2025 Conference & Trade Show Speakers
Alfredo Cunanan Mendoza Tan is a dynamic leader with a proven track-record of harnessing the
power of technology & digital capabilities to transform consumer experiences and deliver
impact for organizations. In his role as Chief Digital & Information Officer at Canada Goose,
Alfredo is focused on enhancing the company’s omnichannel global shopping experience and
driving operational efficiencies across the entire value chain. Alfredo leads strategy
development, implementation and adoption of all global consumer-facing digital platforms and
enterprise technology services in North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and the Asia
Pacific Region.
He was a pioneering leader at Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook/Instagram/WhatsApp), as one of
the first 1000 employees globally working in North America, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific
region. He helped to transform the company into a global media and technology powerhouse.
He has held senior executive roles at Loblaw Companies Limited, Rogers Sports & Media,
WestJet Airlines and Yahoo! Inc. He began his career as a Systems & Design Engineer in the
Telecommunications Industry at BCE Inc. Alfredo is also an industry professor in the Strategic
Management Faculty at McMaster University, a guest lecturer in The Directors College’s
Innovation Governance program for Board Directors and is on the Leadership Council at the
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. He is on the Board of Directors at Altitude
Accelerator, a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), a founding executive of the
Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Canada Chapter and on the Advisory Board for the McMaster
Digital Transformation Research
Alfredo holds an HBSc from the University of Toronto, an MBA from McMaster University, an
LLM from the University of Toronto Law School, a Post Graduate Diploma from The University
of Oxford and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business
School. In his free time, he can be found playing tennis, practicing Muay Thai, travelling the world with
his family and cuddling their 3 dogs and 2 cats.
Honourable Andrew Furey | Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Born and raised in Newfoundland and Labrador, Premier Dr. Andrew Furey is a passionate orthopaedic trauma surgeon and educator with Memorial University’s School of Medicine.
Premier Furey has a diverse education, which includes a Diploma in Organizational Leadership from Oxford University and a Masters in Clinical Epidemiology from Memorial. His strong work ethic has earned him many local, provincial, and national awards and honours. He was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Canadian Red Cross and earned the Governor General of Canada’s Meritorious Service Cross.
In 2010, he helped create Team Broken Earth to provide medical relief after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. This Newfoundland and Labrador-born charity has since expanded in size and scope. Today, over 1,500 volunteers from across Canada, the US, and UK have participated in medical missions to Haiti as well as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. On top of that, Premier Furey helped found A Dollar A Day Foundation to support mental health initiatives across Canada.
Premier Furey enjoys spending time with his wife, Allison, and their children Maggie, Rachael and Mark. He credits his family for helping him stay grounded and maintain his perspective on what matters most – love, empathy, and making a difference.
Honourable Steve Crocker | Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
Steve Crocker was first elected to the House of Assembly in November 2014 in Trinity – Bay de Verde, and has served as the MHA for Carbonear – Trinity – Bay de Verde since being re-elected in 2015. Since his swearing in, Mr. Crocker has served as the opposition critic for Innovation, Business and Rural Development, including the Research & Development Corporation. Mr. Crocker has been a tireless advocate for the people of his district, working hard to bring attention to critical infrastructure needs.
He worked as an entrepreneur at his family’s business in the district of Carbonear – Trinity – Bay de Verde and resides in Heart’s Delight-Islington. Prior to his election, he served as executive assistant to Dwight Ball, the leader of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Crocker was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture on December 14, 2015. He was appointed Minister of Transportation and Works in July 2017, and Minister of Justice and Public Safety and President of Treasury Board in August 2020. He also served as Government House Leader from August 2020 to January 2023. On April 8, 2021, he was sworn in as Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation and Government House Leader.
Honourable Gudie Hutchings|Minister of Rural Economic Development | Minister of ACOA
The Honourable Gudie Hutchings was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains in 2015.
Minister Hutchings previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development and Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism. She was also one of the original members of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians.
Born and raised in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister Hutchings is proud to call the Humber Valley home. Her focus on consultation, the development of local employees, and sustainable environmental practices makes her a strong advocate for the business owners, workers, and families of Long Range Mountains.
