Brendon Ainscow - General Manager
Holiday Inn Express Toronto Downtown
Brendon Ainscow is a dynamic hospitality leader with more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, both in restaurants and in hotel operations. Currently General Manager at Holiday Inn Express Toronto Downtown, he is responsible for overseeing the operations of Canada’s largest Holiday Inn Express.
Throughout his career, Brendon has successfully led both Full-Service and Select-Service hotel brands (including Marriott, Hilton, and IHG) in multiple cities across Ontario. He has a proven track record for building engaged and high-performing teams, and for driving Guest Satisfaction Scores and revenue growth. He also has extensive experience providing task-force support to hotel properties in Halifax, Edmonton, and Orlando, Florida.
Brendon is a lover of all things hospitality - he has a passion for travel, for creating exceptional and memorable experiences, and for training and developing others.
Burak Aydemir - Airport Operations Manager
Cathay Pacific Airways
Burak is Airport Operations Manager at Toronto Pearson Airport for Cathay Pacific Airways. The airline has been voted as one of the Best Airlines in the World and Best Cabin Staff by Skytrax World Airline Awards.
Burak has over 30 years of extensive airline experience in below and above the wing flight operations. He leads all aspects of the operations team in Toronto for Cathay Pacific including crew management, flight planning, ramp coordination, ground handling and aviation security.
During his career in aviation, Burak has held several leadership positions, including Security Operations for Pan Am and Delta, Operations Coordinator for Scandinavian Airlines, Duty Manager for Lufthansa, as well as In-flight and Onboard Service Manager for Air Canada.
Scott Beck - President & CEO
Destination Toronto
He’s a champion of the visitor economy and a proven leader in the destination sales and marketing industry, spending 14 years as the President and CEO of Visit Salt Lake in Salt Lake City, Utah. He also served on the Executive Committee of Destinations International for six years and as the organization's International Board Chair from 2014-2015.
Before Visit Salt Lake, Scott worked in the hotel industry for 18 years, most recently with Ocean Properties Ltd. (OPL) as the General Manager of the Salt Lake Marriott City Center. While at OPL, Scott spent time in B.C. and Alberta working on a task force with OPL's Canadian affiliate, Atlific Hotels. Prior to his time with OPL, Scott served as Director of Sales and Marketing for Sundance Resort in Provo, Utah.
Scott’s a proud father to four daughters, and lives in Toronto with his wife, Angie Welling, along with their two rescue dogs. True to his roots, Scott’s an active skier, biker and outdoor enthusiast.
Scott Duff - Regional Vice President, Franchise Sales & Development
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Active in the hotel industry for nearly thirty years, Scott Duff joined Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in August 2019 as Regional Vice President, Franchise Sales & Development. He leads a team of two and has national responsibility for Wyndham’s overall franchise growth, with particular emphasis on its collection of full-service, upscale and upper-upscale brands.
Prior joining Wyndham, Scott was Vice President - Hotels at CBRE Limited. During his three years with the CBRE hotel brokerage practice, he worked across Canada providing hotel owners with actionable insight on hotel acquisition, disposition, value and branding.
At Starwood Hotels & Resort, as Senior Director of Development, Scott spent nearly twelve years with sole responsibility for the company’s growth in Canada and Alaska, through the execution of long-term franchise license agreements and brand managed contracts. On his watch, the world’s first Aloft Hotel opened at Montreal’s Trudeau Airport.
Before joining Starwood, Scott held the role of Vice President, Development at Choice Hotels Canada. He headed a team of three regional development directors for eight years during which time, the team achieved a then-record number of new franchise deals.
The experience he gained in these various roles has given him exposure to a broad range of hotel assets across the lodging spectrum, and built enduring relationships with owners and developers from coast-to-coast.
Scott’s main claims to fame is having visited the Canadian moose trilogy of Moose Jaw, Moose Factory and Moosonee, and having a town named after him in Saskatchewan (Duff, SK pop. 30).
Tony Elenis - President & CEO
Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association
Tony Elenis is President & CEO of the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association, the largest provincial hospitality association in Canada representing approximately 4,000 members and 11,000 establishments in the hospitality sector. Tony was appointed to this position in April of 2008.
As an Ontario hospitality leader with over 35 years of industry experience and a proven track record of positive contributions to hospitality and management, Tony Elenis is dedicated to supporting the hospitality and tourism industry of Ontario. Prior to his arrival at the ORHMA, Tony managed high achieving hotels in working for InterContinental Group of Hotels, for 27 years.
