GENERAL SESSION
MOUNT CURRIE

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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.

07:00 AM - 08:00 AM  |  SUTCLIFFE  |  Breakfast
 

08:00 AM - 08:30 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.
 

08:30 AM - 09:15 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.

09:15 AM - 10:00 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.
 

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM  |  AM Break
 

10:15 AM - 10:45 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.

 

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM  |  Guest Speaker: Stephanie Smith |  "Digital Marketing with ROI"
In this session, we’ll explore key aspects of effective marketing strategies, starting with understanding the customer journey and time. We will look at the interplay between booking and planning window and commercial strategy teams can maximize digital marketing. Beyond traditional ROAS metrics, we’ll discuss alternative KPIs to better gauge campaign success. We’ll also dive into Koddi’s advertising channels, identifying when and how to leverage them for optimal results. Finally, we’ll provide actionable insights for maximizing impact when working with small budgets, focusing on brand-specific initiatives (and some are free!)
 

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM  |  SUTCLIFFE  |  Lunch

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12:45 PM - 1:30 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.
 

1:30 PM - 02:45 PM  |  Industry Leaders Fireside Chat
Jonathan Lund (IHG), Leonard Gooz (Hilton), Jonathan Holliwell (Marriott) , David Hopkins (The Fifteen Group), Bob Choo, Salim Mukadam
 

02:45 PM - 03:00 PM  |  PM Break
 

03:00 PM - 04:00 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.

04:00 PM - 05:00 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.
 

05:00 PM - 05:15 PM  |  Closing Remarks 
Wrap up the day with key takeaways and a preview of what's to come on next day.

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AWARDS GALA & DINNER

MOUNT CURRIE

06:30 PM - 07:00 PM  |  Cocktails

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07:00 PM  |  Awards Gala and Dinner

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