Year: 2027

Starr McMichael

Starr describes herself as a Specialized Generalist having led a successful career as an executive vice-president/owner/managing partner in the marine hospitality, tourism, food and beverage and event management industries. Starr is proud to be a Co-Founder of the IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference, a collaborative Global Dialogue on innovation… Read more

Elizabeth Brown

Elizabeth Brown is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Victoria Airport Authority (VAA), a role she assumed in 2023 after returning to the Victoria region following 16 years of international airport leadership experience. Elizabeth brings more than 20 years of experience in airport management, aviation strategy, and commercial development…. Read more

Gwendal Castellan

Gwendal Castellan is Manager, Sustainable Destination Development at Destination Vancouver, where, over nearly fifteen years in various roles, he has worked to advance tourism that supports thriving communities, a healthy environment and a welcoming destination for everyone. Grounded in Destination Vancouver’s purpose; to transform communities and visitors through the power… 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

Greg Takehara

Greg was the former CEO of Tourism Cares since 2019. He previously served on its Board, acting as its Chairman before becoming CEO. Prior to Tourism Cares, Greg was the President of Trip Mate, Inc., a travel insurance administrator. His career has spanned thirty-four years in the travel industry. Greg… Read more

Dr. Altaf Sovani

Dr. Altaf Sovani is the Founder and CEO of Alzen Consulting Inc., a boutique consulting firm specializing in the hospitality, tourism, and foodservice industries. With more than 25 years of experience in hospitality education, academic leadership, and consulting, he is widely recognized as a respected thought leader and trusted advisor… Read more

Paul Nursey

Paul Nursey is a highly accomplished tourism marketing, strategy, and branding expert who is widely regarded as one of Canada’s top tourism policy minds. Since joining Destination Greater Victoria in 2014, Paul has led DGV to numerous significant accomplishments, including: -Co-founding the IMPACT Sustainability Travel and Tourism Conference. -Aligning DGV… Read more

Trevor Norris

Trevor Norris is Senior Manager, Destination Development at the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board and Founder of Blue Oak Destination Advisory, where he coaches regenerative experiences and facilitates sustainable destination development. For over a decade, he has championed regenerative and responsible tourism, helping rural destinations and operators create experiences… Read more

Jill Doucette

Jill Doucette founded Synergy in 2008, a leading climate action firm working in North America and the Caribbean. At the confluence of business, climate action and regenerative tourism, Jill and her team work with business, industry and communities to mobilize towards a sustainable future. She works on the frontier of… Read more

Marion N. Chivot-Legris

Marion N. Chivot-Legris, currently the Director of ESG & Sustainability Strategy at Edmonton International Airport (YEG), brings over 15 years of international experience. In her role, she drives transformative change, fosters innovation, and builds strategic partnerships. As the former Head of Sustainability – North America at Air France – KLM,… Read more