corporate meetings & events - december 2009

December 2009

Canada's Premier Publication for Corporate Meeting & Event Organizers

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Also:

Guest Speakers

MPI's New Training Centre

Aruba Marriott

www.corporatemeetingsandevents.ca

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Corporate Meetings & Events | 3

C o n t E n t sDesTinaTion profile12 proDUcTive paraDise Aruba Marriott serves up business and pleasure By Rachel Naud

feaTUres18 Be UniqUe: meeT UniqUe An extraordinary venue can yield extaordinary results By Matthew LaForge

24 sTanD anD Deliver Picking a speaker can make or break your event By Jamie Zachary

26 planninG for The BesT BlackRock's Katheen Paramonczyk runs a tight ship By Matthew LaForge

28 new anD improveD The London Convention Centre's recent renovation By Matthew LaForge

DeparTmenTs5 eDiTor’s noTe

8 inDUsTrY news

23 chef’s spoTliGhT Executive Chef Jean Soulard serves up Quebec’s history

By Habeeb Salloum

32 av insiGhT Intelligable audio in large venues By Ralph Niekamp

special To This issUe6 The Team Introducing the Corporate Meetings & Events

editorial advisory board By Matthew LaForge

10 mpi aT rYerson UniversiTY By Matthew LaForge


E d i t o r ' s n o t E

Corporate Meetings & Events Volume 10 Number 6

Publisher Vaios Petsis

Editor Matthew LaForge

Senior Designer Annette Carlucci

Production Manager Rachel Selbie

Circulation Manager Cindy Younan [email protected] For advertising information, Contact Vaios Petsis 416-512-8186 ext. [email protected]

Printed and published six times per year by MediaEdge Communications Inc. 5255 Yonge Street, Suite 1000 Toronto, ON M2N 6P4 Telephone: (416) 512-8186 Fax: (416) 512-8344 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mediaedge.ca

Corporate Meetings & Events subscriptions are available for: 12 issues $70.40, 6 issues $40.20. For all subscriptions outside Canada the price is: 12 issues $89, 6 issues $54.Subscription entitles the recipient to 5 issues of the magazine per year plus our Annual Industry Source Book.

MediaEdge Communications Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

President Kevin BrownVice-President Chuck Nervick

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40063056ISSN: 1919-1464Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to:Circulation Inquiries5255 Yonge Street, Suite 1000 Toronto Ontario M2N 6P4416-512-8186 ext. 259 [email protected]

Printed in CanadaReprint permission requests to use materials published in Corporate Meetings & Events

should be directed to the publisher.

BBe unique. It’s a special time of year and you, the planners, have a special job. It’s incumbent on you to do everything in your power to set yourselves, and by extension your meeting or event, apart from the crowd. By virtue of your being unique – uniquely resourceful, uniquely creative, uniquely conscientious – your events’ clients and end-users will feel likewise unique – uniquely informed, uniquely cared for, uniquely positioned to see tangible return on investment. A unique approach is reflected in a unique choice of venue; and if this issue’s cover story on non-traditional meeting venues (page 18) is of some help in this regard, then I’ll spend my holidays a happy man.

On to other matters. I trust you’ve noticed by now that the name written below these words is a new one. What you’ll find out upon turning the page is that mine is but one of 11 new faces around here. Between me and our newly convened editorial advisory board, the members of which are introduced in “The Team” on page 6, there’s an NFL team’s worth of new blood coursing through the veins of CM&E.

Earlier this fall, I told the then-prospective members of board that they would be the cornerstone of what we wanted the new CM&E to be: a magazine that listens to its constituency; a magazine that forgoes the usual boilerplate and predictable clichés; a magazine that publishes content that those in the meetings-events-and-incentives business can, and will, actually use. We – I’m talking about CM&E staff – are the press; our expertise only goes so far. The people you’re about to meet are the professionals. We will rely on their knowledge of what’s truly important and in need of serious coverage. What choice do we have? Frankly speaking, I couldn’t begin to do my job without meaningful input from people whose livelihoods cover.

The board’s membership comprises not only in-house and third-party meeting planners but also representatives from CVBs, trade associations, audio-visual vendors, and, of course, all manner of venues – from hotels and convention centres to resorts and casinos. They’ve convened to help me and the rest of our team make this the best and most relevant venue for discourse in Canada’s meetings-and-events industry. And already, in this very issue, they’re making their presence felt: C3 president Gilda Abdulezer offers writer Jamie Zachary her insights on selecting the right speaker (page 24); in our planner profile (page 26), Kathleen Paramonczyk, a former in-house planner at Franklin Templeton newly appointed to a similar role at BlackRock Inc., explains the challenges and advantages of working in the financial sector in times such as these; and Robert Giorgini of MPI Toronto Chapter tells us all about recent upgrades to his the homebase of his main employer, the London Convention Centre (page 28).

Matthew LaForgeEditor

We’re the press; they’re the professionals

6 | december 2009

Christine BoonD i r e c tor, Bra nd s Marketing – CanadaI nt e r cont i nent a l Hotel GroupChristine Boon over-sees the market-ing of IHG’s seven brands in Canada – InterContinental Hotels, Crowne Plaza Hotels, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn Hotels, Holiday Inn Express Hotels, Staybridge Suites Hotels and Candlewood Suites Hotels. Prior to joining IHG in 2004, Christine held marketing-management roles at Mott’s Canada, Oetker Ltd., Dare Foods, and Esselte Pendaflex. Christine has a bachelor of com-merce degree from the University of Toronto, and resides in Mississauga, Ont.

Rod CameronPresidentCriterion Communications Inc.;Executive directorConvention Centres of CanadaR o d C a m e r o n i s president of Criterion Communications Inc., a strategic manage-ment and marketing consultancy based in Vancouver. He currently serves as executive director of Convention Centres of Canada, director of international development for the Brussels-based International Association of Convention Centres, and manager of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), an organ-ization consisting of 11 major international meetings-industry associations. Rod brings a broad perspective to the development, man-agement, and marketing of destinations and convention centres, having developed and managed projects and programs for a wide range of industry clients, including conven-tion centres, meetings destinations, CVB’s, hotel chains, and both national and inter-

a d v i s o r y

The Corporate Meetings & Events editor-ial advisory board is our secret weapon. Representing every segment of the meetings-and-events industry, as well as every region and both official languages of Canada, the board comprises a membership of the most informed, experienced, energetic, forward-thinking, and conscientious people we could find. These are the men and women who have and will continue to set the industry’s agenda, and their generous (and completely voluntary) donation of time and expertise will enhance and augment what we at CM&E are trying to do. Our ultimate hope is that, by delivering to you, our readers, a more savvy, information-rich, straight-from-the-horse’s-mouth publication, we can make your job easier – and maybe even a little more fun.

