TORONTO, ON (December 10, 2025) − Choice Hotels Canada today announced the appointment of Sandro Ragogna as its new Chief Financial Officer.

Contributing to the company’s efforts to continue bolstering its growth following Choice Hotels International’s full acquisition of Choice Hotels Canada earlier this year, in this role, Ragogna will lead accounting, financial operations, franchise planning and agreements, contract administration, procurement and Environmental, Social, and Governance, IT/administration, and privacy and legal functions. Reporting to the CEO, Brian Leon, he will be based out of the Choice Hotels Canada head office in Mississauga.

“Sandro’s considerable expertise brings even more bench strength to our Canadian team, especially as our portfolio of hotel brands has expanded exponentially since the ownership change,” said Brian Leon, CEO, Choice Hotels Canada. “As part of his responsibilities as CFO, he will play a critical role in providing strategic and operational support across the organization.”

Ragogna brings two decades of financial leadership across a range of ownership structures, including family-owned, private equity-backed and multinational companies. He previously held senior leadership roles at Hays, a workforce solutions and recruitment company, Multy Home, a global manufacturer of outdoor living products, and chocolate manufacturerLindt & Sprüngli.   He is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified Management Accountant and holds a degree in Economics and Business from Wilfred Laurier University.

Vancouver, BC (December 8, 2025): The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, has been named British Columbia’s Best MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) Hotel for the second year in a row at the , cementing its reputation as the ideal setting for unforgettable, world-class gatherings.

More than a landmark urban resort with pristine nature at its doorstep, this serene, waterside conference hotel is redefining what it means to be a hub for connection, innovation and spectacular gatherings. The addition of its new Infinity Wall, the largest high-definition LED screen in a hotel ballroom in North America, will change the way you imagine special events.

Whether you’re curating a corporate, cultural, wellness-inspired or family-friendly gathering, The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, is Western Canada’s premier event destination. With 499 guest rooms and exceptional culinary and spa amenities, it has an expert in-house team that helps set the stage for extraordinary moments, leaving guests feeling uplifted, inspired and deeply connected.

A recent refresh inspired by the property’s West Coast surroundings has enhanced more than 70,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space and elevated its Grand Ballroom and Grand Ballroom Foyer with state-of-the-art technology. Blending natural grace with modern sophistication, the interiors feature a serene palette of marine blues and elegant neutrals, complemented by ocean-inspired carpets, cascading glass chandeliers and richly organic textures that capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest.

The Infinity Wall: A New Benchmark for Immersive Events

The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, proudly introduces The Infinity Wall, the largest LED screen in a hotel ballroom in North America. These recent striking ballroom and foyer technology installations set a new standard for event experiences, merging thoughtful design with cutting-edge technology that captivates, inspires and leaves a lasting impression.

Spanning over 15,500 square feet, the grand ballroom is framed by The Infinity Wall’s expansive LED screens, where visuals, performances and productions unfold in seamless high definition. Composed of fully motorized panels that can separate into three distinct sections or merge into one continuous display, The Infinity Wall provides a dynamic canvas for storytelling and creative expression. From immersive product launches and high-profile galas to large-scale conferences and tradeshows, The Infinity Wall has the ability to bring every event vision to life. More sustainable than traditional projection systems, this energy-efficient innovation minimizes the need for additional equipment while delivering maximum impact with minimal footprint.

For Every Occasion: From Milestones to Moments of Impact

For weddings and milestone celebrations, the hotel offers an unforgettable setting, where every detail is carefully crafted to capture meaningful moments and reflect the unique spirit of each occasion. Imagine vows illuminated in larger-than-life detail, followed by a celebration that comes alive with state-of-the-art sound and mesmerizing visuals.

For meetings and large-scale gatherings, planners will find The Infinity Wall an unparalleled platform for bold ideas and elevated engagement, blending forward-thinking technology with The Westin Bayshore’s signature hospitality.

Recently named Premier Waterfront Hotel in North America at the 2025 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, continues to stand out among global hospitality leaders. In addition to being named British Columbia’s Best MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) Hotel at the World MICE Awards, guests have also recognized its exceptional offerings, voting it the .

Comox Valley, BC – November 25, 2025 –  , a leading wellness destination on Vancouver Island, welcomes Danai Hongwanishkul as the new Executive Chef for Ocean7 Restaurant and AQUA Bistro & Wine Bar. Hongwanishkul brings global experience and a menu philosophy rooted in local, sustainable ingredients and layered, multicultural flavours. His first refreshed menu at the resort showcases West Coast seafood and seasonal produce from nearby growers and suppliers.

"We spent six months developing this menu and are excited to share it with our guests,” said Hongwanishkul. “The ingredients are very, very important to me, and our culinary team do not shy away from quality."

