ON THE ITINERARY
MONDAY
January 20
ARRIVALS
WELCOME RECEPTION
CHEAKAMUS
5:30 PM | Welcome to Whistler!
Kick off the conference with an evening of networking and connection! Enjoy an array of hors d'oeuvres and refreshments while mingling with peers, speakers, and industry leaders. A live acoustic band will set the tone for a vibrant and relaxed evening. Dress is casual.
TUESDAY
January 21
GENERAL SESSION
MOUNT CURRIE
General Session Information
Business casual attire is recommended for all sessions.
Breakout rooms and collaborative spaces will be available for side discussions and networking throughout the event.
07:30 AM - 08:30 AM | SUTCLIFFE | Breakfast
08:30 AM - 09:00 AM | Opening Remarks with Salim Mukadam
Join the event chair for a warm welcome, an overview of the Ascent 2025 theme, and key insights into how this conference will help elevate industry leaders toward success.
09:00 AM - 09:45 AM | Guest Speaker: Sarah Wells | "Resilience and Growth in a Changing Industry"
Sarah Wells, Olympian and motivational speaker, will share her journey of overcoming challenges and finding purpose, offering practical insights for professionals navigating a fast-evolving hotel landscape.
09:45 AM - 10:30 AM | Guest Speaker: Cadmus Delorme | "Truth and Reconciliation: What We Inherited and Building Long-Term Relationships"
Cadmus Delorme, a leader in Indigenous advocacy, will discuss how truth and reconciliation can foster meaningful relationships and create inclusive opportunities withing the hospitality space.
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM | AM Break
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM | Fireside Chat: Sarah Wells & Cadmus Delorme
Join a panel of industry experts in an informal yet impactful discussion on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in hospitality.
11:20 AM - 12:10 PM | Guest Speaker: David Hopkins | "F&B: The Biggest Untapped Potential in the Hotel Industry"
David Hopkins, F&B consultant with The Fifteen Group, will explore innovative ways to elevate food and beverage operations, unlocking profitability and enhancing guest experience.
12:10 PM - 01:10 PM | SUTCLIFFE | Lunch
01:10 PM - 01:40 PM | HR Team Building Activity
01:45 PM - 03:00 PM | Brand Fireside Chat
Mark Reeves (IHG), Leonard Gooz (Hilton), Jonathan Holliwell (Marriott) , David Hopkins (The Fifteen Group), Salim Mukadam
03:00 PM - 03:15 PM | PM Break
03:15 PM - 04:15 PM | Strategic Session | "How to Maximize Reporting Tools (Lighthouse, ProfitSword, 60/90 Forecast)"
A forward-looking session on setting strategic objectives and aligning operational plans to achieve long-term goals.
04:15 PM - 05:15 PM | Human Resources | "Creating a People-Centric Culture in Hospitality"
Explore HR best practices to attract, retain, and motivate top talent in the competitive hospitality industry.
05:15 PM - 05:30 PM | Closing Remarks
AWARDS GALA & DINNER
MOUNT CURRIE
06:30 PM - 07:00 PM | Cocktails
07:00 PM | Awards Gala and Dinner
WEDNESDAY
January 22
GENERAL SESSION
MOUNT CURRIE
07:30 AM - 08:15 AM | SUTCLIFFE | Breakfast
08:15 AM - 08:30 AM | Opening Remarks with Salim Mukadam
08:30 AM - 09:30 AM | Fireside Chat with WHG Leadership | "Leadership in Finance and IT"
A candid discussion with industry leaders on how finance and IT teams can drive success and innovation in hospitality.
09:30 AM - 10:30 AM | Sales & Marketing | "Shifting Share to Reach the Top"
An interactive workshop focused on strategies to capture marketshare and drive sales performance in competitive markets.
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM | AM Break
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM | HR Team Building Activity
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Revenue Management | "Maximizing Profitability Through Data-Driven Decisions"
This session will cover advanced revenue management techniques, with practical case studies and actionable insights for driving revenue growth.
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM | Closing Remarks
12:15 PM - 01:15 PM | SUTCLIFFE | Lunch
02:30 PM - 05:30 PM | Offsite Activities
CLOSING RECEPTION
COURTYARD
06:30 PM | Cocktails & Dinner
THURSDAY
January 23
DEPARTURES
LOBBY
08:00 AM | Shuttle departs from Hilton Whistler