Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1507211
B M & T ••• September/October 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 47 video games," is a video game wizard and professor of video game design and discussed how playing games helps to build skills around teamwork, problem- solving, and critical thinking. Gaming also can enhance online instruction and cater to different types of learning, he said. Alexander pointed out that in Canada, 68% of people consider themselves gamers, and that students in his class "come from journalism, English, comput- er programming, etc. There isn't a single job, trade, or discipline that doesn't con- nect in some way to the video game industry." Alexander said he is "about shattering perspectives," a theme that seemed to weave throughout the conferences. Writers attending the events were able to experience more about Toronto's innovation ecosystem, including the net- work of organizations and institutions that work together, by visiting several hotel properties, restaurants and two major corporations. Two corporations that are making a major impact in Toronto include LinkedIn and TheAppLabb. LinkedIn, the business and employment-focused social media platform, is headquartered in California and has 21,000 employ- ees. Its Toronto office, at 16 York St., is one of 33 global offices. During a visit, employees gave an informative discus- sion on how to use the platform more effectively, including how to increase reach with hashtags and how to devel- op strong creative content. TheAppLabb, an award-winning prod- uct innovation firm focused on the strate- gy, design and development of cutting- edge web and mobile apps, was founded in 2007 by its Indian-born CEO Kundan Joshi. Located at 439 University Ave., TheAppLabb has successfully developed 750 apps for a variety of clients. The company has eight global offices and employs about 250 individuals. During a presentation, Joshi discussed the process that it takes to develop an app, which includes a team of developers, engineers, designers, and project man- agers, and the process can take up to a year to bring to fruition. As an immigrant, Joshi says he was drawn to Canada "because it is the most innovative nation and the 8th most compassionate nation. Canada aligns with our company's core values of demonstrating empathy and compassion for a positive impact." During 2019 and 2020, Covid 19 had a severe impact on the Canadian hospi- tality industry, with hotel occupancy falling to 50% in March 2020. While the sector is still in recovery mode, some hotels, like the Hilton Toronto and the Sheraton Toronto, were able to start and complete major renovations. The Hilton Toronto, at 145 Richmond St West, recently renovated its 600 deluxe guestrooms and will complete ren- ovations of its lobby and restaurant in September, said Giuseppe Lanzillotta, complex sales manager, for the hotel. The Sheraton Toronto, at 123 Queen St. West, recently completed a major ren- ovation that included its lobby, pool area, club lounges, and restaurants, said General Manager Tim Reardon. In keep- ing with the trend of sustainability becom- ing increasingly important, the Sheraton continues to make going green a priority. "We recycle the water from our compost and use it as water for our herbs. We also harvest honeybees and make our own honey," said Head chef Tuong Phuong. In the restaurant industry, some trends like outdoor dining, digital ordering, and local sourcing emerged to help the indus- try recover. As a result, business was booming at the three excellent restaurants where I dined: Rosalinda, 133 Richmond Street West (terrific vegetarian and gluten-free Mexican options); Miss Likklemore's, 433 King Street West (haute Caribbean- inspired dining); and Casa Madera, 550 Wellington Street West (great for an immersive, Mediterranean dining experi- ence). During my visit to Toronto, I stayed at the beautiful Hotel X, the first Canadian property opened by The Library Hotel Collection. With one-of-a-kind views of the Toronto city skyline and Lake Ontario, Hotel X is convenient to the best of Toronto's activities and entertainment options at Exhibition Place. These include concerts at Budweiser Stage, a TFC soc- cer match at BMO Field, or a convention at the Enercare Centre. If booking a stay, be sure to check out the year-round, heat- ed rooftop swimming pool. I also loved my room with its oversized window that allowed gorgeous sunrise views. The 9- foot high ceiling also accentuated the spacious feel. For tech enthusiasts who enjoyed their stay in Canada, the Collision 2024 confer- ence will return to Toronto next year. HITEC 2024 will be held in Charlotte, NC. June 24-27.