TORONTO — Last week, the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association’s (ORHMA) third-annual Ontario Hospitality Conference (OHC2024) kicked off with the OHI Opening Reception, which celebrated the induction of 10 individuals into the Ontario Hostelry Institute (OHI) Hall of Fame, as well as student bursary recipients.
Surrounded by family, friends, and esteemed members of the hospitality community, the evening was a recognition of extraordinary accomplishments and unwavering commitment to advancing the industry. To learn more about the distinguished 2024 inductees, click here.
Day two of the conference was filled with informative panel discussions and breakout sessions, with topics covering property tax strategies, protecting your business against fraud, hospitality culture and how to ingrate AI into hotel and restaurant operations.
Safeguarding Hospitality Operations: Strategies Against Fraud, Chargebacks and Theft
As the hospitality industry evolves, safeguarding operations and ensuring the safety of guests and staff has become increasingly vital. During OHC2024, a session led by industry experts explored the pressing challenges of fraud prevention, chargeback management, and theft deterrence, providing attendees with actionable strategies to protect their businesses.
Speakers Mike Josifovic from the Toronto Downtown West BIA, David Coffey from the Toronto Police Service, and Benjamin Tabesh of Condor Security Inc. emphasized the importance of proactive fraud monitoring, training staff in conflict de-escalation, and implementing robust security protocols. As businesses face new and evolving threats, staying informed and prepared is essential to safeguarding both physical and financial assets.
Fighting Back Against Property Tax Costs: Understanding Municipal Tax Evaluations
Property taxes can significantly impact a hospitality business’s bottom line, and understanding how municipal tax assessments are determined is crucial to managing these costs effectively. In this insightful session, participants gained valuable knowledge from North America’s leading hospitality-focused tax reduction experts. The session broke down the often-complex process of municipal tax evaluations, outlining key strategies for reducing liability.
The conversation centered on how businesses can engage with municipal authorities to ensure fair assessments and highlighted steps that can be taken to challenge and reduce excessive tax burdens. These strategies not only provide immediate financial relief but also contribute to long-term business sustainability.
The Evolution of Hospitality Culture: Balancing Tradition with Modern Expectations
This session delved into the evolution of hospitality culture. Panellists explored how the historical allure of hospitality — known for its vibrant, social atmosphere — has been re-shaped by today’s emphasis on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
Laura Williams from Williams HR Law LLP, Stanley Goodman from Metro Diner, Dr. Altaf Sovani of Alzen Inc., and Rob Martin from Lone Star Group addressed the challenges and opportunities of balancing traditional hospitality practices with the modern workplace. The discussion underscored the need for clear communication, respectful workplace policies, and the creation of an environment where both employees and guests feel valued and respected.
“Hospitality remains a fun and rewarding industry, but we must invest in training and clear boundaries to ensure success,” said Sovani, adding this session served as a reminder that while traditions are important, adaptability is key in maintaining the industry’s dynamic spirit.
Embracing the Future: Integrating AI into Hospitality for Success
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, and hospitality is no exception. In this forward-looking session, industry leaders explored the potential of Generative AI technologies to revolutionize guest experiences and improve operational efficiency.
From automating routine tasks to personalizing guest interactions, AI offers a multitude of benefits for hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments. Attendees were introduced to real-world examples of AI-driven solutions and learned about privacy and security considerations to ensure safe implementation.
This session, led by Catherine Mercille from Deloitte Greenhouse and Keely Hyatt of Deloitte Canada reinforced the idea that embracing technology is not just about staying competitive —it’s about creating enhanced, seamless experiences for guests while optimizing the behind-the-scenes operations that make it all possible.
