OUR SPEAKERS

Doug Lansky

Tourism consultant, Travel journalist, Author

Doug is a Stockholm-based tourism consultant and keynote speaker who spent 20 years as a travel journalist, editor, and author, contributing to publications like the Guardian, Lonely Planet and Skift. 

An award-winning travel writer, world-travel expert and travel trends futurist, Doug has lectured at over 100 universities, two TEDx Talks, National Geographic Headquarters, the United Nations World’s Tourism Organization, Google Travel, and many more.

Doug will challenge us to think in creative ways to help improve service and increase visitor spending. He will also show how hospitality can improve short- and long-term business through smarter environmental practice and more sustainable, holistic growth.

Dalene Heck

CEO, HMI Marketing

Dalene is co-founder and CEO of HMI Marketing, a company dedicated to digital marketing in the tourism industry. From her roots as the voice of HeckticTravels.com, Dalene has been honoured with several accolades including National Geographic Traveler of the Year. Her client roster includes Viator, Club Adventures (AAA), Tourism Nova Scotia, Travel Manitoba, and many others.

Dalene’s session will address the science behind why storytelling works, and how to use it to target desired audiences on social media. She will demonstrate how an evocative story can turn your brand into a legacy, win the loyalty of an audience, and yes, even generate profit.

Dave Smith

First Nations Storytellers

Having grown up outside First Nations communities because of the Sixties Scoop, Dave has a unique point of view on Indigenous culture. This two-eyed seeing approach allows him to see both sides of the relationship between Canadians and his people and he has a passion to learn as much as he can to help facilitate better relationships between the two Nations, as well as reclaiming his own culture. Dave will share his personal story along with traditional stories that he relates to present day and often sparks discussion around reconciliation. All questions are welcome. 

Connor McKiggan

Canada's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce

Connor will speak on how to capture the LGBT+ travel market and how to effectively understand, value and serve your LGBT+ employees and customers. Learn why inclusivity requires conscious effort, why it’s important and some ways you can ensure you are providing a safe and inclusive space for your 2SLGBTQ+ employees and guests. 

Connor will also outline programs offered by Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber that will assist you in working with this market.

Emilie Comeau-Sinclair

Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, Destination Development, Destinations Canada

A regenerative approach to tourism in Canada
A reflection on the definition, the rationale, and the implementation of a regenerative approach to tourism.