A seasoned professional on the city’s hotel sales scene, Mark Fallis comes to our organization ready to welcome even more of the world to Winnipeg.
As the new business development manager for business events, Fallis can facilitate your next meeting or convention in Winnipeg, big or small.
A proven sales leader in Manitoba’s hospitality sector, for the past 15 years he’s held key sales positions at properties including the Fort Garry Hotel, Holiday Inn Winnipeg South and the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites, while he previously had plenty of frontline experience at resorts in Scotland and England.
As you’ll see above, this man also has some serious acting chops. Fallis co-starred in our most recent Winnipeg+ production right before wrapping up his hugely successful, record-breaking tenure as the director of sales at The Fort Garry Hotel, which just unveiled its ritzy new Vice Regal Floor – a great place to relax and unwind during your Winnipeg stay.
Mark Mark’s words below in this Q&A.
***
Having already led successful sales campaigns for key Winnipeg hotels, what attracted you to this new role at Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism?
In the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to work closely with Winnipeg EDT on national business events initiatives that make a real impact on the city. Working with the business development team and other tourism partners was one of the favourite parts of my job and one of the most impactful. Winnipeg is beginning “its moment”, and it is exciting to be part of the team making Winnipeg better for everyone, whether you’re here to visit, live, work or invest.
What do you love most about Winnipeg?
As it relates to business events, I love the way tourism partners and the city collectively work together to put on an impressive spectacle. You don’t often see that in larger markets. In the last few years Winnipeg has hosted the SKAL North American Congress, Student Youth Travel Association and Rendez-vous Canada. Each was vastly different in size, but they all allowed me to see the perspective of a conference delegate and how Winnipeg can showcase itself on the world stage.
What things should conference or event delegates be excited about for their next Winnipeg trip?
Delegates should be excited about our city’s incredible transformation specifically around Portage Place, Canada Life Centre and the Exchange District — will create a seamless, walkable experience.
Beyond the boardroom, The Leaf at Assiniboine Park is a world-class draw, offering a stunning horticultural escape that’s perfect for off-site networking.
What are your favourite places in Winnipeg to visit with your large family?
Managing a wide age range of kids –– our blended family is six kids, aged four months to 20 years old –– is a logistical feat that would challenge even the best event planner. When I’m not focused on bringing new business events to Winnipeg, I’m usually balancing between The Forks, where the city connects. It’s perfect for teens to roam independently, but it’s also the best spot for delegates to mingle with locals in an authentic setting. Assiniboine Park and Zoo’s Journey to Churchill exhibit and The Leaf are hits with younger kids. Honestly, I think they shine best as a themed reception venues with a bar—polar bears or tropical gardens and cocktails are always a memorable mix for guests. Finally, Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg and Ten Spa at The Fort Garry Hotel, these are our go-to for a wellness escape when my partner and I need to unplug.
What do you look forward to offering prospective clients to the city?
Showing off our "big city" capabilities delivered with "small town" connectivity and charm. We have the infrastructure of a major city, but our local ecosystem is incredibly tight knit with people who want to earn their business. I look forward to proving to clients how quickly we can mobilize local leaders and resources to make their specific goals a reality.
What are some of your favourite Winnipeg restaurants?
Amsterdam Tea Room is a hidden gem with a great vibe and creative cocktails; Feast Café Bistro is an essential take on modern Indigenous cuisine; deer + almond is the heart of the Exchange District’s creative food scene; and Saddlery on Market, which is inspired by our city’s past, offers comforting food made with ingredients that express the bounty of our region.