Gilda AbdulezerPresidentC3 Communications Inc. As president of C3 Communications – a corporate meeting, conference, and event pla n n i ng orga n-ization boasting over 20 years of combined experience in the field of planning and seam-lessly executing these experiences – Gilda brings a wealth of insight and experience to the development and implementation of meetings and events, having successfully held that mandate at Pharmascience Inc., a successful manufacturer of generic medica-tions, for a number of years. Gilda and the team at C3 have successfully developed and implemented conferences for an extensive roster of clients, including the Climate Project Canada (featuring Al Gore), JTI Canada, Bayer Global, Reliance Protectron, Pfizer Canada. “Businesses must never miss an opportunity to use a meeting, event, or any kind of employee gathering to send a mes-sage,” says Gilda.

national convention-centre associations. He speaks and writes regularly on international convention centre development and market-ing issues on behalf of both individual clients and a number of national and international groups, and carries out research projects and sector analyses in order to better serve his national and international clients.

Ken DatzkiwMarketing ManagerInland Audio VisualK e n ’ s f a v o u r i t e quote, courtesy of the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein is “Everything that can be said, can be said clearly.” Hard to imagine anything more appropriate to a man responsible for making sure the spoken word is delivered and heard with crystal clarity. As marketing manager for Inland Audio Visual, Ken knows the ins, outs, and in-betweens of selecting, installing, and operating the state-of-the-art AV technology that is a necessary, though largely unseen, component of any successful meeting or event. Not many meet-ing planners are trained AV technicians, but Ken nonetheless believes that the industry will further embrace technology in order to develop more and better-quality events that educate delegates. Outside work, football is the Datzkiw family’s way of life: Ken’s two sons play on the same team, he’s head coach, his wife is team manager, and his oldest son is assistant coach.

Robert GiorginiD i r e c t o r S a le s & Marketing, London Convention Centre;President, MPI Toronto ChapterIn his role as director, sales and marketing, at the London Convention

The Teamintroducing the Corporate Meetings & Events editorial advisory board


Centre, Bob has obtained a career’s worth of knowledge, work ethic, and credibility, all of which led to his appointment as president of MPI Toronto Chapter for 2009-2010. He hopes to apply his experience and exper-tise in the convention centre world, as well as his sales acumen and association knowledge, towards achieving a senior leadership role in the meetings-events-and-business-travel industry, whether at a local, provincial, national or inter-national level. Bob is a collector of inspir-ational quotes, and among his favourites is one belonging to former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani: “If a leader demon-strates competency, genuine concern for others, and admirable character, people will follow.”

Heather LundyDirector of MarketingCalgary TELuS Convention CentreHeather graduated from the University of Toronto with a bachelor's degree in communications. She continued on the education road with an additional two years in a bachelor's of science program – quite a switch. After moving to Alberta it seems the “hospitality and tourism” bug got a hold and didn’t let go. Her career has included public relations and marketing with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, consumer mar-keting with Travel Alberta, and her current senior-management role at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.

Francis ParéAccount ManagerZeste IncentiveFrancis’s keen inter-est in the hotel indus-try led him to LaSalle Col lege, where he

graduated from the hotel management program. This led to a life of travel and many memorable experiences. He was part of the team that opened Montreal’s chic W Hotel. From the W he moved on to a key role with a hotel management firm, which allowed him to further hone is expertise. Among Francis’s proud-est accomplishments was his signing of his first major contract – a Formula One client, no less – and his having recent-ly run a half-marathon in under two hours. Incidentally, he’s also a diehard NASCAR Fan.

Kathleen ParamonczykSr. Operations Event CoordinatorBlackRock Inc.Kathleen graduated from Wilfred Laurier Un iversit y w it h a degree in political sci-ence and economics, and studied project management at the University of Toronto.

For t he past 4 yea rs, she was a n event specialist at Franklin Templeton Investments, in Toronto, where she worked on an assortment of events, ranging from meetings with 15 clients to the annual Investment Outlook and Opportunities Forum, which attracts over 2000 people and is broadcast across Canada. This year, she accepted the position of senior operations event co-ordinator at BlackRock Inc. (formerly Barclays). She loves the faced-paced nature of this business, the constant changes, and the last-minute ideas that arise from working on a multitude of tasks – and taking a lead role in many of them.

Shelley SechopoulosDirector of Sales, Hotel and ConventionCaesars WindsorShel ley heads up a team of six who spe-cialize in building sales and opportunities for Caesars Windsor in the areas of motor coach, packaged travel, corporate transient, catering sales, meetings convention and incentive travel. As a native of Chatham, Ont., and with a zest for our region, Shelley believes in creative partnerships, valu-able product development and delivery, and is a truly passionate tourist. With a background in international business and marketing, and with many years in the travel industry, Shelley has held local, provincial, and national board-level commitments in the travel and tourism industry. Currently, Shelley is a committee member of the MC&IT board for the Canadian Tourism Commission, a peer reviewer and member of influence

for the MPI International committee, and a dedicated member of the Windsor, Essex and Pelee Island Provisional Board.

Janelle unrauDirector of Convention & Event MarketingTourism SaskatoonJanelle describes herself as a performance-driven marketing executive, and she has over 25 years of experience to back it up. In her role at Tourism Saskatoon, which she has held since 2008, she develops convention marketing strategies, co-ordinates sales mis-sions and tradeshows, leads the CVB’s steer-ing committee, and directs the creation of national advdertising. She also holds two degrees, one in German and the other in voice performance, from Bethel College.

8 | december 2009

i n d u s t r y n E W s

toronto’s aLLstrEaM CEntrE oPEns its doorsA restorat ion of Toronto’s h istor ic Automotive Building has led to the official opening of the Allstream Centre, which will be the greenest and most energy-efficient conference facility in Canada. The 160,000 square-foot centre will serve as a flagship meeting-and-convention destination centre and as a go-to venue for galas and special events. Among the highlights are the largest ballroom in Toronto, in which 3,000 guests may be comfortably seated for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and 20 second-floor meeting rooms accommodating between 50 and 750 delegates who can enjoy natural light through large windows providing excellent vistas onto the city and the waterfront. An underground walkway links the Centre to underground parking and Direct Energy Centre. The Centre is wheelchair accessible.

