Speakers

Jean-François Bertholet is an internationally recognized workplace specialist, keynote speaker, and leadership expert dedicated to helping organizations build healthier, more engaging, and higher-performing workplaces.

For more than 15 years, he has taught leadership and human resource management at HEC Montréal. A Chartered Human Resources Professional, consultant, author, and executive educator, he specializes in leadership development, employee engagement, organizational culture, and the science of workplace performance.

Jean-François has delivered keynote presentations, executive education programs, and organizational interventions in more than 20 countries, partnering with executives and leadership teams to advance evidence-based management practices. His work bridges rigorous academic research with practical business realities, translating the latest findings in organizational psychology and management science into concrete strategies that leaders can immediately apply.

Known for combining intellectual rigor with engaging storytelling and practical insights, his presentations challenge conventional management wisdom while equipping audiences with actionable tools to create lasting organizational impact.

Beyond the classroom and the boardroom, Jean-François is a respected public voice on the future of work and leadership. He hosts Travailler mieux, Radio-Canada's podcast on the world of work, and writes a monthly column for La Presse, where he brings scientific research to a broad audience of leaders and professionals.

Vince's career has been spent working with like-minded professionals who are passionate about building a competitive and vibrant tourism and transportation sector in Canada. He is an accomplished industry professional with comprehensive experience in association management, marketing, government relations and business development in national and provincial, not-for-profit associations.

Vince leads the associations advocacy for the Motor Coach and Group Travel sector and advocates on both federal and provincial regulatory issues.

Rose Arsenault was born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She spent 20 years working as a television personality and as a Communications Officer with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. One of her most popular TV segments featured Rose as an on‑air tour guide, showing viewers some of New Brunswick’s “must‑see” tourist attractions.

This experience inspired her to make a career change. For 21 years, Rose worked with the Government of New Brunswick’s Department of Tourism. She continued doing on‑air work, including a TV series about New Brunswick’s parks and top attractions.

Since 2023, she has been the Regional Tourism Coordinator for Fredericton Capital Region Tourism.

Rose is often invited to serve as an M.C.. She hosted these very awards for seven years in a row—starting in Saint John, NB.

When she is not working or volunteering, Rose can usually be found on a tennis court, enjoying one of her favourite pastimes.

Stuart Back is a longtime resident of Banff National Park and is the Chief Operating Officer for Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit. Banff Jasper Collection has deep roots in the Canadian Rockies and operates many of the most iconic mountain-based attractions, lodging and culinary experiences in the region, welcoming well over two million visitors annually. Additionally, continuing the legacy of its founders, Banff Jasper Collection guides guests on spectacular motor coach sightseeing experiences under their Brewster brand. In his role, Stuart combines his diverse global operational experience with strong business leadership to oversee this large and geographically dispersed team.

Stuart is an active leader in the tourism industry working on numerous boards including Tourism Jasper, Banff Lake Louise Tourism and the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta. Further afield he applies his expertise to work proactively with Provincial and Federal stakeholders to elevate tourism priorities.

Stuart holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Cardiff University in Wales. He entered the tourism industry following an extensive career as a British Army Officer serving in a multitude of global theatres in a broad spectrum of roles from unit command to media relations and leading NGO-assisted nation building. Prior to joining Banff Jasper Collection Stuart led Banff National Park’s member-based marketing organization, Banff Lake Louise Tourism, as CEO.

Robert Bernard is the president & CEO of Indigenous Guide Development Services. Since 2020 it has been one of the leading Indigenous Cross-Cultural Awareness training companies in the Atlantic Region serving many corporate, industry, government, and NFP clients. His company focuses on creating respectful, holistic and sustainable quality-of-life opportunities for his people.

One of his long-term contracts has been in the role of Executive Director for the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (N’SITE’N), a not-for-profit organization he helped to federally incorporate in 2017 to advance Indigenous tourism in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Bernard is also heavily involved in volunteer roles and currently serving as the Chairperson for Destination Cape Breton (DCB), board member for the Cape Breton University’s World Tourism Institute (WTI), Executive Member for the Sea Wall International Hiking Trail BOD and sits on the Executive Advisory Committee for the KINU Indigenous Tourism Project at the Mount Saint Vincent University. He also sat on the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (2017-2022) and Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council (CNSLC) (2017-2020), as well as the Board of Inspiring Communities (2022-2024).

