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.
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

7:00AM
2K Walk
5k Run
10K Bike Ride
Location: The Westin Ottawa Lobby
7:30AM - 12:00PM
Delegate Registration
Location: The Westin Ottawa
8:45AM – 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.
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

Risk Management, Forecasting, and Big Projects | Award-Winning Journalist | Bestselling Author
4:00PM - 4:10PM
Closing Remarks
Location: The Westin Ottawa