Melanie leads all marketing, communications, media relations and business development for Dimensions Retreats, spanning a diversity of landscapes and locations, and oversees the brand’s marketing worldwide. Dimensions brings forth a new paradigm for healing, combining ancient ceremonial plant medicines with modern science in safe, legal and nurturing environments. Combining neuroscientific research with plant ceremony and luxurious hospitality, Dimensions focuses on restorative well-being and transformational growth.

As Drake Hotel Properties (DHP) enters its next phase of growth, Melanie is the Executive Director, Revenue + Growth overseeing the Marketing/Communications and Design teams, and all revenue generating Corporate Sales, Business Development + Catering teams. Melanie works with these talented colleagues as their direct report to strategically develop and execute initiatives that will focus on building long-term, customer/guest/business relationships; achieving property, catering, and managing special event business objectives, and establishing new standards and objectives for DHP’s Corporate and Group Hotel sales positioning.

At Fogo Island Inn, Melanie oversees a Toronto-based marketing and sales department and works with several remote stakeholders while collaborating with the Newfoundland-based leadership team. Together they envision, develop and integrate quiet luxuries that position Fogo Island as a radically transformative destination. This key startup venture for the Shorefast charity redirects 100% of the operating surpluses back into the local economy and community. Working closely with the Innkeeper to write and execute the vision, marketing strategy and business development plan, Melanie has been instrumental in transforming Fogo Island into a global destination where nature, design and food culture are a focal point. Several notable strategic brand partnerships have been secured during her tenure. Melanie collaborates with the front of house and culinary team to create innovative and experiential food and beverage programs, as well as Guest Chef engagements that are at the intersection of humanity, nature, and culture. Due to Melanie’s key contributions in marketing strategy, media relations, communications, social media, and public relations Fogo Island Inn has achieved significant growth in revenues year-over-year as well as received numerous prestigious industry honors including: -Travel + Leisure’s Best Resort Hotel, Canada (2017 & 2018)-TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award (2015-2018)-Travel + Leisure 100 Best Hotels in the World (2016 - 2018)-Condé Nast Traveler Gold List (2015 & 2016)-Mr. & Mrs. Smith Coolest Creative Hub (2016)-Telegraph Travel's 50 Greatest Hotels in the World (2016)-Andrew Harper Hideaway of the Year (2015)-Architectural Digest. Ten Daring New Buildings Around the World, 2014-Travel + Leisure. Global Vision Award, Culture, 2013-EnRoute Magazine. Canada's Best New Restaurants, 2013-TIAC. National Cultural Tourism Award, 2013-Mr & Mrs Smith. Best Newcomer, 2013

A cross functional brand communications professional with extensive experience working with high profile hospitality and entertainment companies. Successful at driving change with leadership skills ideally suited to the unique challenges of the hospitality and attractions businesses.

As an executive team member at Fairmont Hotel & Resorts, Melanie served as a communications expert where she was respected for bringing the Fairmont story alive through community-based connections and innovative food and beverage programs. She was in a progressive career with evolving responsibilities, while directing regional communications for a global luxury hotel company at Fairmonts in Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Toronto. Her dynamic leadership role encompassed: brand communications/ marketing; press relations; crisis management; product development for over 20 Food & Beverage outlets; leadership development; CSR/ Environmental affairs. Melanie was responsible for developing and executing a fully integrated PR and communication strategy that heightened market presence and increased positive awareness, she strengthened brand loyalty, grew market share and boosted revenues for the Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Toronto Luxury Fairmont hotels. Melanie recruited and nurtured a highly engaged and collaborative team and acted as a tipping point effectively predicting and capitalizing on market trends that collectively resulted in the Guest Service Engagement (GSE) metric increasing and the Guest Service Index (GSI) metric improving by more than five points in one year.

Led marketing and public relations inititiatives, including: strategic plans; the liaison with graphic designers, printers and advertising agencies, the development, editorial and design of house programs, flyers including ads for print and radio; posters, flyers, postcards, brochures, T-shirts, signage and other collateral materials; targeting of special markets for on line and direct mail. Creation and administration of window display campaigns. Negotiated and executed all media sponsorship, high profile theme-related opening nights and gala parties.

Led press tours throughout the province, and integrated specific marketing communications for Windsor House Inn, Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre. Each client required targeting of journalists for strategic familiarization visits. Marketing communications included on line, direct mail and liase with graphic designers, printers and the development, editing and design of brochures.

Regional Director of Media Relations: Crisis Management Trainer for Canadian Pacific Hotels (CPH). Launched the opening of several hotels’capital expansions to press and community. Developed and procured all press communications, corporate sponsorship and promotions with local and international print, radio and television. CSR achievements included launch and administration of AIDS red ribbon campaign and hospital accommodation program at all CPH Atlantic Hotels. Launched nationally televised fund-raising campaign for women’s shelters on WTN.

Press Relations/ Media Promotions: Led writing and distribution of press materials; procuring and scheduling of interviews with media; coordination of photo sessions and photo opportunities; speech preparations and the organizing of press conferences. Liaised with entertainment producers, musicians and performing artists to launch Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, in North American and for USA Tour. Publicity for select LIVENT concerts included: Bolshoi Ballet, Salzburg Marionettes, Harry Belafonte, Natalie Cole, Dionne Warwick and Burt Bacharach. Collateral creation included playbills, newsletters and communications for single ticket or season campaigns and product campaign launches. Supported development of guest lists, sponsorship, catering, décor and music.