The centre’s opening was overseen by Toronto Mayor David Miller: “The preservation of this important building serves as a vital link between past and present,” he said.

ontario tourisM aWrds rECoGniZEs tourisM torontoTourism Toronto was honoured twice at the 2009 Ontario Tourism Awards, winning Best Tourism Advertising and Best Interactive Marketing for its continued effort to position Toronto as a compelling holiday destination.

Tourism Toronto built on its successful holiday advertising of the past with a new campaign that encouraged consumers to “shake up their holiday season in Toronto.” Using the creative theme of a snow globe, the campaign focused on shopping and a special offer. The creative was executed via print, television and direct mail and resulted in a significant number of telephone inquiries and visits to a unique website, along with considerable redemption numbers for the special offer.

nEW ConFErEnCE CEntrE oPEns in oKanaGanThe British Columbia meetings-and-conventions industry received a boost in November, with the opening of the NK’MIP Conference Centre. The Osoyoos Indian Band had partnered with Bellstar Hotels & Resorts to develop the centre as an integral part of the continuing

development of Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, which is located in B.C.’s so-called “Napa of the North.”

At 9,000 square feet, the venue is able to accommodate events of up to 350 delelgates, and, as such, is the the largest, full-service conference centre in the South Okanagan region. The centre offers planners an on-site events co-ordinator, and the f lexibi l ity of being able to subdivide the space into three private meeting rooms. Those wishing to offer their group something out of the ordinary can make use of the 25-seat facility at NK’MIP Cellars Winery, the 75-seat facility at the Spirit Ridge resort itself, and the 80-room stadium-seating conference facilities at the NK’MIP Cultural Centre.

vanCouvEr isLand ConFErEnCE CEntrE HonourEdAt a recent ceremony, the Vancouver Island Conference Centre proudly accepted the Silver Service Award from MPI B.C. Chosen out of 180 venues, the conference centre received the service award based on a long list of criteria, including outstanding service and attention to detail.

The VICC was chosen for this award based on criteria met during an MPI-sponsored event for British Columbia members on May 7th, 2009. Throughout the event the keynote speaker and event planner for Oprah Winfrey, Debi Lilly, consistently made an example of the conference centre when speaking about the importance of every detail of an event. Lilly commended the centre for being right on the mark with its attention to detail. "We were honoured to host an event

planner as well-respected in the industry as Debi Lilly," said Denise Tacon, general manager of the centre. "We are very proud that it was this event that led us to win our first service award so soon after opening.”

FairMont adds BMWs to LoyaLty ProGraM Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has expanded its partnersh ip with BMW to of fer members of the brand’s guest loyalty program, Fairmont President’s Club (FPC), complimentary access to BMW X5 xDrive 35d Sport Activity Vehicles during their stay. The new diesel-powered hotel courtesy vehicles, available at Fairmont’s world-class hotels across Canada, will be on hand to transport guests around the destination in style. Guests may be chauffeured for a range of purposes including attending meetings outside the hotel, exploring the local destination and much more.

“Providing Fairmont with a fleet of efficient and dynamic BMW X5 Advanced D ie s e l s r e p r e s e nt e d a n e xc e l le nt opportunity to showcase our growing product line of Advanced Diesel and ActiveHybrid technology to a highly coveted group of luxury travelers from around the world,” said Marc Belcourt, brand communications manager for BMW Group Canada.

Earlier this year, Fairmont introduced a complimentary hotel bicycle service featuring BMW Cruise Bikes at select hotels across Canada. The state-of-the-art bikes grant active and adventurous travellers the opportunity to tread lightly on the environment and explore the landscapes


i n d u s t r y n E W s

of Fairmont’s distinctive locales on a dynamic mode of transportation.

rEsEarCH CrEdits MEEtinGs WitH $71 BiLLion BEnEFit

The MPI Foundation updated its 2006 Canadian Economic Impact Study (CEIS) indicates that meetings generated more than $71-billion in industry output per year and produced more than 673,000 meetings annually, with an average of 70-million yearly participants. Significantly, the 2007-2008 CEIS Update demonstrates that the economic contributions of meetings at the end of 2008 were slightly higher than the 2006 figures released in the original study – this despite the economic downturn.

The full report is available at http://www.mpiweb.org/Education/Research/CEIS.aspx

MEEtinGs MEan MonEy: u.s. studyThough most companies cut travel budgets in the wake of the economic crisis of the past two years, a recent report commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association shows that the cuts may have been premature and counter-productive. The report, prepared by Oxford Economics, and entitled The Return on Investment Business Travel, included the following findings (all figures in U.S. dollars):• Foreverydollarinvestedinbusiness

travel, companies realize $12.50 in incremental revenue and $3.80 in profits

•A10percentincreaseinbusinesstravelspending will produce an increase in the United States GDP of 1.5-2.8 percent

•Curbingbusinesstravelcanreduceacompany’s profits for years. The average business in the United States would forfeit 17 per cent of its profits in the first year of eliminating business travel. It would take more than three years for profits to recover

•Morethanhalfofbusinesstravelersstated that 5-20 percent of their company’s new customers were the result of trade show participationThe findings were based on surveys

of 500 U.S. business travelers and 700 corporate executives/business-travel decision-makers. According to Oxford, the results were based on a combination of the survey data, a review of related research, and an econometric analysis of the effects of business travel on corporate performance.

10 | december 2009

The t raining centres are designed to deliver advanced, locally focused educat ion to both aspir ing planners and experienced profess ionals . MPI has already announced par tnerships with schools in San Diego, France, Hong Kong, and Qatar. Within two years, the organization expects to be operating 15 such institutions.

According to MPI’s and Ryerson’s joint press materials, the curriculum at the new training centre will be divided in accordance with MPI’s three levels of training, which will be recognized in all countries where the training centres are located. The first level, aimed at students, is mainly theoretical; the second, aimed at new professionals with less than four years’ experience, is more prac t ical and applied; and the third, reserved for experienced professionals, deals with contemporary business issues related to meetings.

“It’s really all about trying to enhance the people who are in the indus t r y currently and upgrading their education,” said David Martin, director of the Ted Rogers School. “What MPI wants is to have s tandards that are recognized

around the world and that will help with the transferability and the employability of the planners themselves.”

