Tourism Issues Forum

Steve Ball 

President, Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association

Prior to joining the OGHA in 2014, Steve spent 25 years in the consumer publishing business, including the role of vice-president of media at the Canadian Medical Association. He currently sits on several boards of directors, including co-chairing the Ottawa 2017 Bureau, a not-for-profit focused on celebrations for Canada's 150th anniversary.

Benjamin Guth

Founder & CEO, Mobilize Jobs

Previous to founding Mobilize Jobs—an innovative staffing program backed by 30 years of recruiting experience—Benjamin ran the largest ethical and compliant international recruitment firm in Canada. Working closely with a wide breadth of Canadian businesses as well as key industry associations, Benjamin spends his days helping organizations develop their labour strategies and sourcing top tier talent.

Chris Huey

Director (Acting), Regulatory Modernization Branch, Open for Business, Ministry of Economic Development & Growth

Chris's team is responsible for leading the government’s efforts at reducing regulatory burden for business, including running the Red Tape Challenge, preparing annual burden reduction legislation, and producing the Annual Burden Reduction Report.

Craig Hughson 

Political Strategist, Aurora Strategy Group

He spent over a dozen years at Queen’s Park before beginning his career in consulting, working for MPPs, cabinet ministers, and other government officials—including positions as chief of staff and senior policy advisor for natural resources, Indigenous affairs, health, and government and consumer services portfolios. In his current role, Craig assists clients in developing and executing public affairs, and government relations strategies and tactics.
 

Katherine Hobbs

Tourism Manager, Brockville Tourism/Chamber of Commerce

Katherine has worked for large, medium and small public and private organizations in Canada and Africa. Her areas of expertise include communications,  public relations, business development, marketing and policy development. Katherine was an elected Ottawa city councillor from 2010 to 2014, and received an Urban Design Award while in office. Katherine also served as co-chair for Ottawa’s 150th anniversary committee, working on plans to stimulate tourism in 2017.   

Beth Potter

President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)

Beth Potter has led the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)—the umbrella trade association for Ontario’s tourism industry—as President and CEO since January 2011. A distinguished member of the tourism community with over 25 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Beth also currently serves on the boards of directors for the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. She is also an advisory council member for the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Ryerson University.

Minto Schneider

President & CEO, Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation

Doug Switzer

President & CEO, Ontario Motor Coach Association

Doug has been with the Ontario Motor Coach Association and Motor Coach Canada since July 2011. OMCA and MCC are among the largest travel and tourism-related associations in Canada, and act as the voice of private sector bus operators, inter-city bus lines, charter and coach tour companies, as well as tourism suppliers in Ontario and across Canada. Prior to joining the OMCA and MCC, Doug spent 11 years with the Ontario Trucking Association. Before that, he spent more than 16 years working in government at both the federal and provincial levels.