2020, he was appointed as Director, Policy and Program Design, with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program at Employment and Social Development Canada.
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Jeff St. Denis
Culture Catalyst
Jeff St. Denis (he/him) is a management consultant known for creating engaged and inclusive places to work with nearly 15 years’ experience in HR, training, organizational development, diversity &inclusion, and strategy. He founded Culture Catalyst Inc. to help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across Canada and the U.S. become talent magnets with strategic human resources and
diversity, equity & inclusion solutions. Jeff cut his teeth in the hospitality industry in Vancouver, where he grew up. He then
moved cross-country to the nation’s capital, then eventually to Toronto. He’s worked and led teams on the frontlines, as well as at global headquarters, spent time at a communications agency and at one of the Big Four. He’s consulted in different verticals including financial services, banks, utilities, manufacturing, hospitality, tech, not-for-profit, among others. He’s an MBA Candidate, Management Consulting Specialization at Royal Roads University’s School of Business and is an out and proud member of Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Canadian Association of Management Consultants.
Jason Wiesner
Wiesner Insurance Inc.
Jason Wiesner has dedicated over 30 years to the field of insurance, as both President and Founder of Wiesner Insurance Inc. Established in 1991, Wiesner Insurance is a high-end commercial-focused insurance brokerage that provides commercial, personal, and financial services throughout the Southern Ontario region. Now, as a division of Western Financial Group, Jason provides integral leadership and direction as head of Centralized Customer Channel, ensuring from a national level all clients are provided professional and personable customer-experience, yielding strong and trusting relationships. When he is not spending time with his wife Kerri, and their five kids, Jason enjoys traveling the open-road on his motorcycle.
Cathryn Sawicki
Senior Partner - Serotte Law Canada
Cathryn Sawicki, Senior Partner at Serotte Law Canada, is a lawyer in good standing with the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), Member-at-Large with the Immigration Section of the Ontario Bar Association and a member of the Law Society of Ontario. She completed her law degree at Osgoode Hall and is the co-author of a book called “Canadian Immigration and Refugee Law: A Practitioners Handbook” which is currently in its third edition and distributed by Emond Publishing.
Cathryn has been designated as a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Citizenship Law by the Law Society of Ontario and has particular expertise in the area of compliance, strategic immigration solutions, and immigration processing.
With more than 20 years of experience in the area of citizenship and immigration law, Cathryn is able to provide sound advice to multi-national companies, small businesses and individuals. She can assist clients with long-term and short-term immigration solutions. Cathryn has extensive experience and expertise on a variety of aspects ranging from employer compliance, Federal Court matters and global mobility solutions. She has leading caselaw before the Federal Court of Canada and the Federal Court of Appeal. Moreover, Cathryn obtained one of the largest immigration settlements in the 50-year history of one of the law firms she worked at. She has appeared on various radio and television shows as a guest speaker. She has lectured across Canada for various entities, has been interviewed for various newspapers and online articles and has taught immigration law at various colleges and law schools across Canada.
Philip Mondor
Tourism HR Canada
For more than 30 years, Philip has worked with labour market stakeholders across Canada and abroad including foreign governments, pan-global organizations, Canadian and non-Canadian businesses, and various education and training bodies. His work spans over 15 industrial sectors and in 11 countries, with most of his career focused on the tourism industry.
Philip is an industry representative to the Deputy Minister’s Advisory Council, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Currently, he is an advisory member of the Labour Market Information Council and is called upon by various national sector associations for input on workforce strategies. Philip is the recipient of Ryerson’s Ted Roger’s Industry Award, 2020.
Fatima Finnegan
Vice President Workforce Initiatives & Industry Relations - ORHMA
Fatima Finnegan is the Vice President Workforce Initiatives & Industry Relations with the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association and has been with ORHMA since 1999.
An Ontario hospitality leader with over 30 years of industry experience and a proven track record with positive contributions to the hospitality industry, her extensive hospitality management background provided her with experience from Holiday Inns, Venture Inns, Crowne Plaza, Travelodge Hotels, and Quality Inn properties. This experience led her to teach for a number of years at Humber College of Applied Arts & Technology.
Fatima is fluent in three languages (English, French, and Portuguese) and attempts to make Irish her fourth official language. Fatima resides in Simcoe County with her husband Brian. They are proud parents of Kalene, who is also making her way in the hospitality industry.
Jason Crane
ALTUS
Jason is part of the senior leadership group within the Property Tax group in Toronto and is also the team lead for the Cross Canada Hospitality Property Tax practice. In addition to his leadership roles, Jason is still actively involved on a daily basis with client management, property tax appeal and consulting work, and business development. Jason has been with Altus for 16 years, and has worked within the property tax and assessment industry for over 25 years.