Mr. Bernard is also one of the founding members of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, where he was the national chair from 2016 to 2017. He served as the Indigenous Tourism Coordinator for the Atlantic Region and is presently leading the collaborative development of a new national Indigenous tourism organization called the Indigenous Coalition of Tourism Champions through a recent MOU signed by Indigenous Tourism BC, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. He is married to his high-school sweetheart and beautiful wife Kelly and has four daughters (Jordynn, Kaylyn, Kassidy & Karmin), all business owners themselves, and three beautiful grandchildren, Rory & Zenaida and Rafael. They all live in the community of We'koqma'q Lnue'kati in Unama'ki - the Land of the Fog (better known as Cape Breton Island) in the ancestral territory of Mi'kma'ki (present-day Nova Scotia).

Dionne Bishop is the founder and CEO of Events by Dionne Inc. (EbD), an Experience Advisory & Execution firm that helps organizations turn events into strategic business assets. A board member of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) and co-founder of the Black Tourism Alliance of Ontario, Dionne is deeply invested in the growth and recognition of tourism professionals. Before launching EbD, she honed her craft at some of Canada's most prominent venues and properties, including Exhibition Place, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and the Canadian Premier League. Today, she advises clients across tourism, corporate, sports, and media, bringing a structured approach she calls Strategic Hospitality™ to multi-event portfolios and high-impact experiences.

Erin Bryans is a student at Seneca Polytechnic in the Tourism Services Management program. Passionate about travelling within Canada and abroad. Future goals would be working for a company that allows her to travel the world and help others do the same. Favourite city in the world: Athens. Prefers experiences over relaxation on vacation. 

Mrs. Julie Canning, owner and entrepreneur of Banff Trail Riders, resides in the internationally acclaimed resort town of Banff, Alberta, Canada. She is recognized as a dynamic tourism leader responsible for shaping the vision and strategic marketing direction for one of Canada’s most iconic destinations.

Today, Mrs. Canning is a torch bearer for Canada in the non-traditional industry of Outfitting and Western horseback lifestyles. As a leading female entrepreneur, she is proud to represent Small- and Medium-sized businesses (SMEs), which are a cornerstone of tourism in Canada.

Julie holds a degree in economics and political science from Carleton University.

She is a passionate tourism advocate and has been an active member of the Board of Directors for the Tourism Industry Association of Canada; holding the position of vice-chairperson. Julie engages with leading tourism partners and key industry stakeholders across the country and around the globe, including as a member of the Board of Directors for Destination Canada.

In her personal time, Julie is a recognized horseback rider provincially and throughout Western Canada, competing in Dressage and Western Sport. She also has a passion for world adventures and embraces the challenges of life. Having successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro, bush camped in the Serengeti, kayaked the waters in Vietnam, travelled through temples in Burma and Jordan, swam with sharks on the reefs of the Galapagos, explored with the spiders in the Amazon, stood shoulder to shoulder with the Terracotta Warriors in China, discovered the magic of Machu Picchu and heli-hiked the glaciers of Canada’s magical Rocky Mountains, Julie is a true Canadian adventurer.

Today Mrs. Canning continues to lead for Canada in her entrepreneurial role spearheading the country’s largest Western Outfitting operations while also holding the position of Councillor for the Provincially appointed Improvement District. Mrs. Canning works with partners throughout the destination, the province, and the country to deliver world-class visitor experiences and to shape the future for the tourism sector in Canada.

Rob Chambers is currently the Vice-President of the Travellers Branch at the Canada Border Services Agency where he is responsible for all agency functions related to the processing of people at the border. He has been a federal civil servant for almost 30 years, dividing his time between central agencies such as the Privy Council Office, Treasury Board and the Department of Finance, and line departments such as the Department of National Defence, Employment and Social Development Canada and Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. He studied political science at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, is a graduate of the National Security Programme at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto, and served in the Canadian Armed Forces’ Primary Reserve with the 30th Field Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery. Rob and his wife, Nancy, have two children, Adrian and Keira.

