Year: 2025

IMPACT Sustainability Travel and Tourism Conference 2025

Anna Atleo

Naas?imyis? Anna was born and raised in Victoria, BC, and is from the nuučaan̓uɫ Hahoulthee of Ahousaht. After studying tourism and business management at Vancouver Island University, Anna returned home to serve her community with the Maaqtusiis Hahoulthee Society. As the Assistant General Manager, she developed a passion for stewardship… Read more

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