Michael Drake is the vice president of meetings, conventions and destination events at Destination Vancouver. He leads a sales team focused on attracting Canadian, US and international conferences and destination events that contribute to Vancouver’s visitor economy and knowledge sectors. Michael has represented Destination Vancouver on the board of BestCities, a global alliance of convention bureaus, for the past 10 years.

Michael has 25-plus years of experience in hospitality and tourism. His career includes senior leadership roles with Hyatt Hotels and Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Toronto, where he specialized in sales and client relations. He began his career at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, where he developed his interest in group and incentive business, and later at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in Vancouver, where he deepened his connection to the city and its meetings industry.

Outside work, Michael is an avid skier, hiker and runner who enjoys exploring trails and destinations in British Columbia and beyond.