New market makers and a disruption specialist

TORONTO – Peter Yesawich, vice chairman emeritus of MMGY Global will talk about Millennials and what the Canadian Lodging industry needs to know about the next generation of guests as the keynote speaker at the HAC’s 2020 Conference on Feb. 25 in Toronto. Once again, the conference will be held at the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre by Marriott Toronto Airport.

Other conference features include a presentation by a “disruption specialist,” a session on HAC’s Travel Intentions Survey, and panel discussions of timely topics such as communication and human trafficking.

HAC Awards of Excellence

Once again, winners will walk the red carpet with a presentation of HAC’s Awards of Excellence, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 24. Immediately following the awards celebration, the HAC Welcome Reception will feature cocktails, amazing food and tons of networking excitement.

More speakers and breakouts

In addition to the keynote presentation, the morning of Feb. 25 will include addresses by HAC president Susie Grynol, HAC chair Jonathan Lund, and Nik Nanos of NANOS RESEARCH Group of Companies. Over the last few years, Nanos has been handling HAC’s Travel Intentions Survey, and will fill delegates in on trends in Canadian travel.

One of the morning breakouts deals with Communication: The Make or Break of Hotel Operations. This panel will cover how operations-focused communication strategies help hotels to thrive and keep employee satisfaction high despite current low unemployment rates and related retention hurdles with a special emphasis on why adopting communication technology can be the secret to success. ​​​​​​​

Another panel deals with Human Trafficking and Best Practices in Accommodation Management. Panellists include Ashley Franssen-Tingley, Stakeholder Relations and Promotions Advisor at The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking; Joanne Gellatly, professor SHTM at George Brown College; and Carolyn Poole, VP & team director at ConferenceDirect.

Shawn Kanugo, who has the intriguing title of “disruption specialist,” will be the afternoon keynote. He will provide a bold, unique and contrarian view of the near term-future. He outlines some of the disruptive forces (AI, Digital Business Models, etc.) that are impacting every industry. He then explores how organizations can become more adaptable, experimental and collaborative.

After some afternoon breakout sessions, Jonathan Lund, regional vice-president hotel operations Canada for IHG and HAC chair, will end the conference with his closing remarks.

Then, starting at 5:30 p.m., Canada’s hotel industry will move the needle on equity, inclusion and diversity together with Sip and Social, an inspiring evening dedicated to women in leadership. All delegates are welcome, however, space is limited so delegates who wish to attend should please confirm their attendance.