Chapter Officers

Nick Warriner | President

Expedia Group

 

Nick is the Vancouver market manager for Expedia Group, working directly with many of the city’s legendary properties. His experience coaching and consulting for travel business owners and working onboard cruise ships as a revenue manager has given him a unique blend of travel and hospitality experience that he is excited to contribute to and build on with the BC chapter of HSMAI. In his free time, Nick enjoys sailing the coastal waters of BC, visiting the local mountains, and trying the incredible food offerings Vancouver has to offer.

Rie Kobori | 

The Listel Hotel Group



Rie Kobori was born and raised in Vancouver. Starting her hospitality career at the front desk of the Sandman Hotel Group in 2007, she has grown into various roles such as Sales, Reservations, Marketing, and eventually Revenue Management. Her experience led her to the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa in 2015 and is presently the Regional Revenue & Marketing Manager for the Listel Hospitality Group, handling both the Vancouver and Whistler markets. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, experiencing local restaurants.  



Brandi Lasanen, CHBA, CRME | Vice President Partnerships

Hyatt Regency Vancouver


Brandi Lasanen grew up in Burnaby, BC, and holds a Tourism Marketing Management Diploma from BCIT, as well as her Bachelor of Tourism Management from Thompson Rivers University. Brandi is currently the Director of Revenue Management at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver and recently celebrated her 18th anniversary with Hyatt! Brandi is proud to be one of the founding members of the HSMAI British Columbia Chapter. 

Aakash Mago

Westin Bayshore Vancouver

 

Originally from Goa and now a proud Canadian, India Aakash made Vancouver home in 2021 having moved here from Calgary. Aakash began his career in Revenue Management straight out of University, and has been with Marriott International since. At The Westin Bayshore Vancouver, Marriott International's largest outpost in Western Canada, he leads Revenue Strategy and as a Senior Leader is part of the hotel’s Executive Committee.

Responsible for re-aligning the hotel’s strategic priorities and pivoting the hotel’s growth trajectory, his is role centered around leading topline revenue generation and commercial strategy of the hotel. He holds a B.A. (Hons.) degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Huddersfield, UK and most recently completed an Executive Education program at the Florida Atlantic University.

Off work, Aakash enjoys spending time outdoors in BC, biking and exploring the local food scene in Vancouver.

Kristian Miller | Vice President - Sponsorships 
2400 Motel

Kristian is born and raised in Vancouver, punctuated by tonnes of travel abroad! He brings a great history of Hotel Operations experience to the table, as well as a track record of positive vendor and community engagement. Kristian has also attained several strategic certifications and educational cornerstones to augment his natural passion for hospitality. He is no stranger to boardrooms, having served on both National, and International, Food and Beverage Boards in the past, and we are excited for the unique perspective he will bring to the team. When he is not optimizing operations, you’ll probably find him burning calories somehow, because the only thing he loves doing more than burning calories is putting them back on with family and friends afterwards.

Kevin Pals | Vice President - Logistics and Communication

Hotwire

Kevin grew up in Edmonton where he gained his diploma in Hospitality Management from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. He moved to Vancouver in 2015 working in group sales, then in membership at Destination Vancouver before joining Expedia Group. He is now the Hotel Account Manager for Hotwire. In the past, Kevin also served on the board of directors for Hosteling International – Pacific Mountain Region. When he is not working, you can find him exploring the mountains or hunting for new craft beers.


Justine Cheema | Vice President - Membership

Travelzoo

 

Hailing from the vibrant city of Vancouver, Justine is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in the hospitality industry. Her career journey showcases versatility, from spearheading Business Development for esteemed Hotel Management Groups in the US and the Caribbean to currently excelling as a Sales Manager for Hotels at Travelzoo, where she fosters and develops relationships with hotel accounts across Western Canada. This includes driving exclusive deals and strategic collaborations, benefiting both hotel partners and Travelzoo's extensive subscriber base.

In her role as the VP of Membership, Justine brings a unique perspective and a dedicated commitment to enhancing the membership experience while fostering a strong sense of community within HSMAI BC Chapter. Beyond her professional endeavors, she spends most of her time chasing sunshine and her next cup of coffee!


Glenn Widmer | Treasurer

Sabre Hospitality Solutions



Glenn Widmer was raised on the prairie in Alberta and worked for the phone company in Calgary. Glenn moved to Vancouver where he started in the hotel business with various positions including front office, reservations, switchboard and night audit. Glenn worked in the regional sales office of Ramada where the love for sales was born. Right from the beginnings of Revenue Management in hospitality, Glenn worked for several hotels in a Revenue Management role. After moving away to Toronto to pursue an executive role with Starwood, Glenn moved back to Vancouver in 2007. Glenn joined Sabre Hospitality Solutions in February 2013 and oversees Canada in an account management capacity. Glenn enjoys his duties as treasurer on the board for HSMAI BC chapter.


Anthony Woo | Vice President – Digital Strategy

Amadeus Hospitality

 

 

Anthony Woo was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in both Marketing and Human Resources from the University of British Columbia. Prior to working in Hospitality, Anthony has served as a supplier to the hospitality industry in Media, Software, Business Intelligence and Web Solutions for over ten years. Anthony is very excited to be on the board of the BC Chapter of the HSMAI.