With over 30 years of experience in the retail, hospitality and tourism sectors, Royce has focused the last 18 years of his career in senior leadership roles at the national, provincial, and now civic level of destination management organizations.

As the President and CEO of Destination Vancouver, Royce is a Team Member and leader of the city’s official destination promotion and management organization. Joining the team in 2020, Royce and team have transformed Destination Vancouver into a more agile and innovative organization that collaborates with partners to build a powerful visitor economy for Vancouver. Notable wins for Vancouver through partnership have been Grey Cup, Juno’s, Invictus Games, Web Summit and FIFA World Cup.

Before that Royce developed extensive experience working in corporate, franchise and a start-up business in operations, sales, and marketing in various leadership roles.

Royce volunteers and is on the board of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and DownTownVan BIA, Destination British Columbia’s Tourism Marketing Committee, the Canadian Destination Leadership Council, Skift Live Advisory Council, the Mayor’s Vancouver Business Growth Task Force, and is Chair of the Vancouver Hotel Development Task Force.

Jimmy brings over 20 years of experience helping brands and marketers connect meaningfully with audiences, including more than 12 years at Expedia working alongside destination marketers across Canada. He is passionate about destination marketing and supporting destinations in telling their story, attracting high-value travelers, and growing visitation sustainably. Based in Vancouver, Jimmy specializes in audience strategy and travel marketing solutions.

As Director, Travel Trade at Ottawa Tourism, Kelly Dean directs a team which connects with Packaged Travel, Group Tour and FIT Operators, throughout Canada, the United States and Internationally. She has been at Ottawa Tourism for 26 years.

Kelly has sat on many Committees, Councils and Boards in her time in the industry, for many associations including serving on the NTA Board for 5 years, with two terms on the executive, and Chair of the Conference Committee when Ottawa hosted NTA Travel Exchange in 2025. She is currently on the SYTA Conference Committee as Ottawa prepares to host the SYTA 2027 Annual Conference. Kelly also led the charge for the successful bid to bring Rendez-vous Canada to Ottawa in 2030. She currently serves on the OMCA Board, and was past Chair of their Conference Committee, hosting the 2019 & 2014 OMCA Conventions. Additionally, she has volunteered for Working Groups and Boards with industry associations such as Team Canada, Bienvenue Quebec and ABA.

Kelly has been volunteering and deeply involved in the industry for the entirety of her Tourism career, and her love of the industry has always shown through.

Joanne Dobson is Senior Director of Government Relations responsible for the Federal and Ontario governments. Joanne joined Air Canada at the beginning of 2021.

Prior to joining Air Canada, she was Senior Advisor at Summa Strategies, one of the leading public affairs firms in Canada. Joanne spent a few years as the Senior Strategic Advisor, Government Affairs at the Port of Vancouver, and eight years at Hill & Knowlton in various roles including Vice President and Deputy Group Leader, Public Affairs. Joanne started her career on Parliament Hill as an advisor to Senior Cabinet Ministers. Joanne sits on several boards and committees related to the transportation industry along with those focused on community relations and the not-for-profit sector.

Landon French is president and CEO of Moto Canada, representing Canada's leading powersports manufacturers and distributors. With more than 30 years of experience in industry, government, and public policy, he brings a unique perspective on the economic importance of recreational infrastructure. Previously, Landon served as CEO of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, overseeing one of Canada's largest recreational trail networks, and held senior leadership roles at Canadian Tire Corporation and TELUS. He also served as a senior advisor to two Ontario premiers and Ontario's ministers of finance, tourism, transportation and economic development. His work focuses on strengthening partnerships between industry and government to support infrastructure, tourism, and economic growth.

A dynamic CEO with a record of business growth, Johanne Gallant is dedicated to supporting her community and developing the next generation of leaders.

