SPEAKERS & INFLUENCERS

INDUSTRY EXPERTS & INNOVATORS

Don't miss this year's line-up of hospitality innovators, global leaders and foodservice futurists who will be sharing their insights and industry trends to help you operate with excellence.

FEATURE SESSIONS

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Look who is coming to dinner: Learn how to reach today’s changing demographics
Discover the emerging dominant demographic groups, how these consumers are spending their money and how to market to reach them.
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Diversify to thrive: Exploring new profit avenues
Explore the profit boosting possibilities of ghost kitchens, retail and events
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Addressing the labour crisis: How to attract and retain talent
Solutions to tackle one of the greatest challenges the foodservice and hospitality industry faces
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Views from the top: Restaurant CEO panel
Canada’s top restaurant brands’ CEOs share why their brands have staying power and what they do to stay at the top

RC Show Ambassadors & Curators

Evelyn-Chic

Evelyn Chick

Regional Beverage Director, Donnelly Group

Evelyn Chick

Regional Beverage Director, Donnelly Group

Bar & Beverage Stage & Bar & Beverage Workshop Stage
N/A

Evelyn’s career in hospitality started in Vancouver. Throughout the years she has accumulated pedigrees such as : BarSmarts certification, WSET, Certified Specialist of Spirits, while finding success in multiple national & international cocktail competitions, including a win at the Global Beefeater MIXLDN championships in 2015; representing Canada against 31 other countries. She was given the opportunity to travel the world promoting Canadian cocktail culture. She was previously the Bar Manager of PrettyUgly Bar in Toronto. Drawing from her experiences in leadership, she is an advocate for building a solid, inclusive and integrated bar community within the Canadian market. In the last few years, she took over as the Canadian coordinator of Speed Rack, an all female charity speed bartending competition. Alongside Christina Veira, they hope to build a platform in which female bartenders can showcase their skills in a male dominated industry, while simultaneously raising funds for breast cancer research and education. She is currently the Regional Beverage Director for the Donnelly Group in Toronto, home of 4 stunning concepts ranging from boutique cocktail bar to high volume pub and beer halls. She is excited to again be involved with the Bar & Beverage Pavillon at RC Show 2020, building dynamic, forward thinking, educational programming for the restaurant industry.

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Jeff-Osborne

Jeff Osborne

Sommelier & Founder of JPO endeavour

Jeff Osborne

Sommelier & Founder of JPO endeavour

Bar & Beverage Stage, Sommelier Service Competition
Sunday, March 1, 11:00AM-1:00PM

Jeff is the founder of JPO endeavour, a premium beverage services & promotion agency and is also a Sommelier at Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa

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Christina-Veira

Christina Veira

Proprietor at Side Duties Events & Consulting & RC Show Bar & Beverage Curator

Christina Veira

Proprietor at Side Duties Events & Consulting & RC Show Bar & Beverage Curator

Bar & Beverage Stage & Bar & Beverage Workshop Stage
N/A

Christina Veira is thrilled to be returning to Restaurants Canada Show for their 75th anniversary. In 2019, she was honored to be chosen as one of Imbibe Magazine’s Imbibe 75 as well as WSET/IWSC (Wine and Spirit Education Trust/International Wine and Spirit Competition) Global Future 50. When not managing busy bars and events, she is a bar consultant for Toronto Cocktail Week, a national co-ordinator for Speed Rack Canada and a spirits educator for WSET. She has occupied every front-of-house position (and a couple in the kitchen) while pursuing certifications in wine and beer and even winning a cocktail competition here or there. Her passions are event execution, industry education and using the hospitality industry as a catalyst for community engagement and fundraising.

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Jennifer-Heuther

Jennifer Heuther

Master Sommelier, Gargoyle Wine

Jennifer Heuther

Master Sommelier, Gargoyle Wine

Bar & Beverage Stage, Sommelier Service Competition
Sunday, March 2, 2:00PM-3:15PM

Jennifer Huether has enjoyed a long career in wine -starting some 23 years ago in the business in Toronto. She has worked as Head Sommelier at MLSE as well as for wine companies Cliff Lede and Jackson Family based out of California. She is one of 30 female Master Sommeliers in the world and is heavily involved in competitions, mentoring, educating up and coming wine professionals as well as those working at the top of their game.

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La-toya-Fagon

La-toya Fagon

Chef & Owner, Twist Catering

La-toya Fagon

Chef & Owner, Twist Catering

Culinary Consultant
N/A

Chef La-toya fell in love with cooking at the young age of 17. She graduated from George Brown’s Chef School and continued to train at a number of top restaurants and hotels throughout Toronto, Europe and Mexico.

Born in Canada of Jamaican descent, she grew up cooking and eating “island foods,” but didn’t truly appreciate that cuisine until recently. After gaining years of experience, La-toya’s creativity started to flourish and she crafted her own take on ‘Island Paradise’, fusing her cooking style of traditional Caribbean ingredients together with Mediterranean flavours. This created some new flavours, with some familiarity of home-style, soulful goodness. Within months of experimentation, determination and hard work, La-toya tapped into her entrepreneurial spirit and Twist Catering came to fruition.

“I love everything about food – the smells, the flavours, the tastes, the texture and colours and mainly combining the raw essence of ingredients and putting it together, creating an explosion of tastes on one’s palate. As my motto states its Culinary Simplicity with a Twist.”

La-toya is destined for stardom. She has been labeled as Toronto’s Rising Star and was formally named Executive Chef to LIVEstyle Entertainment Supper Clubs doing film festivals all over the world. She appeared monthly on Rogers Daytime Toronto and was the food expert on the Marilyn Denis show. She uses her passion for food matched with her vibrant and contagious personality to engage audiences to relate to her. The Toronto Star, Cuisine Noir and The Canadian Press are only 3 of the numerous stories written about La-toya and her exotic, innovative cuisine.

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Tony Chapman

Marketing Strategist & Leadership Conferences Host

Tony Chapman

Marketing Strategist & Leadership Conferences Host

RC Leadership Conference, Monday
Monday, March 2, 8:30AM-12:30PM

Breakfast With Champions
Tuesday, March 3, 7:00AM-10:00AM

Tony Chapman is one of the youngest individuals to be inducted into the Marketing Hall of Legends, a testament to a career where he founded and built two internationally renowned branding communications agencies and a research firm. Four television documentaries, including one from Australia, have profiled Tony's thinking on consumer and customer engagement.

Five years ago, Tony sold his remaining media assets to speak his mind at conferences and in the media. He has delivered inspirational keynotes to audiences in China, Spain, Poland, Scotland, England, Brazil, and across North America.

Tony is a frequent contributor to the conversation on television, radio, and national newspapers. He is also the host of the podcast Chatter that Matters and the host of The Dales Report, a video magazine targeting do-it-yourself investors.

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Philman-George

Philman George

Corporate Chef, High Liner Foods Inc

Philman George

Corporate Chef, High Liner Foods Inc

Philman is no stranger to seafood! With both of his parents hailing from the small Caribbean island of Barbuda, he naturally learned to appreciate seafood at a young age. He has worked in a wide variety of establishments from the traditional English style pub to award winning restaurants, private clubs & hotels In Canada, Australia and the Caribbean. His goal is to place craveable seafood on your menu and help you generate more profit through the “Heart of the House” aka the kitchen!

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Cristina-Carpio

Cristina Carpio

Brand Strategist and Editor in Chief MarQuee Magazine

Cristina Carpio

Brand Strategist and Editor in Chief MarQuee Magazine

Former television reporter and columnist for Food and Beverage Magazine, Cristina Carpio is a brand strategist and food and beverage expert, who is regularly invited to showcase her first-hand knowledge of the industry on television. She is also a broadcast/journalism and hospitality graduate and currently the Editor in Chief of the luxury lifestyle publication, MarQuee Magazine. The magazine is available nationwide in Canada and the United States, as well as delivered to homes in the GTA, private jets, lounges, and spas across North America. MarQuee Magazine is also distributed at major events, such as the Canadian Open, the National Women's Show, and many others.

Cristina has organized many high profile events and collaborates with some of the top luxury brands in both Canada and internationally. She contributes food, beverage, and lifestyle features to top publications and blogs to an international audience, as well as appears regularly on television as a food and lifestyle expert on many of Canada's leading television networks. She is also the host of a travel TV show which launched on CNBC World titled Going Global, where she travels to exciting destinations and discovers unique and authentic cultural experiences. The second season of Going Global launched on Amazon Prime Video in the US and the UK. The show has an established following of seasoned travelers worldwide and has featured some of the top luxury brands in the world.

Cristina also hosts numerous major food events in Toronto. She was one of the 3 main hosts for the Restaurants Canada show and other premier events in Toronto, such as The Toronto Catering Showcase, SIAL Canada, and many more. She is also a judge for Canada's Best100 Restaurants. Cristina hosts a number of other events in Toronto from fashion shows, food and hospitality tradeshows, and galas. She also hosted a charity event in Toronto with guest of honor, Miss Universe Catriona Gray, to help raise money to help underprivileged children in their shared homeland of the Philippines. Cristina is a philanthropist and has been recognized for her work with the community and entrepreneurship. Cristina was also the Canadian Ambassador for EatWith, formerly Vizeat, a global dining immersion platform and one of Apple's top food and travel apps. Currently, Cristina is the head of Marketing, Media, and Public Relations for the Quantum Group of Luxury Brands and a brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz.

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Charlotte-Langley

Charlotte Langley

Owner, Scout Canning & MSC Ambassador

Charlotte Langley

Owner, Scout Canning & MSC Ambassador

Culinary Consultant & Host, Jon Bil Oyster Shucking Competition
Local Stage, Tuesday, March 3, 3:15PM-4:00PM

Charlotte Langley hails from PEI where she cultivated a her ‘Maritime Chic’ style of cooking and a deep love for the oceans. She aims to nurture and inspire through food with consciously selected ingredients that celebrate season, terroir and the delicate ecosystems that sustain us. Constantly challenging herself and what it means to be a chef, Charlotte founded Scout Canning, Canada’s first fresh canned seafood company, and through her role as ambassador for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) she champions the importance of choosing seafood that is both sustainable and traceable.

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Richard-Cazeau

Richard Cazeau

Lead Bilingual Content & Video Producer, Writer, and Influencer, RichardCazeau.com

Richard Cazeau

Lead Bilingual Content & Video Producer, Writer, and Influencer, RichardCazeau.com

With a personality that's fiercely passionate about Lifestyles and Products for Men (and sometimes Women and Children), I'm an accomplished Content Writer, Producer and Host of Award-winning Alternative and Digital Programming-- a complete Multipotentialite. I've compiled extensive production credits on Media Networks owned by NBC, AMC, FOX, DISCOVERY, and YAHOO. And as of late, I've produced Sponsored Content for Retail Partners like LG, CANON, ENERGIZER, WALMART, and SEARS— just to name a few. I love to discover and share brands’ reinventions and their newest engagements. As a Cultural Curator, my constant goal is to stay one step ahead of the proverbial curve. Researching and gathering ”what’s hot”, “what’s #trending” and “what’s happening right now” (or even about to), keeps my attention and fuels my ability to share the latest News, Trends and Content, incessantly.

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Trevor-Lui

Trevor Lui

Principal, Highbell Group

Trevor Lui

Principal, Highbell Group

Culinary Consultant

Bio: Trevor has made a life and career surrounded by the sights and sounds of food and drink.  He has spent more than 20 years producing thousands of event experiences as an executive for major entertainment venues, top-tier hotels & casinos for the likes of heads of states and Hollywood starlets.  A diverse builder of innovative implementation, brand marketing, operations and ground-zero build outs, he likens a good, honest meal on a street corner than being tied down to a corporate boardroom.  He’s a lover of ‘the story’ and inspired with each bite and sip around him and believes we are all connected through our dining experiences.  

Trevor recently shed his corporate job to fulfil his entrepreneurial dream of creating unique experiences.  He has helped co-create and develop some of Toronto’s foremost food brands, Kanpai Snack Bar, Yatai Japanese Street Food, Shook Noodle, La Brea Food, Fat Rabbit and the newest addition, Makan Noodle Bar and soon-to-come, Popa.  His agency Highbell Group curates uniquely immersive culinary events that pushes the boundaries of innovation coupled with a growing list of clients that seek their services for branded video content in the style of his well-documented Soulful Food Stories series.

In addition, Trevor is a frequent consultant, speaker & editorial contributor to industry publications and business forums as well as holding executive posts on boards in the global tourism and academia space. He has also provided promotional ambassadorship to numerous notable consumer brands and is a regular contributor to Cityline. Look out for Trevor’s cookbook set to hit the shelves in fall 2020.
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Speakers

Jay-Wright

Jay Wright

President & CEO, Arterra Wines Canada

Jay Wright

President & CEO, Arterra Wines Canada

Bar & Beverage Stage, Bar CEO Panel
Monday, March 2, 12:45PM-1:30PM

Jay Wright is the president & CEO of Arterra Wines Canada. He oversees the domestic and international sales, marketing and operations of Canada’s leading wine company.

