BC’s Hospitality Industry to Host Annual Conference & Exposition


VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Oct. 5, 2010) – Don’t miss this year’s BC Hospitality Industry Conference and Exposition, the largest hospitality industry conference in the Pacific Northwest, being held in Vancouver, November 21-23, 2010. Early Bird rates end October 15, 2010.

The BC Hospitality Industry Conference will take place at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. This year’s Conference theme, “Hospitality in Transition: Maximizing the Possibilities”, will focus on skills and tools for emerging from an economic downturn with a healthy business outlook. It is an opportunity to learn about the latest trends in hospitality and innovative new business practices from industry experts.

The Conference is a great opportunity to meet and interact with the best and brightest of the hospitality industry and the world-class lineup of events, workshops, and keynote speakers offers something for everyone.

A few Conference highlights include:

Keynote Presentation by Jim Treliving, Chairman & Owner Boston Pizza International: Jim is a true visionary, a born entrepreneur and a risk taker. He opened his first Boston Pizza Restaurant in 1968 in Penticton, BC, formed his existing business partnership with his accountant in 1973, and today the two men run Canada’s number one casual dining chain. In his spare time, Jim stars as one of the five Dragons on CBC’s reality TV show, Dragon’s Den. Delegates will be inspired by his story of entrepreneurship and strategies for business success.

Back by popular demand, Todd Lucier of Tourism Keys Internet Marketing will be facilitating two workshops on Social Media – one for beginners on this topic and the other for those who have previous experience and an existing presence online. In addition, Todd will be presenting a session entitled “Swimming with Sharks” dealing with the resources that hospitality businesses must commit to in order to have a successful presence online.

Closing Session with Bob Gray: Delegates must attend this amusing, unusual and empowering presentation entitled, “I’m No Good With Names, But I Never Forget a Face”. Bob reveals a wonderful and entertaining method to easily recall and store into memory the names of new friends and business acquaintances. After this session, you’ll never let your memory embarrass you again!

The BC Hospitality Expo, held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, is anticipated to attract more than 4,000 industry professionals and over 200 exhibitors who will come together to display thousands of goods and services for every aspect of the hospitality industry. It is an opportunity to shop, compare products and services, and network with other industry professionals.

Please visit www.hospitality-trade.com for a full list of the many exciting Conference events, workshops, guest speakers, and details.

The Conference is hosted by the British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA), the Alliance of Beverage Licensees of British Columbia (ABLE BC), the BC Food and Restaurant Association (BCFRA), and the BC Lodging and Campground Association (BCLCA).