Following the conclusion of the Canadian Hotel Investment Conference, top industry leaders returned to the Black & Blue Steakhouse for the 2026 ORHMA Canadian Hotel VIP Leadership Dinner. What began over a decade ago has evolved into a cornerstone annual tradition, uniting executives from across the country to strengthen the bonds of industry leadership at these annual events both in Toronto and Vancouver.
A Focus on the Future
Hosted by Jason Cheskes, President of Above The Line Solutions, the evening provided a unique venue for colleagues to refresh existing relationships and cultivate new connections. Opening the dinner, Cheskes addressed a timely theme: the critical importance of facilitating professional development and networking opportunities for the industry’s up-and-coming leaders. The sentiment resonated with attendees, many of whom noted the pivotal role such conferences and events played in their own career trajectories.
Emad Yacoub, President and CEO of Glowbal Restaurant Group, made a point of joining Jason to personally welcome the group to the restaurant and encouraged all to visit to the newly opened Toronto location of Riley’s Fish & Steak with his uniquely charming humorous approach.
Voices from the Industry
The value of the gathering was echoed by Mark Reeves, IHG Vice-President of Franchise Support, who noted:
Mark Reeves, IHG Vice-President of Franchise Support, shared “Thank you Jason for organizing such a great event…it was quite a reunion for all of us as the business of hospitality has us all working diligently in our own worlds and we rarely are able to network with colleagues and friends in the industry in this way. It was a very worthwhile evening for us all and a reminder of how much we do collectively. I look forward to more of these opportunities and the upcoming Ontario Hospitality Conference.”
Guest included Accor, Marriott, Wyndham, Choice, Hotel Equities, Innvest, Hyatt, Sandman, Best Western, IHG, Westmont, Atlific, Coast, Realstar, Omni, LHM, Mariet, Listel, MasterBUILT, Diamond, Genesis, Bayview Hospitality, Synvest, Primevest, as well as ORHMA, HAC, GTHA, National Bank and CFO.
This year’s sponsors of the dinner included RHB, Rogers, Eden Textile, Serta Simmons, Gordon Williams Corp, Nerval, Western Financial and Foodbuy. Recognition of to Frank Yeo of Mercury publications for his ongoing support and arranging the event photographer also was included.
Looking ahead
Tony Elenis, President and CEO of ORHMA, shared that the 5th Ontario Hospitality Conference with the OHI-We Are Hospitality Hall of Fame Awards will be taking place this year October 19-20. For more information, please visit www.ontariohospitalityconference.com
The next Canadian Hotel VIP Leadership dinner will take place October 29th following the Western Canadian Lodging Conference.
- Photos courtesy of Frank Yeo & Mercury Publications
- (*All Photos can be viewed at https://phillipchin2018.pixieset.com/20260428orhmavipdinner/ or with the QR code below)
