Ottawa, September 19, 2025 – The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Interior Design Show (IDS) Vancouver, taking place September 25–28, 2025 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Through this collaboration, HAC members will have the opportunity to access exclusive programming, including complimentary All Access Passes to the show. IDS Vancouver brings together design leaders and innovators to explore the latest trends shaping hospitality interiors and guest experiences.

HAC President & CEO, Beth McMahon, will host the marquee Night & Day feature panel, a flagship IDS session that will explore how hotel design is adapting to evolving guest expectations, sustainability imperatives, and the integration of new technologies. The program will also spotlight globally recognized hotel designer Paolo Ferrari, Netflix personality Karin Bohn, and other design leaders, bringing forward diverse perspectives on how interiors can shape the future of hospitality.

HAC members will also be on site engaging with the program, including Paul Hawes, President & CEO of the BC Hotel Association, underscoring the strong connection between Canada’s hotel industry and the future of design.

“Hotels are some of the hardest-working buildings, expected to provide security, hygiene, comfort, and style around the clock,” said McMahon. “Our partnership with IDS reflects HAC’s commitment to showcasing the importance of design and innovation in delivering exceptional guest experiences.”

Interior Design Show Vancouver
September 25–28, 2025
Vancouver Convention Centre – Vancouver, BC

For more information on the full IDS program, please visit:

TORONTO, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Like the much-anticipated second album from a breakout artist,  is debuting a renewed rhythm: remixed, refined, and ready to be re-experienced. Aptly titled Volume II, the Yorkville property is unveiling the first phase of its multi-level transformation with the debut of , the brand's signature lobby lounge, now reimagined and redesigned as the heartbeat of the hotel. The evolution will continue with the upcoming opening of TONO, a rooftop restaurant led by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Akira Back. Designed to deliver more than just a luxury stay or culinary journey, Volume II sets the stage for an experience that is unmistakably W: bold, immersive, and reenvisioned for a new generation of travellers.

Visitors step straight into the city's soundtrack as they enter the all-new lobby lounge and coffee bar, an all-day destination fueling mornings with specialty coffees and pastries, and evolving into a cocktail lounge with live music and performances as evening falls.

Living Room has been reinvented to echo the beat of day-to-day routines, rooted in unexpected moments, music-driven activations, and creative energy. Beverages and bubbly lead the way, with Perrier Jouët Champagnes, a lineup of signature cocktails and spirit-free selections, all drawing inspiration from the hotel's artwork and surroundings. Enjoy a new curated menu of locally-inspired bar bites, entrees and shareables, including gojuchang fried cauliflower, mushroom arancini, charcuterie and flatbreads.

The space is a front-row seat to the ever-evolving scene, where the city's pulse meets hotel indulgence. By day, ease into rituals like High Tea or discover seasonal coffees on rotation from local roaster . Afternoons unfold with Warm-Up Sessions, setting the tone through happy hour offerings and building into the energy of daily performances by local and global artists during Live in Living Room. Weekends come alive with immersive experiences from DJ sets and vinyl sessions to workshops and spontaneous pop-ups that invite guests to slow down and listen with intention.

"Reimagining Living Room on the ground floor was about creating synergy between W and the city," says Elie Sassine, General Manager of W Toronto Hotel. "Now, when you walk through our doors, you are immersed in the heart of the hotel, where Toronto's originality and the true identity of the W Hotels brand come to life. Whether guests join us for coffee at sunrise or cocktails at night, Living Room is where the experience culminates."

Conceived by the internationally acclaimed , the design concept nods to Yorkville's 1960s bohemian spirit with inspiration from the polished sophistication of the Mink Mile. The result is a modern lounge that feels fresh yet familiar. Featuring intimate nooks, communal areas, and a dedicated live music zone, Living Room is a destination capturing the vibe of downtown's trendiest neighbourhoods, where connection, creativity, and comfort converge.

The next track in Volume II's queue will be released this October, . Situated on the hotel's rooftop, TONO introduces Yorkville to the world of Nikkei cuisine, a blend of Japanese precision and Peruvian passion. Under the visionary leadership of Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back, renowned for his rebellious yet refined culinary style, the menu pays tribute to time-honoured traditions while pushing the boundaries of flavour and presentation. As early October approaches, further insights about TONO by Akira Back and its offerings will be unveiled.

With its refreshed look, programming, and amplified food and beverage offerings, the rollout of Living Room and TONO reaffirms W Toronto Hotel as a leading downtown destination. Located in Canada's largest city, in the iconic cultural and style district of Yorkville, the hotel is at the crossroads of renowned landmarks and entertainment hubs, offering access to acclaimed attractions like world-class museums and concert venues.

Living Room is located on the ground floor of W Toronto Hotel at 90 Bloor St E, Toronto, Ontario. The Living Room Coffee Bar is open daily from 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and the Living Room Bar is open daily from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM. To learn more, visit the W Toronto Instagram page and the website .

MARKHAM, Ontario, Sept. 16, 2025— is entering an exciting new era with Tim Major at the helm. In March, Tim stepped into the leadership role of the All-In-One cloud hosted, private cloud and on-premises property-management system company. Under his guidance, Maestro is strengthening its commitment on its mission to equip independent operators with the tools they need to compete at the highest level. With hospitality evolving faster than ever, his leadership positions Maestro to drive innovation while keeping client results at the forefront.