Johanne joined the Fredericton International Airport Authority (FIAA) as President and CEO in 2015, bringing invaluable experience. In 2021, the airport finished its most ambitious capital project, completing a terminal expansion and renovation ahead of time and under budget—during a global pandemic.

Johanne is Chair of the Canadian Airports Council, Board Director of ACI-NA; Board Director of ACI World, and past Honorary Colonel for the 403 Squadron.

She was recognized by Atlantic Business Magazine in 2024 as one of Atlantic Canada’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Business, was named one of the Top 50 CEO’s in Atlantic Canada for 2020, and won the 2022 Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Career Achievement Award.

With a passion for fitness, health, and humanitarian missions—her lifestyle complements her dedication to work.

Garima is a hospitality and tourism management student at Royal Roads University, with over seven years of experience across hotels, resorts, restaurants, and guest services. Her journey in hospitality has taught her that this industry is about so much more than welcoming guests. It is about creating connections, making people feel that they belong, and building experiences that stay with them long after they leave.

As a first-generation student who has worked hard to build a place for myself in this industry, she is deeply passionate about leadership, education, and creating opportunities for others. From working on the front lines of hospitality to contributing to my university community, Garima has learned the value of listening, showing up, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth. She hopes to use her experience, curiosity, and determination to help shape a more innovative, inclusive, and meaningful future for Canadian tourism, while inspiring other emerging leaders to believe that their backgrounds and stories have a place in this industry, too.

Lindsey Gartner is the Project Director of the Outdoor Council of Canada, where she leads national policy, workforce development, and coalition-building efforts across the outdoor sector. She oversees projects focused on increasing the professionalism, attraction, and retention of outdoor workers, including a national initiative updating the Occupational Standards for outdoor guides and a first-of-its-kind labour market data project on outdoor workers in Alberta. Lindsey works closely with government partners, industry associations, and outdoor businesses across the country to build stronger, more visible career pathways in the outdoor sector.

Ellen is a student in hospitality, tourism and restoration, presently working as a marketing, administration and sales representative in a chocolate factory specializing in the local food creations.

Susie Grynol is a transformative leader known for driving growth, influence, and meaningful organizational change. As Market Vice President, Eastern Canada for Marriott International, she leads 26 managed hotels representing over $1B in revenue and 10,000 employees.

With a career spanning government relations, industry advocacy, and hospitality, Susie has built a reputation for elevating organizations and redefining what’s possible. From leading the industry response to COVID as CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada, to shaping federal policy as a top advisor and spokesperson for multiple industries, her work has driven significant organizational, industry and economic change.

A passionate champion of female advancement and an accomplished public speaker, she has represented her industries on major international stages and through extensive national media engagement and smart strategy.

Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Lobbyists and a multiple award-winning leader, she brings strategic clarity, bold leadership, and a relentless focus on people and performance.

John Gunter is the CEO for Frontiers North Adventures, a Certified B Corp™ travel and tourism company whose purpose it is to share in the stewardship of the communities and environments in which they operate. Frontiers North Adventures hosts guests in Churchill, Canada to broker safe experiences to dine beneath shimmering northern lights, drift amongst curious beluga whales, and lock eyes with wild polar bears - all inspired by the Indigenous culture and history of the region.

John is Board Chair for the Tourism Industry Association of Manitoba and a Board Member with Travel Manitoba, Co-chair for the Province of Manitoba’s Premier’s Business & Jobs Council - Tourism Subcommittee, Board Advisor for Polar Bears International, is a Member of Destination Canada’s International Leisure Marketing Committee, an Advisory Council Member at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Research - Ted Rogers School of Management, and is a Member of the Business Council of Manitoba.

Ms. Nancy Healey was reappointed as the EI Commissioner for Employers at the Canada Employment Insurance Commission (CEIC) for an 18-month term, effective July 26, 2026.

Ms. Nancy Healey was first appointed to the CEIC as Commissioner for Employers in July 2021 and was previously appointed for a three-year term beginning July 26, 2023.

