Remember when “guest experience” was about great service, and not about navigating labour shortages, supply chain chaos, economic uncertainty, evolving traveler expectations, and a planet that’s either healing beautifully or slowly combusting? Yeah. Good times. So… now what?
No, seriously. Now what?

How do you inspire your team, adapt to new realities, and grow your business in an industry that never stands still? How do you lead yourself, your people, and your organization in a way that’s sustainable, resilient, and - dare we say - kinda exciting?

You prioritize growth. Not just financial growth—because organizations don’t grow until people do. Real future-focused growth happens when you AND your business are focused by purpose, defined by efficient actions that create frictionless experiences, and adopted through authentic communication.

Great challenges create great opportunities. This is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to reimagine your hotels, your leadership, and your future. Too overwhelming? Don’t worry. You’ll grow into it.

Get the latest industry and advocacy updates in this must-attend session. We’ll break down key issues impacting BC’s hotel sector, with a focus on potential U.S. tariffs and how they'll impact operations, demand, and the broader tourism industry. You'll also hear updates on short-term rental legislation, enforcement, the rising cost of doing business, MRDT, and environmental preparedness. The session will conclude with a town hall, giving you the chance to ask questions and engage directly on the issues that matter most.

Across British Columbia, escalating crime and violence are taking a toll on the vibrancy of our downtown cores, impacting guest/visitor experiences, employee satisfaction, and bottom lines. From rising security costs to losses from theft, the hospitality sector is bearing a growing financial and operational burden.

This panel discussion brings together voices from law enforcement, the judicial system, and the business community to dissect the challenges, explore actionable solutions, and offer strategies to help businesses adapt, advocate, and safeguard their operations. Attendees will gain insight into current crime trends, the effectiveness of policing strategies, and the role of government in addressing these pressing issues.

BC and Canada face economic uncertainty as traditional exports are threatened by tariffs. To counter the impact, BC must prioritize tourism as a core economic driver. But what does true prioritization look like?

With shifting traveler behavior and political risks, BC must ensure its tourism assets, products, experiences, and accommodations align with evolving demand. Yet, Canada and BC fall short in investing in tourism infrastructure and developing new offerings, lagging behind competitors that actively attract both domestic and foreign tourism investment.

Now more than ever, BC and Canada must foster conditions that encourage investment in tourism—ensuring businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors see the sector as an engine for growth and stability in uncertain economic times.

The hotel industry is thriving, but the landscape is shifting. Guest expectations are rising, staffing challenges persist, and competition is fiercer than ever. The question isn’t if change is coming—it’s whether you’re ready for it.

In this session, Ryan and Tommy will explore the silent force shaping hospitality: technology. Not as a disruptor, but as a partner. They’ll dive into how forward-thinking hotels are using smart automation, AI, and guest-centric tech to enhance—not replace—human hospitality, streamline operations, and stay ahead.

Expect fresh insights, real-world examples, and a thought-provoking discussion on what happens when hotels embrace (or ignore) the tech transformation.

Since 2002, Vancouver, and other city destinations in BC have faced a decline in hotel rooms despite growing demand, which poses significant challenges to the potential to develop our local economy, social fabric, and cultural landscape. The Task Force and its research parameters aim to develop a model to assess the impact of new hotel developments and investments in Vancouver's neighbourhoods. The model will evaluate the collective value, diverse configurations, constraints, and trade-offs of hotel development to maximize direct and indirect economic & social benefits. Additionally, the project identifies barriers and proposes mitigation strategies such as zoning, policy changes and education engagement opportunities.

The outcomes will be used to attract investment and demonstrate the economic, social, and cultural benefits of development to all levels of government. The study framework was developed with the idea that it may be adapted for use in other areas of Metro Vancouver or the Province.

The BC hotel market is an ever changing landscape, with new developments, transactions and evolving demand shaping the industry’s future. In this session, we’ll analyze the latest trends in hotel acquisitions, who’s buying and selling, and what’s driving investment decisions. We’ll also explore new hotel supply across the province, from urban high-rises to resort areas, and discuss how these additions are influencing market performance. This session will provide key insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping BC’s hospitality landscape.

Canada’s hotel industry has bounced back from the pandemic but now faces uncertainties due to currency fluctuations, tariffs, and other economic factors. Join Debbie as she presents the latest trends in Canadian hotel performance, with a special focus on British Columbia. How did we finish in 2024? How did we start Q1 2025? What is the forecast for the rest of this year and into 2026? A look at CoStar’s most recent data will help BC hotels navigate this uncertainty and plan for success.

The way we work has significantly changed in the past few years. While shifts were already happening, the pandemic pushed things into overdrive. Employees have new expectations, and as technology continues to evolve and economic and legal landscapes shift, it is becoming more difficult to hire and retain the talent needed for long-term success. For Hotel Leaders, staying ahead means understanding these changes and knowing how to adapt.

This session will explore the latest workforce trends, legislative updates, and practical strategies to help you build a resilient and thriving workplace.

How can BC’s transportation network better serve communities, businesses, and travelers? Leaders from BC Ferries, Wilson’s Transportation, and Victoria International Airport discuss the current landscape, opportunities for improvement, and their shared role in enhancing connectivity. From BC Ferries’ proposed new vessels to expanded air access and transport corridors, this conversation will explore the future of travel across the province.

Experiences that stand out are created by hospitality teams who thoughtfully balance expected services with delightful surprises. The hospitality industry is transforming through data-driven design. It's about understanding what lego blocks you have already and what pieces you might like to find or borrow or build upon. Deliberate Data Design is an approach that uses past experiences to inform decisions and find opportunities to exceed customer expectations in new ways. By exploring your data, you'll make data-informed choices you can measure, discover fresh insights, and empower your team to better connect with customers, regardless of your organization's size. Your inner creative jumps out or maybe you find others around you who can see data in a light you perhaps couldn't.

This session will give you the tour of examples you can learn from whilst rooting the opportunity for revenue impact in your existing strategy.