Aspire 2026 wasn’t just a conference - it was a powerful coming together of Alberta’s hotel leaders. Hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel West Edmonton, the room was alive with conversation, ideas, and momentum as 123 hotel properties gathered with one shared goal: to build stronger teams, safer workplaces, and better hotel operations.
From HR and safety professionals to General Managers and operational leaders, attendees leaned in, spoke candidly, and exchanged real‑world strategies that matter at the property level. The energy was undeniable - and if you weren’t there, this is one conference you’ll wish you had experienced firsthand.
Keynote Highlights: Dr. Jody Carrington on Reconnection and Human-Centered Leadership
Aspire 2026 opened with an unforgettable keynote from Dr. Jody Carrington, who delivered a powerful and deeply human message on the importance of reconnection in today’s fast‑paced, high‑pressure workplaces. With her signature blend of humor, candor, and heartfelt storytelling, Dr. Jody explored how disconnection - driven by stress, miscommunication, and constant change - has become one of the greatest challenges facing teams.
She reminded attendees that strong organizations are built on strong relationships, yet repairing ruptures in those relationships is a skill we must learn, not something we’re born knowing. Dr. Jody challenged leaders to rethink how they show up for one another, especially in moments of conflict or pressure, and demonstrated how intentional reconnection fosters trust, resilience, and belonging across teams.
“I loved Dr. Jody Carrington’s morning message” said an attendee, “I felt like she was speaking right to me.”
Why Community Matters: Insight That Resonated
Aspire 2026 reminded us why coming together as a hotel community matters. Attendees described this year’s sessions as energizing, informative, and deeply relevant - the kind of learning that sparks real change back at the property level. From powerful mindset‑shifting moments to practical leadership and mental‑health tools, participants left feeling inspired, supported, and ready to bring fresh ideas home. The feedback said it all:
“I loved the overall theme this year,” another attendee said. “I took a lot of notes and am looking forward to putting what I learned into practice and bringing it back to my hotel."
Expert‑led keynotes, dynamic panel discussions, and hands‑on sessions
The day continued with expert‑led keynotes, dynamic panels, and hands‑on breakout sessions designed for the real challenges hotels face every day. Conversations were honest, solutions‑focused, and grounded in operational reality.
Highlights included:
It was exactly the kind of no‑nonsense, high‑value insight hotel leaders rarely get in one place.
Celebrating Leadership: Elevate Approved Employers
One of the most inspiring moments of the conference was recognizing our Elevate Approved Employers - hotels that have gone above and beyond to meet essential standards in HR, health and safety, and risk management. These properties exemplify what responsible, people‑first leadership looks like in Alberta’s hotel industry, and celebrating their commitment on stage was a true highlight of the day.
For those who weren’t able to attend, it was an inspiring look at leadership in action across our industry.
Sponsors, Surprises, and Standout Moments
The excitement didn’t stop between sessions. Our generous sponsors kept the energy high with amazing prize draws, from complimentary hotel stays to exclusive experiences and even a full housekeeping cart giveaway. Adding to the buzz was our curated vendor marketplace - a lively hub filled with forward‑thinking products, smart solutions, and industry‑leading innovations. Attendees had the chance to connect directly with vendors, discover new tools, and stay ahead of the latest trends. A huge thank you to the Alberta Human Rights Commission, Arcora, Canadian Hospitality Health Plan, Government of Alberta, Involvi HR, Johnston Group, Paul Davis, and Tourism HR Canada for being our sponsors.
Congratulations to all the winners, and a heartfelt thanks to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel West Edmonton for hosting us so exceptionally.
Final Thoughts
“Aspire was a valuable event, and I am glad that we were able to attend.”
Aspire 2026 proved just how powerful it is when Alberta’s hotel community comes together to learn, share, and push the industry forward. From practical tools to future‑focused insights, every session gave leaders something they could take back and use immediately. The collaboration, the conversations, and the momentum in the room truly made this conference unforgettable.