HSMAI Ontario Presents: Return to Travel

What does a return to travel look like for our regional drive market and how can we capture corporate and leisure guests?

HSMAI Ontario is pleased to welcome four travel industry panelists to discuss their findings on what a return to travel looks like in Ontario over the next year, with a Q&A to follow.

Our panel discussion will be moderated by:

Eric Barber, VP, National Sales at Realstar Hospitality and HSMAI Ontario's Board Member at Large

In a career that spans over 25 years, Eric has been fortunate to travel the world while being a vital cog in his company’s successes. As Vice President, National Sales with Realstar Hospitality, Eric is tasked to develop and maintain partnerships with hoteliers and customers, and to spread the good word of Realstar’s rapidly evolving brand. 

Our guest speakers include:

Nancy Johnston, VP, Contracting and Product, Jonview

Nancy graduated from Ryerson University with a degree in Business Management. In 1991, after personal travel, she joined Jonview Canada. She has held management positions in Finance, Reservations, Operations and Customer Service prior to leading the Contracting & Product teams. As the organization grew, Nancy introduced and developed the Customer Service Department, offering 24/7 servicing in all required languages. Within system development, Nancy was a business lead as Jonview developed its proprietary reservation system and spear headed its dynamic capabilities.

Currently, Nancy oversees the areas of Contracting, Product Development and Accounts Payable. This includes the buying delivery of FIT and Group requirements, new product sourcing and development, itinerary planning, Inventory and dynamic management as well as Accounts Payable. Jonview Canada is the leading receptive operator in Canada, creating innovative, export-ready products and services and marketing them internationally since 1981.

Rebecca Cregan, Director, Market Management, Expedia Group

Rebecca is Director of Market Management for Expedia Group Lodging Partner Services, responsible for leading the market management team in Canada. Her team provides a consultative sales approach to help properties maximize their performance through Expedia Group product solutions. Rebecca has over ten years of experience with Expedia Group supporting various markets throughout the Northeast, New York City and Canada. A proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Rebecca has lived in Boston, New York City and most recently Toronto. In her spare time, she loves to travel, cook and discover hidden gems across Canada.

Ian Race, SVP, Corporate Sales, Direct Travel

Ian Race is the Senior Vice President, Corporate Sales for Direct Travel in Canada, based in Toronto, Ontario. An industry veteran for over 30 years, Ian leads the Sales & Business Development team for Direct Travel within the Canadian market. Originally from Montreal, Ian was educated at Concordia University, however he states that his true education came through the Canadian Military where he served as a Pilot for 3 years. Upon leaving the military, Ian spent a number of years in the airline business with Canadian Regional air carriers, including a 1/2 year working and flying in the high Arctic.  

Ian migrated from the airline business into the Travel Management Business where he has remained for most of his career. Formerly having held senior and executive roles at American Express Travel & Navigant International in Canada, Ian is now a member of the Canadian leadership team in Direct Travel, one of the largest TMC’s in North America.  

An avid sportsman & outdoors enthusiast, Ian is also a member of the GBTA Canada Advisory Board, and lives in Burlington, Ontario. 

Tara Gordon, SVP Global Sales for Destination Toronto

As Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Services, Tara Gordon is responsible for leading Destination Toronto’s market-focused growth strategy, while building global brand awareness in the Business Events marketplace and strengthening Toronto’s strategic partnerships within the industry.  Prior to joining Destination Toronto, Tara was the Director of Sales of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for nearly a decade, and she currently serves as Chair, Destination Canada, Business Events Advisory Committee. 

This is a complimentary event sponsored by HSMAI Ontario. Following registration, a Zoom link to join the event will be sent 48 hours in advance.

We look forward to welcoming you and networking with industry colleagues!