From our inception, we have proven to be a valuable resource to corporate efforts in the promotion and fulfillment of Experiential Marketing, Corporate Conferences, Galas, and Exclusive Culinary Events. Our work has allowed us the privilege of representing the upper echelons of industry, and along the way we have raised over a million dollars with philanthropic events that we have curated. We pride ourselves in having a resolve and level of sophistication that enables us to get the job done!
Bradley Dean
Managing Director
Bradley Dean is the co-founder of Quadra Innovations and Granite Productions, both founded in 2010, with offices in Oakville and Toronto, Ontario. These marketing, communications and promotions agencies serve international travel destinations that are seeking to increase market share, sales, and brand recognition in the North American travel trade and consumer market.
Before launching Quadra and Granite, Bradley served as Director of Sponsorship for Premier Consumer Shows, Canada’s largest consumer event company with verticals in Travel, Golf, Bridal, Culinary and 50+ markets.
In 2021, Bradley produced the first national online travel trade and consumer virtual show, which hosted 125+ international destinations and thousands of travel-hungry consumers during the Covid pandemic. 2023 marks the launch of “Granite Travel Trade Expos” at GraniteTravelExpos.com. The new series of regional travel trade events are designed to connect industry suppliers and top-producing travel agents, facilitating valuable and essential in-person interactive consultations and presentations. The Granite Travel Trade Expos will run April 17th to April 20th across four cities in Ontario: Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, Mississauga, and Barrie.
Bradley has lectured at Mohawk College, Humber College and various marketing summits on integrated marketing and sponsorship. Bradley is also the co-founder of WheelsUpNetwork.com / Global Agents, North America’s most effective online travel/trade resource centre, dedicated to providing critical product information, educational tools, promotions, contesting, FAM trips, and trade specials to the travel industry. Global Agents has dedicated websites in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia.
In addition to being a passionate marketer, Bradley volunteers with CAMH and supports initiatives benefiting mental health. Bradley lives in Oakville, Ontario but truly feels at home spending time at the cottage on Georgian Bay.
Jason Lee
Creative Director
Jason Lee is Granite Productions technical guru where he is responsible all of Granite’s technological needs from web design to programming to creative.
With more than 20 years’ experience in the field, Jason started his career with Adobe from 2003-2012 to develop Adobe Acrobat versions 7-11, including adoption of interactive multimedia in PDF files. During that time, he presented at tech conferences to showcase digital workflows utilizing Adobe PDF and Adobe InDesign.
Jason also worked with the OACCAC (Ontario Association of Critical Care Access Centres) to produce training materials and event media for conferences. 360º photography has had a special place in his heart since 2005, and has worked with Jaguar, Volvo, Mazda, Nissan, Ford, to produce virtual tours of cars, interior & exterior, embedded in interactive PDF brochures.
Since joining Granite in 2017, Jason has helped elevate experiences for clients to ensure high ROI and satisfaction.
A self-described “obsessed Leaf fan,” a diehard craft beer lover, Jason loves to be working in the travel industry, which is giving him the opportunity to explore the world.
Dea Yu
Social Media Manager
Dea Yu is Granite Travel Trade Expos’ Social Media Manager, where she is in charge of creating graphics and communications to promote among the company’s various social media channels. A participant in the Media Studies program at UBC, Dea is passionate about video editing and graphic design, which she utilizes in conjunction with diverse experience in marketing and copy editing. In her free time, Dea enjoys swimming, crocheting, and hanging out with her cat Doudou.
Sal Buccellato
Emcee and Expo Ambassador
Sal Buccellato is Granite Travel Trade Expos’ Social Media Ambassador, bringing his more than 30 years of experience and connections in the travel industry to the Expos, after coming out of retirement to join us.
Sal was most recently the National Sales Director, Canada for Bahia Principe Hotels which encompassed sales and training agents across Canada both via face-to-face or via webinars. Additionally, he implemented marketing plans and B2C events such as consumer shows, radio and television campaigns. Sal also enjoyed many years with Signature Vacations as Key Account Manager / Sales Manager, positions at Alba Tours and Sunquest Vacations.
Rick McCauley
Sales
Rick McCauley is Granite Productions’ Director of Sales where he is responsible for the day to day sales operations for the Granite Travel Trade Expos.
Rick brings more than 40 years’ experience in the travel industry, where he’s held Senior Level positions in both the Tour Operator, Hotel Sales and Marketing fields. He has spent the last 16 years managing the Canadian market for Barcelo Hotel group.
Rick’s extensive knowledge in event planning for both consumer and travel trade shows is an asset to the Granite Travel Trade Expos, where he can offer an in-depth understanding of what suppliers and vendors are hoping to achieve, helping to deliver maximum ROI for their organizations.
As Senior Director, Rick has vast experience in Sales and Marketing to the Travel Trade, including Trainings in person and online, as well as focusing on trade shows both consumer and Trade events.
Prior to his hotel management position, Rick was Director of Product for Signature Vacations and Canadian Holidays with the focus on many Latin and English-speaking destinations.
Alexander Portman
Events Consultant
Born in Ukraine and raised in Israel, Alex now lives in Toronto, Canada. This diverse background has given him an international perspective important in markets like Canada, the United States and Europe.
Having worked in various fields, from Healthcare, Technology and Education to Travel, Tourism and Philanthropy- Alex enjoys using his broad experience, paired with a BA Honours degree from York University, to enhance the results of the companies he works with.