Bruce MacMillan, MPI’s president and CEO, made the trip from his Dallas office to deliver the announcement. He said that MPI had selected the Ted Rogers School based on two prerequisites: one, that the university be in a city with a strong meet ing - and - event communi t y, and, two, that it have not only a hospitality orientation but also a strong business orientation.

“ Increas ingly, what we be l ieve i s that meetings and events are all about business. Reseach continually shows that meetings and events are the number-one platform for marketing and client relationships today,” MacMillan said. “So it’s not just teaching people how to design the events; it ’s teaching people how to drive the performance of those events. All the schools in this network of training centres will have this same commitment to both sides of the education.”

MacMillan added that his professional history in Toronto – from 2003 until his 2006 appointment to MPI, he was president and CEO of the Toronto Convention and

Visitors Association – figured largely in the decision.

“I had the idea and then I reached out to David Martin. He was all over it. He said to me, ‘Bruce, this is what we do.’”

Also on hand for the announcement of the new training centre was David Whitaker, president and CEO of Tourism Toronto. “Meetings and conventions are a vital component of a strong tourism industry,” he said. “They provide a solid foundation of business for a destination, and having an MPI Global Training Center reinforces the strength of the industry here.”

Classes are set to begin in February, with summer term classes to follow in June. Registration is open for the Global Cer t i f icate in Meetings and Business Events Level II and Global Certificate in Meetings and Business Events Level III, both of which will run concurrently from February 15 to 19, 2010.

Ryerson has the oldest hospitality and tourism program in Canada. Today, with more than 3,400 hospitality and tourism graduates, the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is recognized for its educational leadership and innovative, responsive programming in hospitality and tourism management. Numerous a lumni have gone on to successful careers in the meeting industry and are currently members of MPI.

At a recent press conference in downtown Toronto,

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) announced

that the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism

Management, at Ryerson University, would be the

location for the newest MPI Global Training Center.

t o P s t o r y

Left to right: david Whitaker of tourism toronto, david Martin of ryerson, Bruce MacMillan of MPi.

By matthew laforge

MPI and Ryerson University join forcestoronto chosen as site of new Global training Center

Take MPI Global Training courses in logistics, operations, strategic planning, meeting design and more. Enhance your core skills and competencies in meetings and business events.

Master your profession.

www.mpiglobaltraining.org

Excel in today’s business landscape by obtaining globally recognized and transferable certi cates and certi cations.

Advance your career at MPI’s rst Training Center in Canada:

MPI and Ryerson University join forces

12 | december 2009

d E s t i n at i o n P r o F i L E

Especially if it's in sunny Aruba.Located about 12 degrees north of the

equator, approximately 29 kilometres off the Paraguaná Peninsula of Venezuela, Aruba is one of the Lesser Ant i l les islands. It is about 30 kilometres long and eight k i lometres wide, with an area of 193 square kilometres and a population of some 89,000. Renowned for its crystal blue water, white sandy beaches, and romantic sunsets, Aruba is what honeymoons are made for. But many meeting planners are finding out that Aruba is a destination as perfect for business as for pleasure. And when it comes to choosing a venue in which to

Any meeting planner can attest that motivating

and inspiring delegates can be a challenge.

After all, sitting for full days at a time – in an

enclosed room under florescent lights while

drinking bad coffee and eating stale pastries

– isn't exactly thought-provoking. But you'd be

surprised what a change of scenery can do.

By rachel naud

ProductiveParadisearuba Marriott serves up business and pleasure

ProductiveParadise



get the job done planners need not look any further than the Aruba Marriott.

The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino recently received a $50-million facelift – and it shows. Delegates will be impressed as soon as they walk through the glass doors that lead into t he moder n, Ca r ibb ea n- ch ic hote l lobby, where accents of seafoam-blue and green chairs are a contemporary contrast to the espresso-coloured wood that dominates the refurbished room.

W he n i t come s to b u s i ne s s , t he Marriott’s top-notch facilities and spaces are both effective and inspirational. In fact, in 2008 the Aruba Marriot t

14 | december 2009

received the Gold Platter Award from Meet ings & Convent ions Magazine, and was recognized as one of the best meeting hotels for outstanding food-and-beverage services. Also in 2008 the property received the Pinnacle Award from Successful Meetings, as well as its second consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award. There is 11,600 square feet of indoor meeting and function space for groups ranging in size from 10 to 500. One of the most popular venues, the Grand Ballroom, offers 8,000 square feet of meet ing and funct ion space, making it ideal for receptions of up to 800, or for banquets of up to 450 people indoors and over 350 outdoors. The f lexible room can also accommodate 880 people sitting theatre-style, or 450 people in a schoolroom setup. The room is divisible into four sections, salons A through D, providing meeting planners with additional options.

For a breath of fresh air, events and themed par t ies can a lso be hosted outdoors, with the cool blue waters of the Caribbean serving as a scenic backdrop. It ’s the perfect sett ing for relaxation and team-building. There is a

diverse selection of impressive outdoor areas suitable for functions as small as 25 or as large as 500. Groups can choose from La Vista Terrace, the West Lawn, Tradewinds Beach, South Beach or the Atrium Terrace for custom-tai lored celebrations.

Before the meeting starts, a delegate can grab a coffee and a freshly baked Danish or muffin at the Lobby Cafe, a 24-hour spot that serves up delectable pa st r ie s, sa ndw ic he s, a nd ge lato. For a quick bite, the Ketsu Sushi Bar serves up fresh and innovative sushi and sash imi. The Lobby Bar is the gathering spot where one can enjoy a pre- or post-dinner cocktail, especially the Marriott's signature Aruba Aloe Fantasy, the perfect mix of t ropical liquors and juices. Your only culinary opt ion s don’t end t here: La Vi st a showcases daily themed buffets, with both indoor and outdoor seating; Ruth's Chris Steak House offers the f inest U.S. pr ime steaks; and Simply Fish stimulates guests’ senses by offering them mouth-water ing sea food and some warm sand underfoot.

All guestrooms, which at well over 500 square feet are considered the most spacious of Aruba's luxury resorts, have been fully refurbished with comfortable and inviting furniture, plush linens, upsca le bat h room s, a nd h igh-tech amenit ies, such as the Jack Pack, a device that enables guests to watch videos stored on an iPod or laptop on the room’s 37-inch LCD TV screen. And every room has a 100-square-foot balcony.