Jay joined the company in 2001 as president of Vincor International Inc. and became its CEO in 2006. From 2009 and onwards, he held various executive roles at Constellation Brands Inc. such as COO and EVP & president of Global Wine & Spirits where he was instrumental in leading the business on a premiumization growth strategy and the acquisitions of luxury brands Ruffino, Mark West, Casa Noble Tequila and Meiomi. In 2016, Jay became the president and CEO of Constellation Brands Canada, a privately held company owned by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, which has now rebranded to Arterra Wines Canada.

Before joining Vincor, Jay was vice president and general manager at Borden Foods USA. Before that, he was director of innovation at Molson Breweries and spent 10 years at Nabisco, building brands such as Oreo and Del Monte. Jay, a native of Montreal, began his career in marketing at Procter & Gamble in Toronto.

Jay earned a bachelor of commerce degree with honours from Queen’s University. He serves on the Board of Directors for Arterra Wines Canada. He also sits on the boards of the Canadian Vintners Association, The California Wine Institute, The Toronto Jazz Festival and the Queen’s School of Business Advisory Board.

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Vince-Sgabellone

Vince Sgabellone

Foodservice Industry Analyst, The NPD Group

Vince Sgabellone

Foodservice Industry Analyst, The NPD Group

Speaker Stage, Rollin’ into the future: Foodservice & cannabis
Monday, March 2 - 2:00PM - 2:55PM

RC Leadership Conference, Hotel X
Monday, March 2, 8:30AM-12:30PM

Vince has been a foodie since long before it was a fake word and developed his passion for food and cooking in his Italian mama’s kitchen. As a Foodservice Industry Analyst at The NPD Group, he provides his unique perspective on food and the foodservice industry, and helps his clients improve their performance. When he’s not busy analyzing the business, you can find him preparing meals for family or friends, or out in the neighbourhood trying out the latest new restaurant and analyzing the menus.

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Julian-Burzynski

Julian Burzynski

President, Canada, Breakthru Beverage Group

Julian Burzynski

President, Canada, Breakthru Beverage Group

Bar & Beverage Stage, Bar CEO Panel
Monday, March 2, 12:45PM-1:30PM

Julian is a strategic and results-oriented executive with 30 years of innovative, energetic leadership within the distribution and supplier tiers of the North American beverage alcohol industry. He is an insightful executive expert in leveraging relationships and opportunities for company growth. He is a motivational leader known for clearly defining mission and goals, aligning talent and resources, and consistently delivering results that exceed expectations.

In his primary role leading BBG’s Canadian beverage alcohol brokerage, he serves as the executive lead for key suppliers including Diageo, Jackson Family Wines, Piper-Heidsieck, and Charles Heidsieck Champagne. As part of his responsibilities, he systematically studies and courts new wine, spirits, and beer suppliers to support BBG’s Canadian growth goals. Among his many accomplishments are a strategic investment and partnership with PMA across the country with William Grant & Sons and Brown-Forman as key anchor growth suppliers.

Across almost three decades in the beverage alcohol industry, Julian has served in roles with increasing responsibility at Breakthru Beverage, Wirtz Beverage Group, Judge & Dolph, Diageo, and J. Lewis Cooper and Company. He is skillful at leading cross-functional teams to successful results including M&A activity, and he passionately develops future leaders and enhances team culture.

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Michael-Conway

Michael Conway

Executive Vice President & President, Starbucks Canada

Michael Conway

Executive Vice President & President, Starbucks Canada

Speaker Stage, Restaurant CEO Panel
Monday, March 1 - 1:00PM - 1:55PM

Michael Conway is executive vice president and president, Starbucks Canada. He oversees 1,400 company-operated stores and 23,000 partners. Michael is known as a leader who is committed to living Starbucks Mission and Values. He is personally championing the company’s social impact agenda as a leader in hiring Opportunity Youth and refugees, and is driving an ambitious agenda to operate Starbucks stores in Canada in greener ways. Previously, he served as executive vice president and president for Starbucks Licensed Stores business for the United States & Latin America.

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Hana-James

Hana James

Co-Founder & Director of Community, Greenhouse Juice Co.

Hana James

Co-Founder & Director of Community, Greenhouse Juice Co.

Speaker Stage, Food is medicine: Capitalizing on the health food movements
Tuesday, March 3, 11:00AM-11:45AM

Hana James is a co-founder of Greenhouse, its Director of Community, and a co-author of The Greenhouse Cookbook, a national bestseller. After completing a BSc at McGill University, Hana was en route to medical school when she decided to explore another passion: helping people improve their health through food. In 2011, Hana founded Café Shu, a juice bar and healthy café with two locations in Toronto. In 2014, Hana joined her close friends Anthony Green and Emma Knight in founding Greenhouse.

After completing University, he worked his way up to successfully managing numerous chain and independent restaurants. Jays career took an amazing shift towards Sysco, where over the past 15 years he’s consulted, thousands and thousands of restaurants across Canada, ensuring they continue to succeed in today’s changing business environment.

Today, Jay enjoys leading Canada’s largest food service consulting team for Sysco. Where his leadership, passion and innovation are inspiring and leading edge."It’s all about driving a vision to inspire our teams to provide the best solutions and services to our customers every day. This is the absolute best industry to be a part of!

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Dr.Morgaine_Gaye

Dr. Morgaine Gaye

Food Futurologist & Director, Bellwether: Food Trends

Dr. Morgaine Gaye

Food Futurologist & Director, Bellwether: Food Trends

Breakfast With Champions, Hotel X
Tuesday, March 3, 7:00AM-10:00AM

Dr Morgaine Gaye is a Food Futurologist and director of bellwether: Food Trends, the first food trend research compendium. She has her own health-food product range of functional food blends called Dr Gaye, which are sold globally on-line.

Morgaine looks at food and eating from a social, cultural, economic, trend, branding and geo-political perspective. Her work involves running ideation sessions, consulting to food companies, developing new products and ideas; writing articles/ trend reports for PR and ad agencies; giving public , university and corporate lectures on specific food trends, developing new ideas for food-related TV and radio programmes and doing research on all elements of the eating experience from mouth-feel to olfactory perception. She consults to leading blue chip food companies and manufacturers, delivering bespoke trend briefings and NPD ideation.

Morgaine is a frequent media contributor in print, radio and TV. A number of her academic research papers have been published. She is a guest university lecturer in UK and Sweden and is on the reviewing panel for the International Food Design Conference, an academic journal. As part of the EU Commission, Morgaine was the chair at the Brussels Parliament for 2015. As part of TED X 2016, Morgaine’s talk was ‘It Doesn’t Make Scents’. She is currently writing a book ‘A Taste of Things to Come’ about food trends and why they matter and developing a future TV series with the Food Network, US.

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Dan-Lafrance

Dan Lafrance

President, Flanagan Foodservice

Dan Lafrance

President, Flanagan Foodservice

Speaker Stage, Leaders in distribution: How distributors are helping you meet changing customer demand
Sunday, March 1, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Dan joined Flanagan Foodservice in early 2019 as the first non-family President of the largest privately-owned broadline foodservice distributor in Canada. Dan brings 30 years of experience in the Canadian food industry gained in various roles over a long career with the Kraft Heinz Company, most recently as Vice President of Sales and Foodservice. As one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, Flanagan’s has a reputation for exceptional customer service and an impressive track record of growth.

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Court-Desautels

Court Desautels

President, The Neighbourhood Group

Court Desautels

President, The Neighbourhood Group

Speaker Stage, Addressing the labour crisis: How to attract and retain talent
Sunday, March 1 - 12:00PM - 12:45PM

Court Desautels is the President of the Neighbourhood Group of Companies, a Certified B Corporation that operates a group of restaurants in Guelph & Kitchener called The Wooly Pub, Borealis Grille & Bar, Miijidaa Cafe + Bistro and the newly opened Park Grocery Deli & Bar. He is an innovative leader who has a vision of combining great hospitality with environmental and social initiatives.

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Bruce-McAdams

Bruce McAdams

Associate Professor, School of Hospitality, Food, and Tourism Management, University of Guelph

Bruce McAdams

Associate Professor, School of Hospitality, Food, and Tourism Management, University of Guelph

Speaker Stage, Addressing the labour crisis: How to attract and retain talent
Sunday, March 1 - 12:00PM - 12:45PM

Planet & profits: Sustainable solutions for your business
Sunday, March 1, 3:00PM-3:45PM

Professor Bruce McAdams graduated from the University of Guelph’s School of Hotel and Food Administration in 1989 and immediately joined Red Lobster Restaurants where he worked for seven years in operations and training. In 1996 McAdams joined the fledging Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants as General Manager of Jump Café and Bar. During his 13 year tenure at O&B he was involved in the expansion of the group as well as the development of their service and ‘employer of choice’ propositions. McAdams was made a partner in Oliver & Bonacini Synergy in 2001 and five years later was named Vice President of the company.

After completing his Master of Arts degree in Leadership from the University of Guelph in 2009 McAdams left O&B to join the faculty of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. In 2011 McAdams started the University of Guelph Sustainable Restaurant Project (UGSRP). UGSRP holds yearly symposiums on issues regarding sustainability in Canadian restaurants and acts as a research avenue for both faculty and students.

McAdams has co-authored peer-reviewed journal articles on the effects of tipping on restaurants, food waste, and embedding triple bottom line approaches to education in hospitality schools. He has presented his research at conferences in Europe, the United States, and Canada. McAdams has recently completed a study on alternative work schedule design for restaurant managers and is collaborating on a government funded research project entitled “Understanding the Hospitality Industry: Demographic Intersectionality’s and the Wage Gap.”

In 2015 McAdams received an OHI Gold Award as educator of the year and most recently in 2017 was the recipient of an award from the United Nation’s Principles for Responsible Management Education project. He considers himself an advocate for a stronger restaurant industry and is regularly asked to give his thoughts and opinions on restaurant issues to major media outlets including the Globe and Mail, CBC Radio, The National, and NPR.

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Jo-Ann-McArthur

Jo-Ann McArthur

President & Chief Strategist, Nourish Food Marketing

Jo-Ann McArthur

President & Chief Strategist, Nourish Food Marketing

Main Stage, Demographic Panel
Sunday, March 1 - 12:00PM - 12:45PM

Jo-Ann has spent a career building brands with consumers and retailers at Procter and Gamble, Unilever and Cadillac Fairview.
As a divisional President of Molson Coors, and a member of its North America Management Board, Jo-Ann led the charge to sell more beer more profitably.

As a Founding Partner and President of Nourish Food Marketing, Jo-Ann now builds powerful brands for food and beverage products in Canada, the US and Europe, creating marketing strategies that help move products off the shelves, into the consumer’s shopping basket, onto their plates and into their hearts.

She has worked with entrepreneurs launch award winning products and with Municipal, Provincial and Federal agencies to create programs that support Canada's food industry.
Jo-Ann is founding chair of the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada, a Past President of The Empire Club of Canada where she hosted leaders from around the globe, and serves as Board Chair of ABC Life Literacy Canada.

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George-Croft

George Croft

President and Chief Executive Officer, Waterloo Brewing Ltd.

George Croft

President and Chief Executive Officer, Waterloo Brewing Ltd.

Bar & Beverage Stage, Bar CEO Panel
Monday, March 2, 12:45PM-1:30PM

George is a beer industry expert with over 30 years of experience in the Canadian beer industry. Becoming President and CEO of Waterloo Brewing Limited in May 2008, George has restructured the business and taken the company from a financial loss to sustainable profitability. Waterloo Brewing is the fifth largest brewer in Canada and the fourth largest brewery in Ontario.

George joined Waterloo Brewing from Lakeport Brewing Income Fund, where he was President and Chief Operating Officer. He began his career with Labatt Breweries of Canada, where he held various senior management assignments, including President of Oland Specialty Beer Company and President Labatt Breweries of Ontario.

George is a graduate of the University of Alberta, a Chartered Director and a Management Accountant.

George has served on the Executive Committee of Labatt USA Board, the faculty of McMaster Not for Profit Board Governance and the Board of Director of The Beer Store.

He is a Board Director of Waterloo Brewing, past Chairman of Beer Canada and Board Director of Beer Canada.

George was also an Ontario Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist as well as Canada’s Passion Capitalists finalist.

Waterloo Brewing was proudly named Business of the Year in 2019 by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

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Chris Elliott (2)

Chris Elliott

Senior Economist, Restaurants Canada

Chris Elliott

Senior Economist, Restaurants Canada

RC Leadership Conference, Hotel X
Monday, March 2, 8:30AM-12:30PM

As the Senior Economist for Restaurants Canada, Chris Elliott manages and produces a comprehensive research program that has made Restaurants Canada a leading source of information for and about Canada’s $93-billion foodservice industry. Chris produces a number of member reports that analyze key industry trends and economic forecasts. He also provides research to support Restaurants Canada’s lobbying efforts on issues that affect foodservice operators – from payroll taxes to food costs.

Chris has worked with Restaurants Canada for 20 years, has a Bachelor of Arts and Master Degree in Economics and specializes in economic modeling and forecasting.

Since its founding in 1944, Restaurants Canada has grown to represent 30,000 businesses in every segment of the foodservice industry, including restaurants, bars, clubs, cafeterias, and contract and social caterers. Through advocacy, research, member savings and industry events, we help our members in every Canadian community grow and prosper.