Tony is a past Chairman of the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) and also sits on the Board of Directors for the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC). Tony’s other passion lies within the World of Food and Wine, its lore and its history. His expertise and creativity in food and beverage operations is well recognized within the industry. He sits on industry boards including the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) and is a participant with hospitality schools and government related advisory and steering committees.
J. Todd Finlayson - Partner
Finlayson Hospitality Partners
Todd has over 35 years of sales, marketing and operational experience in the consumer products and food service industries. Todd’s background has resulted in a unique matrix of experience and skills. He has a range of functional expertise in marketing, retailing, food service operations and sales along with robust cross functional knowledge across supporting functions such as supply chain, finance, retail operations and manufacturing. Todd has an adept strategic discipline which is complemented by a strong customer focus, appetite for detail and passion for flawless execution.
Currently Todd is a Partner, along with his spouse Marcia, in Finlayson Hospitality Partners, an organization ‘purpose built’ to operate McDonald’s restaurant locations in York Region, Ontario. Todd joined Marcia full time in this endeavor in May 2015 after divesting of his partnership in a retail operations organization that generated over $60M in annual revenue with over 2,500 employees.
Prior to this, Todd spent 6 years with TELUS Mobility in an executive role where he led the TELUS business team in the highly competitive retail channel. Before entering the consumer electronics industry, Todd had an extensive tenure in the consumer packaged goods arena working in senior roles with tier one organizations such as General Foods, Kraft and Nestle.
Todd also spent time in the management consulting and sales management training fields with Tandem International. In this consulting role, Todd worked in a variety of industries such as Food, Major Appliances, Health/Beauty Aids, Confectionery, Dairy and Pharmaceutical.
Todd’s past community work includes Ronald McDonald House Charities, Member of the Patient Advisory Board at Humber River Hospital and the Program Advisory Council with Seneca College’s School of Hospitality and Tourism. Todd has also enjoyed hockey coaching at the elite level and working with organizations such as Big Brothers, Kids Help Phone and Junior Achievement.
In Todd and Marcia’s role as McDonald’s Owner/Operators they have grown the business from a scale of 3 locations and $8M in revenue in 2008 to over $27M and 7 locations today. Todd’s organization is deeply involved in their community and their team of 430 team members have been recognized for their corporate and community contributions.
Recipient, Markham Board of Trade, Business Excellence Award for Community Relations and Cultural Enrichment, 2018
Seneca College Leading Industry Partner for Applied Research Gold Recognition Award, 2018
Portraits of Giving Honoree, Outstanding Social Responsibility, Stouffville 2018
Recipient, Stouffville Chamber of Commerce Best Large Business Award, 2018
McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada, People Award, 2018
McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada, Outstanding Gold Standard Launch Award, 2016
McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Outstanding Contributor Award for Contribution to the McDonald’s System, 2016
McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada, Ronald Award for Outstanding Business Performance, 2013
McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada, Perfect Execution Award, 2012
Perhaps the biggest honour for their group was being recognized with the Ronald McDonald House Charities International McTLC Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Charities. In the Award’s 33 year history it had never been awarded to a Canadian recipient. The recognition came with a cheque for $100,000 (USD) which Todd and Marcia donated to Ronald McDonald Family Room at Markham Stouffville Hospital. 5225 Highway 7, East | Markham | Ontario | L3R 1P3
Todd graduated from the University of Western Ontario where he met his spouse of 33 years. Marcia and Todd have two children. Adam who completed his Masters of Science in Planning at Guelph University and works in the City of Vancouver’s planning department. Carter who graduated with a Business degree from Brock University and works in a channel marketing role for Sterimax Pharmaceutical. Todd and Marcia have one grand daughter with two more grandchildren expected in 2021.
Edwin Frizzell - Regional Vice President, Accor Central Canada
General Manager, Fairmont Royal York
Edwin Frizzell is currently the Regional Vice President, Accor Central Canada and the General Manager of Toronto’s landmark Fairmont Royal York. Appointed to the role in 2014, Frizzell oversees more than 1,300 employees and leads the iconic hotel’s vision and next chapter following the property’s most extensive transformation in its 90 year history. Now part of the world-lead-ing hospitality group, Accor, Fairmont Royal York boasts 1,329 guest rooms and suites and remains the largest Fairmont property in North America. Additionally, as Regional Vice President for Accor Central Canada, Frizzell leads the teams at other notable properties including: Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Novotel Ottawa, Novotel Toronto Centre, Novotel North York, Novotel Vaughan, Fairmont Winnipeg, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Fairmont Palliser and the Sheraton Suites Calgary EAU Claire (a Fairmont Managed hotel).