To relax after a day of meetings the Marriott's Mandara Spa is the place to be. Recognized by Celebrated Living as among the top 10 international spas in both 2007 and 2008, the Mandara offers everything from rejuvenating facials and pedicures to relaxing massages and body treatments. Delegates looking for a night of fun can check out the Stellaris Casino, which is open 24 hours and boasts more than 15,000 square feet of gaming space. And those who’d prefer not to test their luck can make their way to the Marriott's pool, complete with waterfall and swim-up bar, where they can unwind, recap the day's events, and create some winning ideas for the next day's meeting.

30A Riverview Park, Red Deer, AB T4N 1E3

p. 403.346.0180 | f. 403.346.0180 Toll Free 1.800.215.8946

www.tourismreddeer.net

{convention & event planning guide}

Greetings Tourism Red Deer Services Meeting & Events Sites/Accommodations Business Services/Transportation Entertainment/Shopping

Planning Checklist Greetings Tourism Red Deer Services Meeting & Events Sites/Accommodations Business Services/Transportation

Entertainment/Shopping Planning Checklist Greetings Tourism Red Deer Services Meeting & Events Sites/Accommodations Business

Services/Transportation Greetings Tourism Red Deer Services Meeting & Events Sites/Accommodations Business Services/Transportation

REDDEER


16 | december 2009

a d v E r t i s i n G F E at u r E

Major events in Las vegas in 2009:• InternationalConsumerElectronicsShow–115,000delegates• AutomotiveAftermarketIndustryWeek(SEMA)–110,000delegates• NationalAssociationofBroadcasters–98,000delegates• MAGICInternational(February)–70,000delegates• WorldofConcrete–70,000delegatesMAGIC International (August) – 60,000delegates• NationalAssociationofHomeBuilders–60,000delegates• WorldMarketCenterLasVegas(February)–55,000delegates• Wor l d M a r ke t Cen t e r L a s Ve g a s(September)–50,000delegates• ASD/AMD(March)–48,000delegates• Nat iona l Hardware Show – 45 ,000delegates• CellularTelecommunicationsandInternetAssociation–40,000delegates• ASD/AMD(August)–40,000delegates

CApACITIES:Morethan10millionsquarefeetofmeetingandexhibitspaceinthedestinationandmorethan140,000guestrooms.

NEWCoNSTruCTIoNSANDrenovations in 2009: Somekeyhighlightsinthemeetingsindustrywere theMresort , theopeningof newmeetingspaceatCaesarspalace,theopeningof newmeeting space and towers at theHardrockHotel,and,finally,theopeningofCityCenterinDecember.AcompletelistofconstructionactivitycanbefoundaturL:h t t p : / / w w w . l v c v a . c o m / g e t f i l e /ConstructionBulletinJune2009.pdf?fileID=110

rEGIoNALpArTNErS:The LVCVA recommends that meetingplannersreachouttotheLVCVAfirst,sothattheycandeterminetheplanner’sneedsandpointthemintherightdirectiontoensuretheyhaveasuccessfulevent.TheLVCVAhasmadea concertedeffort to increaseitspresenceand service in theCanadianmeetingsmarket.plannerslookingtoplananeventorgetmoreinformationonholdinganeventinLasVegasshouldcontactBarbFinn,aLVCVArepresentativeatVoXinternationalinCanada,[email protected],orbyphoneat416-925-8212(tollfree:1-866-925-8212).LVCVA is not a membersh ip -basedorganization,butacomprehensivelistingofthesetypeofpartnersonourwebsite:http://www.lvcva.com/meetings/services-support/toolkit-vendor-services.jsp.

TIpSForDoINGBuSINESSINLASVEGAS:• Don’t overplan your event .With theinherententertainmentoptionsavailableinLasVegas,itisbesttoplanonatleastonefreenightforyourdelegatestoexperiencethedestinationontheirown.•Wearcomfortableshoes.WhilethingsinLasVegasmaylookclose,theyarefartherthantheyappear.• Bepreparedforthehot,dryconditions.Drinkplentyofwater,usesunscreenwhenoutside,anduselipbalm

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18 | december 2009

F E at u r E

By matthew laforge

Be unique: Be unique: Meet uniqueMeet uniquean extraordinary venue can yield extraordinary results


But mention it I will, because there’s something counterintuit ive, or even slightly paradoxical, buried within the frugal-planners-get-their-priorit ies-straight-in-uncertain-times narrative. T h e f a c t i s t h a t m a ny p l a n n e r s , u n de r s t a n d ably c o n c e r n e d ab out appearances, are now going to gravitate to traditional, vanilla-flavoured meeting venues. Now is not the time for sizzle, they might think to themselves, now’s the time to dutifully cook steak. But here’s the th ing: a major aspect of achieving business results is, so to speak, getting your delegates’ attention. And, in many cases, an off-the-beaten-path venue constitutes a giant first step towards cutting through the end-users’ naturally occurring cynicism. It's a way to create excitement. Here’s another thing: nowhere is it written in meeting-planner scripture that to book unique is to book expensive.

In short, while your instincts might tell you that leaving the traditional meeting rooms is an exercise in frivolity and largesse, your rational, calculating mind will eventually retort that unique venues are not inherently non-conducive to business, and that, owing to their special ability to engage delegates, they are in some ways a more effective means of generating ROI.

Now that you’re ready to sell your boss on something a little different, have a look at the following review of some of Canada’s best and least traditional venues.

West Coast: Capilano suspension BridgeVancouver's oldest tourist attraction, originally built in 1889, stretches 137 metres across and 70 metres above the Capilano River. The site offers both indoor and outdoor venue space for meetings and events. Guests can experience spectacular, breathtaking views of the Capilano River, West Coast Rainforest and North Shore.

All event guests have the opportunity to visit the park on the day of their event. This is ideal for meeting participants to stretch their legs and refresh themselves by exploring the park, crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge and visiting Treetops Adventures.

The site offers a professional special-event-planning team and a variety of unique venues accommodating groups of 10 to 700 for social gatherings and corporate functions. The world-famous suspension bridge and its adjacent rainforests make the most unique venue in Vancouver.

