Summit Program
This year’s theme, Get Game Ready, was about stepping into leadership at a pivotal moment for our sector. With FIFA World Cup approaching and global attention turning toward our communities, workplaces, and destinations, this Summit invited leaders to build the confidence, skills, and clarity needed to show up ready for what’s next.
📍 Kitsilano Ballroom Foyer
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Registration
📍 Kitsilano Ballroom Foyer
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast Buffet
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Summit Opening and Indigenous Welcome
📍 Kitsilano Ballroom
Talaysay Campo, Co-Owner/Operator Talaysay Tours
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
House Rules Aren't Just for House Parties
📍 Kitsilano Ballroom
Ren Navarro, Founder, B. Diversity Group
10:10 AM - 10:50 AM
PANEL PRESENTATION
The Manel: Shared Roles in Equity Efforts
📍 Kitsilano Ballroom
Joanna Jagger, President & Founder, WORTH Association, Moderator
Chatman Shaw, Corporate Development Manager, Indigenous Tourism BC
Ned Bell, Principal, Hatch Hospitality
Chris Campbell, President, Accent Inns, Hotel Zed and ROAR
10:50 AM - 11:20 AM
NETWORKING BREAK
📍 Kitsilano Ballroom
11:20 AM - 12:00 PM
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Game Ready: From the Trenches to the Top
📍 Kitsilano Ballroom
Julia Stewart, Founder & CEO, Alurx Inc.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
LUNCH
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Bosses of the Business
📍 Kitsilano Ballroom
Madone Pelan, Principal, Pelan Hospitality, Moderator
Beth McMahon, President & CEO, Hotel Association of Canada
Maria Clark, AGM Tin Wis Resort Tofino, Indigenous Business Leader
Nicole Gomes, Food Media Personality, Co-Founder Cluck N Cleaver Restaurants
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM
BREAKOUT SESSION 1
Leadership, Self-pressure, and Letting Go of What Isn’t Yours
📍 Fairview Ballroom I&II
Katherine Tilley, Founder, The Workjoy Company
BREAKOUT SESSION 2
NetWORTH
📍 Fairview Ballroom III&IV
Nadia Demers, CFO, Ziptrek Group, Moderator
Nelofar Maleqazghar, Regional Manager Women in Enterprise, TD Banking
Selena Woo, Vice President, Private Wealth - Associates, Nicola Wealth
Charlotte Pecknold, Scrum Master, Transformation Office, Coast Capital Savings
BREAKOUT SESSION 3
Fierce, Fearless & Fast: Women with ADHD
📍 Fairview Ballroom V
Devery McMillan, Energy Solutions Manager, Fortis BC, Moderator
Hli Haykwhl Ẃii Xsgaak, Melanie Mark, Remarkable First Nations Regenerative Industries & HLI HAYKWHL ẂII XSGAAK Consulting
Shelby Lim, Founder, The Connect Collaborative
Dr. Anita Parhar, Director of Women’s Health, ADHD Centre for Women
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
NETWORKING BREAK
📍 Kitsilano Ballroom Foyer
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
PANEL PRESENTATION
Get Game Ready with FIFA’s Champions
📍 Kitsilano Ballroom
Michelle Collens, Director of Tourism and Destination Events, City of Vancouver, Moderator
Maya Lange, Vice President of Global Marketing, Destination British Columbia
Rehana Din, Chief Operating Officer, BC Pavilion Corporation
Natasha Qereshniku, Communications, PR & Partnerships Lead, FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver Host Committee
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Closing Remarks
📍 Kitsilano Ballroom
Joanna Jagger, President & Founder, WORTH Association
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Networking Reception
📍 Kitsilano Ballroom Foyer