This Week
The meeting and event industry is about bringing people together. In person gatherings came to an abrupt halt in the Spring as we faced unprecedented times. Now with many places in Canada emerging into a new phase, it is time to celebrate a new way of meeting.
Burnaby, like B.C. has flattened the curve and we are ready to welcome you back with our very first hybrid panel discussion about the restart of in person events, featuring a wine tasting presentation with Arterra Wines Canada at the Hilton Metrotown hotel.
Panelists will include:
- Michael Favelle – Director of Operations at Hilton Vancouver Metrotown
- Chris Perna – General Manager, Hilton Vancouver Metrotown
- Bhupinder Gill – General Manager of the Executive Suites Hotel Metro Vancouver
- Isabel Kolic, Executive Director, Heights Merchants Association, BIA
- Karah Goshinmon, Executive Director, Nikkei Museum and Cultural Centre
Network, Chat & Socialize Virtually!
Join in on our Hybrid Social Hour Zoom chat Wednesday 15 June 3.30PM (PST).
The Panel Profiles
Michael Favelle
Director of Operations at Hilton Vancouver Metrotown
Hospitality expert with 25 years of success in the Food & Beverage, Accommodation and Entertainment sectors. Michael has enjoyed nearly 3 years at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown as the Director of Operations.
Bhupinder Gill
General Manager of the Executive Suites Hotel Metro Vancouver
Bhupinder Gill serves as the General Manager of the Executive Suites Hotel Metro Vancouver, an Executive Hotels and Resorts Group’s property in Burnaby, BC. Mr. Gill has more than 22 years of experience in the hospitality industry and has held senior management positions with various International Brands for the past 15 years. Prior to joining Executive Suites Hotel, Burnaby, Mr. Gill served as Pre-Opening General Manager at Hilton Garden Inn, Edmonton, Alberta where he effectively managed all aspects of hotel’s opening and also helped the ownership with their upcoming portfolios. Previously, he was the Assistant General Manager at Ramada Hotel, Regina where he successfully positioned the hotel amongst the best performing properties in its market and oversaw operations in absence of the General Manager, also oversaw a 3-million-dollar renovation project.
Isabel Kolic
Executive Director, Heights Merchants Association
Isabel is committed to well-connected, sustainable communities and strong local economies. In her current role as executive director of the Heights Merchants Association, she oversees work that supports the Burnaby Heights commercial district. This involves marketing and communications, community-building events (such as Hats Off Day), advocacy, urban revitalization and place making, and fostering sustainable business.
Isabel has more than 25 years experience in the communications and marketing field, and for the last 15 years she has focused on community economic development. She is a current Board member of BIABC (Business Improvement Areas of BC) and a member of the BBOT Business Recovery Task Force. She lives and works in Burnaby.
Karah Goshinmon Foster
Executive Director of the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC),
Karah Goshinmon Foster is the Executive Director of the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC), bringing together her education, passions and experience. Karah holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of Victoria focused on visual anthropology, with field experience on archaeological projects on Vancouver Island’s west coast. Her passion for museums and the arts is expressed through her formal study of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and seven years as a Museum of Anthropology Volunteer Associate. For over 20 years, Karah has excelled in guest services for small and large businesses, fostering communication and providing opportunities for meaningful cultural and social engagement.