8:00 am

Opening Breakfast

Sponsored by Connect Logistics Services

Keynote Address – Ron MacLean

Sponsored by Western Financial Group Insurance Solutions

Ron MacLean is one of Canada's most beloved sportscasters, and a true icon of our national pastime.  Known for his quick wit and encyclopedic hockey knowledge, MacLean is the skilled ringmaster of Canada's most watched weekly program, CBC TV’s Hockey Night in Canada. From his experiences interviewing hundreds of athletes, Ron MacLean can attest to how sports are the perfect canvas to showcase the best of human achievement. He tells the stories behind the stories, touching on issues of great leadership, teamwork, and individual performance. His keynote is one you will definitely not want to miss!

Seating is limited – purchase your tickets in advance! 

10:00.am.to.1:30.pm

Trade Show & Luncheon

Sponsored by ENMAX Energy

Don’t miss your last chance to visit one of Canada’s most popular hospitality industry trade shows and win fantastic prizes offered by the exhibitors.  The Passport Prize draw has returned and winners will be announced during the luncheon.

2:00.pm.to.4:15.pm

Business Sessions

2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

“Level the Playing Field”

Sponsored by Bennett Jones LLP

Focusing on the work-related characteristics and values of the Baby Boom, Baby Bust and Echo, this presentation explores recruitment and retention strategies using a demographic framework. Described as humourous and engaging, this session will provide you with tips and tools to help you recruit and retain valuable employees of all ages.

2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

“AHLA – Know the Ropes!”

Are you new to the AHLA?  Have you ever wondered what the AHLA can do for you and your property?  Here’s your chance to find out!  Whether you have five rooms or 500, the AHLA works hard to get our members the best value for products and services that you can’t do business without.  Join AHLA board members and program partners as they share how you can take advantage of the programs and services that will save you money and help to make your property run smoothly!

2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

“The Game’s Up!”

Sponsored by Johnson Inc.

Even the most secure properties and solid procedures can experience fraud that is perpetrated by guests staying at your property.  Join members of the Edmonton Police Service for this interactive session as they share ways that you can protect your property and staff from some of the common (and not so common) scams that hotels are experiencing today.

3:15.pm.to.4:15.pm

“Foreign Workers –– Going the Extra Mile”

Sponsored by Best Western International

With labour shortages being the number one challenge in the accommodation industry, the Foreign Workers Program provides a welcome solution. But it’s not always an easy adjustment, for either the employee or the employer.  This session will offer simple solutions to complex questions from the perspective of the foreign worker that will help you to recruit and retain valuable employees.

3:15.pm.to.4:15.pm

“AGLC: Now and into the Future”

Sponsored by AGLC

The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission works to ensure Alberta’s gaming and liquor industries are well regulated and well managed to benefit Albertans. Since joining AGLC, President and CEO, Bill Robinson, has charted a course to take the AGLC into the future.  During this discussion, Bill and members of his executive will outline where the AGLC is headed, and what that might mean for the members of the AHLA.

3:15.pm.to.4:15.pm

“Building Team Alberta”

Sponsored by Travel Alberta

Anchored by the award winning Alberta Tourism brand, this session will showcase our new brand 2.0 video, the new and improved Cooperative Marketing Program and other key Travel Alberta services designed to fill hotel rooms and grow tourism revenue across the Province.

5:00 pm to 6:30 pm

Housekeeping Awards Check In

Staff from properties who have achieved the 2013 Housekeeping Award are asked to check in prior to attending the Housekeeping Awards Gala.

6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Star Quality Cocktail Reception

Sponsored by Canadian Star Quality Accommodation

7:00 pm

Housekeeping Awards Gala Dinner

Sponsored by Travel Alberta

Join your peers for an amazing evening of spectacular celebration!  This popular and prestigious gala dinner will honour the amazing staff members whose skill and hard work helped to earn their property the 2013 Housekeeping Award.

8:00.am

Sunshine Breakfast

Sponsored by the Alberta Hotel Safety Association

Start your day off on the right (and safe) foot!  The Alberta Hotel Safety Association is pleased to present the Certificate of Recognition to those properties who have earned this great achievement. Presentations begin promptly at 8:15 am.

9:30.am.to.11:45.am

Business Sessions

9:30.am.to.11:30.am

“Alberta Accommodation Outlook”

Sponsored by Alberta Tourism, Parks & Recreation – Tourism Research and Investment Branch

Back by popular demand, Pannell Kerr Forster (PKF) will give a current and comprehensive outlook on Alberta’s accommodation industry, providing owners and general managers with key information about the health of our sector, including existing economic and market conditions and projected supply and demand.  This information will be invaluable to executives responsible for marketing, product development or financing of hotels and fixed-roof accommodation in 2013.

9:30.am.to.10:30.am

“Put High WCB Rates to Bed”

Sponsored by Workers' Compensation Board Alberta

Awaken with a fresh perspective about how implementing a few key strategies can positively influence your WCB premiums. Revitalize your performance and retain your most valuable resource – your employees.Don’t be in the dark about how modified work, a successful return-to-work plan, and WCB’s Occupational Injury Service can invigorate your injury management efforts. You can rest easy that we will provide specific tools, solutions and real life examples to get you to your destination.

9:30.am.to.10:30.am

“Stay Ahead of the Game with Top Technology Trends”

Sponsored by Shaw Business

Join this fast paced, information-packed, interactive session that will cover the most significant technology trends impacting the hospitality industry today.  It will also allow you the opportunity to share your views, ask questions and learn from each other about how these trends will affect us all.

10:45.am.to.11:45.am

“What would you do?”

Sponsored by the Alberta Hotel Safety Association
 

We experience it every day. We make choices every day, and the choice is yours. It is not just a work concern but overlaps into everyone’s personal lives. Join Barbara from the Alberta Hotel Safety Association as she shares stories of risk tolerance and the impact of those decisions.

10:45.am.to.11:45.am

“Are You Playing by the Rules?” 

Sponsored by Sanderson Polsky Professional Corporation

Have you ever wondered what your legal rights and responsibilities were regarding the pitfalls of hiring and firing employees, premises and liquor liability issues, the Innkeepers Act, and legal challenges surrounding the use of social media?  In this interactive session, you will learn about key aspects of hospitality law and how you can make sure that you and your guests are protected.

11:30 am

Gold Key Recipients’ Check In

Gold Key recipients are invited to check in prior to attending the Gold Key Awards Luncheon.

12:00 pm

Gold Key Awards Luncheon

Sponsored by Coast Hotels & Resorts

Join your peers in celebrating the spectacular employees who are committed to making Alberta’s tourism & hospitality industry the best that it can be!   The AHLA’s Gold Key Award celebrates the contributions of employees at all levels who, in their careers, have shown the attitude and dedication needed to serve our guests.

2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Closing Business Session – “Holy Crap Am I Busy!  -  Changing Our Culture from Chaos to Calm”

Sponsored by Best Buy Canada and LG Electronics

Join Linda Edgecombe as she reveals her research on how Chaos and “Busy” have become the new norm and wound us into the most unproductive and basically unhappy demographic in the past 30 years.  Her “No B.S.” and very humorous approach, stacked up with relevant and easy solutions will get your organization and teams, back on track with clear vision and tools to take back their work day and their personal

6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Chairman’s Reception

7:00 pm

Chairman’s Dinner and
Employer of Choice Presentations

Our 93rd Annual Convention will close with an elegant evening of dinner and entertainment, including the presentations of the Award of Distinction, Life Membership and Employer of Choice.