Frizzell’s career in hospitality began at a young age with his first job as a Front Desk Agent at The Rodd Royalty Inn in his hometown of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. He has since worked in many distinguished hotels over the course of more than 20 years, holding leadership roles at the Delta Chelsea Toronto, The Sutton Place Hotel, The Sheraton Centre Toronto and General Manager positions at the W City Centre Hotel in Chicago, the Hilton Toronto and prior to Fairmont Royal York, the Westin Harbour Castle Toronto. Frizzell is a seasoned veteran in the luxury hospitality business and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Tourism & Hospitality from Mount Saint Vincent University and was the program’s first graduate in 1990, where he was also awarded the Governor General’s medal for the highest aggregate average among his peers. Residing in the heart of Toronto, Frizzell is passionate about travel, design, workplace culture and guest experience.
The incoming Chairman of the Board for the Great Toronto Hotel Association, Frizzell has a long history of industry involvement in Toronto serving as a GTHA Board and Executive Member since 2009 and currently, as member on the Board of Directors for Tourism Toronto. An expert in his field and trusted leader to nearly 3,000 colleagues across Canada, his commitment to his teams and growing vision for his properties also earned him the coveted 2019 Pinnacle Award for “Hotelier of the Year”, by Hotelier magazine.
“Excellence in Hospitality is a cornerstone of our industry. Creating a workplace culture that focuses on empowerment, learning, innovation, customers and delivering exceptional results has always been at the forefront of my professional outlook. Having the opportunity to work with our award-winning teams across Accor hotels in Central Canada inspires me every day as we turn moments into memories for our teams and guests alike”.
Susie Grynol - President & CEO
Hotel Association of Canada
Susie Grynol is an accomplished association executive with over 15 years of experience in managing complex industry issues and delivering successful political outcomes.
Susie launched her career in the association sector at the National Association of Consulting Engineering Companies in 2005. There she quickly rose through the ranks from Coordinator to Vice-President, overseeing all government relations, media relations, events, conferences and membership. She was recruited in 2013 by the Retail Council of Canada, one of Canada’s largest trade associations, as Vice President of Federal Government Relations, head of the Ottawa office, and lead spokesperson for the retail industry on Federal issues in Ottawa.
Susie has received multiple awards including national awards for her work on advocacy campaigns, two Programs of the Year awards from the Canadian Society of Association Executives and she was honoured with the Chairman’s Award for Exceptional Contribution to the Consulting Engineering Industry.
In her current role, Susie has driven a successful turn-around strategy, building the association’s profile, influence and membership to record levels. Under her leadership, HAC has grown from 39 – 1450 members and has achieved significant advocacy wins on behalf of the industry.
Amy Hara - Talent Acquisition Manager
Fairmont Royal York in Toronto
Joining the company in 1998, Amy began her career at the Banff Springs Hotel within one of the most beautiful parks in Canada. She transferred to the Royal York in 1999 as Catering Coordinator followed by Kitchen Coordinator the following year. After over 10 years in one of the largest kitchens in Canada, Amy changed things up and joined the Talent and Culture Team in her current position. Recruiting for a large hotel brigade of over 1200 employees and over 1300 guest rooms for all levels from entry level to the executive team, Amy has been involved in full cycle talent acquisition including building strong relationships with individuals, organizations and hospitality schools. Amy is passionate about hospitality and the importance of connecting with the colleagues at the Fairmont Royal York is always at the forefront. Amy is a graduate of Travel and Tourism at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.
Brian Leon - President
Choice Hotels Canada
Brian Leon is President of Choice Hotels Canada. With over 330 hotels operating under the Comfort, Quality, Ascend Collection, Clarion, Econo Lodge, Sleep Inn and Rodeway Inn brands, Choice Hotels is one of Canada’s largest franchisors.
Mr. Leon has an extensive background in the Canadian franchise industry. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the Ivey School of Business. Brian is a member of the Board of Directors of the Hotel Association of Canada, and currently serves as Treasurer. He is the former Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Franchise Association, former Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Cancer Society Toronto District and former Chair of the Board of Directors of Canadian Feed the Children, an international children’s aid organization.
Terry Mundell - President and CEO
Greater Toronto Hotel Association
Terry is an experienced senior executive and accomplished public affairs professional with extensive public and private sector experience.