Ms. Healey is an award-winning chamber executive with 20 years of strategic and innovative leadership as a champion for business. From 2008 to 2020, she was the chief executive officer of the St. John’s Board of Trade, where she helped businesses succeed through advocacy work at the municipal, provincial and federal levels. Prior to that, Ms. Healey served as the executive director of an industry sector association dedicated to growing the hospitality and tourism industry.

Ms. Healey has served on the Board of Directors of the Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union, was a past president of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada, where she was named Executive of the Year in 2018 and past director of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Healey completed the Director’s Education Program from the Rotman School of Management and has achieved the designation of ICD.D.

Clark Hoskin is a Senior Manager with Deloitte and a destination development and tourism specialist with more than 30 years of experience. He has led tourism, economic development, investment attraction, and placemaking initiatives across Canada and the Caribbean. Clark works collaboratively with governments, industry leaders, and businesses to create forward-looking strategies that strengthen communities for residents and visitors. His recent contributions include work for Tourism Nova Scotia and Destination Canada, as well as projects for economic development offices and destination managers across the country. He also helps his wife operate their farm market in rural Norfolk County, Ontario.

Christina Iversen is Head of External Affairs at WestJet, where she leads government relations, public policy, and stakeholder engagement across Canada. With more than 15 years of experience spanning industry, regulation, and government, she is recognized for helping organizations navigate complex issues and build strong partnerships across the public and private sectors.

Matthew Jelley is President, CEO and Co-Founder of Maritime Fun Group, the largest private sector operator of tourism attractions in Atlantic Canada.

Matthew is heavily involved in the tourism industry, operating three maritime-based amusement parks with his three brothers including Shining Waters Family Fun Park, Sandspit Amusement Park, and Magic Mountain. The company also operates a number of other attractions including Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Cavendish, the Cavendish Beach Adventure Zone, and Mariner’s Cove Boardwalk. In addition to tourism attractions, the company also operates a number of food service locations in Cavendish, Charlottetown and Moncton employing over 650 individuals at peak season. In 2021, Matthew and his partners launched a new company, Tidal Event Management Systems Inc, to provide technology solutions to the event and venue management sector across Atlantic Canada. Another subsidiary, Greenfield Outdoor Hospitality Inc. operates Jellystone Park Camp Resorts in both Cavendish, PE and Woodstock, NB.

In addition, Matthew is active in the industry as Chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, Vice Chair of Tourism PEI and is serving his fourth term as Mayor of the Cavendish Resort Municipality. Matthew is also a retired member of the Law Society of Prince Edward Island.

Yves Lalumière has been President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal since 2013. Under his leadership, the organization has strengthened Montréal’s position among leading international urban destinations for leisure travel, business, and major events. It has also made sustainable development a core pillar of its strategy and helped enhance the city’s international accessibility. In 2025, Montréal welcomed 12 million visitors who generated more than $6 billion in tourism spending.

A graduate of the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Yves Lalumière began his career in the airline industry in 1986. After nearly 20 years with American Express, he joined Transat Distribution Canada in 2006, where he served first as Vice-President and later as President before taking the helm at Tourisme Montréal.

Named Grand Ambassador of UQAM’s School of Management Sciences in 2016, Yves Lalumière has also been an active contributor to several tourism organizations. Over the course of his career, he has served on numerous boards of directors, including C2 Montréal and the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec, and is a member of the World Tourism Cities Federation.

Krista LeClair is a tourism and community leader who brings a unique perspective to conversations about destination development, economic growth, and the future of tourism.

As CEO of Kingston Accommodation Partners, Krista advocates for Kingston’s accommodation sector and works closely with industry, business, community, and government partners to strengthen Kingston as a vibrant, sustainable, four-season destination.

Krista holds an MBA specializing in Community Economic Development and Strategic Leadership, complemented by a background in Hospitality and Tourism Management and almost a decade of leadership in the charitable sector. She also shares her expertise with the next generation of business leaders through her work with St. Lawrence College and serves her rural community outside of Kingston as a municipal councillor.

