Panel Session & Training Modules
PANEL SESSION (November 17th - Plenary)
Topic: How is AI impacting the Hospitality Industry and shaping its Future?
Speakers:
Amy Read
(HOSPITALITY SOLUTIONS, VP Innovation)
Amy Read is Vice President of Innovation at Hospitality Solutions, where she leads the development of cutting-edge technologies to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency. She previously co-founded Techsembly, a global e-commerce platform acquired by Sabre in 2024, and now focuses on integrating AI-driven solutions like SynXis Concierge.AI into the hospitality industry.
Todd Brook
(EMPOWERED, Co-founder)
Todd Brook is the Founder and CEO of Envisionit, a digital marketing agency he has led for over 23 years, serving clients in tourism, fintech, and consumer sectors. He also co-founded Empowered and launched Unchained, two AI-driven ventures focused on organizational culture and strategic decision-making.
Jake Peters
(FORA, Co-Founder & Chief Product and Technology Officer)
Jake Peters is the Co-Founder and Chief Product & Technology Officer at Fora, a modern travel platform empowering the next generation of travel advisors. With a background in strategy, data, and operations, he leads product innovation and recently oversaw Fora’s acquisition of the AI startup Legends to enhance personalized travel experiences.
Adam Buhler
(DIGITAS, Part of Publicis Group, Head of Creative Technology)
Adam Buhler is Senior Vice President of Creative Technology at Digitas North America, based in Boston. He leads innovation at the intersection of AI, marketing, and digital experience, and was named to Adweek’s AI Trailblazers Power 100 in 2025.
Jason Stafford
(MANOIR HOVEY, Canada, Managing Director and Co-Owner)
Jason Stafford is the Managing Director and Co-Owner of Manoir Hovey, a Relais & Châteaux property in North Hatley, Quebec. A third-generation hotelier, Jason has been leading the family-owned estate since 2000, continuing a legacy of refined hospitality and strategic development that began when his parents acquired the property in 1979.
Gareth Brauteseth
(62° NORD with hotels Union Øye, Storfjord in Norway, Head of Business Development)
Gareth Brauteseth is the Head of Business Development at 62°NORD Hotels & Adventures, a luxury hospitality group in Norway known for its curated experiences along the Sunnmøre coastline and fjords. Since joining in 2021, Gareth has helped shape the brand’s strategic growth, drawing on a diverse background in sales, marketing, and international business development across tourism and adventure sectors.
5 TRAINING MODULES
(November 18th - 4 sessions for each member x 45min)
HUMAN RESSOURCES
Topic: How can AI support your HR management?
- How to screen CVs
- How to create custom training content
- How to rate employee engagement
Speaker: Todd Brook
(EMPOWERED, Co-founder)
Todd Brook is the Founder and CEO of Envisionit, a digital marketing agency he has led for over 23 years, serving clients in tourism, fintech, and consumer sectors. He also co-founded Empowered and launched Unchained, two AI-driven ventures focused on organizational culture and strategic decision-making.
GUEST EXPERIENCE
Topic: How to manage your e-reputation with AI?
Moderator: Anissa Khalifa, Relais & Châteaux Guest Experience Director
Speakers: Élodie Vaillant
(DATACOOK, CEO)
Élodie Vaillant is the Co-Founder and CEO of Datacook, a French startup specializing in AI-powered marketing solutions. With a background in consulting, she launched Datacook in 2018 to help marketing teams automate customer segmentation and activation. Her work focuses on making data more actionable for CMOs, enabling smarter, more personalized strategies through artificial intelligence.
RESTAURANTS & AI
Topic: How to optimize the Back of House thanks to AI?
Moderator: Giulia Sgarbi, Relais & Châteaux Culinary Director
Speaker: Gary Yin, Chef-Owner at King's Joy in Beijing
Gary Yin is the visionary Chef-Owner behind King’s Joy, Beijing’s celebrated vegetarian fine dining destination that holds two Michelin stars. Since 2018, he has redefined plant-based gastronomy in China, blending sustainability, wellness and creativity into a singular culinary experience. As one of the youngest chefs in Asia to lead a Michelin-starred restaurant, Gary is also at the forefront of innovation, pioneering the use of AI to streamline and enhance restaurant operations.
COMMUNICATIONS
Topic: How to prompt?
Best practices, key rules and tools for your communications.
Speakers:
Adam Buhler
(DIGITAS, Part of Publicis Group - Head of Creative Technology)
Adam Buhler is Senior Vice President of Creative Technology at Digitas North America, based in Boston. He leads innovation at the intersection of AI, marketing, and digital experience, and was named one of Adweek’s AI Trailblazers Power 100 in 2025.
Austin Myerson
(DIGITAS, Part of Publicis Group - EVP Group Account Director)
Austin Myerson is Executive Vice President and Group Account Director at Digitas North America, based in Boston. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and advertising, he leads strategic initiatives for major brands, driving innovation and performance across integrated campaigns.
BtoB SALES
Topic: How to grow your BtoB sales with AI?
Speakers: Matt Lo (ADVANT, co-CEO) & Pooja Bhaskar (ADVANT, COO)
Matt Lo is the Co-Founder and CEO of Advant, a digital sales and marketing firm specializing in luxury hospitality. With a background in management consulting at Ernst & Young and early experience at travel-tech startup Porter & Sail, Matt launched Advant in 2019 to help hotels elevate their digital presence through strategy, design thinking, and AI-driven innovation.
Pooja Bhaskar is the Chief Operating Officer at Advant.ai, where she leads digital strategy, data science, and market insights to help hotels anticipate trends and accelerate growth. With an MBA from INSEAD and a background in real estate investment and international business, she brings a global perspective and analytical rigor to hospitality innovation.