Our Speakers
Monday, June 3
Meet Brad MacLellan, the vibrant General Manager of the Cambridge Hotel & Conference Centre. With a flair for hospitality and a diverse background that ranges from roadside pubs to 5 diamond, boutique luxury hotels, Brad infuses creativity into his results-driven leadership style. His passion for customer experience shines through his years of service in Food & Beverage, Travel & Tourism, as well as the Accommodation sectors. As a Board Member at Destination Stratford, Brad adds zest to the local tourism scene, making him a dynamic force in both hospitality and community engagement.
Fun CHMA Fact: Brad is no stranger to the Post-Secondary world....think Breakaway Tours!
Monday, June 3
My name is Zafar Rashid a Multi-Unit Franchise Owner of Big Smoke Burger, South St. Burger, and La Diperie.
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From my early days in Food Service to General Manager at Kentucky Fried Chicken, Manager at Cara Foods, and Store Manager at Starbucks, I strive to lead with passion and purpose.
I'll share my insights on navigating the fast-paced world of franchising, multi-unit management, inspiring others to embrace change, and charting a course towards success.
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Fun CHMA Fact: Centennial College grad, who is giving back through workshops and leadership development.
Lucas Margulis
Monday, June 3
Lucas Margulis is a dynamic and versatile professional with a rich background spanning the entertainment, fashion, and events industries. His journey commenced in his formative years when he cultivated his skills by orchestrating events for various organizations across Canada and the USA. Committed to advocacy and destigmatization, Lucas pioneered HIGH BAR to become the inaugural company in Canada to offer cannabis-related services at a wedding reception in 2018.
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Our mission is clear: to deliver a refined cannabis experience in an elegant and upscale manner.
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Chef Robin Prasad
Tuesday, June 4
Robin was born and raised in Toronto. His career in the restaurant industry began at the young age of 14 where he was a busboy and dishwasher. His passion for food quickly transitioned him to kitchen where he found his true calling. Robin has led some of Toronto’s finest kitchens with concepts such as The Distillery Restaurant Group, Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants, Sassafraz, and out west with Canadian Iron Chef, Rob Feenie at Cactus Club. His experience is vast, from fine dining, upper casual, catering, and consulting. Robin believes that food should be driven by passion, proper technique, and great ingredients.
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Fun CHMA Fact: Robin was at Durham College, holding the title of Culinary Specialist | Corporate Chef
Tuesday, June 4
Mixologist Jeremy Parsons is considered to be one of the top Culinary Mixologists in North America creating beverage programs and consulting for such clients as The House of Blues, Live Nation, Paragon Gaming, Republic Live, Blau and Associates, Ink Co. and 60% of the spirits, beers and wines in Canada. His delivery is informative, fun, and always relaxed. He truly lives his passion every day and when he speaks about his love for culinary and mixological arts you can feel his passion in every word and smile. This is further translated into every and all projects that Cocktails The Fluid Experience is involved in.
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Fun CHMA Fact: Jeremy has worked with campuses and such programs as DrinkSmart to create spiritless beverage programs.
Bob Blumer
Wednesday, June 5
Bob Blumer, gastronaut, artist and eight time Guinness World Record holder Bob Blumer is the creator and host of the television series Surreal Gourmet, and Glutton for Punishment, and a producer and host of World’s Weirdest Restaurants. His shows air on various networks in over twenty countries world-wide.
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Fun CHMA Fact: Bob was our guest speaker in December and shared some nutritious meals made with ingredients from our student food cupboards. With a zero-waste perspective Bob prepared these tasty recipes for us and encouraged us to share simple recipes with the students. Bob will be joining us in-person.