Minister Hutchings has strong community ties and over 30 years of experience in the tourism industry. She spent a decade as a board member for the Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association, where she served as both President and Vice-President. She was also Chair and Managing Director of the Battle Harbour Historic Trust, an organization committed to protecting and promoting the history, integrity, and natural environment of Battle Harbour.
Minister Hutchings was President of the Greater Corner Brook Chamber of Commerce and a founding board member of the Canadian Federation of Outfitter Associations. She was also Co-Chair of Forget-Me-Not, a community group dedicated to raising money to honour past and present soldiers at Remembrance Square in Corner Brook.
Honourable Joanne Thompson| Minister of Seniors
The Honourable Joanne Thompson was first elected as the Member of Parliament for St. John’s East in 2021. She has been a member of various parliamentary committees, associations, and groups, including the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development and the Standing Committee on Finance.
Born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister Thompson is committed to advancing social justice, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, and supporting communities. Her passion for helping others was ignited at a young age when she started volunteering at St. Clare’s Hospital. She later trained then worked as a Registered Nurse while attending the Memorial University of Newfoundland part-time. She continued her career in community health until 1990, when she turned her focus to building a family business with her husband, working two jobs while studying to qualify as a graduate gemologist. Prior to entering politics, Minister Thompson most recently served as the Executive Director of The Gathering Place, a community health centre serving vulnerable populations in downtown St. John’s.
Minister Thompson has long been an active volunteer and member of her community, including when she offered hands-on care to St. John’s most vulnerable as a nurse. She again put these skills to work on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, when The Gathering Place remained open throughout lockdowns to support local residents. She is the recipient of the Senate of Canada Sesquicentennial Medal in recognition of her dedication, volunteerism, and hard work to make her community a better place.
Minister Thompson is a lifelong learner. In addition to a Bachelor of Nursing from Athabasca University and a graduate degree in gemology from the Gemological Institute of America, she holds a Master of Business Administration in Social Enterprise from the University of Fredericton. Minister Thompson lives in St. John’s East with her husband and has three grown children.
Deborah Bourden | Hospitality Newfoundland & Labrador | Chair
Owner/Operator of Alphabet Fleet Inn B&B and Anchor Inn Hotel & Suites in Twillingate
Deborah is a passionate promoter of Newfoundland and Labrador as a unique tourism destination and especially her hometown of “Twillingate”. The first summer after High School she worked at the Twillingate Museum under the careful direction of Twillingate Tourism pioneer Lorna Stuckless and was forever bitten by the tourism bug. It just took her a while to find her way back to the industry that she first loved.
She is the co-owner/operator of the award-winning Anchor Inn Hotel and Suites, Vacation Homes; Amber Retreat and Above the Tickle and the Bed and Breakfast, Alphabet Fleet Inn, all located in Twillingate.
John Devereaux | Hospitality Newfoundland & Labrador | Vice-Chair
John Devereaux is an entrepreneur with a deep passion for tourism, community development, and the sustainable growth of Newfoundland and Labrador’s visitor economy. Born and raised in Trepassey, he left home to pursue athletics, playing basketball at Memorial University before a brief professional stint in Germany. However, his heart never truly left Newfoundland and Labrador, and in 2015, he made a bold decision to return to his roots—taking over and revitalizing the family inn his grandmother had established nearly 50 years earlier.
Driven by a vision to elevate the tourism potential of Trepassey, John saw an opportunity in the pending UNESCO World Heritage designation of Mistaken Point. Despite the risks, he and his mother, Carol Ann Devereaux, took on the challenge, transforming the business into a sought-after destination for travelers eager to experience the region’s natural and cultural treasures.
As Vice Chair of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, John brings a wealth of hands-on industry experience, a keen understanding of rural tourism development, and a commitment to fostering sustainable growth. His leadership supports advocacy efforts, industry partnerships, and initiatives aimed at strengthening the province’s tourism sector.
John’s journey—from the basketball courts of Memorial University to the boardrooms of Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism industry—reflects his belief that business is more than numbers; it’s about people, place, and the stories that shape them.
