HSMAI Ontario Presents: Demystifying Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality

Demystifying Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality & North American Travel Outlook

What is artificial intelligence? Why are we scared? How is artificial intelligence being used in hospitality?

These are just some of the questions we will answer. AI mimics human intelligence, machine learning does not. Machines can learn but will never understand. Most importantly, hoteliers who understand how to leverage AI tools will become more valuable than ever!

We are thrilled to invite you to the HSMAI Ontario event, Demystifying Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality and North American Travel Outlook, taking place on June 29th at the Sheraton Centre Toronto. This event will provide an insightful look into the future of travel and technology trends that are shaping the industry.

Join us for an afternoon of informative keynote speeches, networking opportunities, and a reception. The event will kick off with registration at 1:00 pm followed by our keynote speakers, Mercedes Blanco, Chief Partnerships Officer at The Hotels Network and John Hach & Katie from Amadeus from 1:30 to 2:30 pm.

Following the keynote speeches, we will have a networking break from 2:30 to 3:00 pm, where you can meet and connect with fellow attendees. After the break, we will delve into the topic of North America Travel Trends from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, where industry experts will share their insights and predictions.

Finally, we will wrap up the day with a networking reception from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. This will be an excellent opportunity to network with other professionals, share ideas and best practices, and establish new connections.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn, network, and discuss the future of travel with industry leaders. Register now and secure your spot for the HSMAI Ontario event on June 29th.

Sheraton Centre Toronto

June 29, 2023

1:00 - 1:30 pm: Registration

1:30 - 2:30 pm: Keynote speeches

             Mercedes Blanco, Chief Partnerships Officer at The Hotels Network             

2:30 - 3:00 pm: Networking break

3:00 - 3:45 pm: North America Travel Trends presentation by John Hach & Katie Moro, Amadeus

4:00 - 5:00 pm: Networking reception

Members: $35 CAD

Non-Members: $55 CAD

Bring the Team (3 or more): $90 CAD

*includes coffee break, drink ticket, passed hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar, sponsored by the Sheraton Centre Toronto

Visit HSMAI Ontario Website

Host Hotel

Sheraton Centre Toronto

145 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 4G1

 Mercedes Blanco is a Corporate Leader Executive with over 15 years of experience in Travel & Hospitality, she is passionate about creating value through digital-tech solutions, as well as fighting for women empowerment. Prior to The Hotels Network, as Chief Partnerships Officer, she worked at BCV a Rategain Company, Microsoft and AC Hotels by Marriott among others. Mercedes has two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees under her belt, including Tourism Management from IE Business School and a PDP in Digital Marketing from Harvard University. Mercedes has been a dedicated member of the travel industry at-large. She is an active member of the Sales Americas Advisory Board at HSMAI, and founding member of Women in Travel THRIVE. She was recognized as Top 50 Women in Travel by WINiT by GBTA and one of the Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds by HSMAI.

John Hach has more than thirty years of travel industry ecommerce experience and serves as Senior Vice President, Global Product Management at TravelClick. TravelClick (TravelClick.com) provides innovative cloud-based solutions for hotels around the globe to grow their revenue reduce costs and improve performance. TravelClick offers hotels world-class reservation solutions, business intelligence products and comprehensive media and marketing solutions to help hotels grow their business. With local experts around the globe, we help more than 37,000 hotel clients in over 150 countries drive profitable room reservations through better revenue management decisions, proven reservation technology and innovative marketing

Katie Moro joined Amadeus in 2011 and is responsible for the global expansion of our Demand360® product. Katie is a veteran of the hospitality industry and has been involved with the demand initiative since the product’s early days. Prior to joining Amadeus, Katie was an Account Manager with Rubicon and led a sales team that focused on product growth in major accounts. She has also held roles at Morgans Hotel Group and Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Georgia.

Interested in joining the HSMAI Ontario Board of Directors?

We are looking for a new VP Education and VP of Memberships

Get in touch at david.lau@fairmont.com

HSMAI Ontario Board of Directors

David Lau, President, Accor Hotels 

Leon Mulder, President Elect, KAYAK

Rich Kawamoto, VP, Digital Strategy, Amadeus

Arianna Lynett, VP, Event Logistics, Expedia Group 

Bonnie Vesterfelt, VP, Partnerships, Expedia Group

Mimi AuYeung, VP, Communications, The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto

Rheka D'Souza, Treasurer, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

Karim Amraoui, Secretary, Priceline Agoda 

Eric Barber, Board Member at Large, Realstar Hospitality

Mandy Choi, Board Member at Large, Palm Holdings

Colleen Humphreys, Board Member at Large - Digital Strategy, Atlific Hotels

View HSMAI Ontario website