Menu
| Time | Location | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
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10:00am - 6:00pm |
Main Lobby |
Registration |
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10:00am - 4:00pm |
First Floor Gallery |
Exchange Hub Setup |
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4:00pm - 5:00pm |
Room 114 |
Speed Networking Session |
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5:30pm -6:30pm |
Bayview Ballroom, 2nd Level |
CHIEF and Taste of the Caribbean Opening: Keynote Address, President Remarks, and CHIEF Awards |
Sanovnik Destang: President, CHTA and Executive Director, Bay Gardens Resorts Gregory G. Habeeb, Chief Development Officer, North America, WorldHotels NA |
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6:30pm - 8:00pm |
First Floor Gallery |
Welcome Reception at the Exchange Hub |
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| Time | Location | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
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9:00am - 9:45am |
First Floor Gallery |
Social Café at the Exchange Hub |
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10:00am - 10:15am |
Bayview Ballroom, 2nd Level |
CHIEF Daily Kickoff |
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10:30am - 11:30am |
Bayview Ballroom, 2nd Level |
Marketing Authenticity: Promoting the Real Caribbean Experience - Learn how to craft authentic narratives that resonate with today’s conscious traveler, build brand loyalty, support the local communities and leverage digital platforms to showcase the vibrant, real-life experiences that distinguish your destination and your business. |
Moderator: Patricia Affonso-Dass, Group Manager, Ocean Hotels Group Jason Craparo: Founder & CEO, Hovr. Richard Doumeng: Managing Director, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort Amy Martin Ziegenfuss: Chief Marketing Officer, Carnival Cruise Line Carmen Portela: Executive Director, Fundación Amigos del Yunque |
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11:45am - 1:15pm |
First Floor Gallery |
Lunch at the Exchange Hub |
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1:30pm - 2:30pm |
Bayview Ballroom, 2nd Level |
Real Revenue Strategies: Maximizing Profit through Authentic Offerings -
Discover how cultural immersion activities, local partnerships, and sustainable practices can elevate guest experiences and open new streams of revenue. Learn from successful models and adapt them to your business to ensure you stay competitive in the evolving tourism landscape. |
Moderator: Karen Whitt: Vice President of Marketing and Brand Development, Hartling Group Josea Browne, Lead Consultant, Rude Theory Magdalena Fielden: Owner and Marketing Director, True Blue Bay Boutique Resort Craig Marshall: Regional Commercial Director, West Indies, Blue Diamond Resorts |
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2:45pm - 3:50pm |
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Concurrent Sessions: |
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2:45pm - 3:50pm |
Bayview Ballroom, 2nd Level |
Authentic Engagement: Leveraging Social Media to Immerse and Inspire -
Discover how Caribbean tourism brands can authentically engage with audiences by showcasing true-to-culture experiences and immersive storytelling. This session will explore strategies for using social media to reflect the unique Caribbean identity, integrate local culture into online content, and foster real connections that resonate with global travelers. Learn how to navigate reviews and crises with transparency, convert social interactions into bookings, and maintain an authentic brand voice that amplifies the real Caribbean experience. |
Moderator: Stacy Cox: CEO, Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association Crescenzia Biemans: CCO, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Calvin Tilokee: Founder & Creative Director, Revpar Media |
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2:45pm – 3:15pm |
Room 120 |
CHIEF Talks - Personalization as Profit: Enhancing Guest Experience to Drive Revenue -
This session focuses on how Caribbean hospitality and tourism businesses can tailor experiences—whether through customized packages, immersive local activities, or personalized amenities—to drive upselling and guest loyalty. Learn how to leverage guest data to offer experiences that reflect the region's uniqueness, turning personalization into a key driver of profitability. |
Moderator: Lisa Hamilton: President, USVI Hotel and Tourism Association Josea Browne: Lead Consultant, Rude Theory Juan Pablo González: Vice President of Business Development for Latin America & Caribbean Region, Mastercard |
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3:20pm - 3:50pm |
Room 120 |
CHIEF Talks - Navigating a Multigenerational Workforce: Strategies for Inclusive Leadership -
This session will provide insights into fostering collaboration between Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Attendees will learn how to build an inclusive environment that respects generational differences, promotes team cohesion, and ensures that all employees contribute to the business’s success. |
Moderator: Brittany Brathwaite: Chief People and Development Strategist, Montrose Group of Companies (Chickmont Foods Ltd, Ocean Hotels Ltd) Darron Turnquest: Director of People, Flow |
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4:00pm - 5:15pm |
First Floor Gallery |
Networking at the Exchange Hub |
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| Time | Location | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
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8:45am - 9:15am |
First Floor Gallery |
Social Café at the Exchange Hub |
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9:30am - 9:45am |
Bayview Ballroom, 2nd Level |
CHIEF Daily Kickoff |
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10:00am - 11:00am |
Bayview Ballroom, 2nd Level |
Cultural Competency and Diversity: Meeting the Needs of a Global Audience -
Today’s tourism market is increasingly diverse, with visitors coming from a broad range of cultural backgrounds. Understanding these differences and providing personalized, culturally competent service is essential. Attendees will learn how to cater to diverse guests, build inclusivity into their service delivery, and create welcoming environments that meet the cultural needs and expectations of global travelers. |
Moderator: Bill Clegg: Regional Director of Development, BWH Hotels Mike Hampton, Ed.D. : Professor & Graduate Faculty Member, Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management David Moth: Vice President of Operations, Virgin Hotels |
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11:15am - 12:20pm |
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Concurrent Sessions: |
