Program 

Monday, June 16

 

10:00AM - 7:00PM

Delegate Registration

2:00PM - 4:00PM

Workshops (Pre-Registration Required)
 

Private Label, Custom Spirits for Hotels

Location: Fairmont Château Laurier

 

Discover how to collaborate with a distillery and create your own branded spirits. This workshop will feature a tasting of the new private-label offerings from Zoe’s Bar and Lounge at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier with award-winning master distillers.

 

New Developments in Ottawa

Location: Landsdowne Park

 

Join a site visit to explore the vibrant Lansdowne Park in the Glebe neighbourhood — the city’s urban entertainment district with 40-acres of shops, restaurants, sport facilities, parks, and residences. Learn more about  Lansdowne 2.0 and the opportunities ahead!

 

Hotel Sustainability Tour

Location: The Westin Ottawa

 

Lace up your walking shoes and take a tour of hotels showcasing best practices for eco-friendly hospitality. Led by Green Key Global, visit certified properties, ask questions, and learn from sustainability experts.

5:30PM - 7:00PM

Welcome Reception 
 

 

7:30PM

Night Economy Walking Tour (Pre-Registration Required)
Location: Off-site

 

Following the reception, join us for an evening walking tour with Ottawa's new Nightlife Commissioner (aka the “night mayor”) to discuss opportunities for growing the nighttime economy, destination development, and conclude with a creative cocktail.

 

Tuesday, June 17

 

HAC Conference Host

Catherine Clark
Catherine Clark
President
Catherine Clark Communications Inc.

7:00AM 

2K Walk

5k Run

10K Bike Ride

Location: The Westin Ottawa Lobby

7:30AM - 12:00PM

Delegate Registration

Location: The Westin Ottawa

8:00AM – 8:45AM

Networking Breakfast & Tradeshow

Location: The Westin Ottawa

8:45AM – 9:15AM

HAC Opening Remarks

Location: The Westin Ottawa

9:15AM – 9:50AM

Hotel Speed Stats

Location: The Westin Ottawa

 

Get up to speed with the key numbers shaping our industry. In this fast-paced session, we’ll deliver a high-level overview of the essential stats and indicators that ever member needs to know. From the latest trends in visitor arrivals to revenue benchmarks and other crucial metrics, this session is all about the data that drives our decisions. Audience participation is part of the fun, with skill-testing questions designed to keep you on your toes and make this an engaging interactive session.

10:00AM –10:45AM

Thriving in Uncertainty: Navigating Political and Economic Impacts on the Hospitality Industry 

Location: The Westin Ottawa

 

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion on the current political, economic, and geopolitical landscape and its impact on the hospitality industry. Our experts will provide insights into the recent developments, economic trends, and global dynamics, offering strategies for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. 

10:45AM – 11:15AM

Networking Coffee Break & Tradeshow

Location: The Westin Ottawa

11:15AM – 12:00PM

 

Breakout Sessions

Industry Stats Deep Dive: From Numbers to Strategy

Location: The Westin Ottawa

 

Take a deeper look at the data shaping our industry with the panelists from Speed Stats. This session dives into the key metrics, trends, and forecasts affecting the tourism sector, with time for strategic discussions on how to turn the numbers into opportunities.

 

 

Sustainability – Saving Through Efficiency

Location: The Westin Ottawa

 

Explore how smart, sustainable hotel practices are saving dollars and the planet. 

12:00 PM – 1:30PM

Networking Lunch & Tradeshow

Location: The Westin Ottawa

1:30PM – 2:00PM

CEO Quickfire - The Strategy Edition

Location: The Westin Ottawa

 

Join industry leaders for a quick-fire session on strategy, trends, and long-term planning in this era of uncertainty. Of course, there will still be some skill – and humour – testing questions and a new winner crowned!

2:00PM – 2:45PM

Breakout Sessions

Bridging Borders: US Market Insights and Strategy

Location: The Westin Ottawa

 

Join leaders from Destination Marketing Organizations across Canada as they explore the challenges and opportunities coming from Canada’s largest international visitor market – the United States. With changing trade dynamics, gain valuable insights into their strategies for managing this key relationship.

 

 

Winning the Talent War: Branding & Strategies for Employers

Location: The Westin Ottawa

 

Learn from top marketing and workforce experts how to position your organization as a sought-after employer. This session is paced with actionable tips and creative strategies you can use to attract top talent – starting with your very next hire.

2:45PM - 3:15PM

Networking Coffee Break & Tradeshow

Location: The Westin Ottawa

3:15PM - 4:00PM

Closing Keynote

Location: The Westin Ottawa

Dan Gardner
Dan Gardner
Risk Management, Forecasting, and Big Projects | Award-Winning Journalist | Bestselling Author

4:00PM - 4:10PM

Closing Remarks

Location: The Westin Ottawa