Born in Bangkok and raised in Toronto, Hongwanishkul is known for weaving together diverse culinary influences, from Thai street food and French technique to bold Southern and Japanese flavours. “My multicultural background is reflected in the new menu,” he said. “For example, one of my favourite dishes, the West Coast BBQ Sablefish, is marinated in a Cantonese-style hoisin and five spice, highlighting a fusion of flavours and the fatty, rich nature of the fish.”

His passion for culinary excellence was honed in his previous role as Executive Chef at Notch8 Restaurant at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and as Executive Chef de Cuisine at Marcus' Bermuda, where he worked under the direct mentorship of world-renowned Chef Marcus Samuelsson. His training also includes time with MasterChef Canada judge Michael Bonacini and Patois owner Craig Wong, as well as foundational roles at acclaimed Canadian establishments such as Canoe and Jackpot Chicken Rice in Toronto.

Ocean7’s new fall and winter menu highlights exceptional local producers and signature dishes from both sea and land. Guests will find an array of regional seafood, including Salt Spring Island mussels and oysters sourced from Desolation Sound—farmed by Pa’aje Shellfish LP, a business of the Tla’amin Nation—as well as from nearby Fanny Bay. The celebrated Seafood Tower makes its grand return, joined by new additions such as the Seacuterie and the Seafood Platter. Chef Hongwanishkul has also revisited the Seafood Pasta, now crafted with squid-ink fusilli in collaboration with Prontissima, a pasta producer in the Comox Valley.

From the land, another Ocean7 signature returns: the Tomahawk for Two, a favourite for guests seeking a showpiece dish. Chef Hongwanishkul has also introduced a creative preparation featuring Natural Pastures Brie, showcasing one of the region’s renowned cheese producers. Vegetarian diners will enjoy new dishes such as the Vegan Smoked Surfside King Oyster Mushroom Carpaccio—a visual and culinary standout. It is a rich menu designed for lingering meals, shared plates, and thoughtful wine pairings.

Under Hongwanishkul’s direction, the culinary team strives to use the best ingredients possible and cooks with care, intention and good energy. In the Comox Valley, where high-quality ingredients can be sourced from nearby suppliers and farmers, Ocean7 Restaurant and AQUA Bistro & Wine Bar invite guests to relax with a glass in hand, take in the ocean views and sink into the moment.

The new fall and winter are available online. To learn more about the Ocean7 restaurant and AQUA Bistro Wine & Bar at Kingfisher, visit

From October 14–15, the iconic JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District was buzzing with energy, as over 170 hotel owners, executives, and investors came together for Ascend 2025, and what a success it was!

This year, AHLA’S flagship event delivered cutting-edge insights into tourism trends, unlocked fresh investment opportunities, and sparked bold conversations around workforce strategy. Ascend wasn’t just a conference; it was a launchpad for the future of hospitality.

Keynote Highlights: Doug Stephens on The Business Archetypes of the Future

The day kicked off with an insightful keynote presentation from Business Futurist, Doug Stephens, who spoke about the Business Archetypes of the future. He challenged attendees to rethink the foundations of competitive strategy in today’s market and unpacked the shifts and trends that are currently reshaping consumer behavior and market competition. His key takeaway was that brands must differentiate themselves in either Design, Culture, Expertise, and Entertainment to maintain a competitive advantage in the current market.

Valuable Insights on Short-Term Rentals, Artificial Intelligence and Tourism Strategy

AHLA’s Laurie Chandler Vice President, Public Affairs led an engaging and interactive session on the impacts of unregulated short-term rentals on communities and hotels. Hoteliers across Alberta have made a significant effort to make their voice heard, and the results have been strong. Laurie encouraged attendees to take a stand and continue to speak to their local government concerning this issue.

Several key sessions centered around the importance of maintaining a strong workforce strategy.The Accommodation Outlookshared by Kirstin Hallet, CBRE’s Vice President of Valuation and Advisory Services, delivered valuable insights into factors that impact operational performance. She highlighted that Alberta's economic growth is expected to lead the country, with tourism identified as a key sector poised to support and accelerate the province’s growth.

As workforce strategies and operational excellence took center stage, AHLA’sElevate Hotel HR & Safety Programemerged as a timely resource for hotels. Elevate offers expert guidance, compliance support, and recognition tools, helping hotels to strengthen their operations and workplace culture.

The day ended with a session on Alberta’s Fiscal Landscape, led by ATB Senior Economist, Siddhartha Bhattacharya, where he covered various financial trends impacting the industry.

Sponsors and Acknowledgements

The success of the Ascend conference was made possible by the support of our varioussponsors and program partners. We also appreciate the JW Marriott team for their support in hosting the conference.

Final Thoughts

Ascend 2025 showcased the impact of innovation and a shared vision in shaping the future of Alberta’s hospitality sector, equipping attendees with actionable insights, tools, and connections to lead with confidence in this rapidly changing industry. For those looking to build on that momentum, theElevate programis a powerful next step to help hotels meet HR and Health and Safety obligations and earn recognition for doing so. We also encourage hotel owners to stay engaged as the conversations around short-term rentals continue to evolve.