Keynotes & Speakers
Tuesday’s opening keynote address
Exclusive Keynote Speaker – Lital Marom
Lital is an international sought-after speaker and a seasoned lecturer of innovation, data strategies, business model innovation, digital disruption, and transformation. She applies her extensive experience working closely with executive teams on large digital transformation projects to leading recurring Master Classes at Spark Institute, IBS Business School, and Singularity University. She is a keynote favorite who has spoken at TED, and a long list of industry conferences. She is a catalyst for change, igniting leaders to unlock their limitless potential, driving extraordinary business growth, and shaping a sustainable, inclusive future.
Tuesday afternoon Keynote
Exclusive Keynote Speaker – Mandy Rennehan
Mandy Rennehan (a.k.a. Bear) is called the Blue-Collar CEO™ for her ability to seamlessly navigate between the white-and blue-collar worlds, and to respectfully ‘tell it like it is’. Mandy is a sought-after speaker, author, multiple award-winning entrepreneur, philanthropist, HGTV host and trade industry ambassador. We are certain you will be motivated and inspired. Rennehan is also a lead advisor to the federal Governments national campaign encouraging apprenticeships and promoting the skilled trades as a career and has a book called The Blue Collar CEO, My Gutsy Journey from Rookie Contractor to Multi-Millionaire Construction Boss.
Tuesday Luncheon Keynote
HONOURABLE ALLAN MacMASTER, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, Deputy Premier
Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage
Allan MacMaster was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly as MLA for Inverness in a by-election in 2009 and was re-elected in 2013, 2017, and 2021. He represents the people of Inverness on the west coast of Cape Breton Island. In 2021, Allan was appointed Nova Scotia’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, as well as Minister of Labour Relations and Minister of Gaelic Affairs. As Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, he is also responsible for the Liquor Control Act and the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, Part I of the Gaming Control Act, the Securities Act, the Utility and Review Board Act, the Chartered Professional Accountants Act, the Insurance Act and is Deputy President of the Executive Council. In 2023, he was additionally appointed as Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage. Prior to elected office, Allan was an investment advisor with BMO Nesbitt Burns. Allan, his wife Lucie, and their five children live in Troy, Nova Scotia.
wednesday closing Keynote
RON JAMES, Critically Acclaimed Comedian | Star of Nine Comedy Specials
Hailed by critics from coast to coast, Ron James is Canada’s #1 comedian, consistently packing theatres across the country. He been called “a man of a million words and million laughs”, by The Globe and Mail; “explosively funny”, by The Chronicle Herald; and “the funniest man in Canada” by The Victoria Times Colonist.
The star of his own CBC TV program, The Ron James Show, James cuts a wide swath through contemporary culture with his razor-sharp wit and machine-gun delivery, making him a stand-out among stand-up performers. With many acts at hand, there’s sure to be something in James’ vast repertoire that will resonate with your audience — not to mention have them howling with laughter.
James has written and starred in a record-breaking nine one-hour CBC comedy specials, created and starred in two television series (Blackfly and The Ron James Show) and has been nominated for two Canadian Screen Awards. He is also the author of All Over the Map: Rambles and Ruminations from the Canadian Road.
Additional 2023 Tourism summit speakers & COncurrent Panelists
WES SURRETT, TIANS Chair
Chairman’s Luncheon Remarks – Tuesday, Nov. 28th
Wes will host the Chairman’s Luncheon of the 2023 Tourism Summit. The Luncheon will recognize our deserving Past Chairs for their service and commitment to the Tourism Industry. The Honourable Allan MacMaster, Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage Minister, will provide an Address to delegates during the Lunch Event, which will wrap up with the 2023 Serve It Up Recognition for participating High School students.
PHILIP MONDOR, President and CEO, Tourism HR Canada
For more than 30 years, Philip has worked with labour market stakeholders across Canada and abroad including foreign governments, pan-global organizations, Canadian and non-Canadian businesses, and various education and training bodies. His work spans over 15 industrial sectors and in 11 countries, with most of his career focused on the tourism industry. Philip is an industry representative to the Deputy Minister’s Advisory Council, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Currently, he is an advisory member of the Labour Market Information Council and the Future Skills Centre Research Advisory Board. Philip is the recipient of Ryerson’s Ted Roger’s Industry Award, 2020.
JAMIE FERGUSON, CEO, Sport Nova Scotia
Jamie is the CEO of Sport Nova Scotia, a non-profit, non-government federation with a membership of approximately sixty provincial sport organizations. Jamie is responsible for leading all aspects of operations, policy, programming development and strategic direction, as well as financial oversight, and management of the Sport Nova Scotia owned building that houses both non-profit and commercial tenants. During Jamie’s tenure, funding and support services for provincial sport organizations have grown by approximately 400% and Sport Nova Scotia has grown from a staff of approximately 18 with annual revenues of 2 million dollars to a staff of 40 and annual revenues of approximately 12 million dollars.
