Year: 2026
Peter de Rama
Peter de Rama leads Technology and Digital Transformation at Destination Canada, spearheading scalable, AI-driven solutions shaping the future of the tourism sector. As the visionary architect behind the award-winning Canadian Tourism Data Collective, he engineered a secure, national platform that fuses advanced data infrastructure with cutting-edge AI to power real-time… Read more
Jean-François Archambault
Jean-François Archambault has always had food and people’s happiness at heart. After studying at the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec, he quickly became a manager in the hotel industry. In 2002, he first presented his idea for recovering surplus food to feed people in need. The project quickly… Read more
Robin Russell
Robin Russell is an experienced strategic communications consultant specializing in the intersection of tourism, sustainability and community development. With over 20 years of experience leading major campaigns and public relations strategies for organizations like Destination Canada and the Organizing Committee for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Robin has expertise… Read more
Tam Andersen
Tam Andersen is an award-winning farm entrepreneur from Sturgeon County, Alberta, known for her passion and commitment to sustainabiity and resilience in growing local food and agri-tourism. She is a pioneer of agri-tourism in the region as Owner and Director of Fun at Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm, a small… Read more
Elwyn Thom
Elwyn Thom is a the 23 year old founder and owner of Recertified Furniture, a retail store aiming to reduce waste in our community by consigning, revamping/ repairing furniture for re-sale. Elwyn has a passion for sustainable business, and believes that tying together helping people while helping the environment is… Read more
Malia Asfour
Malia Asfour, Former Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board in North America (JTBNA), began handling tourism for the Jordanian government in the U.S. as tourism attaché in Washington in 1995. She was a key participant in creating the country’s first tourism office in North America, which was launched in… Read more
Isabella Lai
Isabella Lai is a sustainability professional with a strong background in tourism and the cruise industry. She specializes in developing and implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives that align corporate sustainability strategies with operational practices. Beginning her career in tourism, Isabella gained valuable experience in customer experience, destination management,… Read more
Jessica Harcombe Fleming
Jessica brings over 20 years of expertise in integrated marketing and communications. Her career reflects a dedication to issues management and a passion for storytelling, exploring the convergence of digital communications, media relations, and content marketing. Jessica has held pivotal roles with prominent brands and destinations across Canada, the US,… Read more
Cody Chomiak
Cody Chomiak is an industry leader blending marketing innovation with emerging technologies. As Vice President of Marketing for Travel Manitoba, he develops strategies that position Manitoba as a premier destination on the global stage. Beyond his role in destination marketing, Cody serves on the board for Destinations International and is… Read more
Dr. Mikhail Klassen
Dr Mikhail Klassen is a scientist, engineer, and entrepreneur. In his current work as an AI Engineer at Planet Labs PBC, he develops technologies for understanding our changing world using artificial intelligence and geospatial data. Prior to this, he cofounded a venture-backed technology startup for commercial aviation that developed technologies… Read more