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New Westminster, BC (September 26, 2023): The second annual SPARK: BC Hotel and Liquor Conference is back October 16-17 at New Westminster's Anvil Centre and promises to be the year's most electrifying convergence of industry leaders in hospitality, liquor retail, and accommodation industries.

Organized by BC's Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) and the BC Hotel Association (BCHA), the two-day event will feature over 16 sessions that offer valuable insights, networking opportunities, and the highly-anticipated IVSA tasting salon, featuring over 40 products from international and local liquor producers. The conference aims to inspire innovation and drive growth in operations, with a focus on food and beverage.

Keynote Speakers:

• André Hueston Mack, Celebrity Sommelier and Winemaker: Renowned for his transformative impact on the wine industry, Mack's captivating presentation, "I Laugh at Them Because They’re All the Same," will delve into the transformative power of embracing your individuality. Discover how standing out can lead to unparalleled success in the hospitality and liquor industry.
• Theresa Ito, Blue Mountain Solutions: With over 30 years of international hospitality experience, Ito will share insights on developing engaged and dynamic teams in her session "Creating a Culture of Service Excellence: Empowering Staff and Enhancing Guest Experiences"
• Jay Ashton, Sysco Canada: Ashton, a leader and expert in the food-service and hospitality industry, will unveil through a live demonstration AI's transformative potential in the field with his session "Harnessing the Power of Automation: Chat GPT and the Hospitality Industry"

"We're bringing together over 20 of the industry's leading innovators and experts to deliver the latest in tools and solutions that will drive success in the hospitality and liquor sector," said Jeff Guignard, Executive Director of ABLE BC. "Join us at the SPARK | BC Hotel and Liquor Conference to harness this wealth of knowledge and propel your ventures to new heights."

"We're excited to bring back the SPARK | BC Hotel and Liquor Conference for its second year," Ingrid Jarrett, President and CEO of BCHA. "This event is a must-attend for operations and food and beverage managers as well as General Managers in the hospitality industry. You are sure to gain valuable insights, strategic advocacy tools, and operational strategies to grow profitability. Additionally, networking with your peers is always a highlight."

For more information and registration, please visit www.bchotelandliquorconference.com

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About the BC Hotel Association

The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) is a non-profit organization that has advocated for the best interests of the province’s accommodation sector since 1917. Working closely with over 750 members, partner organizations, and all levels of government, the BCHA champions solutions to issues that affect the successful operations of accommodation businesses including the workforce shortage, labour mobility, the impact of short-term vacation rentals, and more. Through advocacy, education, and communication the BCHA promotes responsible and safe hospitality practices and drives economic, social, and environmental sustainability. For more information, visit www.bcha.com.

About the Alliance of Beverage Licensees

ABLE BC, the Alliance of Beverage Licensees, stands as the authoritative advocate for bars, pubs, and private liquor and cannabis retailers within British Columbia. As a non-profit organization funded through member contributions, their core mission revolves around strengthening and advancing the interests of liquor and cannabis businesses. With an extensive membership base of over 1,000 entities, ABLE BC actively engages with governmental authorities at all levels to promote policies conducive to business prosperity and to cultivate opportunities within the private sector. For more information, visit www.ablebc.ca.

Media Contacts

Kelsey Millman

Communications Manager, BCHA

kelsey@bcha.com

778.994.2825

Ann Brydle

Communications & Membership Manager, ABLE BC

ann@ablebc.ca

604.688.5560 ext.1