In 1996 McAdams joined the fledging Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants (O&B) as General Manager of Jump Café and Bar. During his 13-year tenure at O&B he was involved in the expansion of the group as well as the development of their service and ‘employer of choice’ propositions. McAdams was made a partner in Oliver & Bonacini Synergy in 2001 and five years later was named Vice President of the company. In 2006, McAdams and J. Charles Grieco founded the Ontario Hostelry Institute’s Top 30 Under 30 program to recognize young leaders in the hospitality industry in Ontario.

Editor and publisher of Kostuch Media’s Foodservice and Hospitality, and Hotelier magazines. In her capacity as editor of Canada’s two leading hospitality publications, Rosanna directs the editorial and graphic content of both publications, and is responsible for the editorial vision of the magazines, its five websites as well as the varied tertiary products including e-newsletters, supplements and special projects.

Scott has been engaging leaders for some of Canada’s most respected hospitality organizations since he founded Bellhouse Hospitality (formerly Profile Hospitality Group) in 2011. Focused on recruitment for senior leadership searches and executive suite talent, Scott brings over 20 years of restaurant operations expertise, in major Canadian cities including Vancouver, Winnipeg and Toronto for notable brands such as Oliver & Bonacini and Earls. During his decade-long tenure at O&B, Scott played a pivotal role as Director of Operations in the opening of five new restaurant locations and mentored dozens of promising individuals into management roles.

With 15+ years of experience, Chef Imrun Texeira has worked in some of the world's best and most influential restaurants, including 3 Michelin Starred Noma in Copenhagen. Most recently, he has been named as a recipient of the Top 30-Under-30 Award for hospitality leaders in Canada and as a rising talent in North America by The Art of Plating. Imrun was a semi-finalist on the Food Network’s Top Chef Canada Season 8 and a finalist on the Food Network’s Chopped Canada Season 3. Chef Texeira was also nominated for the Premier’s Awards: Most Successful Recent Graduate in 2016, which celebrates Ontario’s outstanding college graduates.

Dario is a progressive and dynamic leader with a passion for developing strategic partnerships and building high-performing and innovative teams. A Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and Industrial Engineer (Change Management Certified) with extensive leadership expertise in higher education and the service sectors.

Keith Müller is the Dean of the School of Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Food Processing Technology and has been involved in the Hospitality and Culinary industry for over 30 years. He has been an educational leader building partnerships and articulation agreements. Innovation and training for the diverse workforce is foremost on his agenda.

Brooke is a dedicated professional with a passion for the hospitality industry, currently serving as a Manager in Hospitality Services at the University of Guelph. With over 10 years of experience in progressive management roles within the industry, she has honed her skills in various aspects of hospitality operations, customer service, event management and team leadership. In 2019, she was honored to be recognized as a Top 30 Under 30 winner, a testament to her commitment and contributions to the field. Always eager to learn and grow, she considers herself a forever student. She completed her MBA in 2018, and is currently pursuing a Master's in Education, which enables her to blend her passion for hospitality with her enthusiasm for teaching and mentorship. Through her diverse experiences and ongoing education, she strives to make a positive impact on the industry, inspire others, and contribute to its continuous advancement.

Cyrus Cooper is a Professor and Program Coordinator at Centennial College School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts. Cyrus has over 20 years of hospitality experience through a number of key roles within some of Canada’s most prestigious brands, namely; Director of Food and Beverage Operations for Pusateri’s Fine Foods, Director of Food and Beverage at the Granite Club in Toronto. Prior to that he worked at Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants as Director of Restaurant Operations for the brand. His signature drive, ambition and focus on service and leadership became his defining hallmark. In 2008 Cyrus was awarded one of the Ontario Hostelry Institute’s Top-30-Under-30. (KML) Cyrus maintains an active role as member on the selection committee for the KML Top 30 under 30 and is the Alumni President for the Ted Rogers Hospitality Alumni Association at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University (Formerly Ryerson), Hospitality & Tourism Mgmt. BCOMM (Honours) Jane has spent her entire working life within the hospitality industry and most of her professional career within the wine industry selling to on premise chain accounts and educating young people within the industry about the world of wine. Jane is a strong believer in mentoring our industry’s future talent and supported the successful nomination of a Top 30 under 30 recipient in 2007 and has since nominated and mentored many others successfully through the process. She was honoured to join the Top 30 under 30 adjudication committee in 2021.

