Year: 2025

Frank Brown

Frank Brown is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation from Bella Bella. His Hereditary Chiefs–Yím̓ ás name is λáλíya̓ sila meaning “preparing for the largest potlatch.” He is an adjunct professor of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University, of Recreation and Tourism Management at Vancouver Island University, and… Read more

Deirdre Campbell

As president of Canadian-based tartanbond, Deirdre has been entrenched in the integrated communications business for more than 24 years, specializing in sustainable tourism and destination marketing.  In 2017, Tartan merged with the tigerbond, a UK based PR agency with over 40 years of experience.  This allowed Deirdre to expand her… Read more

Alison McKay

Alison is Vice President of Destination Management at Destination BC, responsible for our destination management programs and efforts with a focus on supporting the revitalization of a strong and sustainable tourism sector in the province. Alison leads the Destination Management team in implementing annual plans, programs and projects; works with… Read more

Marina Winterbottom

Marina is a registered professional biologist with over fifteen years of experience working on marine assessment and permitting projects along the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific coastlines; she has worked on some of Canada’s most complex developments requiring extensive innovation, collaboration, and process knowledge. She holds a BSc in ecology from… Read more

Anick Levesque

As the Managing Director of Green Key Global, North America’s leading sustainability certification program, Anick plays a critical role in advancing sustainability efforts in the hospitality sector. Anick works with industry players across the globe to establish operational standards that are suited to all stages of a hotel’s sustainability journey… Read more

Gracen Chungath

Gracen Chungath, Senior Vice President of Destination Development at Destination Canada, leads the organization’s pan-Canadian strategy for Destination Development, focusing on strategic partnerships, stewardship of tourism supply, and investment. Gracen spearheads several initiatives including launch of the tourism corridor strategy program, the development of a comprehensive knowledge platform and hosted… Read more

Edward Bearskin

Edward is a Cree from Eeyou Istchee, and he was born in Chisasibi, Quebec. At a young age, he learned about hunting and being on the land from his grandfather and uncles. He still loves being out on the land with his family and friends. Edward served as the Tourism… Read more

Wade Davis

Wade Davis served as Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society (2000-2013) and Professor of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia (2014-2024). His 24 books, published in 23 languages, include the international bestsellers The Serpent and the Rainbow (1985), One River (1996), The Wayfinders (2007), and Into the Silence (2011),… Read more

Vanessa Bechtol

As Vice President of Destination Stewardship, Vanessa leads Visit Tucson’s destination development, sustainability, and community engagement, along with leading the membership and visitor services departments. In 2023, she launched Visit Tucson’s sustainability initiative by participating in the GDS-Index sustainability benchmarking and earning a Green Business Certification through Local First Arizona…. Read more

Dr. Jennie Knopp

Dr. Jennie Knopp is the Community and Science Director for Oceans North and was recently an Expedition Leader and Documentary Film Producer for National Geographic Pristine Seas during their expedition to northern Canada. Jennie has over 15 years experience working alongside Indigenous leaders and community members on marine and freshwater… Read more