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sleeman

John Sleeman

President & CEO, Sleeman Breweries

John Sleeman

President & CEO, Sleeman Breweries

Bar & Beverage Stage, Bar CEO Panel
Monday, March 2, 4:15PM-5:00PM

At 23 he launched his first business, a British-style pub and after three years sold that establishment and founded The Imported Beer Company, which successfully grew into a national company. He estarted family brewing business in Guelph in 1985. As President and CEO of Sleeman Breweries he successfully expanded the business across Canada. He currently remains as Founder and Chairman of the Board following its acquisition by Sapporo Breweries. Co-Founder and President of Spring Mill Distillery re-launched in Guelph from 1836 Sleeman family heritage.

Member of YPO, past Director and Chair of Beer Canada, past Director of Brewers Retail, as well as the British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce. From 2001 to 2007 he was the Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Charter for Business. Past Development Committee Chair for the Alcoholic Beverage Medical Research Foundation. Recipient of several awards, including the Order of Canada. John lives in the Toronto area.

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Ori-Grad

Ori Grad

Broker & Managing Director, CHI Real Estate Group

Ori Grad

Broker & Managing Director, CHI Real Estate Group

Learning Lounge, Costs & Clauses: Things to know before negotiating & signing a commercial lease
Sunday, March 1, 1:00PM-1:45PM

Ori Grad is the Managing Director and Broker of CHI Real Estate Group, a boutique real estate team that is specialized in the hottest aspect of the commercial real estate game - restaurants. Grad has been selling real estate for 15 years, and in that time, he's become the go-to guy for chefs eager to open restaurants and restaurateurs looking to expand.

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Dean-Sockett

Dean Sockett

Vice President People and Culture, Keg Restaurants Ltd

Dean Sockett

Vice President People and Culture, Keg Restaurants Ltd

Speaker Stage, Addressing the labour crisis: How to attract and retain talent
Sunday, March 1 - 12:00PM - 12:45PM

Dean Sockett is the Vice President of People and Culture for Keg Restaurants Ltd. Keg Restaurants is a chain of 109 steakhouse and bars located throughout North America employing over 10,000 people. Heading up The Keg’s Human Resources department for the last 22 years providing the leadership development and implementation of HR strategies for one of Canada’s most iconic brands. For 18 consecutive years Keg Restaurants has been recognized as one of the “ Best Employers in Canada”

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Anna-Chartres

Anna Chartres

Regional Director, Talent and Culture, Central Canada, Accor Hotels

Anna Chartres

Regional Director, Talent and Culture, Central Canada, Accor Hotels

Speaker Stage, Addressing the labour crisis: How to attract and retain talent
Sunday, March 1 - 12:00PM - 12:45PM

Anna Chartres, Regional Director Talent and Culture, is responsible for all human resource operations for Accor Hotels in Central Canada, overseeing more than 2,200 employees – including 1,250 at her home base, Toronto’s iconic Royal York Hotel. With over 30 years as a human resources practitioner, her career has spanned the globe. Anna began her career in her native homeland, New Zealand, and then moved to Canada, where she worked for a number of brands but settled at Fairmont 21 years ago

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Terence-Donnelley

Terence Donnelley

Chairman & CEO, Hill Street Beverage Co.

Terence Donnelley

Chairman & CEO, Hill Street Beverage Co.

Speaker Stage, Rollin’ into the future: Foodservice & cannabis
Monday, March 2 - 2:00PM - 2:55PM

Terry is the Chairman & CEO of Hill Street Beverage Co., focused on the production of world class, award winning cannabis-infused and alcohol-free wine, beer, & cocktails. Their products have won awards around the world, including three Golds, two Silvers, and two Bronze medals at the US Open Beer Championships, a Double Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Challenge, and the Retail Council of Canada’s Grand Prix Award. Their products are available nationwide at leading retailers

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Adrian-Niman

Adrian Niman

Founder & Executive Chef, The Food Dudes

Adrian Niman

Founder & Executive Chef, The Food Dudes

Breakfast With Champions, Hotel X
Tuesday, March 3, 7:00AM-10:00AM

Speaker Stage, Diversify to thrive: Exploring new profit avenues
March 3, 12:00PM-12:45PM

Adrian Founded The Food Dudes upon the completion of his training at the Michelin-starred Reads Hotel in Mallorca, Spain in 2007. Adrian is passionate about sharing his acquired knowledge and skills. He launched The Food Dudes based on the principles of using the highest quality ingredients, maintain superior service, and tending to all client needs.

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John-Letteri

John Lettieri

Founder & President, Hero Certified Burgers

John Lettieri

Founder & President, Hero Certified Burgers

Speaker Stage, Diversify to thrive: Exploring new profit avenues
Tuesday, March 3, 12:00PM-12:45PM

John Lettieri is a driven entrepreneur. He founded the franchises Lettieri Espresso Bar and Café, Hero Certified Burgers and most recently, Hero Certified Virtual Kitchen (VK). He travels the world to pioneer food innovation and carve new paths. He was the first in Canada to source a pure Angus Beef Burger that is hormone-free, antibiotic-free, halal-certified. John continues to challenge the status quo with the more recent Hero VK; a new channel segment. The future of foodservice

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Trevor-Benson

Trevor Benson

VP, Destination Development, Culinary Tourism Alliance

Trevor Benson

VP, Destination Development, Culinary Tourism Alliance

Speaker Stage, The world is our oyster: How to grow your business through culinary tourism
Sunday, March 1, 11:00AM-11:45AM

Trevor is a social-minded systems thinker, progressive project manager, and extroverted intrapreneur. Since 2006, he has been supporting the development of local sustainable food systems and small food & drink and tourism businesses in Canada and abroad. Trevor is passionate about collaborating with others to create meaningful change in the way that people experience food, and he enjoys nothing more than working with the communities that make it taste so great.

As VP, Destination Development at the Culinary Tourism Alliance, Trevor oversees all aspects of the organization’s social enterprise consultancy, including managing highly participatory and asset-based food tourism development projects at the local, regional, and national levels. On a daily basis, Trevor has the pleasure of engaging with diverse businesses, various levels of government, educational institutions, industry associations, community groups, and not-for-profit organizations.

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Joe-Jackman

Joe Jackman

Founder & CEO, Jackman Reinvents

Joe Jackman

Founder & CEO, Jackman Reinvents

Breakfast With Champions
Tuesday, March 3, 7:00AM-10:00AM

Joe Jackman is the CEO of Jackman Reinvents, the world’s first and foremost reinvention company. An advisor to consumer brands, retailers, B2B companies, and private equity partners for more than thirty years, Jackman has proven invaluable to leaders intent on sharpening strategy and orchestrating insight-led reinventions of their businesses. Throughout his career as strategist, creative director, marketer, and Reinventionist, he has helped companies create the most powerful and relevant versions of their brands and businesses in record time; he is widely considered to be the leading expert on rapid reinvention. In January 2020, Joe will release his first book, The Reinventionist Mindset: Learning to Love Change and the Human How of Doing It Brilliantly. In it, Jackman traces his journey to becoming a reinventionist, and shows readers how to create purposeful change. Jackman lives in Toronto, Canada; works across North America; and lectures around the globe.

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Frank-Hennessey

Frank Hennessey

CEO, Recipe Unlimited Corporation

Frank Hennessey

CEO, Recipe Unlimited Corporation

Speaker Stage, Restaurant CEO Panel
Monday, March 1 - 1:00PM - 1:45PM

RC Leadership Conference, Hotel X
Monday, March 2, 8:30AM-12:30PM

Frank Hennessey is Chief Executive Officer of Recipe Unlimited Corporation. Building on a 135+ year legacy, Frank is responsible for leading and growing the full suite of restaurant, delivery and catering businesses that make up Recipe, including iconic brands like Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, St-Hubert and The Keg. Frank has excelled in the industry for more than 30 years, working in restaurant, food manufacturing and grocery retail including previous executive leadership roles with Recipe as Vice President of Purchasing and President of Harvey’s restaurants.

Prior to re-joining Recipe in 2018, Frank was President and CEO of Imvescor Restaurant Group for four years and had great success turning that company around, growing sales and increasing shareholder value. From 2011 to 2014, Frank held the position of President and CEO of Bento Sushi.

Frank holds an undergraduate degree from Western University and a Master of Business Administration from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

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Kyle-Norrington

Kyle Norrington

President, Labatt Breweries of Canada

Kyle Norrington

President, Labatt Breweries of Canada

Bar & Beverage Stage, Beer CEO Panel
Monday March 2 - 4:15 pm - 5:00 pm

Kyle Norrington is President of Labatt Breweries of Canada, the Canadian division of the world’s leading brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev. With an intimate knowledge of Canada and its marketplace, Kyle has broad experience with Labatt and AB InBev and has continuously delivered successful results, innovative strategies and disruptive ideas.

Kyle returned to Canada in November, 2018 to assume the presidency following two years based in New York as Vice President of Global Brands for AB-InBev, where he was responsible for overseeing global brands such as Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois.

Kyle began his career with Labatt in 2000 as a Sales Representative, responsible for the Toronto core region. After a period in Trade Marketing, he was subsequently appointed Associate Brand Manager for Kokanee. Between 2007 and 2013 he held a number of senior positions with Budweiser, Kokanee and the company’s high-end products.

In March 2014, he was promoted to Vice President, Marketing Canada where he led Labatt’s marketing team as well as a network of more than ten 10 creative agencies. During this period, he led his team during a number of major award-winning campaigns, including CASSIES for the Budweiser Flash Fans campaign in 2012 and Red Light campaign in 2014, and a Gold Lion award at Cannes for Kokanee’s “The Movie Out There” in 2013. The CASSIES are Canada's premier advertising awards, focused on the effect advertising has on driving advertisers' business and the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity awards are the most established and coveted in the global creative and marketing communications industry.

Kyle graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing. His professional affiliations include serving as a member of the board of directors of the Association of Canadian Advertisers. In 2019, Kyle was also appointed Chair of the Board of Directors for Beer Canada, the beer industry’s national trade association which represents brewers from across the country.

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Patrick-Noone

Patrick Noone

Executive Vice President, Technomic Inc.

Patrick Noone

Executive Vice President, Technomic Inc.

RC Leadership Conference, Hotel X
Monday, March 2, 8:30AM-12:30PM

As Executive Vice President of Business Development for Technomic, Patrick Noone is responsible for the development and marketing of online resources, reports and custom studies providing Technomic clients—which include manufacturers, distributors, operators and financial institutions—with key industry data that is actionable to their strategic and tactical business planning process.

Patrick has more than 15 years of experience working in the research/consulting industry. Prior to joining Technomic, he worked in a variety of sales and marketing roles for the CPG research firm Euromonitor International.

Patrick has been a featured presenter at the Winsight Restaurant Leadership Conference, Global Restaurant Leadership Conference and many other North American industry events. He provides media and press with key industry insights during interviews and speaks regularly at client engagements. A graduate of Michigan State University, Patrick holds a bachelor of science degree in food industry management.

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Joyce-Leung

Joyce Leung

Food Marketing Expert, Joyce of Cooking

Joyce Leung

Food Marketing Expert, Joyce of Cooking

Learning Lounge, How to work with influencers
Sunday, March 1, 3:00PM-3:45PM

Joyce, a lover of all things food related have worked in the restaurant industry for over 10 years. From being a dish washer, line cook to general manager, she has experienced it all. With her knowledge of the restaurant world and passion for marketing, she has combined it to help food businesses grow their social media and marketing presence in the ever changing digital world.

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Ennio-Perrone

Ennio Perrone

 VP of Business Strategy and Marketing, Eataly North America

Ennio Perrone

VP of Business Strategy and Marketing, Eataly North America

RC Leadership Conference, Hotel X
Monday, March 2, 8:30AM-12:30PM

Ennio Perrone has been working for more than 15 years in building and developing global iconic brands and organizations, working in Marketing, Product Development, Store Experience and Design, Organizational and Team Development, Business Strategies and Development in different industries, from luxury and fashion to lifestyle brands, food and beverage, in retail and wholesale, from emerging and start-up to consolidated realities in multi-cultural contexts, living in several different countries within Europe, Latin America and lately in the US.

Today as the VP of Business Strategy and Marketing for Eataly North America, he oversees all the brand, marketing and creative strategies, experiential and business activities in this new growth chapter of Eataly as a global player, keeping it true to its vision of an experiential local community rooted brand, bringing together under one roof high-quality authentic Italian food and local producers, celebrating biodiversity and sustainability for all, creating an informal, natural and simple place to Eat, Shop and Learn.

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Bruce Linton DP

Bruce Linton

Entrepreneur

Bruce Linton

Entrepreneur

RC Leadership Conference, Hotel X
Monday, March 2, 8:30AM-12:30PM

Speaker Stage, Rollin’ into the future: Foodservice & cannabis
Monday, March 2- 2:00PM - 2:55PM

Bruce has a passion for entrepreneurship and making a positive difference in the world. He brings a wealth of experience in building strong technology driven companies, developing world class teams and positioning his companies to deliver exceptional customer value and service.