Hello, I'm Jeroen Vanderwolf. I have been in the hospitality industry for over 25 years, with experience in hotels and restaurants. For the past 15 years, I have worked for The Keg. During my tenure, I have worked in various staff roles, gradually climbing the ladder through management positions to my current position as Operations Director in Vancouver. I oversee and coordinate the day-to-day operations of our corporate locations in BC. I recently pursued a degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Guelph, to continue developing my knowledge in the industry that I love.

Gracie Reesor is a driven operator with 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in hospitality and a passion for creating a culture of service excellence. She is a past Top 30 Under 30 award recipient (OHI) and DiverseCity Fellow (CivicAction). Outside of her work with Eataly Toronto (General Manager, Quick Service Restaurants) Gracie spends her time on various home improvement projects and chasing after her son, Wyatt.

Emily grew up with a passion for food and through her experience in the foodservice industry grew concerned for its environmental sustainability. Emily has ample industry experience ranging from local SME restaurants to world-renowned properties such as Four Seasons Resorts, and Relais and Chateau property Langdon Hall. Emily has furthered her understanding of environmental stewardship through a 2-year presidency of an environmental outreach program, the organization of a food system sustainability conference, and a fellowship on circular economy with the Ellen McArthur Foundation.

Growing up in Niagara Falls, Canada, the gateway for young adults entering the workforce was to journey through the Travel & Tourism sector; Liana began the right of passage and never left! Liana has attained a Bachelor of Arts Degree from McMaster University and a Human Resources Management Certificate from George Brown College. As a Certified HR Professional and Leader, Liana was selected to join the Hospitality Human Resources Professionals Association (HHRPA) Board of Directors as Vice President, Special Projects in 2018 and in 2021 she was elected to Chair the Office of the Association where she continues to do so as President of The Board.

Michelle is an accomplished hospitality leader, educator, and manager with over three decades of experience in business and academic operations. She has a track record of building strong, positive, and collaborative relationships with an appreciation and respect for inclusion and diversity. As the Academic Chair of Hospitality Management at Centennial College, Michelle leads a team of experienced faculty and staff who develop and deliver high quality hospitality curriculum that prepare students for their careers. This talented team are focused and dedicated to educating and inspiring students in all areas of event, foodservice and hotel management.

After graduating from the University of Guelph’s School of Hospitality, Food & Tourism Management in 2018 I started my career with Marriott at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown Suites as a Rooms Operations Voyager. Now, just five years later I am the Senior Rooms Operations Manager responsible for overseeing both the Front Office and Housekeeping departments. I was fortunate to be recognized as a Top 30 under 30 in 2021, an incredible honour I strive to live up to each day.

Rebecca Gordon is the Anita Stewart Memorial Food Lab Manager at the University of Guelph in the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management. In her role she organizes events that showcase the work of chefs, food producers and researchers. She also conducts research on the work conditions in the hospitality and tourism industry which has led to advocacy work with the Canadian Restaurant Workers Coalition. Prior to joining the University of Guelph, Rebecca spent several years managing restaurants.

“Vish Mayekar is a Chef originally from Mumbai, India, who is now grateful and proud to call Canada home. With a decade plus in the Culinary industry and proud graduate of Niagara College, Ontario. Chasing his wine education dreams Vish pursued his WSET early 2021 and currently is the Head Chef of the award wining wine bar in Vancouver; Caffe La tana as well as the popular Italian restaurant - Pepinos Spaghetti house. He was also on the current season of Food network’s Top Chef Canada, where he was a fan favourite and was able to represent BC with pride. Prior to that Vish has showcased his love for the local produce of the west coast as well as his passion for wine, as the Co-Chef at The Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards in Peachland, Okanagan Valley.

Joel Rivera is a seasoned HR Professional with over 25 years of experience in the Hospitality & Tourism sector. Before his time in HR, Joel held several positions in Hotels & Restaurants in all areas of the operation, both front and back of the house. His resume includes working for brands such as Delta Hotels, Starwood Hotels, Marriott International as well as The Keg Steakhouse & Bar. Joel's pride as a Canadian is that he has been privileged to work and/or live in all 10 provinces and 3 territories from coast to coast to coast.