The Business Operations Summit is a cross-functional gathering of destination...
As the founder and President of Treat ‘em Right, Phil Bruno has served 43 years in the Tourism and Hospitality industry. Bruno works with DMOs to connect them with their Visitor Economy workers and communities through custom education programs both live and on-line. Treat ‘em Right programs have exceeded expectations in over 80 cities with 100,000 Certified Hospitality Professionals. Since 2005 Phil has been a member of Destinations International and DMAI speaking at events and serving on the Advocacy Committee, Community Relations Task Force and Visitor Services planning committee.
Jordan Stout is a creative strategist and project manager based in Victoria, BC. Working as the Marketing Activations Manager at CrowdRiff he applies a keen eye for detail and passion for creating meaningful experiences at every opportunity.
Jake advocates for a more conscious, purposeful form of travel that transforms how we live, connect with others, and care for the planet. He believes that transformative travel can break down divisions and incite positive change. As the founder of The Transformational Travel Council, Jake is spearheading a shift toward a "transformation economy" within a regenerative system. His work is grounded in the belief that travel has the power to evolve the tourism industry and contribute to global well-being.
Working with a Destination Organization on destination selection and event...
Ophélie, or Ofé, is a marketing storyteller with over 11 years in international travel and tourism. Her expertise in DMOs includes crafting innovative marketing plans that drive visitation and revenue. As a DI 30U30 emerging leader, she excels in understanding diverse markets and adapting to audiences. Previously, at VisitNorfolk, she created the city’s first in-house City Guide and managed all in-house design. Joining Destinations International in November 2023, Ofé aims to offer unique ideas and build impactful connections worldwide.
Keven Truhler is a principal with the Digital Group of CLA. He has been with the firm for fifteen years providing audit, accounting, and software services with a wide variety of non-profit and government clients. Today, Keven specializes in implementation of cloud-based accounting solutions and has implemented financial systems on more than 300 non-profit and for-profit organizations.
Emily Christman is an up-and-coming tourism professional, currently working at Relic Agency as a PR/Content Specialist. She has experience working with a variety of destinations across the United States, all varying in population and budget. She has extensive experience in public relations, content writing, destination branding and owned media ideation and implementation. While a relatively new professional, Emily is already making her mark on the tourism industry.
Kelly is the Director of Destination Development at Ottawa Tourism, leading the city's Destination Stewardship Plan to drive long-term prosperity. Previously, she spent six years in Australia managing strategic tourism projects and co-authoring national publications on tourism risk management. An industry leader, she serves on the Indigenous Tourism Collaborative of the Americas and Destinations International committees. A 2021 Forty Under 40 honoree, she holds an MBA Essentials certificate from LSE and a science degree from Dalhousie University and is completing her CDME certification.