Meet the dynamic sales team that’ll be with you every step of the way as you plan your meetings and events in Toronto.
2022 Here we come! Optimism is buzzing through the city as meetings and business events get back on track and we head into a brand new year. Sounds like the perfect time to (re)introduce you to members of Destination Toronto’s Sales Teams as well as our Destination Services representatives.
Heather Neale
Managing Director of Sales
How does the team set planners up for success?
You can expect full service from the team at DT. We recently had a client reach out with a specific thanks to one of our Destination Services team members for purchasing underwear! The client’s bag had been misplaced by the airline — our team member shopped for fresh undies so that this client could move forward with their planned site visit. Thankfully, the missing bag arrived in their hotel room by the end of the day, but this is just one example of the full-service experience we’re committed to providing.
What’s your #NeverHaveIEverTO moment?
Never had I ever hung off the side of a building… but you can in Toronto! CN Tower EdgeWalk is a fabulous attraction that puts you high above the city while tethered safely to an outdoor platform by carabiners. It’s a combination of adrenaline and awesome views that I highly recommend. 290 Bremner Blvd.
Linda Bruton
Director, Destination Services
How does the team set planners up for success?
We’re the link between a client’s vision and the city’s resources, connecting planners to our best and most sought-after assets. Count on us to make introductions, share local knowledge and provide access to the great resources available around the city. We also help build attendance and promote your meeting in Toronto with our comprehensive ready-to-use marketing resource: The 6ix Stack Attendance Building Solution.
What’s your #NeverHaveIEverTO moment?
Never had I ever skated in the shadow of skyscrapers… but you can in Toronto! One of the nicest rinks is the Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail at College Park, an oasis only steps from the bustling intersection of Yonge and College Streets. 420 Yonge St.aunch. 10 Dundas St. E.
Regina Rink, CASE
In-market Sales Director, DC/MD/VA & Northeast U.S.
How does the team set planners up for success?
We’re destination experts and we provide unbiased expertise. I can advise as to which convention centre has the best meeting space and which hotels have the best fit for a particular client. I can also advise as to the best time of year for their group to visit Toronto.
What’s your #NeverHaveIEverTO moment?
Never had I ever tasted the globe in one day… but you can in Toronto! I love that Toronto is so multicultural and that you can enjoy the cuisine of every country while in the city.
Kori Gassaway, CASE
In-market Sales Director, Midwest & Southeast U.S.
How does the team set planners up for success?
Our role is to be the information source, the expert on everything Toronto. It’s the largest city in Canada and clients might not realize its proximity to the majority of the U.S. population. It’s very easy to drive to, and with direct airlift, it's really accessible from across the globe and the U.S.
What’s your #NeverHaveIEverTO moment?
Never have I ever experienced so many cultures in a single day… but you can in Toronto! Visiting Toronto’s many ethnic neighbourhoods allows you to immerse yourself in cultures from around the world.
Kimberly Leary
In-market Sales Director, West Coast U.S.
How does the team set planners up for success?
The MaRS Discovery District and the amount of new talent coming out of Toronto’s universities, specifically around tech, has been astronomical. I think it’s one of the fastest-growing sectors in the city and it’s a big deal for tech and start-up companies that are looking to bring in the best and the brightest. Our Leaders Circle is a very valuable resource that has a far reach to all sorts of resources from sector knowledge and membership to talent and speakers.
What’s your #NeverHaveIEverTO moment?
Never have I ever eaten a taco for dessert… but you can in Toronto! Booyah is a Toronto catering company offering specialty sweet treats for corporate gatherings, including an amazing ice cream taco! 16 Vaughan Rd.
Meredith Donaghey
Sales Director, All Sectors
How does the team set planners up for success?
If you’re considering taking your meeting out of the U.S for the first time, Toronto is the ideal choice: 60% of people living in the U.S. can fly to Toronto within 90 minutes, the shipping and customs process is seamless and countless meeting venues are located right in the core of a dynamic, multicultural and inclusive city.
What’s your #NeverHaveIEverTO moment?
Never had I ever done yoga on the edge of Lake Ontario… but you can in Toronto! The Westin Harbour Castle hotel’s outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Ontario is a perfect spot for group yoga sessions. 1 Harbour Square
Vinita Das, CMP, DES
Sales Manager, U.S. Market — All Sectors
How does the team set planners up for success?
We are a resource for all things Toronto. We deliver newsworthy information about what’s unique and exciting in the destination to planners’ in-boxes, and we often have opportunities for site visits. We are connectors, we are your introduction to the city and a gateway to the city’s new products.
What’s your #NeverHaveIEverTO moment?
Never have I ever seen balls rolling upwards or water flowing uphill… but you can in Toronto! Nothing is as it seems at the Museum of Illusions, a really fun place for entertainment and learning. 132 Front St. E.
Scott Ventresca
Sales Director, Canada & International Association, Citywide, All Sectors (Except Life Sciences)
How does the team set planners up for success?
We’re the link, the conduit, to local leaders in our city who are renowned in their fields. Through the Leaders Circle, we work with these local ambassadors — the doctors, scientists and professors — to support and help them prepare bid documents to host international citywide conventions in Toronto. These people are already very busy, so we actually do most of the heavy lifting and put the pieces of the puzzle together.
What’s your #NeverHaveIEverTO moment?
Never have I ever paddleboarded with an awesome view of the city skyline… but you can from the Toronto Islands. A short ferry ride across Toronto Harbour takes you to more than a dozen interconnected islands where you can spend a perfect summer’s day paddling the calm channels and waterways.
Angela Jefferies
Sales Director, Canada & International Association, All Sectors
How does the team set planners up for success?
If you have always wanted to host an international conference and don’t know where to start, reach out to us at Destination Toronto. We will guide you through the process and customize a winning bid to highlight Toronto’s ease of flight access, corporate sponsor opportunities, access to speakers and innovative leaders and the proximity to attractions, amazing cuisine and culture.
What’s your #NeverHaveIEverTO moment?
Never have I ever flown around the CN Tower in a helicopter… but you can in Toronto! Toronto Heli Tours offers an incredible bird’s-eye view of Toronto’s unique architecture and major attractions as well as Toronto Harbour and the Toronto Islands. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Alice Au
Sales Director, Canada & International Associations, Life Sciences
How does the team set planners up for success?
When we uncover an opportunity to host an international congress in Toronto, we conduct in-depth research into the topic, showcase our local experts in the bid proposal and work closely with the Canadian association to bring the congress to Toronto.
What’s your #NeverHaveIEverTO moment?
Never had I ever kayaked down an urban river… but you can in Toronto! Located west of downtown Toronto, the Humber River watershed is the largest river system in the region. It runs through rural and urban landscapes to Lake Ontario and is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.
Debbie Miller
Sales Director, Canada & International Corporate
How does the team set planners up for success?
Our Hidden Gems tour takes planners on a complimentary insider’s tour of the city to see newly opened and recently renovated hotels, unique off-site venues, private dining rooms, restaurants and meeting spaces for corporate groups, attractions that have meeting spaces and all sorts of new ideas for booking our city.
What’s your #NeverHaveIEverTO moment?
Never did I ever think I could see most of Canada in one day… but you can in Toronto! Little Canada is a miniature version of the country’s most famous vistas, landmarks and cityscapes, including Toronto! You can even book the venue for a corporate event, seminar or product launch. 10 Dundas St. E.