Planners can choose from several event venues set against the beauty of the North Shore Mountains and Capilano Canyon. These spectacular surroundings come

F E at u r E

The worldwide recession’s effect on public perception of corporate meetings has been well documented, and in 2010, as it has been in 2009, the pressure will be on the shoulders of every meetings-and-event professional in the country. In addressing suppliers and clients, planners who want to keep their jobs would do well to adhere to two overriding priorities: one, that they ensure that their meetings and events achieve rigorously defined business objectives; and, two, that in doing so they ruthlessly control costs. All of this is so obvious and axiomatic that at this point it barely merits a mention.

Be unique: Meet uniqueMeet unique

20 | december 2009

with creative menus from Executive Chef Mark Lunn and impeccable service from the catering team.

The Canyon Lookout, located at the north end of the bridge, is a private area, suitable for 150 guests, situated 300 feet above the rushing waters of Capi lano River. The Canyon House banquet rooms are a popular venue for weddings, meetings, theme parties, or any social. The Canyon House seating areas, with a capacity of 110 guests, can easily accommodate intimate tables or large groups.

For more intimate gatherings of up to 45 people, the Bridge House Restaurant’s raf ters and stone f i replace create a comfortable atmosphere. The Bridge House Gardens and Marquee Garden Tent are situated next to the heritage Bridge House Restaurant. Rhododendron t rees and gardens beg for outdoor weddings and receptions.

Prairies: the Calgary stampedeCalgary’s Stampede Park is the site of the Calgary Stampede, but it’s also host to 1,000 events and shows each year.

In fact, more people visit Stampede Park from August through June than during the 10 days in July, when the Stampede takes over. Over two million people visit Stampede Park on an annual basis. The complex has hosted a wide variety of events, many of which have a Western bent: private rodeos with live gunfighters to and black-tie bull riding events. It’s worth noting, however, that Queen Elizabeth visited the site as part of her 1959 tour of Canada

From The Roundup Centre, the Big Four Building with meeting rooms, a dining room, lounge and casino, to the various other pavilions, theatres and arenas and Grandstand there is an abundance of choices for the next meeting and event.

The venues:•Exhibithalls - theRoundupCentre

has more than 200,000 square feet of contiguous space, divisible into four 50,000-square foot halls. The new addition of the Roundup Centre f e at u r e s t h e Pa lom i n o Ro om , a 12,000-square foot funct ion room which can accommodate 700 guests for a gala dinner -- or up to 1,000 people theatre style. Smaller function space with natural lighting is also

available to accommodate from 20 to 75 people.

•Anarena-theCorralCentreprovides17,000 square feet of floor space as well as 6,400 unobstructed seats

•Theatre-thenewlyrenovatedBoyceTheatre is a 500-seat amphitheatre auditorium with a built-in stage, house PA system and large screen

•Characterrooms-includingalogcabin– the Rotary House; Ranahans, upscale private club; or the Lazy S!

•GrandstandandInfield-perfect forhosting a private rodeo; displaying and demonstrating vehicles and outdoor equipment - this venue offers seating for more than 17,000 people.

“As host of the greatest outdoor show on earth each July, we are also open to national and local planners the other 355 days of the year,” says Laura Babin, business development manager. “When touring clients through our facilities it is wonderful to hear them comment on how beautiful and unique the facilities are.”

The catering staff can also rustle up enough grub for guests numbering as little as 10 to 10,000. The professional service staff will entice guests with specialty meals prepared by its outstanding chefs. Whether it is a casual gathering or a formal dinner gala, the catering staff provides a selection of hors d'oeuvres, fresh salads, beautifully presented entrees and desserts.

Central Canada: the second City torontoThe Second City Theatre in Chicago is a world-famous incubator of comedic talent that launched the careers of Bill Murray, Chris Farley, and countless other masters of the laugh craft. The location in Toronto has arguably been just as influential, as no less than the likes of Martin Short, Eugene Levy, and other members of the famed SCTV cast – not too mention Mike Myers – owe their chops to the boards of the hallowed stage.

And the Toronto theatre has manged to make a name for itself as a meeting place. The country’s most profitable companies – companies such as Proctor & Gamble, Bell Canada, and The Hudson’s Bay Company – have put on functions there. Imagine announcing to your would-be attendees that they’ll be spending an evening in the company of the funniest and most talented actors in Toronto. Talk about engaging the delegation.

The Second City’s corporate division’s services include learning and development, event support, marketing and multi-media as well as entertainment. Their team can help a company’s top executive get a message across to clients or employees in a novel and possibly hilarious way. The participants will laugh the day or night away, and client company might just laugh all the way to the bank. From speech-

F E at u r E

tour; the emphasis is on the history, music, hospitality, and sampling our beers.”

Of the 40,000 visitors it greets every year 5,000 are group bookings. Group attendees are treated to an abbreviated tour of the facility led by in-character guides; afterwards, the staff actors host a catered dinner, where presentations can be made, and awards can be given out, at the Stag's Head Inn hospitality room, located in the basement of Alexander Keith's first Halifax home.

The capacities at Ketih’s are variable. Fixty to 60 people can be accommodated for a plated, sit down dinner, and up to 100 people for a buffet-style standing reception in the Stag's Head Inn. Larger groups, of up to 150 can request access

writ ing and event-host ing to group improvisational sessions, the comedy team will craft the appropriate message with just the right touch of humor.

“We would write a custom sketch that embodies the situation that that company is in at that time, that identifies a number of truths that people recognize about their industry,” says Bryce Moloney, account director at Second City Communications. “It could be about the challenges that they face and it will put a smile on their face. We will get them laughing about it and hopefully spark some dialogue within that audience.”

East Coast: alexander Keith’s nova scoatia BreweryThe Keith's Brewery was built in 1820 by Alexander Keith, the first registered Brewmaster in Nova Scotia and a three-time Mayor of Halifax. In 2000, parts of the original building were restored in such a way as to permit theatrical performances illustrating life in Halifax in 1863.

Planners made skittish by memories of Homer Simpson’s ill-fated tour of the Duff brewery should be apprised that the Keith’s experience is not designed to be a glorified pub crawl. “The Keith's Brewery tour is first and foremost a theatrical re-creation of Alexander Keith's legacy, led by actors in period costume and character,” says Meredith Lapp, tour and event manager at the brewery. “It is not a traditional brewery

to the upper Brewhouse area for a more free-form, open-house-style event that excludes the brewery tour. While the facility doesn’t have traditional meeting rooms, presentations can be delivered in either the Brewhouse or Stag’s Head Inn. Screens are available to those visitors who bring a projector.