Bruce joins Vireo Health Int’l, Inc. as Executive Chairman and will serve and be actively involved on the company’s board of directors. Vireo a leading physician-led, science-focused, multi-state cannabis company. Bruce is Executive Chairman with GAGE Cannabis Co., GAGE is innovating and curating the highest quality cannabis experiences possible for patients in the state of Michigan and bringing internationally renowned brands to market. Special Advisor with Better Choice Company, an animal health and wellness cannabinoid company that acquired TruPet LLC, an online seller of ultra-premium, all-natural pet food, treats and supplements, with a special focus on freeze dried and dehydrated raw products. And Director with MindMed – MindMed is assembling a drug development pipeline of psychedelic inspired medicines planning or undertaking FDA trials.

Bruce is also an Activist Investor with SLANG Worldwide Inc, which is a leading global cannabis consumer packaged goods company with a robust portfolio of renowned brands distributed across 2,600 stores in 12 U.S. states. And with OG DNA Genetics Inc. (“DNA”) – DNA has built and curated a seasoned genetic library and developed proven standard operating procedures for genetic selection, breeding, and cultivation.

He is the Founder and Former Chairman and CEO of Canopy Growth Corporation (CGC/WEED), Co-Chairman and past CEO of Martello Technologies. He is Co‐founder of Ruckify & Better Software.

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Lyn-Little

Lyn Little

National Franchise Leader, Partner, Audit & Assurance, BDO Canada LLP

Lyn Little

National Franchise Leader, Partner, Audit & Assurance, BDO Canada LLP

Presentation Theatre, Tips on restaurant profitability: How your data can help increase margins
Monday, March 2, 2:00PM-3:00PM

Lyn provides accounting and business advisory services to restaurants, and connects them with the right individuals or services that they need to grow and develop as an organization.

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Matt-Sturges

Matt Sturges

National Outsourcing Services Leader, Partner, BDO Canada LLP.

Matt Sturges

National Outsourcing Services Leader, Partner, BDO Canada LLP.

Presentation Theatre, Tips on restaurant profitability: How your data can help increase margins
Monday, March 2, 2:00PM-3:00PM

Matt works collaboratively with business owners to understand their unique challenges and deliver fully-managed bookkeeping and payroll solutions that fit the needs of the business.

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Eric-Matusiak

Eric Matusiak

National Retail Leader, Partner, BDO Canada LLP

Eric Matusiak

National Retail Leader, Partner, BDO Canada LLP

Presentation Theatre, Tips on restaurant profitability: How your data can help increase margins
Monday, March 2, 2:00PM-3:00PM

Eric provides technology strategies that enrich consumers' experiences and improve business results by helping organizations manage the process and organizational components of their business to ensure that technologies align to business strategy.

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Joseph-Shawana

Joseph Shawana

Acting-Chair, Indigenous Culinary of Associated Nations, Indigenous Culinary Advisor, Centennial College & Indigenous Menu Development Chef, Aramark Canada

Joseph Shawana

Acting-Chair, Indigenous Culinary of Associated Nations, Indigenous Culinary Advisor, Centennial College & Indigenous Menu Development Chef, Aramark Canada

Speaker Stage, The world is our oyster: How to grow your business through culinary tourism
Sunday, March 1, 11:00AM-11:45AM

Chef Joseph Shawana was raised on the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Reserve located on Manitoulin Island on Lake Huron. At a young age he experienced the power that food has to bring people together, and began his culinary journey with the strict philosophy of utilizing the entirety an ingredient to bring its full range of flavours to the palette.

During his childhood, Chef Shawana, alongside his close friends, spent countless days playing outdoors until the sun went down. Together they would make a game of foraging in the fields and forests of Manitoulin Island, searching for the treats of nature, including mushrooms, wild herbs, cedar tree sap, and also indulging in a purple root they called "candy" - known commonly as Canadian wild liquorice, as Chef Shawana would later learn. For Chef Shawana, these foraging games provided insight into the myriad of gifts Mother Earth provides on a daily basis, and informed his whole-ingredient philosophy.

Ku-kum Indigenous Kitchen has won best world cuisine in Ontario 2019, New York times glowing review, food and wine reviews plus many more awards and accolades. Chef Joseph Shawana was awarded one of the top ten chefs in Ontario 2019.

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Kent-Thompson

Kent Thompson

Director of Finance and Food Tourism, Food Island Partnership

Kent Thompson

Director of Finance and Food Tourism, Food Island Partnership

Speaker Stage, The world is our oyster: How to grow your business through culinary tourism
Sunday, March 1, 11:00AM-11:45AM

Kent Thompson is the Director of Finance and Food Tourism at Food Island Partnership where he works to grow the PEI food industry, including integrating food and tourism. Kent has worked with entrepreneurs or been an entrepreneur for most of his life, including growing up on a dairy farm; operating the Blue Mussel Cafe on PEI’s north shore; working as Product Development Officer with the PEI Department of Agriculture; and, leading the launch of Lucky Fox Snack Co., a gourmet snack company based in PEI.

He currently oversees the Fall Flavours festival (www.fallflavours.ca), a month-long, province-wide celebration of PEI food. The festival has events that showcase the harvest from land and sea, the people that harvest and produce the food, and features celebrity chefs from the Food Network and some of the top restaurants across Canada.

Food Island Partnership works with multiple industry and government partners, and this is causing Prince Edward Island to be recognized as “Canada’s Food Island.” Food Island Partnership acts as a catalyst for developing food activities on and off PEI that have included the Fall Flavours Festival, Food Xcel (a food start-up competition), developing niche brands including Certified Island Beef, and works with people that are developing new food products including collaborating with the provinces food development organizations – Canada’s Smartest Kitchen and BioFoodTech.

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Philly-Markowitz

Philly Markowitz

Economic Development Officer, Local Food, Grey County Tourism and Economic Development

Philly Markowitz

Economic Development Officer, Local Food, Grey County Tourism and Economic Development

Speaker Stage, The world is our oyster: How to grow your business through culinary tourism
Sunday, March 1, 11:00AM-11:45AM

A resident of Grey County since 1991, Philly joined the County Tourism department in 2011 following a 20-year career in broadcasting. She became the Economic Development Officer for Local Food when the position was created in 2013. Since then she has led and partnered on award-winning projects that support businesses and initiatives across the entire agri-food value chain, with a strong focus on agri-tourism and culinary tourism. Most recently, she helped create the Made in Grey agri-food brand and the “gather” tourism campaign. She brings to the job her life-long passions for local food, innovation, and rural revitalization.

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Donna-Hood-Crecca

Donna Hood Crecca

Principal, Technomic Inc.

Donna Hood Crecca

Principal, Technomic Inc.

RC Leadership Conference, Hotel X
Monday, March 2, 8:30AM-12:30PM

Donna Hood Crecca is Principal at Technomic Inc., where she leads the firm’s Convenience Store Practice as well as its Adult Beverage Practice, and is founder of its Cannabis Practice. As Principal, Donna develops research-based insights and recommendations for leading and emerging supplier and operator companies to enhance their go-to-market and product development programs and strategies. She is a veteran of the foodservice and drinks industries, having covered and consulted for the restaurant, foodservice, convenience store, beverage and beverage alcohol markets for nearly two decades.

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Whitney-Abrams

Whitney Abrams

Lawyer, Cannabis and Corporate Law, Minden Gross LLP

Whitney Abrams

Lawyer, Cannabis and Corporate Law, Minden Gross LLP

Speaker Stage, Rollin’ into the future: Foodservice & Cannabis
Monday, March 2, 2:00PM-2:55PM

Learning Lounge, Ask the Expert: Cannabis Legalization
Sunday, March 1, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Whitney Abrams is a leading lawyer on the business of cannabis at Minden Gross LLP. Whitney routinely advises clients on regulatory issues affecting various industry participants, including those in the food services sector. She has worked with many different types of clients, including franchises, start-ups and established brands. She is a prolific author and has been features in CannaInvestor Magazine, Cannabis Daily, Leaf Cannabis News, Canadian Lawyer, Law Times and traditional big media.

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Duncan-Fulton

Duncan Fulton

Chief Corporate Officer, Restaurant Brands International Inc.

Duncan Fulton

Chief Corporate Officer, Restaurant Brands International Inc.

Views from the top: Restaurant CEO panel
Monday, March 2, 1:00PM-1:45PM

Duncan Fulton was appointed Chief Corporate Officer of Restaurant Brands International Inc., in June 2018. Mr. Fulton was previously the President of FGL Sports, Senior Vice-President, Communications and Corporate Affairs for Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC), Chief Marketing Officer for FGL Sports and Mark’s and General Manager and Senior Partner of international communications company Fleishman-Hillard in Toronto.

Prior to his agency experience, Mr. Fulton served as a communication advisor and spokesman for several political leaders, including former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna.

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Asad-Amin

Asad Amin

Vice President, Ipsos

Asad Amin

Vice President, Ipsos

RC Leadership Conference, Hotel X
Monday, March 2, 8:00AM-12:30PM

Speaker Stage, Food is medicine: Capitalizing on the health food movements
Tuesday, March 3, 11:00AM-11:45AM

Speaker Stage, Diversify to thrive: Exploring new profit avenues
Tuesday, March 3, 12:00PM-12:45PM

Asad Amin is a Vice President with Ipsos and the resident Canadian consumption expert. He leads the syndicated Foodservice Monitor and the FIVE tracking studies.

Asad is a market research consultant with close to 20 years of supplier side research experience. His skillset ranges from set up, launch and management of large syndicated studies, brand health trackers and advertising copy tests.

Asad completed his education in the UK, earning his Master of Science degree in Operational Research from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He also has his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Essex.

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Fred-Landtmeters

Fred Landtmeters

President & CEO, Molson Coors Canada

Fred Landtmeters

President & CEO, Molson Coors Canada

Bar & Beverage Stage, Beer CEO Panel
Monday March 2 - 4:15 pm - 5:00 pm

Fred has an international consumer packaged goods career spanning 20+ years and is a proven commercial leader with a passion for building great (beer) brands. He started his career at Procter & Gamble and held various marketing roles at Cadbury Schweppes and AB InBev before he was appointed Chief Marketing Officer at StarBev in 2010. That was also the year when he first moved out of Belgium, his home country, to the Czech Republic. In 2012, Molson Coors acquired StarBev and after 2 years in the role of Chief Commercial Officer, Europe, Fred took on his first country leadership role as Managing Director of Molson Coors UK & Ireland. More recently, in 2016, he became Chief Executive Officer of Molson Canada, which he proudly refers to as North America’s oldest brewery. Fred is married to Veronique, and they have two teenage sons. He is a keen follower of sport – now also including hockey! – and he and his family love spending their free time discovering new places in Canada.

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Oren-Borovitch

Oren Borovitch

Co-Founder & COO, Kitchen Hub

Oren Borovitch

Co-Founder & COO, Kitchen Hub

Presentation Theatre, Choosing the Right Ghost Kitchen Model
Tuesday, March 3 @ 2:00PM-2:45PM

Oren Borovitch is Co-founder and COO of Kitchen Hub, Canada's first food-hall for virtual restaurants which provides turn-key kitchen space optimized for delivery and takeout. Prior to founding Kitchen Hub, Oren was one of the first employees at Door Dash Canada where he managed restaurant strategy and operations. Oren grew up in foodservice working for and managing his family's Pumpernickel's restaurant. Oren is passionate about helping restaurant operators succeed in the digital economy.

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Andrew-Whibley

Andrew Whibley

Owner, Cloakroom Bar & Stilllife

Andrew Whibley

Owner, Cloakroom Bar & Stilllife

Bar & Beverage Stage, Canada's Best Bars
Sunday, March 1, 1:00PM-1:45PM

With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry doing everything from bussing to managing, Andrew Whibley is the owner and creator of the Cloakroom Bar and Stillife in Montreal.

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James-Power

James Power

Manager, Raspberry Point Oysters

James Power

Manager, Raspberry Point Oysters

Local Stage, John Bil Oyster Shucking Competition
Tuesday, March 3, 3:15PM-4:00PM

Manager of Raspberry Point Oysters for 30 years.

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Margie-Cook

Margie Cook, RHN, VLCE

Plant-based Chef, Culinary Consultant & Owner, Plants On

Margie Cook, RHN, VLCE

Plant-based Chef, Culinary Consultant & Owner, Plants On

Presentation Theatre, How to Open Your Business to Plant-Powered Possibilities
Sunday, March 1, 2:00PM-3:00PM

Margie’s mission is to create delicious and innovative ways to swap animal-based ingredients for plant-based ones wherever and whenever possible. No compromise, drama, dogma and most definitely no judgement. She specializes in menu and ingredient development that leave even the most committed carnivore wondering why they ever thought they couldn’t open up to new and enticing plant-powered alternatives.

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Alex-Barrotti

Alex Barrotti

CEO & Founder, TouchBistro

Alex Barrotti

CEO & Founder, TouchBistro

Speaker Stage, The Next Era of Restaurant Tech Is Making Eateries More Efficient And Profitable
Tuesday, March 3, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Alex Barrotti, TouchBistro CEO & Founder, is a successful serial entrepreneur who has emerged as a visionary in the advanced technologies that help retail and hospitality businesses expand. Alex launched TouchBistro iPad POS solution (www.touchbistro.com) in 2011. As of today, TouchBistro has powered over 23,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries to increase sales, improve the customer experience, and make better business decisions.
 