A Proven Leader 

Tim Major brings deep experience across hospitality technology, having led multiple PMS companies through pivotal transformations. He is known for advancing innovation, guiding organizations through change, and aligning technology with the real-world needs of hoteliers—building a reputation for turning vision into impact. As an innovator and industry leader, Tim will continue to align  with customer needs.

“My vision for Maestro PMS is clear: to help independent hoteliers stay competitive with tools that emphasize efficiency, embedded payments, performance, and data security,” Tim Major said. “Hospitality is entering a new era where technology is a competitive advantage and a partner to hoteliers—not a burden. I am excited to continue my vision of defragmenting technology into one seamless experience across lodging, food & beverage, experiences, travel, and services.  

“Maestro’s strength lies in providing an all-in-one, flexible solution that evolves with the industry," he added. “We are combining applications to form a connected platform that provides a single guest profile and central data repository. The combination of  and best-in-class hospitality applications across activities, golf, F&B and wineries, will ensure that our customers are equipped with systems that enhance profitability, guest loyalty, and operational agility.” 

“Maestro has never been in stronger hands,” said Ravi Jonnavithula, President of the hospitality division at Fullsteam. “Tim is known for his product-led growth strategies, operational insight, and passion for innovation that serves hoteliers. From the outset, he strengthened client partnerships, accelerated product innovation, and ensured the platform remains the most complete and flexible PMS for independent operators worldwide. Today, he is leading Maestro into its next phase of growth, innovation, and client success. We have full confidence in Tim’s leadership and expertise to drive lasting growth.

Answering the Call for Innovation 

As independent hoteliers seek more automation, embedded payments, and seamless integrations, Tim Major’s growth strategy for Maestro includes: 

• Fullsteam Hospitality – Building a shared guest profile across Fullsteam’s hospitality software units, connecting Maestro, Golf, POS, Activities, and Wine solutions in one API to strengthen relationships and simplify use. 

• API Interface Expansion – Ongoing enhancement of Maestro’s open API to meet evolving industry demands.

• MezzoPay Embedded Payment solution – Recently rolled out in Canada, Maestro’s embedded payment platform will continue to expand. 

• AI – Expanding AI within the PMS and building on GuestXMS concierge chat and Maestro User AI learning tools.

• Innovation – Continual improvement of Maestro’s features as demanded by clients, industry and technology. 

Game-Changing Tech

At the forefront of Tim’s leadership is Maestro Touch—a game-changing update that redefines front desk operations. By unlocking PMS functionality on any tablet or touch-capable device, Maestro Touch delivers true mobility, faster training, streamlined workflows, and stronger team performance while preserving the depth and reliability of the Maestro platform hoteliers know and trust. It helps teams respond to guest needs and property updates without being tied to the desk. Some of these elements include Check-Out Functionality, Digital Signature Capture, and Real-Time Room Availability. 

“At Maestro, we are committed to advancing mobile operations tools because we believe they represent the future of hotel efficiency and profitability,” Tim Major said. “The launch of Maestro Touch marks the next step in that commitment—delivering a touch-based interface built specifically for hoteliers, with their workflows and operational priorities at the center.” 

Accelerate 2025 User Conference 

Maestro customers will hear more about the company’s future direction at its , September 22–25, at the InterContinental Toronto Centre. The four-day event will bring operators together to share ideas, build partnerships, and apply innovative tools and strategies to maximize their Maestro PMS investment. 

“This conference brings together a strong group of partners who play an important role in extending the value of your PMS,” Tim said. “As a first-time participant, my main goal is simple: to meet you, hear your stories, learn how you’re using Maestro to improve business performance, and better understand what matters most to your operations. User feedback and ideas will help guide us where we go next, and I’m eager to listen. Every insight you share is the fuel that will guide our next chapter.”

Vancouver, BC - Kasian Architecture, Interior Design and Planning is proud to announce the appointment of Adele Rankin as Principal and Vice President, Interior Design, strengthening the firm’s leadership in creating human-centric spaces across Canada.

With more than 20 years of design leadership and business development experience, Adele brings a proven track record of delivering distinctive projects that blend functionality, creativity, and cultural impact. Her career spans hospitality, senior living, and multifamily residential sectors, with notable projects including The Karl Lagerfeld Hotel at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort in Macau, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, The Dorian Autograph Collection in Calgary, and the REN residential tower in Seattle. Given the forecasted growth in the global hospitality design market over the next year, her knowledge and experience will bolster Kasian’s expertise in the sector.

Adele’s leadership has extended across global markets, where she has overseen multidisciplinary teams of more than 100 designers and led the growth of multiple international studios. In her new role, Adele will advance Kasian’s national interior design practice, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support growth across the firm’s studios. She is recognized for her ability to lead complex projects from concept to completion, building strong client relationships, champion design excellence, and mentor emerging talent.

“Adele’s ability to shape exceptional user experiences aligns perfectly with Kasian’s vision of enriching lives through our design philosophy of in-between thinking,” said Don Kasian. “Her leadership will elevate our interiors practice and strengthen the connections across our disciplines.”