A 2023 Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40 recipient and Paul Harris Fellow, Krista is deeply committed to community leadership and collaboration. She brings a practical, people-focused approach to tourism - grounded in the belief that Kingston’s greatest strength is the people and partnerships that bring the destination to life.

Sheri Moore is Partner and Creative Director at Moore Carlyle Consulting & MCC Destination Management, a Global DMC Partner, which she has co-owned since 2008.

With almost three decades in business events and destination management, Sheri has built and led MCC's core and seasonal operational teams in the delivery of hundreds of live and online programs annually. Despite ongoing market instability and uncertainty, her organization has retained several staff members for a decade or longer, moving them from event support roles into leadership.

Sheri volunteers on the boards of Global DMC Partners DMC Advisory Board, Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMBC), and Visit Mississauga. She recently completed a two-year term on Destination Canada's Business Events Advisory Committee. She has also developed AI strategies and workflows for her own events and, over the past two years, has trained nearly 2,000 professionals on practical AI applications for business event teams, including for Global DMC Partners' in Lisbon and The Legal Summit in Boston. This year, she was awarded the 2026 Event Professional of the Year by Canadian Event Awards (CEA).

Peter Odle is the founder of Urban Expeditions and The Urban Guide. He has more than two decades of experience as an educator and award-winning facilitator, having worked with organizations like the Canadian Red Cross, University of Toronto, and TMU.

Stephanie Pocha is CEO of Discover Saskatoon and Saskatoon Destination Marketing Hotels Inc. For nearly a decade, she has worked on the question at the heart of this session, which is how a destination pays for what it needs to become.

Discover Saskatoon is one of only three Canadian destinations with DMAP Accreditation with Distinction. Through SDMH Inc., Stephanie works with the hoteliers who reinvest Destination Marketing Fees into the visitor economy, so that private capital and public purpose move in the same direction. She led Discover Saskatoon's Destination Competitiveness Study, a nine-city funding benchmark that DMAP reviewers recognized as a leading practice, and she serves as co-chair of the Canadian Destinations Leadership Council.

Stephanie believes that who shares in tourism infrastructure matters as much as what gets built. Her work with Indigenous communities begins with relationship. Under her leadership, Discover Saskatoon formed the first partnership of its kind in Canada between a destination organization and a tribal council, working alongside Saskatoon Tribal Council in response to Calls to Action 87, 89 and 92 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She is a committed champion of Saskatoon's Downtown Event and Entertainment District, which brings together a new event centre, an enhanced convention centre and public realm development, as well as an MOU between the City of Saskatoon and Muskeg Lake Cree Nation to explore Indigenous partnership.

Her career began with a relationship to place, through thirteen years guiding beside the Athabasca Glacier. At Travel Alberta she took on an entrepreneurial pursuit to ensure the province's experiences kept pace with its marketing excellence, so that the benefit of tourism would land in every corner of Alberta. She carried that conviction to Saskatoon, where she still lives beside the river the glacier feeds.

Stephanie has spent her career learning that capital follows conviction. Investment in tourism is investment in a diversified economy, one that expands a region's sectors of strength while building the places where residents and visitors alike come to belong. The destinations worth funding are the ones that connect people to themselves, to each other and to the land. That is the measure of what we build.

David Rheault is Vice-President of Government and Community
Relations at Air Canada. A lawyer by training, he joined Air Canada
in 2007 as Counsel, litigation.

Mr. Rheault represented Air Canada before courts and administrative
tribunals and advised the company on various litigation files in
Canada and foreign countries. Today, in his current role, Mr. Rheault is responsible for the company’s relationships with all levels of governments and has been involved in many complex regulatory and policy matters. He is also responsible for Air Canada’s community partnership program, which has supported over 350 events and developed partnerships with 250 organizations from the aviation, tourism, and business sectors.

Prior to joining Air Canada, he served as policy advisor at the Office of the Premier of Québec and for the Minister of Economic and Regional Development and Research. After earning a degree from Université Laval Faculty of Law, he was called to the Barreau du Québec in 2000. He practised commercial litigation and transport law at Davies Ward
Phillips & Vineberg and at Fasken Martineau.