Before TouchBistro, Alex was at the forefront of e-commerce development when he founded INEX in 1997. While others doubted online shopping would one day become the norm, Alex persisted in developing a novel turnkey solution that enabled storeowners to create online storefronts with pre-designed templates. At 29 years old, Alex sold INEX for $45 million.

 

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Patrick-McMurray

Patrick McMurray

Restaurateur, Culinary Instructor & Oyster Shucker,  P.A.McMurray Hospitality & ShuckerPaddy

Patrick McMurray

Restaurateur, Culinary Instructor & Oyster Shucker, P.A.McMurray Hospitality & ShuckerPaddy

Local Stage, John Bil Oyster Shucking Competition
Tuesday, March 3, 3:15PM-4:00PM

Toronto-born restaurateur Patrick is World Champion and Guinness Book Oyster Shucker, and has built his own Restaurants, Starfish and The Ceili Cottage. Patrick has written the Book on Oysters, The Oyster Companion, created The @ShuckerPaddy Brand of Oyster Knives with Swissmar, P.A.McMurray Hospitality and Teaches Culinary, Hospitality & Sustainability with Centennial College, when he is not travelling the World hosting Shucking Contests, Events and Oceany Lectures.

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Sarah-Gillin

Sarah Gillin

Co-Founder & COO, Olli Brands Inc.

Sarah Gillin

Co-Founder & COO, Olli Brands Inc.

Speaker Stage, Rollin’ into the Future: Foodservice & Cannabis
Monday, March 2, 2:00PM-2:55PM

Sarah Gillin brings over fifteen years of business management experience, with a focus on luxury goods marketing, to the Olli team as the Chief Operating Officer. Prior to founding Olli, she gained considerable international experience working with notable luxury brands. Sarah holds an Executive MBA from the Rotman School of Management and is passionate about the community she lives in and devotes her personal time to her growing family as well as a variety of charitable initiatives.

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Andy-Deonarine

Andy Deonarine

President & CEO, Canadian Cannabis Retailers’ Union (CCRU)

Andy Deonarine

President & CEO, Canadian Cannabis Retailers’ Union (CCRU)

Speaker Stage, Rollin’ into the future: Foodservice & cannabis
Monday, March 2, 2:00PM-2:55PM

Mr. Deonarine has spent the last 20 years working with leading brands in in tobacco, liquor and beer in North America. He spent more than 7 years at British American Tobacco working on brand communication through ever-changing legislation around packaging and advertising. His experience has allowed him to become a trusted voice for regulatory-driven industries wishing to implement best-in-class communication practices. He has now transitioned those skills to the cannabis industry.

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Tricia-Ryan

Tricia Ryan

President, The Marketing Chefs

Tricia Ryan

President, The Marketing Chefs

Speaker Stage, Rollin’ into the Future: Foodservice & Cannabis
Monday, March 2, 2:00PM-2:55PM

Speaker Stage, Food is medicine: Capitalizing on the health food movements
Tuesday, March 3, 11:00AM-11:45AM

As a brand champion and trend expert, Tricia Ryan has 20+ years of progressive experience in marketing and communications with a focus on the FCPG food and beverage industry and more recently cannabis. With a unique blend of creativity and innovation she has an ability to uncover opportunity and promote products within restrictive legislative guidelines while connecting with niche target audiences.

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Mike-Langley

Mike Langley

Owner, Tide and Vine Oyster House

Mike Langley

Owner, Tide and Vine Oyster House

Local Stage, John Bil Oyster Shucking Competition
Tuesday, March 3, 3:15PM-4:00PM

Owner of Niagara based Tide & Vine Oyster House, Catering and Seafood Supply. 15 years of competitive shucking experience, 2013 Canadian Champion, on the Canadian team holding a Guinness world record. Host for World Oyster Shucking Championships in June, 2020.

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Brianna-Humphrey

Brianna Humphrey

Owner, Radical Gardens

Brianna Humphrey

Owner, Radical Gardens

Local Stage, How to get on the map through food tourism: Learnings from Northern Ontario
Monday, March 2, 11:00AM-11:45AM

Brianna grew up in Northern ontario working her way through many greenhouses and landscape companies. After art school she returned to the North and started a farm which then grew into a restaurant, catering company, and food truck.

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Sandi-Hester

Sandi Hester

Sr .Director Natural Organic and Market Insights, Tree of Life Canada

Sandi Hester

Sr .Director Natural Organic and Market Insights, Tree of Life Canada

Speaker Stage, Food is Medicine: Capitalizing on the health food movements
Tuesday, March 3, 11:00AM-11:45AM

I have been a label reader my entire life and have always been passionate about eating healthy nutritious foods. I started at Tree of Life in 2014 where I work with brands that share the same passion. Tree of Life is a route to market for brands. We provide our clients with importing, distribution, sales and marketing services in Canada. I am also a member of Plant Based Foods of Canada.

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Cara-Rosenbloom

Cara Rosenbloom

Dietitian, Journalist & Owner, Words to Eat by

Cara Rosenbloom

Dietitian, Journalist & Owner, Words to Eat by

Speaker Stage, Food is Medicine: Capitalizing on the health food movements
Tuesday, March 3, 11:00AM-11:45AM

Cara Rosenbloom is a dietitian and journalist. She operates Words to Eat By, a nutrition communications company based in Toronto. Her articles on food and nutrition trends have appeared in over 400 publications worldwide, and she writes a monthly wellness column for the Washington Post. She is the author of the books Nourish: Whole Food Recipes featuring Seeds, Nuts and Beans (Whitecap, 2017); and Food to Grow on (Appetite by Random House, 2020).

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David-Sorger

David Sorger

President, Smooth Commerce

David Sorger

President, Smooth Commerce

Presentation Theatre, Choosing the Right Ghost Kitchen Model
Sunday, March 3, 2:00PM-2:45PM

With a focus on business development, sales and marketing, David is a strategic problem solver who has held several C-level and executive positions in organizations across a number of industries including food service, consumer packaged goods and technology.

Currently, David is President of Smooth Commerce, a company that builds white-label mobile and web apps that power payment, loyalty, ordering, ticketing and direct marketing.

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Ray-Reddy

Ray Reddy

Co-Founder & CEO, Ritual

Ray Reddy

Co-Founder & CEO, Ritual

Speaker Stage, The Next Era of Restaurant Tech Is Making Eateries More Efficient And Profitable
Tuesday, March 3, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Ray Reddy is the co-founder & CEO of mobile order-ahead app Ritual that taps networks of co-workers and colleagues for fast and easy pick up and pay at a wide variety of local restaurants and coffee shops.

Prior to Ritual, Ray co-founded mobile commerce company PushLife that was acquired by Google in 2011. It was while at Google that Ray saw the potential to better leverage a social application to unlock mobile commerce and thus, Ritual was born.

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Robert-Phelps

Robert Phelps

President, SilverChef

Robert Phelps

President, SilverChef

Speaker Stage, The Next Era of Restaurant Tech Is Making Eateries More Efficient and Profitable
Tuesday, March 3, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Robert Phelps has been the leader of SilverChef's Canadian business since 2017. He has 25 years of experience in the financial sector, having previously worked with RemServ, St George Banking Group and the National Australia Bank. He is passionate and committed to building a strong and mutually rewarding relationship with partners and clients.

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Joshna-Maharaj

Joshna Maharaj

Chef, Author & Activist

Joshna Maharaj

Chef, Author & Activist

Speaker Stage, Feeding the Masses
Monday, March 2, 11:00AM-11:45AM

Joshna Maharaj is a chef, a two-time TEDx speaker, & activist who wants to help everyone have a better relationship with their food. Recently, Joshna has been working with hospitals & universities in Toronto to build new models for institutional food procurement, production and service. She has just finished writing a book entitled Take Back the Tray, which will be released in May 2020 by ECW Press.
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Ron-Lee

Ron Lee

Owner & Pitmaster, Lil’ Ronnie’s BBQ, The General Store Provisions and Libations

Ron Lee

Owner & Pitmaster, Lil’ Ronnie’s BBQ, The General Store Provisions and Libations

Speaker Stage, The Next Era of Restaurant Tech Is Making Eateries More Efficient And Profitable
Tuesday, March 3, 2:00PM-2:45PM

As owner and pitmaster behind Lil Ronnie’s BBQ, Ron Lee has put BBQ on the map in Tofino, BC. With culinary roots and restaurant acumen developed in Toronto, Ronnie travelled cross country with a dream to open up his first restaurant. Lil Ronnie’s BBQ has since grown to three locations, and Ronnie has now opened up The General Store Provisions & Libations. With values consisting of sustainability and community involvement Ronnie is a force for good in the Canadian hospitality industry.

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Dyonne-Fashina

Dyonne Fashina

Principal Interior Designer, Denizens of Design Inc.

Dyonne Fashina

Principal Interior Designer, Denizens of Design Inc.

Speaker Stage, Lure them in: How restaurant design can drive profitability
Tuesday, March 3, 1:00PM-1:45PM

Dyonne is Principal at Denizens, an Interior Design Studio specializing in hospitality environments. She is a Registered Interior Designer with international recognition and over a decade of experience in a diverse range of project typologies. Recently she has focused on research in design strategy, currently developing case studies to codify and replicate the application of design with business intelligence for hospitality spaces. She designs with compassion for the human experience, thriving on finding meaningful connections to inspire everyone involved throughout the process.

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Neale-Graham

Neale Graham

Managing Director Canada & Canadian Brands, Beam Suntory Inc.

Neale Graham

Managing Director Canada & Canadian Brands, Beam Suntory Inc.

Bar & Beverage Stage, Bar CEO Panel
Monday, March 2, 12:45PM-1:30PM

Born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Neale grew up in Fairview, a community in the Peace Country in Northern Alberta.

Employed in the beverage alcohol industry since 1997, Neale joined Beam Suntory in 2005, becoming Managing Director of Beam Suntory Canada in 2012.  Beam Suntory is the 3rd largest spirits company in the world.

Neale is currently Board Chair, Spirits Canada, the spirits advocacy organization in the Canadian beverage alcohol industry.  He joined the board in 2012.

In October 2019, Neale was inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich, the society which honors outstanding achievement or contribution in the Scotch Whisky industry.

Neale and his wife Tracy have been married for 25 years and have two sons. Two of his interests are volunteering in the community and traveling with his family. Neale currently volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton and Halton.

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Katherine-Rebelo

Katherine Rebelo

Restaurant Operations Manager, Uber Eats

Katherine Rebelo

Restaurant Operations Manager, Uber Eats

Speaker Stage, The Economics of Delivery
Monday, March 2, 3:00PM-3:45PM

A self-proclaimed food connoisseur, Katherine’s hunger for the evolving restaurant industry is insatiable. Katherine grew up in the hospitality business and has since committed her career to the customer's experience. She joined the Uber Eats in 2016; nine months after it launched in Toronto (the first-ever Uber Eats city in the world!) to support the ever-growing number of restaurants. She has since moved into a role focused on risk management and consistently remains an advocate for a restaurant focused approach through delivery across Canada. Katherine and the Operations team focuses their efforts on delivering excellence while ensuring that the historic roots of the restaurant industry prevail through this time of unprecedented change."

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Stephanie-Soulis

Stephanie Soulis

CEO, Little Mushroom Catering & Dining Lounge

Stephanie Soulis

CEO, Little Mushroom Catering & Dining Lounge

Speaker Stage, Fair Kitchens
Monday, March 2, 12:00PM-12:45PM

Stephanie is a proud employer of over 40 staff, a certified Living Wage Champion, Feast On Advocate, and supporter of the Fair Kitchens Movement . She is CEO of Little Mushroom Catering & Dining Lounge, the leaders in Socially Responsible, Environmentally Sustainable, innovative full service event catering in Southwestern Ontario. They were winners of the 1st Ontario Food Awards Caterer of the Year, and recipients of 2019 Business Excellence Awards from both Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo.
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David-Schonberger

David Schonberger

Owner & Head Craftsman, Ottercreek Woodworks Inc.

David Schonberger

Owner & Head Craftsman, Ottercreek Woodworks Inc.

Local Stage, How to get on the map through food tourism: Going beyond the brick and mortar restaurant
Tuesday, March 1, 1:00PM-1:45PM

David Schonberger is a Canadian artisanal woodworker specializing in hardwoods found in Ontario’s Carolinian forests. He is the architect and facilitator of “From Tree to Table: A Build-your-own Board Experience”. Through the art of storytelling, David is creating meaningful relationships and reaching diverse audiences. This new experiential tourism revenue stream is transforming his business model from a production woodshop to a personal wellness destination.

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Laura-Hawkings (2)

Laura Hawkings

Board President, Leaders in Environmentally Accountable Foodservice (LEAF)

Laura Hawkings

Board President, Leaders in Environmentally Accountable Foodservice (LEAF)

Speaker Stage, Planet & profits: Sustainable solutions for your business
Sunday, March 1, 3:00PM-3:45PM

Laura Hawkings is passionate about environmental affairs and the food service industry. Laura has an educational background in environmental knowledge while also being professionally trained and certified in vegetarian culinary arts. She combines both of these passions in her role as the Board President for Leaders in Environmentally Accountable Foodservice.

