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FEATURE PROFILE: Feature from the FALL 2024 ISSUE of STAY Magazine
Innsights
Avendra’s 2024 showcase connects hospitality professionals in Toronto, emphasizing sustainability and collaboration
From September 3–5, 2024, Avendra hosted its “Annual Client Appreciation and Supplier Showcase,” a gathering that has become an event to look forward to for the Canadian hospitality industry.
This year’s showcase, held at The Westin Toronto Airport and The Westin Harbour Castle hotels, drew approximately 1,700 attendees, including hotel executives, suppliers, and industry professionals from across the country.
The event featured 138 supplier booths, serving as an importance platform for suppliers to connect directly with their clients in the hospitality sector.
The showcase also included a mix of leisure and networking activities. A golf tournament at Lionhead Golf Club was organized for golf enthusiasts, while non-golfers participated in a BATL Axe Throwing competition in downtown Toronto. These activities were followed by cocktail receptions and dinners, providing attendees with multiple opportunities to foster relationships and discuss the evolving needs of the industry.
Beyond the social events, the Supplier Showcase itself was the main attraction, offering suppliers a chance to present their latest products and services to hotel operators. The event exemplifies Avendra’s role in bringing together stakeholders across the hospitality supply chain, helping both suppliers and hotels explore new opportunities for collaboration. The showcase also provided a forum for discussions about the challenges facing the industry, particularly in areas such as sustainability and supply chain management.
Avendra’s evolving role in Canadian hospitality procurement
Avendra continues to evolve as a key player in the hospitality procurement landscape, has continued to solidify its position in the Canadian market. Since its founding in 2001, the company has developed a robust presence, supporting hotels by providing procurement services that streamline supply chain management, reduce costs, and enhance operational performance. Avendra offers access to a broad network of vetted suppliers, negotiating competitive rates that allow hotels to improve their purchasing processes while maintaining high standards of quality and service.
In 2017, when the company was acquired by Aramark for $1.35 billion, the acquisition allowed Avendra to tap into Aramark's global supply chain resources, expanding its service offerings while maintaining its focus on the specific needs of the hospitality industry. Avendra's influence is particularly strong in Canada, where its tailored procurement programs have helped hotels achieve cost efficiencies and sustainability goals—areas that are becoming increasingly important for hotels looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Avendra’s emphasis on sustainability is foundational. Recognizing the hospitality industry's shift towards eco-friendly practices, Avendra has worked closely with suppliers that offer green-certified products and energy-efficient solutions. This focus on sustainability has resonated with Canadian hotel operators, who are increasingly seeking ways to align their procurement strategies with environmental goals. By integrating these practices into its offerings, Avendra continues to provide value beyond cost savings, ensuring that hotels can meet both operational and sustainability benchmarks.
The company’s commitment to technological innovation has also played a role in its success. Over the past decade, Avendra has enhanced its digital tools, enabling hotel clients to better manage inventory, track spending, and optimize purchasing decisions. As the industry grapples with supply chain disruptions and labour shortages, these technological solutions have become increasingly critical, allowing hotels to maintain control and flexibility in their operations.
Afsar Ali Khan, managing director client relations, Avendra Canada
Afsar Ali Khan’s leadership and impact
Afsar Ali Khan, managing director client relations for Avendra Canada, has played a central role in building the Canadian business. He has also been central to organizing the Supplier Showcase for well over a decade. “This is my 14th year organizing the suppliers’ showcase in Toronto, and every year it grows bigger and better,” Khan says.
Khan is a well-known and respected figure in Canadian hospitality. With a career focused on building strong relationships between hotels and suppliers, he has advanced Avendra’s presence in Canada thanks to his hands-on approach and industry knowledge. Khan has helped Canadian hotels optimize their procurement practices, ensuring that they benefit from Avendra’s supplier network and cost-saving programs.
Khan has been instrumental in integrating the expanded services made available by Avendra’s acquisition by Aramark, ensuring that Canadian clients benefit from global supply chain resources while still receiving the personalized service that Avendra is known for. His work also reflects Avendra’s growing focus on sustainability, as he continues to advocate for the inclusion of more eco-friendly products and practices within the company’s procurement programs.
As Avendra continues to evolve, Khan’s influence within the company and the broader industry remains strong. His dedication to creating meaningful connections between hotels and suppliers has helped position Avendra as a trusted partner for Canadian hotels, offering procurement solutions that go beyond simple cost management to address the complex needs of a modern hospitality operation.