Mr. Rheault currently sits on the Board of the National Airlines Council of Canada, the Canada China Business Council, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian American Business Council. He has previously been on the Boards of the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Tourisme Montréal.

Pierre Santoni is the Director, Business Development and Partnerships for VIA Rail Canada, where he has been employed for over 39 years. In addition to extensive work in tourism, marketing, and sales, he also has 10 years of experience in advertising and media. He is a graduate of both Algonquin College (broadcasting) and McGill University (Master’s degree, Management). He is a Board Member of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, CUTA and Developmental Services of Leeds and Grenville. His previous volunteer work includes Ontario Special Olympics, Blue Jays Foundation, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Destination Canada’s Emerging Markets Committee, Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto Argonauts Foundation and four Grey Cup Committees.

Mike Shoreman helps organizations understand what happens after people with disabilities get through the door.

A Keynote Speaker, Accessibility Educator, Corporate Consultant, Author, and Rick Hansen Foundation Inclusion & Accessibility Training Facilitator, Mike connects accessibility to customer experience and organizational performance.

His keynotes and workshops challenge organizations to think beyond compliance and consider how accessibility shapes the experiences of customers, guests, fans, clients, employees, and communities. He helps audiences recognize barriers, strengthen inclusive communication, rethink the customer experience, and understand how accessibility can influence participation, loyalty, reputation, and business performance.

After a life-altering neurological diagnosis affected his mobility, speech, vision, and hearing, Mike was told he may never paddle board again. He went on to become the first person to paddle board across all five Great Lakes, creating a nationally recognized campaign supporting youth mental health programs across Canada.

His work and story have been featured in People Magazine, CBC, CTV, Breakfast Television, FOX News, The Chicago Tribune, and the National Post.

Mike has been recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, the National Mental Health Leadership Award from the Mood Disorders Society of Canada, and Changemaker of the Year from the Council of the Great Lakes Region. In 2024 and 2025, he was also named to the Diversability Disability Impact List as one of the most influential disabled people globally.

Holly Spence is the dedicated CEO of Indigenous Tourism Manitoba (ITM) and a proud member of Peguis First Nation, where she was born and raised. With extensive experience in operating and owning multiple businesses in her community, Holly has a strong entrepreneurial spirit that informs her leadership approach. Her firsthand experience has also given her valuable insight into the infrastructure and financing barriers that can prevent Indigenous tourism businesses from developing and scaling.

She is a passionate relationship builder, deeply committed to fostering connections grounded in strong values and morals. Holly believes in the power of collaboration and is dedicated to helping others wherever she can, tirelessly working to create opportunities for Indigenous people. She is inspired by her family, her children and future generations, and by the opportunity to strengthen Indigenous communities throughout Manitoba through Indigenous tourism.

Andrew Weir is President and CEO of Destination Toronto, leading efforts to grow the visitor economy in Canada’s most-visited destination. Prior to his appointment as CEO in 2024, Andrew served for 18 years in other leadership roles within the organization, including Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Andrew has also served as Chair of the Board of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario as well as roles on other Canadian and international boards and committees, largely connected to destination sales and marketing and the meetings industry.

Craig leads Pollara’s research divisions and the development of their research techniques and products. He provides actionable, insightful counsel to all clients, applying expertise gained over more than 27 years of conducting quantitative and qualitative research for an extensive array of private, public and not-for-profit sector clients. He is committed to providing creative, customized research solutions that provide clarity of understanding and direction to our clients.

Craig began his research career at Angus Reid Group/Ipsos-Reid and went on to found and manage public affairs practices at Leger and Angus Reid Public Opinion/Vision Critical before joining Pollara in 2008. He has appeared in print and broadcast media on hundreds of occasions, providing commentary on public opinion trends, elections, and research techniques. He holds a BA Honours in political science from Carleton University, and a MA in political science from Brock University. Craig grew up in Niagara Falls, where he enjoyed summer employment in the tourism industry throughout his youth.