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Luke-Anderson

Luke Anderson

Executive Director, StopGap Foundation

Luke Anderson

Executive Director, StopGap Foundation

Learning Lounge, Universal Design & Easy Solutions to Make Your Restaurant Accessible
Tuesday, March 3, 12:00PM-12:45PM

Luke Anderson, PEng, MSM, is the epitome of a social innovator. As an accomplished speaker and co-founder of the StopGap Foundation, his work helps shift perspectives by delivering key messages that ensure our society's collective understanding about the importance of accessibility and inclusion continues to advance and grow.

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Steve-Riley

Steve Riley

President, BetterBeer.com

Steve Riley

President, BetterBeer.com

Bar & Beverage Stage, Bar CEO Panel
Monday, March 2, 12:45PM-1:30PM

Steve Riley spent twelve years opening and running restaurants in Canada and the US before transitioning into the beer business in 2001.

The Chief Beer Guy at Canada’s draught beer quality program, BetterBeer.com, Steve is considered the industry’s go-to guy for improving restaurant’s draught quality, profitability, and sales.

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Natalie-Goldenberg-Fife

Natalie Goldenberg-Fife

National Sales Director, DINR

Natalie Goldenberg-Fife

National Sales Director, DINR

Speaker Stage, The Next Era of Restaurant Tech Is Making Eateries More Efficient and Profitable
Tuesday, March 3, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Natalie is the National Sales and Marketing Director for DINR, an app that has proven to be a great tool for high demand top-ranked restaurants across Canada, including Joe Beef, Alo, Battuto, Bar Isabel & Savio Volpe. Natalie has her finger on the pulse of Canada's culinary landscape. She is also the face of the Visa Dining Series, having organized, executed and emcee’ed over 500 events in Canada’s top restaurants & wineries in Ontario and the Okanagan as well as in Chicago and New York City.

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Bill-Macheras

Bill Macheras

Manager of the Info-Centre & Trade Commissioner with Global Affairs Canada, Ontario Regional Office

Bill Macheras

Manager of the Info-Centre & Trade Commissioner with Global Affairs Canada, Ontario Regional Office

Learning Lounge, The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service: Programs and Services to Help Your Business Expand Internationally
Monday, March 2, 1:00PM-1:45PM

Bill Macheras is the Manager of the Info-Centre and a Trade Commissioner with Global Affairs Canada, Ontario Regional Office. He is based in Toronto and has been with Global Affairs since 2004. His team is part of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service which helps Canadian companies to develop their business in the U S and around the world. Bill has successfully completed foreign assignments in Athens, Warsaw and Budapest. He holds a BA (Hons), an MPA and is a certified trade professional.

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Brittany-Foley

Brittany Foley

Trade Commissioner, Global Affairs Canada, Consulate General of Canada in Detroit

Brittany Foley

Trade Commissioner, Global Affairs Canada, Consulate General of Canada in Detroit

Learning Lounge, Selling to the US: Capitalizing on Consumer Trends
Monday, March 2, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Brittany Foley is a trade commissioner with the Consulate General of Canada in Detroit, where she manages programs in the agriculture and agri-food sector. Her responsibilities include providing Canadian businesses with practical advice on engaging in international business, supplying on-the-ground intelligence, and developing export opportunities within the four-state region of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.

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Jim-Lisser

Jim Lisser

Executive Director, Drinks Ontario

Jim Lisser

Executive Director, Drinks Ontario

Bar & Beverage Stage, Bar CEO Panel
Monday, March 2, 12:45PM-1:30PM

Jim joined Drinks Ontario executive team in April 2019. Previously Jim had been in the industry for over 20 years as a partner at B&W Wines & Spirits (now under the Breakthru Beverages). Teaming with partners, Jim’s industry experience includes managing agency operations including work/sales in Consignment, Vintages and Wines category. As an agent, Jim played a crucial role in leading the Association as a Board member (10 years) where he worked on the Specialty Services Committee, which collaborated very closely with LCBO. Throughout Jim’s tenure in the industry, he developed many strong relationships with both industry members and LCBO personnel throughout the organization. These relationships played an important role in proactively addressing challenges faced by members and developing opportunities for Drinks Ontario. Jim now brings this experience to his role and looks forward in leveraging his expertise in further developing Drinks Ontario, continuing to strengthen ties with the LCBO through collaboration and working with government as distribution policies in Ontario modernize.

Given Jim’s over 25 years in the beverage alcohol industry and knowledge from producer to gent to trade, we thought he would be ideal to facilitate a discussion among our industry leaders here today.

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jW-Foster

jW Foster

Executive Chef, Fairmont Royal York Hotel

jW Foster

Executive Chef, Fairmont Royal York Hotel

Local Stage, Urban Hotel Garden & The Royal Bees
Monday, March 2, 3:00PM-3:30PM

Executive Chef jW Foster brings a true taste of the world, his award-winning talent and highly-respected food philosophy to Canada’s icon, Fairmont Royal York.

With over 15 years of culinary expertise at Fairmont Hotels around the globe, including Dallas -San Francisco - Shanghai and Banff Springs, Chef jW has returned to Fairmont Royal York's kitchen, where his hotel career began. As the creative culinary director, jW is reimagining the hotel’s signature dining venues.

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Sylvain-Charlebois

Sylvain Charlebois

Professor, Food Distribution and Policy, Dalhousie University

Sylvain Charlebois

Professor, Food Distribution and Policy, Dalhousie University

Speaker Stage, Look who is coming to dinner: Learn how to reach today’s changing demographics
Sunday, March 1, 12:00PM-12:45PM

Presentation Theatre, How to Open Your Business to Plant-Powered Possibilities
Sunday, March 1, 2:00PM-3:00PM

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Professor in food distribution and policy in the Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Scientific Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University. Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability.

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Barton-Seaver

Barton Seaver

Chief Culinary Educator, Coastal Culinary Academy/Seafood Literacy

Barton Seaver

Chief Culinary Educator, Coastal Culinary Academy/Seafood Literacy

Culinary Stage, Wild Alaska Pollock: The understated, delicious fish that can boost your bottom line
Monday, March 2, 2:45PM-3:30PM

Culinary Stage, Ultimate Alaska Wild Fish Wing Battle
Monday, March 2, 4:00PM-4:45PM

Culinary Stage, Wild Alaska Pollock: The understated, delicious fish that can boost your bottom line
Tuesday, March 3, 1:30PM-2:15PM

Barton Seaver is one of the world’s leading sustainable seafood experts and educators. A globally renowned speaker and consultant, he is also the founder of Coastal Culinary Academy, a multi-platform initiative that seeks to increase seafood consumption through seafood-specific culinary education for all levels of cooks.

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Bruce-Wallner

Bruce Wallner

Master Sommelier, Grand Cru Deli/The Sommelier Factory

Bruce Wallner

Master Sommelier, Grand Cru Deli/The Sommelier Factory

Bar & Beverage Stage, Sommelier Service Competition
Sunday, March 1, 11:00AM-1:00PM

Master Sommelier Bruce Wallner, is the founder and director of Canada’s finest wine educational facility, The SOMMELIER FACTORY.

Previously, Bruce spent 12 years as the Head Sommelier of Palazzo Versace and Hotel du Vin. He was certified as Master Sommelier in London in November 2009. He likes to drink Riesling, Sangiovese, Syrah and anything else that touches the soul.

Bruce’s restaurant, GRAND CRU DELI, opened in downtown Toronto on Thursday, February 28th, 2019.

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Duane-Ellard

Duane Ellard

Executive Director, Channel Marketing, Canada Beef

Duane Ellard

Executive Director, Channel Marketing, Canada Beef

Local Stage, Back of House Butchery
Sunday, March 1, 3:00PM-3:45PM

Duane began his meat industry carrier in 1983 that has included a variety of positions including butchery, Food Service purveyor, beef processing and further processing, which included most meat protein. Eventually Duane was drawn into leadership positions within Canada’s leading retail and food processing companies and in 2006 Duane joined Canada Beef leading Global Marketing initiatives and Business Development. Today Duane is responsible for Canada’s Channel Marketing programs.

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Ned Bell

Ned Bell

Chef, Vancouver Club & Advocate, Chefs for Oceans

Ned Bell

Chef, Vancouver Club & Advocate, Chefs for Oceans

Culinary Stage, Ultimate Alaska Wild Fish Wing Battle
Monday, March 2, 4:00PM-4:45PM

Ned Bell is a chef advocate, keynote speaker, educator and founder of Chefs for Oceans. Bell’s interests and talents have led him to his current roles as Culinary Director of The Vancouver Club, Fellow of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Chef Ambassador for International Year of the Salmon and author of best seller - Lure: Sustainable Seafood Recipes from the West Coast.

 

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Meredith-Maywood

Meredith Maywood

Tourism Specialist, Oxford County

Meredith Maywood

Tourism Specialist, Oxford County

Local Stage, How to get on the map through food tourism: Learnings from the Oxford County Cheese Trail
Sunday, March 1, 1:00PM-1:45PM

Growing up on a hobby farm on Prince Edward Island gave Meredith a passion for the environment, local food and tourism. This passion became a career with Meredith working for the County of Oxford as a Tourism Specialist since 2013. In this role Meredith brought together local businesses to create the award winning Oxford County Cheese Trail and the Oxford Fresh buy local program.

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Christopher-Sealy

Christopher Sealy

Wine Director, Alo Food Group & Alo Restaurant Group

Christopher Sealy

Wine Director, Alo Food Group & Alo Restaurant Group

Bar & Beverage Stage, Sommelier Service Competition
Sunday, March 1,11:00AM-1:00PM

Christopher Sealy is the Wine Director for alo Food Group - representing the alo family of restaurants for the last 4+ years. Recognized as one of Canada's Best Sommelier in Canada's 100 Best as the 2019 Winner.

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Cindy-Walker

Cindy Walker

Owner, Chocolatea

Cindy Walker

Owner, Chocolatea

Local Stage, How to get on the map through food tourism: Learnings from the Oxford County Cheese Trail
Sunday, March 1, 1:00PM-1:45PM

Cindy Walker’s passion for tea and chocolate came together in the creation of her shop, Chocolatea, in Ingersoll Ontario. Visitors can shop their selection of premium teas and Cindy’s hand crafted scratch chocolates. Being located in Oxford County provided Cindy with endless inspiration to incorporate local ingredients including fruit, honey, maple syrup and Ontario Dairy in her creations.

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Eric-Boyar

Eric Boyar

Chef & Owner, SixThirtyNine

Eric Boyar

Chef & Owner, SixThirtyNine

Local Stage, How to get on the map through food tourism: Learnings from the Oxford County Cheese Trail
Sunday, March 1, 1:00PM-1:45PM

Since opening in downtown Woodstock in 2005, sixthirtynine has become a destination restaurant for the region and beyond. Offering ever changing, locally sourced, seasonal menus, Chef and Owner Eric Boyar continues to offer dishes that are both beautiful on the palate and plate. Being located in Canada’s Dairy Capital this FeastOn restaurant is also part of the Oxford County Cheese Trail.

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Martin-Gooch

Martin Gooch

CEO, Value Chain Management International

Martin Gooch

CEO, Value Chain Management International

Learning Lounge, Profiting by Reducing Food and Associated Wastes
Monday, March 2, 3:00PM-3:45PM

Dr. Martin Gooch is co-founder and CEO of Value Chain Management International (VCMI), a global consulting company that helps businesses, primarily in the agri-food and seafood industries, enhance their long-term profitability and environmental sustainability. Martin has considerable international experience developing commercially successful value chain and new product development initiatives, a number of which have received domestic and international acclaim.

With his team at VCMI, Martin has developed and implemented national and international initiatives designed to enable businesses to profit from reducing food and associated wastes. He has authored and co-authored numerous publications on this topic, including the 2019 report, "The Avoidable Crisis of Food Waste" and a chapter in the 2020 textbook "Routledge Handbook of Food Waste."

Martin holds a PhD and Master’s degree in agri-food management, a Bachelor of International Business, along with qualifications in farm management and agricultural production. In 2013, Martin received Bayer Inc.’s “Outstanding Canadian” award for his contribution to “Food Chain Partnerships.” In 2017, the Ontario Produce Marketing Association awarded Martin the Cory Clack-Streef “Produce Industry Person of the Year” award for assisting Ontario’s produce industry to benefit from reducing food loss and waste.

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Bob-Wilson

Bob Wilson

Owner, Gilbrea Farm

Bob Wilson

Owner, Gilbrea Farm

Local Stage, Ask the Farmer
Sunday, March 1, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Bob Wilson, along with his daughter Katie, run Gilbrea Farm just outside of Guelph, Ontario. They focus on producing cattle for optimum health, quick growth and plenty of marbling in the beef. They are passionate advocates for the beef industry and have offered on-farm tours for several years to tell the story of where beef comes from in Canada.

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Patricia-Thompson

Patricia Thompson

Vice President, Sales & Marketing, King Cole Ducks Ltd.

Patricia Thompson

Vice President, Sales & Marketing, King Cole Ducks Ltd.

Local Stage, Ask the Farmer
Sunday, March 1, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Third generation "duck farmer" and one of four sisters operating Canada's uniquely integrated duck producer, Patti Thompson brings King Cole Ducks Ltd.'s farm to fork story to the stage with a passion for food, farming and family. Partnering with some of Canada's best restaurants King Cole has proudly served the foodservice industry for almost 70 years ...all from the duck farm just north of Toronto.