Craig Foley | Hospitality Newfoundland & Labrador | Chief Executive Officer
Craig Foley, Chief Executive Officer of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, has been working within Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism industry for more than 21 years. Having held numerous positions on industry boards and committees, Craig believes collaborative partnerships are the best approach to advance the tourism industry and the operations of those working within it. Recognizing the potential of tourism to positively impact the economy and way of life for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, and with extensive experience in strategic planning, development and implementation, Craig works tirelessly to ensure sustainable industry development and growth.
Jill Doucette | Synergy|Founder & CEO
Jill Doucette is the Founder and CEO of Synergy Enterprises and Co-Founder of IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism. With a background in biology, climate and business, she has worked across Canada, the Caribbean, and internationally on decarbonization, business strategy, and nature-based solutions. Under her leadership, Synergy Enterprises, a certified B Corporation, has helped organizations navigate climate action, GHG accounting, and sustainability planning. Jill is dedicated to bridging economic growth with environmental impact, fostering innovative solutions for businesses, governments, and communities.
Tara Saunders | Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada| Director of Business Development
Tara Saunders, a member of The Qalipu First Nation, works with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada as Director of Business Development. In her role, Tara is responsible for implementing programs, tools and resources to help develop the Indigenous tourism industry across Canada, as well as helping to develop and stabilize regional Indigenous tourism associations.
Prior to her work with ITAC, Tara worked as the Director of Culture, Tourism and Community Development for Qalipu First Nation, which, with close to 24,000 members, is one of the biggest First Nations in the country.
During her work with community, Tara oversaw the implementation of the Nation’s tourism development strategy; Experience Qalipu.
Tara also led the development of the provincial Indigenous Tourism strategy from Newfoundland and Labrador, took part in the incorporation of the Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association and became the inaugural chair of the association in early 2020.
Maureen Riley | Destination Canada| Vice President, Industry Engagement
Maureen brings an unparalleled depth and diversity of experience in the tourism sector, both in Canada and globally, to ensure strong leadership and oversight of our international teams. Maureen was born in Montreal, Canada and then moved to Toronto at an early age. In her teens she moved to Calgary.
Maureen has since taken a Business Degree at University of Calgary, in Marketing, studied a year in a Japanese University in Kyushu and spent three years in Japan as a Coordinator of International Relations in Kochi Prefecture.
Much of her working career has been spent in the tourism and destination marketing industry in a variety of sales and sales management roles for JTB International, Marketing Manager Asia Pacific at Tourism Whistler, Marketing Director, Asia Pacific at Travel Alberta and Managing Director at the Destination Canada in Tokyo, Japan.
In her private life, Maureen has been a competitive bobsledder, training in Calgary and won the Ladies 2-man bronze medal in 2010, at the Canadian National Bobsleigh Championships. Maureen is also an avid hiker, scuba diver and skier. Maureen has traveled and volunteered extensively in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America and loves to introduce others to the pleasures of travel.
Isabelle de Bruyn | Tourism HR Canada|Vice President, Labour Market Intelligence
Isabelle de Bruyn has over 30 years of experience in Economic Development and the Visitor Economy across France and Canada. She has held several key leadership positions, including Executive Director and Project in several para-governmental entities, demonstrating her ability to drive strategic initiatives and lead diverse teams.
As the Vice-President of Labour Market Intelligence at Tourism HR Canada, Isabelle collaborates with an expert team and powerful stakeholders to tackle the acute workforce crisis in the tourism industry. Her leadership has been instrumental in promoting Francophone and bilingual tourism in Ontario, significantly enhancing the sector’s growth and visibility.
Isabelle is a staunch advocate for tourism as a sustainable economic engine for Francophone and Canadian communities. She actively participates on various committees, including the TIAO and the Ontario Culture Days Boards of Directors, where her leadership continues to make a substantial impact.
She holds a Master of Engineering in Tourism Management from the University of Savoie and a Bachelor of Arts from North London University. Since emigrating to Canada in 2000, Isabelle has been deeply involved in economic and local development, particularly in rural areas, for over 20 years.
