The Whistler Experience - Training to get you stoked!

WE Go BIG! CULTURE LIVE at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC)
Location: 4584 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC
(Recommended for Whistler newcomers)

The WE Go BIG! LIVE sessions prepare participants for life and work in Whistler while setting the stage for exceptional guest service — in a way only an in-person experience can.

Join us for this in-person WE Go BIG! Culture LIVE at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Enjoy light nibbles and the chance to win prizes, including branded swag and a set of skis or snowboard from local manufacturer, PRIOR Snowboards & Skis!

Agenda (subject to change):
6:00 PM Registration
6:30 PM Training Presentation & Prizes
7:15 PM Networking & PRIOR Giveaway
8:00 PM Event End

Training begins with the Whistler Vibe — the pride, energy, and belonging that make Whistler extraordinary. Participants explore the BIG model (Belong, Initiate, Go Beyond) through live scenarios, peer conversations, and stories from local voices.

Once complete, you’ll understand how to build pride and belonging, practice the BIG model in real-world scenarios, and leave energized to create unforgettable guest moments.

Must be present to win prizes.

WE Go BIG! Keynote, Panel and Après!
Location: Fairmont Chateau Whistler | 4599 Chateau Blvd, Whistler, BC, V8E 1G1

(Recommended for managers, business owners, new and future leaders)

The Whistler Experience Leadership Series, generously supported by Whistler Blackcomb, debuts November 26 with an inspiring keynote, panel discussion, and après networking event at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

This year’s keynote features Talaysay Campo, an esteemed Indigenous health and wellness advocate, entrepreneur, and 2025 Tourism Woman of the Year. Through her story, participants will explore how thoughtful, people-focused leadership creates exceptional guest experiences and high-performing, resilient teams.

A panel of local leaders will then connect these insights to the realities of managing teams and delivering service excellence across Whistler’s diverse workplaces.

Following the keynote and panel, attendees will have the opportunity to network and connect in an après-style atmosphere.

Agenda (subject to change):
4:00 PM Registration 
4:30 PM Introduction and Keynote 
5:15 PM Panel discussion 
6:00 PM Networking
7:00 PM Event close

About Talaysay Campo

Born and raised in the Squamish and Sechelt Nations, Talaysay Campo is an esteemed Indigenous health and wellness advocate, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker specializing in business and economic reconciliation. Deeply rooted in her Coast Salish values, Talaysay is dedicated to nurturing the next generation through cultural, land-based knowledge and guiding her community toward stronger, healthier, and more balanced living.

Talaysay holds an MBA from the UBC Sauder School of Business and is a certified personal trainer specializing in movement and nutrition. She also has a strong background in ethnobotany, connecting her understanding of Indigenous plant medicine to her work in holistic health and education. By integrating these diverse disciplines, Talaysay bridges traditional Indigenous teachings with modern wellness practices.

As the Co-Owner of Talaysay Tours, a leading Indigenous cultural and eco-tourism company, and the Founder of Theda X Nena Skincare, Talaysay continues to champion Indigenous leadership, sustainability, and community empowerment. Through her work, she creates spaces for education, healing, and cultural revitalization—uplifting others to live in connection with the land and one another.

Whistler Experience Program Benefits:
A $40 registration fee applies if you wish to access Whistler Experience program benefits, including the Whistler Blackcomb Spirit Pass.

If you do not wish to pay the $40 registration fee for program benefits and only want to attend the keynote, please register via our events calendar.

Photographs taken at the event may be used in marketing and promotional campaigns by the Whistler Chamber.

Cancellation Policy:
If you cannot attend, please email whistlerexperience@whistlerchamber.com

Take this course to build your skills, strengthen your team, and create exceptional guest experiences!

Facilitator: Caroline Bagnall
Hospitality & Tourism Professional, Adult Educator, and Sustainable Events Advocate at Connect Hospitality Strategies Inc.
Website 

Caroline is a 20-year Whistler resident with extensive experience in F&B management, event planning, and hospitality education. She has held senior roles including Sr. Manager at Whistler’s Conference Centre, Director of Banquets at Hilton Resort & Spa, and Asst. Director of F&B at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, where she was recognized as Leader of the Year. Caroline also served as General Manager overseeing the opening of the Hard Rock Café and Boutique in Whistler. She has coached and trained hundreds of staff, and now brings her expertise to teaching and consulting, sharing practical skills and industry insights with leaders across Whistler.

Performance Management for New Leaders (Online)
(Recommended for supervisors, team leads, and managers)

Performance Management for New Leaders is designed to improve your effectiveness as a manager and coach. When you share coaching feedback, your team will feel supported, encouraged, and valued. Clear workplace policies and expectations help increase overall work satisfaction.

Key Learnings:

• Explore why coaching peers and direct reports is an effective way to improve business results

• Use the team scorecard format to identify areas of strength and opportunity for your staff

• Drive results using the 2-minute coaching model

Take this course to build your coaching skills, strengthen your team, and create exceptional workplace experiences!

Facilitator: Caroline Bagnall
Hospitality & Tourism Professional, Adult Educator, and Sustainable Events Advocate at Connect Hospitality Strategies Inc.
Website

Caroline is a 20-year Whistler resident with extensive experience in F&B management, event planning, and hospitality education. She has held senior roles including Sr. Manager at Whistler’s Conference Centre, Director of Banquets at Hilton Resort & Spa, and Asst. Director of F&B at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, where she was recognized as Leader of the Year. Caroline also served as General Manager overseeing the opening of the Hard Rock Café and Boutique in Whistler. She has coached and trained hundreds of staff and now brings her expertise to teaching and consulting, sharing practical skills and industry insights with leaders across Whistler.

Gender Diversity Basics (Online)
(Recommended for supervisors, team leads, and managers)

For many of us, transgender issues are new territory and the concepts related to gender diversity may feel overwhelming or confusing.

Gender Diversity Basics course consists of brief video clips explaining terms, concepts, and how to respectfully interact with transgender people, including pronouns and recovering from mistakes. It is interspersed with reflection surveys and quizzes to assess comprehension. It takes about 2.5 hours to complete.

Key Takeaways Include:

• Learn to communicate respectfully with trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit individuals

• Build confidence in fostering inclusivity in your workplace

Take this course to build understanding, foster inclusion, and support a respectful workplace culture.

Facilitator: Kai Scott
President + Gender Strategist, TransFocus Consulting Inc.
Website

Kai pairs his technical skills from 15 years as a social scientist conducting social impact assessments with his lived experiences as a trans man to develop innovative solutions for greater inclusion of gender diversity. He uses exploratory, evidence-based methods and quantitative and qualitative tools—like interviews, surveys, systems reviews and spatial analyses—to develop solutions that create real, measurable change.