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Julia-Summerville

Julia Summerville

Design Director, The Design Agency

Julia Summerville

Design Director, The Design Agency

Speaker Stage, Lure them in: How restaurant design can drive profitability Tuesday, March 3, 1:00PM-1:45PM

Julia Summerville brings a wealth of international design experience and dedication to her Design Director role at DesignAgency.

Graduating from Ryerson School of Interior Design, Julia studied abroad to earn her Masters in London, England. She worked on international projects across Europe before returning back to Toronto.

A main contributor to the Hospitality Sector of DesignAgency, she brings an eye for detail, a keen interest in luxury and a positive rapport among clients and the team.

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Shelley-Felice

Shelley Felice

Vice President, Food Service & Merchandising, Cineplex

Shelley Felice

Vice President, Food Service & Merchandising, Cineplex

Speaker Stage, The Economics of Delivery
Monday, March 2, 3:00PM-3:45PM

Shelley is Vice President of Food Service and Merchandising for Cineplex. She is responsible for leading and developing a diverse food and retail business including multiple QSR brands, concessions, catering, meal occasions, licensed theatres, delivery and a growing retail business. Shelley has held numerous roles in the restaurant and retail industry over the past 30 years with brands such as Darden Restaurants, Recipe Unlimited Corporation, Target and A&W.

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Carl-Boudreault

Carl Boudreault

Latte Art Consultant, Odeska

Carl Boudreault

Latte Art Consultant, Odeska

Coffee Competition Stage, Understanding Latte Art
Sunday, March 1 & Monday, March 2, 11:00AM-11:30AM

Also known as Barista Carl, Carl Boudreault is a very passionate latte artist and Dalla Corte Canada's ambassador since 2017. His mission is to promote latte art on the gastronomical scene, elevate people's coffee standards and bring more value to the barista profession.

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Owen-Walker

Owen Walker

Owner, Quetzal

Owen Walker

Owner, Quetzal

Speaker Stage, Lure them in: How restaurant design can drive profitability
Tuesday, March 3, 1:00PM-1:45PM

Owen Walker is a passionate contributor to the food, beverage and hospitality community in Toronto, where he has lived and worked for 15 years. Owen is part owner of El Rey and Quetzal restaurants, as well as consults on the cocktail programs for Pizzeria Libretto group and Rosalinda. Owen also operates Parasol Vin, a wine and spirits agency and a small Aperitivo project called Affino.

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Lucia-Weiler

Lucia Weiler

Dietitian & Co-Founder, Nutrition for NON-Nutritionists

Lucia Weiler

Dietitian & Co-Founder, Nutrition for NON-Nutritionists

Speaker Stage, Food is medicine: Capitalizing on the health food movements
Tuesday, March 3, 11:00AM-11:45AM

Lucia is an experienced dietitian-entrepreneur, nutritionist and home economist who focuses on trends, education, marketing, regulatory affairs and food labelling. She is passionate about the chef-dietitian partnerships that blend culinary arts and nutrition science to unlock the power of food for health and wellness. Lucia is Co-Founder, Nutrition for NON-Nutritionists, Instructor at Humber College Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellness and a Board Director for Dietitians of Canada.

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James-Greco

James Greco

James Greco, Sales Engineer, Lightspeed

James Greco

James Greco, Sales Engineer, Lightspeed

Learning Lounge, Six ways to increase table turnover & profitability
Sunday, March 1, 11:00AM-11:45AM

James Greco is a Sales Engineer at Lightspeed, the leading cloud-based commerce platform. He works on the frontline of business growth, educating customers on new product features and ensuring they have the right tools to level up their business. James is passionate about helping restaurateurs grow their brand, increase profits and feel empowered.

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Andrew-Harkness

Andrew Harkness

Strategy Advisor, Organizational Health Initiatives, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

Andrew Harkness

Strategy Advisor, Organizational Health Initiatives, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

Learning Lounge, Preventing Violence and Harassment in the Workplace Monday
March 2, 11:00AM-11:45AM

Strategy Advisor, Organizational Health Initiatives, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

Andrew Harkness leads WSPS’s organizational health and workplace mental health initiatives. He is a member of the committee that developed the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.

With more than 30 years of experience in occupational health, safety and wellness, Andrew has been a thought leader and has collaborated with leaders in the field such as the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Canadian Mental Health Association and Guarding Minds at Work.

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Ron-Cecillon

Ron Cecillon

CEO, Balzac's Coffee Roasters Ltd

Ron Cecillon

CEO, Balzac's Coffee Roasters Ltd

Speaker Stage, Choosing the Right Ghost Kitchen Model
Sunday, March 1, 4:00PM-4:45PM

Possessing a career in hospitality spanning 30 years, Ron has been on the executive team at some of the most iconic Canadian brands, Kelsey’s, Harvey’s and Swiss Chalet. In 2011 he was recruited into the CEO role at Nando’s Canada tasked with evolving & transforming the Canadian business. In late 2019, Ron became CEO at Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, working alongside founder Diana Olsen and shareholder Arlene Dickinson. Ron is leading the growth of the Cafe and Wholesale business across Canada.

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Grant-Sceney

Grant Sceney

Creative Beverage Director, Botanist

Grant Sceney

Creative Beverage Director, Botanist

Bar & Beverage Stage, Canada's Best Bars
Sunday, March 1, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Grant Sceney is the Creative Beverage Director at Fairmont Pacific Rim, overseeing the cocktail program for its multi-award winning bars, The Lobby Lounge and Botanist Bar. Sceney has been recognized for his leadership in the craft of cocktails, being named ‘’Bartender of the Year’ by Vancouver Magazine, and awarded the Diageo World Class Canada Bartender of the Year. Under his creative direction, Sceney led the development of Botanist Bar, which has since been awarded internationally.
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Jeff-Savage

Jeff Savage

 Head Bartender, Botanist

Jeff Savage

 Head Bartender, Botanist

Bar & Beverage Stage, Canada's Best Bars
Sunday, March 1, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Jeff Savage is at the helm of Botanist Bar as head bartender, overseeing operation and the development of its elevated and sophisticated cocktail program. The reigning Diageo World Class Canada Bartender of the Year 2019 champion, Savage went on to comete on the global final stage where he was awarded an impressive overall second place finish. A self-taught historian of spirits, Savage enjoys learning about the history of cocktails and sprits that sets the foundation of cocktail making.

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Samuel-Melanson

Samuel Melanson

Wine Ambassador, Vinitaly

Samuel Melanson

Wine Ambassador, Vinitaly

Pop Up Resto & Bar, Italian Wine + Food Pairing
Sunday, March 1, 1:00PM-2:00PM

Sam Melanson is Lead Instructor at the Sommelier Factory in Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Toronto's premiere sommelier training facility. Founded by Master Sommelier Bruce Wallner, it plays a pivotal role in training and preparing Toronto's wine professionals for on the job success, as well as certification exams. He is a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador and an Advanced Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers.

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Dylan-James

Dylan James

VP Sales, Hospitality, XTM Inc.

Dylan James

VP Sales, Hospitality, XTM Inc.

Learning Lounge, Say ‘bye bye’ to cash. It’s eating your profit!
Sunday, March 1, 12:00PM-12:30PM
Monday, March 2, 12:00PM-12:30PM
Tuesday, March 3, 1:00PM-1:30PM

Dylan is an animated go-getter who’s charm and smile get him noticed when he enters a room. If that’s not enough, his wild hair will do the trick! He worked his way up in the kitchen, all the way up to Maître d’ at the Chase Hospitality Group no less. He’s opened many restaurants from Toronto to Miami including some of our cities’ faves. As someone who’s worked in the trenches with waiters, servers, chefs and other staff, he understands the need for on-demand pay and a cashless solution.
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Marilyn-Schaffer

Marilyn Schaffer

CEO, XTM Inc.

Marilyn Schaffer

CEO, XTM Inc.

Learning Lounge, Say ‘bye bye’ to cash. It’s eating your profit!
Sunday, March 1, 12:00PM-12:30PM
Monday, March 2, 12:00PM-12:30PM
Tuesday, March 3, 1:00PM-1:30PM

Marilyn Schaffer is a serial entrepreneur whose known for building the businesses and reputations of others. She founded NEO Communications in the late 90s that was acquired shortly thereafter. After her non-compete expired, Marilyn founded XTM Inc. where her team worked with a number of brands including Bell Canada, Rogers, and Tangerine. In April 2018, XTM Inc. acquired the assets of Zoompass (formerly Paymobile) putting Marilyn and XTM squarely as a leader in the Fintech payment space.
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Evelyne-Gharibian

Evelyne Gharibian

Owner & Catering Director, Hearty Catering 

Evelyne Gharibian

Owner & Catering Director, Hearty Catering 

Speaker Stage, Planet & profits: Sustainable solutions for your businessSunday, March 1, 3:00PM-3:45PM

After spending a decade cooking and entertaining for family and friends, founder and Hearty Catering owner Evelyne Gharibian decided to bring the fusion cuisine she loved to a broader audience and started Hearty Catering.

Evelyne's interest in nourishing meals, sustainability and environmental stewardship lead to a culinary focus of local and organic; Hearty Catering began as a vegetarian catering operation, and broaden its offering to include sustainable meats and seafood.

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Juanita-Dickson

Juanita Dickson

President & CFO, Gusto 54 Restaurant Group

Juanita Dickson

President & CFO, Gusto 54 Restaurant Group

Speaker Stage, Lure them in: How restaurant design can drive profitability
Tuesday, March 3, 1:00PM-1:45PM

Speaker Stage, The Economics of Delivery
Monday, March 2, 3:00PM-3:45PM

As the President and CFO of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, Juanita’s passion for brand loyalty; exceptional customer experience and a “culture as king” philosophy guides her direction. Since joining as President in 2014 the company has transitioned from 3 to 12 concepts, receiving international acclaim. Central to Gusto 54’s success is a keen attention to design – a key component to creating transporting guest experiences that translate to both sustainability and profitability.

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Einav-Gefen

Einav Gefen

Corporate Executive Chef, Unilever Food Solution 

Einav Gefen

Corporate Executive Chef, Unilever Food Solution

Speaker Stage, Fair Kitchens
Monday, March 2, 12:00PM-12:45PM

Einav Gefen’s career as a chef began 20 years ago when she worked as a pastry chef at Orna & Ella (Tel-Aviv, Israel).  Gefen also worked as a sous-chef at Mul-Yam (Tel Aviv, Israel), proclaimed the No. 1 Restaurant by the French Restaurant Guide, Gault-Millau, and one of the world's 114th best restaurants by “Les Grandes Tables du Monde” book.

A graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education (formerly known as Peter Kump's), Gefen interned at New York's restaurant, Daniel, and was the executive chef at Danal in Manhattan’s East village where she got a wonderful write up at “Time Out Restaurant Guide 2001”.

In 2001, she founded and became the Director of the Culinary Arts program at the Jewish Community Center, Manhattan. During that time Gefen appeared in five TV cooking segments on National TV and numerous newspaper articles.  She also started working on her recipe book.

The book “Art & Cook” published on November 2003, got great reviews as a recipe book as well as art book in the US and Israel.

From 2003-2008 Gefen was a professional Chef instructor at ICE (Institute of Culinary Education) in Manhattans where she was responsible for training aspiring chefs in all aspects of cooking and presentation. In addition, she teaches a variety of recreational kids and adult classes.

At 2008 Gefen joined Unilever as the Corporate Head Chef for NA, where she led a team of Chefs in charge of development of innovations, product rejuvenation, activation with costumers & consumers and deployment of global projects.

Einav became the Corporate Executive Chef of Unilever Food Solution in August 2016, leading the North America Chefs team under Customer development and part of the UFS NA leadership team as the culinary thought leader. She co-created Unilever Food Solutions social mission www.fairkitchens.com to promote healthier more sustainable kitchen culture.

Einav is the face of the Knorr brand in North America, starring in three TV commercials. She also has a TED talk and competed on the acclaimed Food network competition show “Chopped.”