Amy Butcher | Tourism Industry Association of Canada|Vice-President, Stakeholder Relations and Engagement
Amy Butcher is a seasoned communications professional with over 20 years of experience in public affairs, communications, and strategic leadership roles. With a proven track record in crisis management, Amy has successfully navigated media crises and emergencies with strategic insight and calm efficiency. Her expertise in branding and marketing strategies has enabled her to influence decision-making processes in high-pressure environments.
Amy has held pivotal positions throughout her career, including Press Secretary to the Prime Minister of Canada and Director of Communications and Parliamentary Affairs to the Minister of Transport. Throughout her career, Amy has provided strategic advice and managed complex challenges in both public and private sectors.
Amy’s comprehensive understanding of government machinery, corporate relations, and stakeholder engagement processes allows her to approach complex issues with diplomacy and tact. Amy also has extensive experience managing health issues, having served in senior roles at the Public Health Agency of Canada. During her tenure, she led key initiatives in health policy, crisis communication, and public health promotion.
Known for her strong organizational skills and collaborative leadership approach, Amy excels in guiding teams toward success. Fluently bilingual in English and French further enhances her ability to navigate diverse environments.
Kelly Higginson | Restaurants Canada|President & CEO
For over 25 years, hospitality has been my driving force. From concept and business development to the people and culture that form the important fabric of each restaurant, I have been intimately involved in some of Canada’s most successful restaurant operations. Beginning my career at The Keg Restaurants, where I forged a sound foundation within the multi-unit chain environment, I crossed over to the creative and resilient independent sector, successfully opening the iconic Financial District restaurant, ki modern Japanese + bar. I have commanded a variety of positions within the restaurant industry throughout my exciting and dynamic career. Now I begin a new chapter joining Restaurants Canada.
My leadership development is constant, allowing me to learn something new everyday from those around me. I surround myself with people who are better at their specific job than I could ever be, and together as a team, we are nothing short of remarkable. My intuition, empathy, passion, vision, integrity and emotional intelligence are what I feel make me a strong leader for my team.
David Rheault | Air Canada|Vice President, Government and Community Relations
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 practiced 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 and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He has previously been on the Boards of the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Tourisme Montréal (where he was also a member of the Governance Committee).
Colin Tibbo | Marine Atlantic|Chief Information Officer and Vice President Customer Experience
Colin Tibbo is Marine Atlantic’s Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Customer Experience. In his role of Chief Information Officer, he is responsible for ensuring that Marine Atlantic investment in technology-based solutions drive innovation and support the business goals of the organization. As Vice President of Customer Experience, he is responsible for modernizing the overall customer journey including reservations, customer service and relations, revenue generation, and marketing. Colin graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree (Major in Computer Science) from Memorial University in 1993 and began working for the Department of Justice, Government of Newfoundland & Labrador.
From 2002 to 2006 he worked as the Director of Information Technology (IT) with the department and participated on a team to review the IT Delivery model for the province. The outcome of that was the formation of the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). He was appointed Executive Director of Infrastructure Services for the OCIO responsible for the Government’s IT Infrastructure, service desk and data centre environments. In 2008, Colin was appointed to the role of Executive Director of Solution Delivery for
the OCIO where he was responsible for IT Enterprise Architecture as well as all Technology-enabled projects for the OCIO. A key component of this mandate was to help grow the province’s technology sector by partnering with local tech-companies on the delivery of government IT projects.
Colin is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Ferry Association and is currently the Chair of the Association’s Committee on Innovation.
Colin joined Marine Atlantic in 2011.
Joseph Galimberti | PAL Airlines|Senior Vice-President of Public Affairs
He joined the PAL Group of Companies in 2018 as Senior Vice-President of Public Affairs. Prior to joining PAL, Mr. Galimberti held a variety of executive positions, including President of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, Vice-President of Public and Corporate Affairs at Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada, Director of Government and Community Relations at Air Canada, and various roles with the Government of Canada. He is also the co-owner of a family business, Broad Street Cycles, in Victoria, British Columbia, a member of the Board of Directors of the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation, and a former Trustee on the Board of Pearson College UWC.
