Program

Monday, September 19, 2022
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
 
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
 
8:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Attracting, engaging, and keeping talent is a key driver of success for every enterprise. Although talent want all the things they have always desired, there is shift happening that is changing the war for talent. Across every demographic of age and country, there is an emerging purpose focused employee who want to be a part of organizations that are creating social good both for customers and society.

Over 50% of employees globally want to work for companies that have a purpose and half of millennials say they would take a pay cut to be at a company whose purpose they believe in. Research also shows that when employees believe in the purpose of the company they are more productive, more engaged, and more willing to put in discretionary effort. This desire to be part of a purposeful company cuts across all demographic categories of age, gender, and country though it is most pronounced among millennials.

This keynote will help leaders and companies see how trend is changing the talent game and how to thrive with a work force focused on doing good.

9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
 
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

CBRE Hotels will share their up to date outlook for the Alberta accommodation sector for the remainder of 2022 and a first glimpse at how the sector may move forward in 2023. They will once again include discussions of factors impacting both top line and financial performance.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Susie Grynol will share HAC’s advocacy strategy to ensure the recovery of the hotel industry across Canada emerging from COVID-19. In particular, HAC will focus on labour challenges facing hotels and progress on the short-term rental file.

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
 
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Chief Economist for the Government of Alberta joins us to share an economic outlook for Alberta, providing insights on the realities affecting the future of tourism and travel in Alberta. What types of investment will be driving growth for hotels? What factors have the most impact on Alberta hotels?

12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
 
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

The AHLA is leading a captive insurance project for Canadian hotels that has been enabled by new legislation in Alberta. A captive is a licensed insurance company utilized to insure a wide range of risks depending on business needs, and is wholly owned and controlled by its insureds. Dr. Alison Manzer with Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP and Val Cusano, President of Palm Insurance Canada will join AHLA President & CEO, Dave Kaiser for a presentation on why and how forming a captive insurance company for Canadian hotels can be a long term solution for accessible and affordable insurance.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Taxation, tourism, liquor, and labour policies have a critical impact on the sustainability and profitability of hotels. Paul McLoughlin, CBC radio columnist and principal, Word of Mouth Communications, will share his insights into Alberta’s current government and broader political landscape. Paul will share his perspective on where tourism, hospitality, and hotels fit in the government's agenda and how hotels can ensure their voice is heard. Laurie will share the AHLA’s ongoing advocacy efforts based on the provincial government’s priorities, and how hoteliers can move the dial with current and future governments via the AHLA grassroots movement.

3:30 PM - 3:45 PM

Bookending the day, Dave Kaiser will provide closing remarks on the day’s sessions, tying together the knowledge and expertise of speakers at Ascend 2022.