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Gillian-Lynne-Davies

Gillian Lynne-Davies

Director, Marketing and Communications, Spinal Cord Injury Canada

Gillian Lynne-Davies

Director, Marketing and Communications, Spinal Cord Injury Canada

Learning Lounge, Universal Design & Easy Solutions to Make Your Restaurant Accessible
Tuesday, March 3, 12:00PM-12:45PM

Gillian has worked in the disability field for over 30 years. Back in the early 2000 she started working on Access Guide Canada, a database of accessible places and spaces. Her experience taught her there is no cookie-cutter approach to access and inclusion. It all starts with a welcoming attitude and solutions will follow.
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Bill-Adair

Bill Adair

Executive Director, Spinal Cord Injury Canada

Bill Adair

Executive Director, Spinal Cord Injury Canada

Learning Lounge, Universal Design & Easy Solutions to Make Your Restaurant Accessible
Tuesday, March 3, 12:00PM-12:45PM

Bill has over 40 years experience working in the disability field. He spent the last four years working with organizations and people with a broad range of disabilities to strengthen the Accessible Canada Act. Access and inclusion are his passions.
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Dominic-Iezzi

Dominic Iezzi

SVP, Sales and Marketing, Sysco Canada

Dominic Iezzi

SVP, Sales and Marketing, Sysco Canada

Speaker Stage, Leaders in distribution: How distributors are helping you meet changing customer demand
Sunday, March 1, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Dominic Iezzi is currently the Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Sysco Canada. Since joining Sysco in July of 1994, Dominic has held several positions over the years including VP of Independent Sales, Sr. VP of Sales, EVP, President of Sysco Vancouver, and Divisional President – East and West Canada. Dominic has a passion for recruiting and developing top talent, growing sales, and enjoys creating selling strategies that contribute to Sysco's success.
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Chris Zielinski

Chris Zielinski

Culinary Director, MLSE

Chris Zielinski

Culinary Director, MLSE

Speaker Stage, Feeding the Masses
Monday, March 2, 11:00AM-11:45AM

Chef Zielinski started working with MLSE 10 years ago and currently oversees a staff of 17 executive chefs and sous chefs, 250 cooks and 65 stewards. A large part of his job is working with each of the chefs on new menu items and ensuring that MLSE meets the challenge of exciting our fans, while being on the forefront of setting culinary trends.
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Matthew-Alexander

Matthew Alexander

Head of Enterprise Partnerships, Uber Eats

Matthew Alexander

Head of Enterprise Partnerships, Uber Eats

Learning Lounge, Delivering Data for Success
Tuesday, March 3, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Matt was born and raised in Toronto, and since a young age has loved working with data. Whether he's looking to find his next value investment, solve a tough problem at work, or win his fantasy sports league he loves starting by diving deep into the data available to him. After studying business at Ivey, he worked in Oil and Gas for several years as a Regional Manager for Suncor Energy's Wholesale division in the Prairies. Matt now leads the Enterprise partnerships team for Uber Eats Canada.
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Meghan-Robbins

Meghan Robbins

Chef, Superpoint

Meghan Robbins

Chef, Superpoint

Speaker Stage, Fair Kitchens
Monday, March 2,  12:00PM-12:45PM

Meghan is currently the Chef at Superpoint in Toronto. She has been in the industry for almost a decade working at, and heading some of Toronto's trendy kitchens (Terroni, Parts & Labour Catering).

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Shaun-Goswell

Shaun Goswell

Chief Food Officer, Chartwells Canada

Shaun Goswell

Chief Food Officer, Chartwells Canada

Speaker Stage, Feeding the Masses
Monday, March 2,  11:00AM-11:45AM

Shaun Goswell is the Chief Food Officer of Chartwells Canada. Shaun joined Compass Group Canada in 2016 with a vision of bringing a culinary team together and focus on quality standards, continuous improvement, and professional development. Now he continues his efforts to support and inspire people under Compass' Chartwells brand, and with great privilege to work with over 6,500 associates and with them create memorable food experiences for over 1.2 million students at 500+ Chartwells schools.
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Gregory-Smith

Gregory Smith

Commercial Director, FrancoPeruvian

Gregory Smith

Commercial Director, FrancoPeruvian

Bar & Beverage Workshop, Pisco Masterclass
Monday, March 2, 12:15PM-1:15PM

Gregory Smith graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in foreign language, but his professional trajectory took him in a different direction. Having shown an affinity for international travel and restaurant management, he found his calling in the world of wine and spirits shortly after entering the restaurant business at the age of seventeen.

A Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Smith is currently Commercial Director at FrancoPeruvian, a company based in Lima, Peru specializing in the importation and sale of French wines. Smith previously was wine director at Central Restaurante for seven years where his wine program was consistently ranked the best in Peru and among the best in Latin America. During his tenure at Central he also oversaw the bar program. Smith is an educator of Peru’s new generation of sommeliers, and currently teaches at Le Cordon Bleu (Peru), La Escuela Peruana de Sommeliers (The Peruvian Sommelier School), and previously at the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola’s Center for Global Education. Smith is also an independent wine consultant and writer, and currently resides in Lima, Peru.

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David-Beaudoin

David Beaudoin

Canadian Cheese Ambassador, Dairy Farmers of Canada

David Beaudoin

Canadian Cheese Ambassador, Dairy Farmers of Canada

Pop-up Resto & Bar, Canadian Cheese + Sake Pairing
Sunday, March 1, 2:30PM-3:30PM

Pop-up Resto & Bar, Canadian Cheese + Coffee Pairing 
Monday, March 2, 11:30AM-12:30PM

Pop-up Resto & Bar, Canadian Cheese + Beer Pairing 
Tuesday, March 3, 2:30PM-3:30PM

After 15 years of leading and operating his own Canadian cheese education and distribution business, David has gathered a thorough understanding of the industry. He now shares his knowledge and enthusiasm for making, tasting, pairing and experiencing Canadian world-class cheese of all kinds.

Known as Canada's Cheese Ambassador, David is committed to help people understand the importance of supporting our very own cheesemakers and milk producers in a fun educational experience.

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Robert-Carter

Robert Carter

Managing Partner, StratonHunter Group

Robert Carter

Managing Partner, StratonHunter Group

Speaker Stage, Look who is coming to dinner: Learn how to reach today’s changing demographics
Sunday, March 1, 12:00PM-12:45PM

Robert Carter is Canada’s leading restaurant and foodservice expert. During his 14 years as Executive Director of Foodservice with the NPD Group, Robert provided key consumer insights on growth initiates, sales, marketing and strategy for the Top 20 Chain Restaurant and global food&beverage manufacturer clients . Considered the most “connected” industry expert, Robert is a popular key note speaker and moderator due to his deep industry knowledge and dedication to identifying industry trends.
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Kiera-Toffelmire

Kiera Toffelmire

Vice President of Programs and Partnerships, Second Harvest

Kiera Toffelmire

Vice President of Programs and Partnerships, Second Harvest

Speaker Stage, The Next Era of Restaurant Tech Is Making Eateries More Efficient and Profitable
Tuesday, March 3, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Kiera is the VP of Programs & Partnerships at Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food rescue organization. Since joining in 2014, she has built partnerships with nonprofits and food businesses to grow Second Harvest’s core programs including its food redistribution, and training and education programs, and the FoodRescue.ca platform. Kiera is a member of Toronto’s Circular Economy Working Group and the Toronto Food Policy Council, where she has chaired the food waste group for the past two years.
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Nick-Goddard

Nick Goddard

President, Portage Design Group Inc.

Nick Goddard

President, Portage Design Group Inc.

Speaker Stage, Lure them in: How restaurant design can drive profitability
Tuesday, March 3, 1:00PM-1:45PM

Nick is the President of Portage Design Group Inc, a full-service Interior Design firm based in Toronto that he founded in 2010 and continues to quarterback. Prior to starting Portage he worked at several design studios completing dozens of restaurant projects, casino's, workplace interiors and retail stores. After teaching Interior Design as a full-time professor at the college level has been invited to teach several times at Ryerson University and is currently a guest critic and lecturer.
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Todd-Perrin

Todd Perrin

Executive Chef and Co-Owner, Mallard Cottage

Todd Perrin

Executive Chef and Co-Owner, Mallard Cottage

Speaker Stage, The world is our oyster: How to grow your business through culinary tourism
Sunday, March 1, 11:00AM-11:45AM

Todd is the Executive Chef and Co-owner of Mallard Cottage, in Quidi Vidi Village, St. John’s, NL.   Mallard Cottage uses the bounty of Newfoundland land and sea to create a daily changing menu. In its first year Mallard was recognized by Enroute Magazine as #5 on its list of Top Ten Best New Restaurants in Canada 2014. In 2018  Mallard Cottage continued to be recognized as one of Canada’s top eateries, coming in at No. 22 on the list Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants.
 
In 2017, Todd and his partners opened the latest addition to the Quidi Vidi tourist experience - The Inn by Mallard Cottage. A modern, yet traditional 7 room accommodation offering the best a Newfoundland and Labrador outport has to offer - in the heart of St. John’s.
 
Todd’s latest project with his partners is WaterWest Kitchen & Meats, a butcher shop, coffee shop, restaurant, quick service takeaway on the west end of Water Street in downtown St. John’s.
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Jacqueline-Tam

Jacqueline Tam

Founder, Toronto Food Film Fest

Jacqueline Tam

Founder, Toronto Food Film Fest

Presentation Theatre, Toronto Food Film Fest presents "Red Chef Revival" and "Funke"
Sunday, March 1, 11:00AM-1:30PM

As a food lover and dreamer with an obsession with organization, Jacqueline is a Post Production Supervisor by trade. Jacqueline and her friend and colleague, Joanna Maracle, wanted to bring a food and film event that was inclusive and fun to the biggest food city in Canada. In 2018, Toronto Food Film Fest was born.
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Dan-Logan

Dan Logan

National Delivery Director, McDonald's Restaurants of Canada

Dan Logan

National Delivery Director, McDonald's Restaurants of Canada

Speaker Stage, The Economics of Delivery
Monday, March 2, 3:00PM-3:45PM

Dan began his McDonald’s Canada career in 1986, working behind the counter in a restaurant in Edmonton. Since then, he’s had the opportunity to take on many roles of increasing responsibilities, including overseeing the Field Service team responsible for all Franchised restaurants in Ontario, and leading the National Training department. In 2017, Dan took the lead in bringing “McDelivery” to life in Canada, and has helped guide and grow that business into over 850 restaurants offering delivery.
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Michelle-Tham

Michelle Tham

Head of Education, Labatt Breweries of Canada

Michelle Tham

Head of Education, Labatt Breweries of Canada

Bar & Beverage Workshop, Credentials & Certifications
Sunday, March 1, 3:45PM-4:30PM

Michelle is the Head of Education at Labatt Breweries of Canada. She is responsible for leading a culture of beer education and appreciation through the brewery’s people and diverse portfolio of brands, which includes Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, Budweiser and Goose Island Beer Co. A Certified Cicerone®, MBAA Beer Steward, and BJCP Beer Judge, Michelle holds a professional level of knowledge related to ingredients, brewing process, beer styles, tasting and evaluation, and pairing food with beer.

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Amanda-Chen

Amanda Chen

Founder, Salty Paloma

Amanda Chen

Founder, Salty Paloma

Bar & Beverage Stage, The PR Expert's Guide to Bartending Self-Branding
Tuesday, March 3, 12:00PM-12:45PM

Amanda Chen is an ex-journalist turned digital marketer turned business owner of Salty Paloma, a brand of artisanal flavoured salts and sugars. Over the past year she has expanded her business to host daily cocktail classes that is taking the city by storm. With a background in branded partnerships and content, she has been able to create a community of cocktail enthusiasts that come together to celebrate mixology in a fun and non-competitive environment.

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Dan-Shorrocks

Dan Shorrocks

VP Sales & Partner, Select Wines

Dan Shorrocks

VP Sales & Partner, Select Wines

Bar CEO Panel 
Monday, March 2, 12:45PM-1:30PM

Dan’s extensive experience in the beverage alcohol industry spans more than 25 years. During his time at the LCBO, Maxxium Canada and Mark Anthony Brands, Dan’s involvement was influential across all product channels and with all provincial liquor boards. His Canadian experience is valuable to the changing landscape of how the industry will come to market in the future. Today, as Partner at Select Wines Canada, Dan continues to focus on innovation and relationship building in the industry.

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Kaitlin-Vandenbosch

Kaitlin Vandenbosch

Brewmaster, Mill Street Brewery

Kaitlin Vandenbosch

Brewmaster, Mill Street Brewery

Pop Up Resto & Bar, Canadian Cheese + Beer Pairing
Tuesday, March 3, 2:30PM-3:30PM

After completing her Masters in Brewing & Distilling at Heriot Watt in Edinburgh, Kaitlin Vandenbosch moved back to Canada and joined Mill Street Brewery as a production brewer in 2011. When Mill Street brought distilling back to the Distillery District in 2013, Kaitlin became the first Head Distiller, making bierschnaps & whisky. In 2019, Kaitlin became Mill Street’s Brewmaster, overseeing all things beer including brewpubs and new innovations.

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Shawn-Gilhespy

Shawn Gilhespy

Bar Manager, Baijiu

Shawn Gilhespy

Bar Manager, Baijiu

Bar & Beverage Stage, Canada's Best Bars 
Sunday, March 1, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Born and raised in Edmonton, AB, I arrived to the Cocktail Scene only in the last 3-4 years. I started in the corporate world of cocktails and quickly found my love for and freedom within the independent business side. The previous bar manager at Baijiu fostered my learning and development for tasty drinks, and now that I am in their shoes, I am hoping to live up to and surpass the expectations that I am withheld to and to carry on the legacy of great cocktail curation with my team at Baijiu.

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Marianne-Edward

Marianne Edward

Operations Manager, Sheldon Creek Dairy

Marianne Edward

Operations Manager, Sheldon Creek Dairy

Local Stage, Ask the Farmer
Sunday, March 1, 2:00PM-2:45PM

Marianne was raised on a dairy farm in Loretto Ontario. In 2012, her family opened an on-farm dairy processing facility, Sheldon Creek Dairy. They currently farm 400 acres, milk 56 dairy cows and process the herds milk in to fluid milk, yogurt and various other dairy products which are sold across Central/Southern Ontario.

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