Previous Featured Members

Previous Featured Members

This quarter we are pleased to feature Carrie Ell who is the
Sr. Director Business Development for The Hotels Network.

We asked Carrie a few questions and here are her answers!

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Q: How did you get started in the Hospitality Industry?
I started my journey in the exciting world of hospitality twelve years ago with Kiwi Collection, a global company based in Vancouver.  As SVP Hotel Programs, I managed several teams including professional hotel reviewers who scoured the globe in search of the best hotels.
While there, I played an instrumental role in launching The VISA Luxury Hotel Collection, one of VISA’s core premium card benefits in 145 countries, translated into 10 languages. 

Q:What are you doing now, and what is your favorite part about it?
My favourite part?  Making a difference.  

For the last three years I’ve helped hotels improve their direct booking conversion rates.  I’m thrilled to represent The Hotels Network, the company I know to be the best in the optimization space (and I did my research).  

Through us, hotels can serve the right message to the right guest at the right time using advanced targeting, and also help guests consult trusted reviews, and compare rates without leaving the brand website.  A 15%-30%+ lift in conversion is common.  Again, my favourite part.


Q:Why is being involved in HSMAI important to you and/or what is the benefit to being part of HSMAI? 
HSMAI helps me understand the struggles my clients are facing, as well as the solutions they’re considering.  Keeping my hand on the pulse of what’s current in our industry is extremely important. I’m particularly thrilled that HSMAI gives me the option to attend local meetings, while also benefiting from larger events such as ROC … which I’ve attended twice and have found extremely valuable.

Q:When you aren’t at work, what do you like to do for fun?
I have a very full and busy life with three wonderful children, and of course a whole lot of travel!



Sheryl Barowsky
, Account Manager - Product Management - DESTINATION BC



Q: How did you get started in the Hospitality Industry?

A: In 1999 I heard about a short term assignment with Tourism BC. I decided to apply as my youngest child had turned 10 so I felt I had the time to venture out and start my real career. Turns out I loved working in this field and I’m still with the same company today although it’s now known as Destination BC. I often council new temporary hires who want to work with us full time not to worry about taking a Temporary Assignment as mine has lasted more than 17 years! 

Q:  What are you doing now, and what is your favorite part about it?

A: Currently I’m the Account Manager for Tourism Product Management at Destination BC. My team works directly with tourism suppliers across the province assisting them with various ways to showcase their accommodation or product through our listings and travel deals on www.Hellobc.com® and various marketing initiatives. We also assist tourism businesses with opportunities to connect with other departments within Destination BC including, Travel Trade and Media, WorldHost® and Social Media.

Q:  Why is being involved in HSMAI important to you and/or what is the benefit to being part of HSMAI? 

A:  One of the best parts of my job involve building strong relationships within the tourism industry. This allows us to work together in a more efficient way and prevent duplication of effort, as well as keep us informed as to what industry needs from our organization. HSMAI provides a great opportunity to widen our scope and meet regularly with our industry partners. Furthermore, HSMAI events have served to educate me on a variety of topics over the past couple of years, helping me to better understand the challenges our industry face whether it’s focused on Sales, Revenue Management, GDS, Social Media, or Market Trends. I always come away knowing much more than when I went in. Additionally, as a new board member, I’m so inspired by the current board members as they truly are dedicated to keeping the BC chapter relevant and to providing quality  learning and networking opportunities. I also love the fact that non-members are encouraged to attend and always made to feel welcome.

Q:  When you aren’t at work, what do you like to do for fun?

A: I’ve been a member of the downtown YWCA for over 7 years now and love to work out on my lunch hour usually 3 – 5 times a week. What I love about it is the opportunity to get it over with before I head home to binge watch another Netflix series!  Seriously though, I really do love the dance and double step classes. Cooking and entertaining for close friends and family is another passion but I also enjoy trying new restaurants and many types of cuisines. Thai, Mexican and Italian would be among my favorites. I am an avid reader and especially love suspense and thrillers and probably read about 6 books each month. I haven’t yet graduated to an e-reader but see that purchase, in my not too distant future. I also love to travel and am looking forward to spending time touring Montreal next month.

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Darren Simpson, General Manager - THE BURRARD

 

Q: How did you get started in the Hospitality Industry?

A: I was very eager to earn an income at a young age.  As soon as I turned 15, I headed to McDonalds to submit an application.  Although I was told they didn’t believe I was old enough to work there…..until they saw my ID, I was hired and entered the world of hospitality.  Although I later tried to part with hospitality during my college years, I was drawn back in completing a Hotel and Restaurant Management Diploma and Commerce Degree (Specialization in Hospitality).  It is truly the people in those programs and the industry that make it exceptional to be a part of.

Q:  What are you doing now, and what is your favorite part about it?
A: I am currently the GM at The Burrard Hotel.  After working many years at Fairmont, it has been quite a transition to a completely unique, challenging and exciting opportunity.  The level of autonomy is incredible and provides me the ability to touch all aspects of the hotel on a daily basis.  

Q:  Why is being involved in HSMAI important to you and/or what is the benefit to being part of HSMAI? 
A:  Being a part of HSMAI was important for me because we need to have the right tools for our team to be successful.  I believe that HSMAI provides many resources that can greatly assist a stand alone property.  

Q:  When you aren’t at work, what do you like to do for fun?
A:  When I am not at work, I am truly fortunate to spend time with 3 incredible people…….and my dog.  My wife and daughters are my world and I wouldn’t have it any other way.