Session Details

Elevating Workforce Excellence Panel
Wednesday February 21st, 11:00am-12:00pm, Salon B & D

Moderator: Philip Mondor | Tourism HR Canada | President & CEO
Panelists:
Autumn Gale | Hew & Draw Hotel
Andy Turnbull | Royal Inn & Suites
Evan Mackey | Gypsy Tea Room
Ann Simmons | Wildland Tours

Join us for a dynamic discussion as we explore best practices, challenges, and future plans for fostering a skilled and empowered workforce in the ever-evolving landscape of tourism.

 

Pre-Luncheon Reception
Wednesday February 21st, 12:00pm-12:30pm, Trade Show Area

Sponsored by: TakeCHARGE NL

 

 

 

 

Provincial Luncheon
Wednesday February 21st, 12:30pm-2:00pm, Salon A & C

Special Guest: The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and Leader of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sponsored by: the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation.

 

 

 

 

Let the Transformation Begin – Vision 2026 Update
Wednesday February 21st, 2:30pm-3:30pm, Salon B & D

Speakers:
Craig Foley | Hospitality NL | CEO
Carol Ann Gilliard |Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation| Assistant Deputy Minister

Discover how this ambitious initiative is poised to redefine the landscape of Newfoundland and Labrador tourism, setting the stage for innovation, growth, and sustainable development.

 

Indigenous Tourism Gathering & Artisan Workshop
Wednesday February 21st, 4:00pm-5:00pm, Salon A & C

Everyone is Welcome!

Join the Newfoundland & Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association for an introduction and update on the Indigenous Tourism landscape from a provincial and national lens. Participants will have the unique opportunity to connect and collaborate with Indigenous Tourism stakeholders and engage in a hands-on activity led by a skilled Indigenous artisan. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Indigenous-led initiatives that showcase the province’s diverse heritage and natural wonders. Everyone is welcome to gather, share, and experience the beauty and resilience of Indigenous culture through tourism.

Session Participants Include:

• • • Caroline Swan – NLITA
    • Tara Saunders – ITAC
    • Kate Forest King – Kate Forest Art
    • Trudy Winters – Trudy Flowers
    • Susan Quann – Eli’sawey
    • Rhonda Critchley – Rainflower
    • Daphne March – Shamasha

Sponsored By: Newfoundland & Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association (NLITA)

 

 

 

 

FUN NIGHT
Wednesday February 21st, 7:00 pm

 

Sign up for your Fun Night Team at the Registration Booth.
For more details: Fun Night – HNL | Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador

 

Sponsored By: Destination St. John’s

 

In Partnership With:

 

 

 

Ministerial Address & Fireside Chat
Thursday February 22nd, 8:30am-9:30am, Salon B & D

Special Guest: The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, MP, Minister of Tourism

Minister Ferrada will provide insightful remarks, offering perspectives on the federal government’s commitment to supporting and advancing the tourism sector. Following her remarks, join us for an engaging fireside chat where Minister Ferrada will delve deeper into key industry topics, share her vision for the future of tourism, and engage in a candid conversation with industry leaders.

 

Navigating the Future of Canadian Tourism with National Partners
Thursday February 22nd, 9:30am-10:30am, Salon B & D

Moderator: The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, MP
Panelists:
Beth Potter | Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) | President & CEO
Susie Grynol | Hotel Association of Canada | President & CEO
Keith Henry | Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)| President & CEO
Philip Mondor | Tourism HR Canada | President & CEO
Marsha Walden | Destination Canada | President and CEO

This engaging panel discussion where representatives from key national partners will share strategic insights, innovative initiatives, and collaborative approaches aimed at shaping the trajectory of Canadian tourism.

 

Understanding the Dynamics of Air Access
Thursday February 22nd, 11:00am-12:00pm Salon B & D

Panelists:
Andrew Gibbons | WestJet | Vice-President, External Affairs
Ashlynn Burry | PAL Airlines | Vice President, Commercial Operations
Dennis Hogan | St. John’s International Airport Authority
Tammy Priddle | Deer Lake Regional Airport & Atlantic Canada Airports Association

Gain valuable perspectives from leading Canadian airlines as they chart the course for the future of travel in partnership with provincial stakeholders.

Sponsored by: St. John’s International Airport Authority

 

 

 

Pre-Luncheon Reception
Thursday February 22nd, 12:00pm-12:30pm, Trade Show Area

Sponsored by: Parks Canada

 

 

 

 

Marine Atlantic Luncheon
Wednesday February 22nd, 12:30pm-2:00pm, Salon A & C

Sponsored by: Marine Atlantic

 

 

Unpacking Challenges and Opportunities in Tourism – Insights from Business Owners
Thursday February 22nd, 2:30pm-3:30pm, Salon B & D

Panelists:
Mike Brennan | Dream Weaver Projects
Susan Drover | Dvele Inn
Robbie Hickey | Adventure Gros Morne
Amanda Decker-Penton | Fogo Island Inn

Join us for an enlightening discussion where seasoned business owners in the tourism sector will delve into key challenges faced, innovative solutions implemented, and exciting opportunities on the horizon. Gain valuable perspectives and actionable insights to navigate and thrive in today’s ever-evolving tourism industry.

 

Hospitality NL’s Tourism Excellence Awards Gala
Thursday February 22nd, Avalon Ballroom

Pre-Gala Reception, 7:00pm-7:30pm
Sponsored by: TakeCharge NL

 

Awards Ceremony, 7:30pm-10:00pm
Special Guest: The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, MP, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Post Awards Party, 10:30pm *Harbourview Ballroom
Entertainment By: Bare Mountain

After 20 years performing under the “Phantom 4” moniker, in 2020 Steve Denty, Mark Frost, Steve Pretty and Richard Smith formed Bare Mountain.  This 4-piece outfit takes the songs you know and love from your cabins, sheds, and Iphone playlists and performs them with strong musicianship and captivating vocal harmonies.  Bare Mountain has been featured at numerous local festivals including the Kelligrews Soiree; Roots, Rants and Roars; Wheels & Heels, the CBS 50^th Anniversary festival as well as regularly performing on stages across the region.  Natives of the Clarenville area, now residing on the NE Avalon, Bare Mountain promises you a night of entertainment and dancing that you won’t soon forget.

 

*The program will be updated regularly. Keep an eye on this page.