It wouldn’t be the five varieties of Keith's beer – Keith's India Pale Ale, Keith's Red Amber Ale, Keith's Premium White Ale, Keith's Dark Ale, and Keith's Light Ale – are provided to guests throughout the event at no additional charge. Those who might have to drive home are offered complimentary lemonade or iced tea. With files from Scott Anderson


“Unique venues are not inherently non-conducive to business. They are in some

ways a more effective means of generating ROI.”

F E at u r E

22 | december 2009

WWW.STAYINREGINA.COM

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Planning and facilitating a conference in our beautiful city

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onJune29,2009Tourismreginaandthereginaregional EconomicDevelopmentAuthoritymergedtoformaneworganizationcalled thereginaregionalopportunitiesCommiss ion (rroC) that focuses onTourismAttractionfromConvention,EventandLeisureTravelmarketsandonEconomicDevelopment.

Major events in regina in 2009:• WorldJuniorHockeyChampionships• ApCo – Association of public-SafetyCommunicationsofficialsConference• CuTA–CanadianurbanTransitAssociationConference• CIpHI–CanadianInstituteofpublicHealthInspectorsConference• onScene–FrontlineprotectiveServicesConference

in 2010:• CanadianAssociationofAgri-retailers• ESSo Cup MidgetWomen’s HockeyChampionships• IAAp – Internat ional Associat ion ofAdministrativeprofessionalsConference• pMAC–purchasingManagersAssociationofCanadaConference• onScene–FrontlineprotectiveServicesConference

CApACITIES:• 3,300Hotelrooms• 980,000 square feet of meeting andtradeshowspace

NEWCoNSTruCTIoNSANDrenovations in 2009: CooperatorsCentreatEvrazplaceaddedsixnewicesurfacesthatcanbeutilizedinanumberofdifferentwaysandconfigurationsfromtradeshowstosportevents.

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WWW.STAYINREGINA.COM

WWW.TOURISMREGINA.COM

Planning and facilitating a conference in our beautiful city

couldn’t be easier! A Host City Agreement of Success,

created by the Regina Convention Team, is sure to get any

planner excited about bringing their event to Regina. Your

conference will experience amazing community exposure

and VIP treatment unlike anywhere in Canada. We invite

you to explore all the premier facilities, accommodations

and unique extras that only Regina has to offer. When

planning your next conference destination THINK REGINA!

CANADA’S MOST VIBRANT CITY

By Jamie Zachary

Stand and deliverPicking a speaker can make or break your event

24 | december 2009


of draw and appeal,” says Abdulezer.“But i f i t ’s p a r t o f t h e ove r a l l

conference, I think that’s less important. You can have a meeting all about the environment, but Al Gore doesn’t have to be your keynote speaker.”

If Gore is, in fact, the best choice, it’s important to consider how hiring him will affect your budget. Many of the today’s top speakers and trainers charge upwards of $20,000. In the case of someone like Gore or Bill Clinton, the fee climbs up to six figures.

While the thought of having someone l ike Gore or Cl inton at an event is tempt ing, it ’s not a lways the r ight fit – nor, in many cases, is a cheaper alternative, says Charvet. “One of the things you want to think about is how much your speaker is going to cost relative to a lunch, for example,” she says. “If you’re spending $30,000 to $50,000 on meals and accommodation, and you’ve got $1,000 for a speaker, you’re way out of whack. You want to look at bringing in the absolute best that you can afford for your group.”

Finally, once the speaker or trainer is in place, it’s vital that planners and their clients communicate the intended objectives, says Abdulezer. While that might not mean combing over every line of a speaker’s speech, it does mean asking them key quest ions, such as whether their presentation is set in stone or modifiable according to different requirements.

The time taken to review these types of details – seemingly minor at the time – can

Picking the right speaker or trainer is often seen as the cherry on top of a successful corporate meeting or event. Yet industry experts warn that, without the right ingredients, planners might get their just desserts.

“The thing people remember more than anything else is when stuff goes wrong,” says Shelle Rose Charvet, 2009 president of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS).

“So if the speaker is unprofessional, not an exper t, and had no impact, then people might feel like they were prisoners in an event.”

Get it right, though, and everyone is a hero.

“The meeting planner is a hero, and the organization that invited the speaker is a hero,” says Charvet. “The participants and audience are heroes, because they feel uplifted, they feel informed and inspired, and they are actually motivated to go and do something differently.”

set objectives – and communicate themThe key to getting it right starts with the determining of objectives: What do planners and their clients hope to get out of a speaker or trainer? CAPS, for example, suggests identifying the issues or concerns that the meeting or event needs to address. Is it morale? Skills? Recruitment?

I f plan ners and thei r c l ients ask themselves beforehand what they want their delegates to leave their events with, then that will help them narrow down the right type of speaker, says Gilda Abdulezer, president of Montreal-based C3 Communications Inc.

“The importance in choosing the right speaker is really based on understanding t h e ob j e c t ive s o f t h e con fe r e n c e, understanding the audience and the client, and finding the right speaker who will send the message that the client wants the audience to retain,” she says.

In understanding a meeting’s objective, planners and their clients better equip themselves to determine the extent of a speaker or trainer’s role, whether that be afternoon-session leader or evening keynote speaker

“If the speaker is the main draw in getting people to register for your conference, then it’s important to have somebody who is going to have that type

pay off in the long run, says Abdulezer, who recalls a meeting experience when some of these questions were overlooked: “We did not really discuss with the speaker what our overall objectives were for the meeting,” she says. “So we made some assumptions, and because of who the speaker was, we thought that it was kind of obvious as to what his message would be. Lo and behold – when he stepped in front of our audience, it was a completely different message and not at all what we wanted. So communication, pre-work, consultation with the client is of the utmost importance.”

Mind the detailsIt’s also important to review logistics. You need to know how much time a speaker or trainer will need, whether there will be time for a Q&A, and whether any additional materials are required.

“In order to make sure everything fits and that you’re not scrambling at the last minute to compensate for something, sp e nd t he t i me w it h t he sp e a ke r discussing what they need and what you need in terms of the venue,” says Charvet. “As an example, for someone like myself, who’s two centimetres under five feet, if you put me in a flat space with round tables, only the first row is going to see me. So if you can book your speaker first, and then look at how to arrange the venue around what the speaker needs, you have the best chances for putting together a great event.”

“The thing people remember more than anything is when

stuff goes wrong. If the speaker's unprofessional then

people might feel like they were prisoners in an event.”