JOHN SIMON, President, Canadvac Travel Services & Hygge Life Travel
John Simon is an experienced business professional operating in both multinational organizations and entrepreneurial start-up businesses. His experience covers a wide range of industries – travel, telecommunications, energy, government, logistics, financial services, and resources. His business and technology background has allowed him to build and manage teams delivering new customer solutions, and defining and implementing new corporate strategies. Currently John is sharing his passion for travel through Hygge Life Travel, a unique organization offering customized personal travel experiences for its members, as well as through Canadvac Travel Services – a leading receptive travel specialist for Eastern & Central Canada focused on local tourism partners and providers. Canadvac prides itself in offering quality tourism products, highlighting smaller accommodations and unforgettable experiences showcasing the unique diversity of the region. John sits on the Executive of TIANS Board of Directors.
OWEN SAGNESS, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Nova Scotia
With an extensive background in executive leadership and a history of success in building and managing prominent technology and online businesses, Owen brings a wealth of experience to our team. Over the course of his 20+ year career, Owen has held key roles with Fortune 50 companies such as Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft, as well as smaller venture-backed technology firms. His leadership has consistently driven growth in profit, customer satisfaction, and brand favorability. With his blend of corporate sophistication and practical hands-on experience, Owen has become a sought-after Independent Director and Advisor. He is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors and serves on boards and advisory committees of several organizations, providing valuable guidance to CEOs and founders.
TIM DRIVER, CEO and Founder, Age Friendly Ventures
Tim Driver builds digital businesses that make a social contribution. He is founder and CEO of Age Friendly Ventures, Inc., a social impact corporation which owns and operates brands whose missions are to make aging easier. The Age-Friendly Institute certifies age-friendly employers and products, and supports comparable advocacy and recognition programs in the international age-friendly movement. Mature Caregivers is a full-service elder care agency pairing caregivers age 50+ with care recipients needing in-home care. It provides direct service in Massachusetts and makes referrals to affiliates across the U.S. Driver also is a Director with the 501(c)(3) non-profit Age-Friendly Foundation, whose purpose is to make aging equitable. Prior to his work in aging services, Driver was a Board Member and SVP at Salary.com. Driver has appeared in national media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, NBC News, NPR and CNN. Driver served as Employment Committee Co-Chair for Massachusetts Governor Baker’s Council to Address Aging, and was named a PBS/Next Avenue “Influencer in Aging”.
CARRIE CUSSONS, President & CEO, Events East Group
Carrie Cussons is President & CEO of Events East Group having the accountability for leadership of the Halifax Convention Centre, a 120,000 sq. ft. Convention Centre in the heart of downtown Halifax, and the Scotiabank Centre, the premier multipurpose facility in Atlantic Canada with a seating capacity in excess of 10,000. Since joining the organization in 2009, Carrie has been a strategic lead in all areas of the business. Prior to her appointment as President & CEO, she was Chief Financial Officer and the led the Corporate Services group, including finance, human resources and technology. Carrie brings a diverse business background, including over two decades of executive management experience with a concentration in financial and operational leadership. She has held leadership roles in a variety of public and private sector organizations including the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, the CCL Group and Ernst and Young. She has played a leading advisory role on business strategy, measurement and financial reporting.
ROBERT BERNARD, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network
Since 1997, Mr. Robert Bernard has been a successful business owner of a number of Indigenous owned Companies focused on creating sustainable and “mutually beneficial” relationships with the mainstream world. “Indigenous Guide Consulting Services”, has brought together his expertise under one company, one focus, one vision… to help create capacity building opportunities for Indigenous people, businesses and communities. This work is about building new paths, new bridges to “meaningful reconciliation initiatives” focused on action-oriented partners and projects working to learn more, to do more and to be more through cross cultural awareness training opportunities. Mr. Bernard is the Executive Director of NSITE’N, a Mi’kmaw led not-for-profit organization focused on growing Indigenous tourism development opportunities. He has sat on the Board of Directors for the TIANS, the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). He recently worked as the ITAC Atlantic Canada Regional Coordinator and is s a current board member of Cape Breton University’s World Tourism Institute, Destination Cape Breton, Inspiring Communities, Mawitamk Society Executive Chairperson, MSVU Kinu Tourism Executive Advisory & many other advisory committees aimed at further reconciliation efforts for the Mi’kmaw people.
TERRY SMITH, CEO, Destination Cape Breton
Terry Smith has worked in the Cape Breton Island-Unama’ki tourism industry for the past 25+ years. In that time, as a marketing consultant, he has had the opportunity to work with such tourism clients as the Celtic Colours International Festival, Golf Cape Breton, Golf Nova Scotia, the 50th Anniversary of the Canso Causeway, the Louisbourg 300 Celebrations, Cape Breton Resorts, the Keltic Lodge and many others. Since 2015, he has worked with Destination Cape Breton, first in a senior marketing role and as CEO since February 2019. As a tourism strategist, Terry has worked on tourism projects throughout Canada, but he is most passionate about working to grow the tourism economy of Cape Breton Island-Unama’ki. He lives on the Mira River with his wife Stephanie. Together, they launched Hugs for Haitian Kids, an initiative to build a school for stateless Haitian children in the Dominican Republic.
