The Check-In is a six-part video series exploring the people, properties, and career pathways that make BC’s hospitality industry extraordinary. Travel behind the scenes, meet the people building rewarding careers, and discover the opportunities waiting available to you in hospitality.
Versante Hotel | August 12, 2026
In Episode 1 of The Check-In, Ella sits down with Trina Armour to explore her journey in hospitality, the culture that has kept her inspired, and what continues to drive her to exceed expectations. They also go behind the scenes at Versante Hotel to discover what makes this vibrant boutique property so special.
Tigh-Na-Mara Spa Resort & Conference Centre | August 19, 2026
In Episode 2 of The Check-In, Ella sits down with Paulina Alexander, Spa Director at the Grotto Spa, and Steven Shoung, Revenue Manager at Tigh-Na-Mara. They share their journeys in hospitality, what their roles look like today, and what keeps them connected to this stunning property and the surrounding Parksville community.
Qualicum Beach Inn | August 26, 2026
In Episode 3 of The Check-In, Ella gets a taste of local life with a tour of Qualicum Beach alongside Bellman and Driver Jim Gillespie, before sitting down with General Manager Irina Hansen to hear about her unconventional journey into hospitality. Irina shares what brought her to Qualicum Beach, how her career has evolved, and why the community and pace of life on Vancouver Island have become such an important part of why she chooses to work and live here.
Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour | September 2, 2026
In Episode 4 of The Check-In, Ella sits down with Assistant Housekeeping Manager Quinn Luong and Sales & Events Coordinator Thea Rose Vispo to talk about their experiences building careers at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour.
Quinn and Thea share what they’ve learned about taking risks, embracing new opportunities, and finding your passion in an industry with so many different career paths to explore. They also talk about the culture at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour and their advice for anyone still figuring out where a career in hospitality could take them.
The Oswego Hotel | September 11, 2026
In Episode 5 of The Check-In, Ella joins Front Office Manager and Sustainability Ambassador Autumn Welke at The Oswego Hotel in Victoria to explore how sustainability became part of her role.
Autumn shares the practices she has championed throughout the hotel with the support of her general manager, along with her tips for helping hotels and individuals make sustainability part of their everyday decisions.
British Columbia Hotel Association | September 16, 2026
Join series host Ella Chow for the series finale of The Check-In as she sits down with Paul Hawes, President & CEO of the British Columbia Hotel Association, to reflect on a life in hospitality.
In Episode 6, A Life in Hospitality, Paul shares a career that has taken him around the world, from restaurants, bars and hotels to industry leadership. Together, they explore his experiences, approach to leadership, connection to the essence of hospitality, and why this is such a special industry to build a career in.
Versante Hotel | July 22, 2026