Terry was appointed President and CEO of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association in January 2007. Developing and executing comprehensive public affairs strategies with all three levels of government, Terry has successfully promoted the hotel sector as a vital economic contributor to the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario and Canada. The Greater Toronto Hotel Association is the largest city hotel Association in Canada, with 170 members, representing approximately 36,000 guest rooms and 32,000 employees.
Brody Purser - Director of Human Resources
Deerhurst Resort
Brody was born and raised in a small town outside of London, Ontario. Ever since his first experience staying at a hotel he had dreams of one day being a General Manager of a prestigious hotel company. Since his graduation from Hotel Management at Fanshawe College he has been chasing down that dream all over the country.
In 2001 Brody accepted a position at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel where he was introduced to the world of Housekeeping. Over the course of the next three years Brody embraced the opportunities to learn every position within the Housekeeping department. Cleaning rooms, cleaning public spaces, overnight cleaning, office coordinator, guest calls, trainer and in 2003 began his time as a Leader on the Housekeeping Supervisory team. In 2004, Brody was promoted and transferred to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise as the Duty Manager in Guest Services. It was during this year that Brody found his passion for the industry – Customers! With over 550 rooms at the Chateau Lake Louise every day presented different challenges ranging from guest concerns, emergency protocols, and even bears roaming on property. Brody quickly developed his skills in guest relations, empathy and multi-tasking.
In 2005 it was back to the Fairmont Banff Springs for the opportunity to be the Housekeeping Manager. During that year Brody implemented a room checking program, leadership development program and was awarded the “Leader of the Year” award for his efforts. Over the next few years Brody would meet some of the most interesting people of his career. John Travolta, Robin Williams, John Daley just to name a few.
Brody’s family was still back in Ontario all these years and after being away from them for over six years it was time to make a move back home. The Fairmont Royal York, the 3rd largest hotel in Canada was his next destination. Over the next three years Brody gained experience in several Management positions within the Royal York Hotel - Valet Parking Manager, Guest Service Manager and Royal Service Manager. During this time Brody was recognized three times for the “Leader of the Month” award and was also selected in 2010 for the “Ontario Hostelry Institute Top 30 Under 30” award. Brody learned valuable lessons in employee engagement, unionized environments and how to improve the overall performance of a department.
In March of 2010 Brody left Fairmont Hotels and Resorts after almost 10 years with the company. Brody and his wife were about to hit the age of 30 and decided it was time to look for a place to settle down, plan a wedding, purchase a home and start a family. Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka was the next chapter of his career. Brody accepted the position of Director of Rooms were he would go on to oversee a 400 room operation including Front Desk, Housekeeping, Shuttle service and Security. Later that year Brody experienced the single most exciting event he had ever been a part of – “The G8 World Leaders Summit.” Some of the most influential leaders in the world were in attendance – Brody had the opportunity to serve and welcome President Barack Obama, Prime Minister David Cameron and the other G8 Leaders.
In 2013 Brody decided it was a time for a change in his career path and decided to move into Human Resources as the Director where he currently resides today. Brody’s passion for customer service continues and he is still involved in the day to day operations of Deerhurst Resort. His new position as Director of Human Resources has shown him a new paradigm of the industry. Colleagues, employees, and people resources are where his new found passions focus on today.
In 2014 Brody accepted a position at Humber College teaching the Hotel Resort, Spa Operations program to 2nd year students. He continues to be excited for the future of the hospitality industry and focused on his dreams of being a General Manager. Brody is also an active member of Resorts of Ontario and sits on the Executive team for this board.
Brody is married and has two sons, ages 5 and 2. He has a love for sports and teamwork and enjoys time with friends and family. His hobbies include, golf, hockey, water skiing, camping, and fishing.
Megan Thurston - Food & Beverage Recruitment and Talent Development Manager
Mariposa Cruises by Hornblower
Megan Thurston is a Food and Beverage Recruitment and Talent Development Manager at Mariposa Cruises by Hornblower. There, she is responsible for the recruitment, hiring, training and career development of employees at Mariposa Cruises, as well as assisting in the creation and implementation of company standards and SOP’s.
Megan has assisted Mariposa Cruses in two major brand acquisitions, by adapting policies, procedures and systems to fit within the new company identity. She has aided in the development and implementation of multiple software systems in relations to recruitment, as well as Food and Beverage operations. Her dedication to facilitating interdepartmental communications, with experience in Food and Beverage, Events, Sales and Administration, has helped to ensure operations at Mariposa Cruises are successful for both clients and internal employees.
Megan started her career as a server and bartender, and quickly developed a passion for both Hospitality and Team Development. She holds a BAH and MA in History from Queen’s University.