EVA GUTSCHE, Founder, STEM Consulting and Marketing
Eva Gutsche, founder of STEM Consulting and Marketing has extensive experience in the hospitality, communications and training industry. Eva brings 20 years’ experience as a facilitator, moderator, workshop designer, and presenter, working with public and private sector, assisting clients in improving their overall performance and bottom-line results. Eva’s direct hospitality experience is comprised of hotel sales, sales management, revenue management and leadership. She has worked extensively in the area of Travel Trade development in Nova Scotia and other Canadian provinces. Eva earned her MBA from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Diploma in Hospitality Management from Centennial College – Major in Travel & Tourism, Toronto, ON; Certificate programs in Leadership, Pricing Strategy & Revenue Management from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Certificate in Design Thinking – Harvard University, Boston, MA.
RAYMOND PLOURDE, Senior Wilderness Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre
Raymond Plourde is a longtime nature conservationist and the Senior Wilderness Coordinator at Ecology Action Centre. Raymond has served as a national trustee of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, board member of the Nova Scotia Salmon Association, the TIANS Industry Advisory Committee and is a member or director of several local conservation organizations. He has been a leading advocate for protecting important natural areas throughout the province and improving land-use practices on the “working landscape” for the benefit of biodiversity conservation. Raymond is also a nature photographer and writer whose articles and photos have appeared in Outdoor Canada, Saltscapes, Atlantic Salmon Journal and Fish & Fly, among others. When not in the office or attending a meeting Raymond can usually be found standing waist-deep in one of Nova Scotia’s Atlantic salmon rivers, flinging bits of fur and feather to indifferent fish.
EMMA LANG, Executive Director, Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia
Emma Lang is the Executive Director of the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia. She holds an MA in Museum Studies from George Washington University and an MA in Folklore from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. Her career has taken her across the United States and Atlantic Canada working for museums and heritage organizations as a curator, interpretive developer and heritage advocate. In her current position she develops resources and educational programs to facilitate the preservation and protection of built heritage, advocates for stronger protections for built heritage and engages with the public on the values and benefits of built heritage.
GLORIA HAYDOCK, Manager, Consumer and Industry Relations, Insurance Bureau of Canada
Gloria Haydock, Manager, Consumer and Industry Relations, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), has over three decades
of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry. With her extensive industry knowledge, Gloria acts as a
bridge between consumers and industry, providing support to the public while sharing emerging trends with IBC’s executive team. She has a Chartered Insurance Professional designation from the Insurance Institute of Canada (IIC); a Six Sigma, Green Belt certification from McGill University; and a diploma in English Studies from Dawson College. Gloria has worked as an instructor with IIC and held various volunteer positions including Co-Chair, Cobequid Community Health Board; and Director, Vice-President, NS Chapter, IIC. A Halifax resident, Gloria also works as a commissioner of oaths and an administrative justice of the peace for the Province. In her spare time, she enjoys jumping in puddles with her grandchildren.
JUANITA PETERS, Executive Director of the Africville Museum
Juanita Peters is known by many people, as many things. She is an actor, film and stage director, and playwright. As a film writer and director she has given us: I Made a Vow, Hannah’s Story, Africville; Can’t Stop Now, and 8:37 Rebirth which has won multiple awards in Canada, New York, London and Paris. She directed two seasons of the Film NS Award winning dramatic series “Studio Black” and television series DIGGSTOWN. As a playwright she has given us: The San Family, The Mother Club, I M Possible and The Green Book. Founding member of Women In Film and Television Atlantic and Nova MultiFest. Member of Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre, Canadian Actors Equity, Actra and Directors Guild of Canada. Board member of The Robert Pope Foundation, Matchstick Theatre and Women In The Directors Chair National. Named the 2023 Portia White Prize Winner by Creative Arts NS and the 2022 Woman of the Year by ACTRA. Juanita Peters is the Executive Director of the Africville Museum. More than a memorial, the Africville Museum and its exhibits invite the visitor to experience life “out home” in Africville, and the recognize the courage that transcends racism and hatred to begin the journey to reconciliation.
RUSSELL HOPSON, Business Centre Manager, BDC Nova Scotia
Russ Hopson has been with the BDC since 2005. He currently manages the Nova Scotia Entrepreneurship Center for BDC working with a team of business development professionals, interested in only one thing – the success of our Nova Scotia entrepreneurs! Growing up in his family’s small business, he has seen first hand the challenges and opportunities presented to small business owners. Russ holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Western University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from McGill University.
SPENCER LEBLANC, Business Development Manager, Efficiency Nova Scotia
Spencer LeBlanc is part of the Business Development team at Efficiency Nova Scotia, a team dedicated to supporting energy saving projects by working with various business sectors across Nova Scotia. Spencer has been a part of Efficiency Nova Scotia since 2018 and is educated in building science and energy management. He has worked in tourism and hospitality locally in Halifax at hotels and restaurants, and also worked in the tourism sector in Australia and New Zealand. With this experience in the industry, he is aware of the unique challenges that exist. He is passionate about collaborating with businesses across Nova Scotia, helping projects move forward, leading to the good things that energy efficiency brings.