Roseann Brake | Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake|General Manager
Roseann gained her love for hospitality working along side her parents in their family business in Cormack Rocky Brook Cabins.
After graduating she followed in her mothers’ footsteps studied tourism management and business and landed her first job as controller for a new IHG property opening in Stephenville the Holiday Inn. She worked as controller and food and beverage manager and was promoted to General Manager in 2006. While in the position she sat on various boards and committees including Chair of Southwest Tourism Association, President of Rotary, and because she always worked with a regional lens was part of the Western DMO from its inception and still chairs Go Western and sits on the Tourism Board.
In 2010 she bought out the family business and moved back to her hometown of Cormack. The Holiday Inn Express in Deer Lake was in construction phase at the time, and she took on the General Managers position there where she currently still works.
In her spare time, she’s also been busy rebranding her own property she now calls Rocky Brook Acres…where she’s infused her business with her community’s war bride and veteran history. Along with Rex Brown and Paul Dean she devoted her Sundays for the past two summers to develop a successful concert series The Cormack Sunday Concert Series highlighting some of Newfoundland’s best entertainers, sprinkled with heritage moments of her communities past and highlighting everything local the community has to offer. Last summer she lead the charge to develop a chef series for her community which consisted of 8 events with various chefs from around the island highlighting local food product from in and around the community of Cormack.
In her 30th year with the brand she is looking forward to retirement in the next few years and looks forward to investing her energies full time into her own business Rocky Brook Acres and her hometown Cormack.
Roseann gained her love for hospitality working along side her parents in their family business in Cormack Rocky Brook Cabins. In 2010 she bought out the family business and moved back to her hometown of Cormack. The Holiday Inn Express in Deer Lake was in construction phase at the time, and she took on the General Managers position there where she currently still works.
Angela Crockwell | Thrive|Executive Director
Angela is currently the Executive Director for Thrive in St. John’s NL, a position she has held for the past twenty-four years. Angela is passionate about social justice and promoting our collective responsibility as a community and citizens to treat people with respect and kindness.
Angela led the development of a coalition to address the sexual exploitation of youth, our provinces only exiting program for those engaged in the sex industry Angela also led the development of our provinces only street-based outreach service, and supported the development of an alternative education program for young people.
Angela has served on Boards for other community-based organizations, presented at provincial and national conferences, and is often requested to speak to the media on a number of social issues.
Brendon Hickey | The Newfoundland Embassy Pub and Eatery|Co-owner and Operator
Brendon Hickey is Co-owner and Operator of The Newfoundland Embassy Pub and Eatery, located in the heart of downtown St. John’s. Brendon has over 10 years of experience in the bar and restaurant industry. The Embassy is run by the Hickey siblings who have worked diligently to develop community ties with businesses and non-profits across the city, recently being awarded the Community Champion award by the St. John’s Board of Trade.
In 2023, The Embassy partnered with Eastern Health to begin a Naloxone campaign aimed at making this life-saving drug readily available in bars and restaurants, as well as hosting training sessions for businesses and the public.
Amanda Oake | Pollen Nation Farm Ltd.|Owner & Operator
Amanda Oake is the co-owner of Pollen Nation Farm Ltd. (formally the Newfoundland Bee Company) which operates in Little Rapids in the beautiful Humber Valley on the west coast.
Amanda studied Environmental Science, she has a Bachelor of Nursing, and a Master of Business Administration from Dalhousie University. She is from Corner Brook, NL. Amanda and partner Chef Nathan Hornidge purchased Pollen Nation Farm in 2019.
Pollen Nation advocates for community collaborations, increased biodiversity, and enhanced food security. Their mission is to celebrate the NL honeybee and the extraordinary role it plays in food sustainability, while providing the highest quality experiences. We are all interconnected, this philosophy is ingrained into their daily operations.
At Pollen Nation, Amanda and Nathan have committed to using local ingredients and working with local growers in the region to educate people about the importance of connecting with their food sources. The have also become champions and promoters of the Newfoundland honeybee, celebrating it’s important place in the world as a uniquely varroa mite-free species of the utmost importance for pollination and healthy crop growth.