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11:15am - 12:00pm |
Bayview Ballroom, 2nd Level |
Responsible Sustainability: Balancing Profitability with Genuine Eco-Stewardship
This session will guide attendees through practical steps for implementing sustainable tourism practices, from reducing waste and conserving resources to promoting eco-friendly tours and experiences. Learn how to align your business with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards while offering authentic, eco-conscious experiences that resonate with today’s travelers. |
Moderator: Loreto Duffy-Mayers: Tourism and Sustainability Specialist, Private Financing Advisory Network Kyle Mais: Managing Director, Jamaica Inn Karen McDonald Gayle, Chief Executive Officer, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund |
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11:15am - 11:45am |
Room 120 |
CHIEF Talks - People Strategy in Action: Using Metrics to Drive HR Success -
This session will explore how Caribbean hoteliers can use HR metrics to improve hiring, retention, and employee engagement. Learn how to track performance, measure success, and implement data-driven HR strategies that align with your business goals, ensuring that your team is motivated, productive, and aligned with delivering an authentic Caribbean experience. |
Moderator: Sharon Banfield: Director of Resource Mobilization and Development, Caribbean Tourism Organization Brittany Brathwaite: Chief People and Development Strategist, Montrose Group of Companies (Chickmont Foods Ltd, Ocean Hotels Ltd) |
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11:50am - 12:20pm |
Room 120 |
Wellness Matters: Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being for Guests and Staff -
This session will address the importance of creating a culture of wellness within your hospitality business, offering practical tips for stress management, mental health support, and wellness programs. Learn how prioritizing well-being can enhance guest experiences and lead to higher staff retention, fostering a healthy, productive environment. |
Moderator: Stacy Cox: CEO, Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association Darron Turnquest, Director of People, Flow |
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12:00pm - 1:15pm |
First Floor Gallery |
Lunch at the Exchange Hub |
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1:30pm - 2:35pm |
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Concurrent Sessions: |
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1:30pm - 2:15pm |
Bayview Ballroom, 2nd Level |
True Flavors: Showcasing Authentic Caribbean Cuisine for Memorable Experiences - This session explores how businesses can showcase authentic regional flavors to create immersive dining experiences. From sourcing local ingredients to featuring traditional dishes with a modern twist, discover how to create a culinary narrative that resonates with guests, offering a true taste of the Caribbean that sets your business apart.
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Moderator: Bill Moore: Push Cart Foods - Innovative Caribbean Cuisine Chef Shorne Benjamin: Executive Chef and Founder, Fat Fowl Debra Sardinha, Owner, DSM Catering |
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1:30pm - 2:00pm |
Room 120 |
CHIEF Talks - Crisis-Proofing Caribbean Tourism: Preparing for the Next Major Event - This session will offer a framework for Caribbean hospitality and tourism professionals to learn from past crises and implement proactive measures for future disruptions. With a focus on crisis management and operational resilience, attendees will explore strategies to safeguard their businesses, protect their teams, and maintain guest confidence, ensuring they are equipped to handle whatever comes next.
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Moderator: Claire Kunzman: Founder & President, Anything But Advertising (ABA) Stanley Smith, CPA (RTD): International Forensic Insurance Loss Consultant, Smith Orloff & Associates |
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2:05pm - 2:35pm |
Room 120 |
CHIEF Talks - Partnering with Purpose: Strengthening Local Collaborations for Authentic Experiences -
This session will showcase how partnerships with the community can enhance guest offerings and create a more immersive, authentic experience. Learn how to incorporate local arts, crafts, cuisine, and culture into your services, establishing a deeper connection with guests and supporting the region’s economy in the process. |
Moderator: Nicola Madden-Greig, OD: Group Director of Marketing & Sales, Courtleigh Hospitality Group and Immediate Past President, CHTA Kirk Elliott: Master Photographer, Sustainable Tourism Ambassador & National Geographic Certified Educator |
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2:45pm - 3:45pm |
Bayview Ballroom, 2nd Level |
Technology and Innovation in Hospitality: Staying Ahead with Cutting-Edge Tools -
The hospitality industry is being transformed by technology. From contactless payments and AI-driven guest services to automation in operational processes, tech advancements are redefining the guest experience. This session will discuss the latest innovations in hospitality tech, how they can enhance service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and meet the changing expectations of modern travelers. Learn how to implement these tools to keep your business competitive and future-proof. |
Moderator: Sanovnik Destang: President, CHTA and Executive Director, Bay Gardens Resorts Christus Gill, IT Manager, Zoetry Marigot Bay Adam Mogelonksy: Partner, Hotel Mogel Consulting Ltd |
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4:00pm - 5:00pm |
Bayview Ballroom, 2nd Level |
Scoring Big with Sports Tourism: Unlocking Growth for Hotels and Destinations -
This session will explore how to tap into the sports tourism market, from hosting events and attracting teams to creating experiences that appeal to sports enthusiasts. Learn about the impact of sports tourism on destination marketing, revenue potential for hotels, and practical steps to tailor your offerings to this lucrative sector. |
Moderator: Sanovnik Destang: President, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and Executive Director, Bay Gardens Resorts Commissioner Joseph Boschulte: Commissioner of Tourism, USVI Dept of Tourism Chris Gustave: Marketing Manager Caribbean, Sports & Events, St. Lucia Tourism Authority Daren Sammy: Head Coach, West Indies Cricket Team (Pre-recorded appearance) |
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5:00pm - 5:15pm |
Bayview Ballroom, 2nd Level |
CHIEF Closing Remarks |
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7:30pm |
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Taste of the Caribbean Awards Ceremony Dinner
(Separate ticketed event) |
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