Convergence - Leadership Spotlight Series Vol. 4 | Hosted by Brett Macfarlane
Join us the Vol.4 of our intimate, interactive roundtable for Vancouver’s innovation-driven professionals!
SPOTLIGHT LEADER
🎙 Stefan Hawes | VP, Global Marketing, Destination Vancouver
Stefan Hawes is applying cutting-edge AI tools to sell Vancouver to the world, demonstrating how tourism can evolve from a traditional industry into a dynamic, personalized experience engine.
As Vice President of Global Marketing at Destination Vancouver since mid-2022, he's using AI to create tailored travel experiences that resonate with modern travellers. His approach draws on decades of experience across renowned agencies in Vancouver, San Francisco, Amsterdam, and Shanghai—reinforcing Vancouver's heritage as a leading marketing centre of excellence.
Stefan offers insights into how, as a leader, you can foster creativity, adaptability and innovation in your colleagues, customers or partners by connecting with their deeper human needs and using storytelling.
WHAT TO EXPECT
✅ How AI is disrupting traditional storytelling and marketing through using cutting-edge tools to personalize travel experiences and sell Vancouver to the world
✅ How leaders can foster creativity and innovation in their teams by connecting technological capability with intimate understanding of what people truly need
🍴🥤 Some refreshments
HOW DO INNOVATIVE LEADERS EXECUTE?
What It Is:
The Convergence Leadership Spotlight Series unpacks the personal playbooks of Vancouver's innovative leaders. Each intimate session brings together professionals who are driving intangible innovation—strategy, product, digital transformation—to learn from each other's real experiences turning ideas into outcomes.
Why It Matters:
Theory doesn't move the needle. Execution does. This series gives you direct access to how leaders actually navigate resistance, manage uncertainty, communicate across silos, work within constraints, and yes—learn from what didn't work. It's honest, practical conversation designed for people actively driving change.
The Format:
Hosted by Brett Macfarlane, each session is structured around three parts:
1️⃣ Inspire – Brett interviews the spotlight leader to reveal their leadership principles and playbook
2️⃣ Reflect – Small group discussions with peers explore key concepts
3️⃣ Act – Micro-roundtable conversation on applying insights in your work
This isn't a keynote or panel. It's a high-trust, high-participation conversation. Plus refreshments.
🎟️ Tickets are limited to only 20 people per reception. Grab yours now!
🚨 FULL SERIES LIENUP 🚨
Wednesday, Mar 11th | Hesam Masoumi, VP of Product, Simuhealth, ex-Sun Life, ex-RBC Ventures (Register here)
Wednesday, Apr 22nd | Ellisa Calder, Director of Digital Insights & Future Experiences, Lululemon (Register here)
Wednesday, May 6th | Margarita Maylyan, Product Lead, Industrio, ex-Microsoft (Register here)
Wednesday, Jun 3rd | Stefan Hawes, VP, Global Marketing, Destination Vancouver (Register here)
✒️ CONSENT
By registering for this event, you agree that:
Photos and videos may be taken for marketing purposes, and you consent to appearing in them.
Your registration information will be shared with event organizers, speakers, and sponsors.
🏢 VENUE INTRO
Convergence is a hub for innovation, alongside its sister companies Pixel Ramen (UX Research & Design) and Giant Leap (AI R&D studio). Together, they craft award-winning digital solutions for businesses and public sector organizations.