Craig March | Cliffs Edge Retreat|Owner & Operator
Craig March, originally from Green Harbour, Newfoundland, spent the first 20 years of his career in the construction industry, working on major projects across the province. He then transitioned into productivity and process consulting, where for the past 20 years, he has worked with public and private organizations across Canada, helping businesses improve efficiency and streamline operations.
Recently, Craig and his wife, Paula, purchased the former Celtic Rendezvous property in Bauline South, transforming it into Cliffs Edge Retreat and The Forager Restaurant. The retreat is a 100% Newfoundland family-run business, operated by Craig, Paula, Devin, Ryan, and their niece Jordan, each playing a key role in developing operations and ensuring a world-class guest experience. Craig is applying his expertise in process consulting to optimize efficiency, enhance guest satisfaction, and create a seamless, high-quality retreat experience.
Craig sees significant potential for year-round tourism on the Southern Shore, not only from the local market but also from major out-of-province markets, including Ontario, Quebec, and the Northeastern United States. As demand for wellness retreats and nature-based travel continues to grow, Cliffs Edge Retreat is poised to become a premier destination for those seeking Nordic spa-inspired accommodations, immersive local cuisine, and transformative outdoor wellness experiences.
With exciting development plans underway for a world-class Nordic spa, Craig and his team are committed to establishing Cliffs Edge Retreat as a leading wellness destination in Newfoundland and beyond. They are excited about the future of tourism in Newfoundland and believe the province is on the verge of a new era of year-round tourism that will showcase its natural beauty, rich culture, and unparalleled hospitality to the world.
Rayann Crane | Lumsden Beach Company|Founder and Owner
Rayann Crane is the founder and owner of Lumsden Beach Company, a thriving tourism business in Lumsden, NL. Now entering its fifth season, the company offers beachside camping with provided trailers, kayak rentals, a beach hut rental, picnic lunches, and a beachside café, creating a unique coastal experience for visitors.
With 25 years of business management experience, Rayann also spent parts of five years living beachside in San Carlos Bay, Mexico, gaining valuable insight into operating a successful beach tourism business. Her hands-on approach and deep understanding of coastal hospitality have been instrumental in shaping Lumsden Beach Company into a must-visit destination.
Beyond her business, Rayann is an industry leader, serving as Vice Chair of Adventure Central, actively promoting tourism development in the region. She is also a member of NLOWE and the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce, where she was recognized as Woman in Business in both 2022 and 2023.
Rayann’s passion for entrepreneurship and tourism innovation makes her a valuable voice in the hospitality industry, and she is excited to share her insights as a panelist at the Hospitality Newfoundland conference.
John Steele | Steele Hotels|Owner
He is CEO of Steele Hotels which operates 7 locations throughout Newfoundland & Labrador and one location in Fredericton, NB. He has held this position since 1991. Mr. Steele is also CEO of Long Play Capital Corporation and is President of Brigus Production Company Inc. which produces the Iceberg Alley Performance Tent in St. John’s, NL. In 2018, Iceberg Alley Performance Tent was awarded The Best Event of the Year by the City of St. John’s. In 2022 Iceberg Alley Performance Tent was nominated for an award at the Atlantic Excellence Awards, and was selected as one of the top 2 finalists in the category of Event of the Year with a Budget >$500,000.
Mr. Steele was with Newfoundland Capital Corporation Limited and its subsidiary, Newcap Inc., from March 1988 to October 2018 and held several positions within the Company, lastly holding the title of President of its Newfoundland and Labrador operations until Newfoundland Capital Corporation was sold for over $500 million in 2018. Mr. Steele is currently a Board member of the 2025 Canada Games Revenue Generation Committee. He is a past member of the “In This Together” Capital Campaign Committee of the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation, a past Board member of Newfoundland Capital Corporation, a past Board member of Stingray, and the past President of the Board of Directors of the VOCM Cares Foundation. In 2018, the Canadian Red Cross awarded Mr. Steele as Humanitarian of the Year.