Jason is a graduate of both Western University (BA) and the Schulich School of Business at York University (MBA). In addition, he holds designations from; the Law Society of Ontario (paralegal), the Institute of Municipal Assessors (A.I.M.A.), and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (Associate), and is a member of the Canadian Property Tax Association.
Grant Carter
Director of Group Sales & Marketing, Living Water Resorts
Grant Carter has had a diverse career delivering strategy, marketing and communications leadership at private and publicly traded organizations. Before joining Living Water Resorts in 2019, Grant worked with senior business leaders in Canada and the United States on business turnarounds, acquisitions, start-ups and launching strategic business units. As a member of Canada Post Corporation’s leadership team, Grant regularly advised the Federal Cabinet on sensitive, challenging issues. Grant is the recipient of the Government of Canada’s Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his “outstanding and exemplary service to Canada”. Grant has served as the chair of several Boards of Directors in Canada and the US. Currently, he is the Chair of Wind Athletes Canada, which supports Canada’s high-performance and Olympic sailors. He completed advanced graduate studies In Canada, the US and Slovenia, focusing on Canadian economic development and multinational corporations.
Dakx Turcotte
UEAT
Dakx is a 20-year sales, marketing & product development executive. At UEAT since 2019, he’s overseen the sales and customer success teams, now with a focus on the Enterprise segment in Canada & USA. UEAT has become the de facto Canadian leader in online ordering solutions, providing the highest conversion rate and average basket size metrics through the innovative use of AI. Prior to UEAT, he was VP Sales & Application Engineering for Leddartech, a company developing LiDAR systems, considered to be the future eyes of future self-driving cars. Dakx & and his partner share 2 daughters, his favorite food is Korean, and tells everyone they’re always invited at their place for a weekend of skiing!
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Marilyn Schaffer
CEO - XTM Inc.
Marilyn Schaffer, CEO of XTM Inc., is a serial entrepreneur who built her reputation by playing a key role in the businesses and reputations of others. She entered the payment space in 2017 and now channels her efforts to build a technology ecosystem that will provide operational efficiency for businesses in frontline industries like Hospitality. Beyond the business, she’s committed to bolstering the industry’s resilience by helping operators attract and retain their workforce with compliant tools for faster access to earnings.
Greg Staley
General Manager, E-ProBot
Greg has had a multi-decade career in commercial management with experience leading various companies across manufacturing, retail, regulatory, and operations within the consumer health sector. His passion is helping businesses find innovative solutions to everyday problems, making them more efficient and profitable while improving their customer offerings.
E-ProBot's goal is to become the number one service robot provider in the Canadian market. Please get in touch with Greg to learn more about how E-ProBot will help you innovate in this sector!
Paul Weingartner
ECNG Energy
For the past 21 years, Paul has worked to build Canada’s largest direct purchase program across multiple industry sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, multi-residential, and hospitality. Working closely with these industry partners and associations, Paul provides insight and guidance on all facets of market and regulatory affairs while yielding savings by driving costs out of the system.
Paul is also the current Chair of the Corporate Advisory Council for the Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society (CHES).
Jason Cheskes
Above the Line Solutions
Jason Cheskes is the President of Above the Line Solutions- a company focused on helping operators and vendors achieve greatly improved results through enhanced supply partnerships as well as serving as a long-term Director of the Board with the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association, and as past-Chair of the Greater Toronto Region.
Above the Line Solutions works with companies across Canada on their purchasing approaches and agreements including managing the Superior Lodging Endorsed Vendor Program, and supporting MasterBUILT Hotels’ purchasing approaches, together over 250 Canadian hotels. He also supports the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) in relation to it’s vendor relations and holds some similar roles in the retirement sector.
Jason works to connect the right companies and have them develop strong relationships based on openness and transparency, identifies and leverages opportunities, facilitates agreements, and ensures program execution and compliance, all to achieve better outcomes for both parties.
Joe Cooney
Guest Supply
Joe brings over 25 years of experience within the Canadian hospitality market. Prior to joining Guest Supply in 2019, Joe worked at Ecolab for 20 years holding multiple roles during his tenure followed by leading the Canadian National Account model for a leading facility services company. Currently as the Sr. Director of Sales, Joe has responsibility over both Sales and Operations at Guest Supply Canada.
With the challenges the industry has faced over the past years, his focus is to ensure Guest Supply continues as the distributor of choice for OS&E in Canada while continuing to lead process improvements to mitigate unprecedented supply chain challenges. Joe takes pride in the knowledge, experience, and relationships of the Guest Supply Sales Consultants has with their customers. It is through these direct relationships with the hotels, that Guest Supply works with the lodging segment to secure the products that are needed to operate and mitigate disruptions that have been experienced globally.
Joe holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University and lives in the Niagara area with his wife Pamela and his two sons Cameron and Connor.