F E at u r E

26 | december 2009

F E at u r E

Your intuition might tell you that, in all of business, financial institutions are the best-equipped to negotiate a bad economy. But your first-hand experience in the past two years might tell you something else. It is, however, safe to say that an event planner working in-house for a financial institution knows as much as anyone about what recession-battered clients can be expected to demand – and that he or she knows how to deliver it. Kathleen Paramonczyk is just such an event planner. She spent four years in the Mississauga office of Franklin Templeton Investments, and has recently accepted the position of senior operations event co-ordinator in the local offices of BlackRock Inc., the former Barclays Global Investors. I recently spoke to Kathleen about pulling it altogether on behalf of some of the most bottom-line-driven people around.

Tell me about your background and education. How did you get to where you are?I did a degree in economics and political science at Laurier, and then I worked for a cruise line for about three years. I was manager of youth programs. That

Blackrock’s Kathleen Paramonczyk runs a tight ship in a tough marketBy matthew laforge

Planning for the best


out on the road – and get in front of a large group of investment advisors. So that could happen in, say, Toronto, where you put out a mass invite and 100 people show up to have lunch and hear portfolio managers speak about the markets and about what they anticipate for their funds. We did a lot of that throughout the year, and those could happen anywhere from B.C. to Halifax.

What is unique about doing your job in the financial sector, especially in this economy?People, the sales force, are not coming to our events to be entertained; they’re coming for the content and because they need to relay that content to their clients. They want to make sure they’re getting in there, getting the information they want, and then getting back to work and delivering the information to the people calling them. In the last year, advisors have been very busy and have a lot of questions, and it’s vital to their businesses that they can go to a place and hear from people who have the answers for them.

It’s really about business, then, not bells and whistles? Yes. And we as an organization were not there to make it pretty or to have caviar out there. I mean, people were coming on their lunches, so, yes, we’ll give them lunch, or we’ll get them in early so that they can have breakfast and get back to work. But we are very much concerned with the bottom line and, while we want to make sure we’re treating our clients right, we don’t want to spend excess dollars on things that aren’t necessary.

How would you go about establishing an event’s objectives, how would you go about measuring its results, and how would you go about reporting the results to the people paying for the event?I report to senior management. Our objectives, really, are about finding the venues that can offer the most and best services for the best price. A lot of that is determined by a venue’s delivery in the past; if we use a vendor once, and they delivered good service and were able to adapt to our needs, we’ll go back there. We want to make sure that clients are being treated well on site, so we look around – we make sure we’re calling various venues and comparing quotes. We never go with

experience in customer service gave the most and best experience I could ask for. Whether it was the people on vacation or the people I worked with, all of whom came from a multitude of backgrounds. I worked for Royal Carribean, which employs people f rom 50 d i f ferent countries. I really was working with a cross-section of cultures, and we were all living and working together to cater to people on vacation. I learned how to help people get along and get on the same page. Franklin Templeton came later and it was my first event-planning job.

If you’re the senior operations event co-ordinator, does that imply that there will be a team working under or with you?There’s actually only three of us right now who support the director of marketing. My hope is that it grows, but that remains to be seen.

What can you tell me about the position you’re leaving?I feel like I’m still interview mode, because that’s what I’ve been doing for the past couple weeks! I was there for about four years. I learned a lot. They do a lot of stuff: Franklin Templeton focuses a lot on road shows, and my position was very aligned with the sales department and various lines of business there. It was a role that was designed to be very supportive of all the lines of business; we had institutional cl ients, we had separately managed accounts, and we had our retail audience. T he event s posit ion t here, w it h i n marketing, not only had a marketing function but was also meant to support the sales teams. It was a lot of client events, a lot of road shows – getting portfolio managers in front of investment advisors, finding the best way to help the sales team deliver the portfolio managers to their clients. Our largest event that we would do was in the summer: the Investment Outlook and Opportunities Forum. We’d attract 1,000 advisors in the morning, and 1,000 investors in the afternoon.

I’m sure the events varied widely, but could you describe a typical event you would have been planning for Franklin Templeton?The bulk of my workload was on what we called pull events. These involved a portfolio manager who would go to a city – either his or her home city or somewhere

fewer than three quotes for any one event. It’s a very simple question of getting bang for our buck

What does someone in such a position, working in your sector, need from suppliers? My vendors need to be very flexible. I need flexibility in a venue and I need them to offer all the in-house functions. A place like, for example, the National Club will have everything inside: they’ll have AV, they’ll have catering – they do this kind of stuff all the time, so you know you can put your faith there. When it comes to trying out a new venue – say in a city I’m not familiar with, and where perhaps all the hotels are booked, we might have to try out a new event space that has to bring in catering, bring in AV. That’s a risk you don’t want to take. I want vendors who are ready for anything, because we don’t know what might come up. We tend to go with hotels exactly because they tend to be best able to provide all this.

What circumstances do you suppose are unique to the planning of financial events in a bad economy? You know, it has been diff icult. We tried to reduce our costs as much as we could. We looked at moving to alternate, cheaper venues, but t he cha l lenge was not assuming any additional risk, because that would cost us in the end. I will say that because we were so lean to begin with – because our costs were always so low – it made it possible to do the things we’ve always done. And that mentality of keeping costs low probably has something to do with working in the financial sector.

What do you think a planner’s role is, both in the market you serve and in the Canadian economy at large?It’s organization. It’s not rocket science. It’s about making sure that all the pieces are put together so that you can deliver something. Anybody in a planner’s role is grabbing aspects from various people. In my world, I’m dealing with the marketing department, with communications, with the sales team and their clients; there’s so many things to pull together that you really do need one team to own it and to deliver it in the way that all those people want it delivered. That’s why I think we as planners are there.

28 | december 2009

At an open house in September, guests got their first look at the results of the recent upgrades made to the London Convention Cent re. The upg rades, which were conceived in January 2008 and begun in June of this year, were part of a long-term strategic plan that, according to Lori Da Silva, the facility’s general manager, was concerned with three objectives: “The local economy, the guest experience, and the environment were the three E’s of this project,” she said at the time.

The upgrades at the LCC, which boasts 70,000 square feet of meeting space, included installing over 40,000 square feet of new carpet. Acoustic wall coverings and state-of-the-art l ighting design, including energy-efficient HID lights, were also major components of the reno. All upgrades were evaluated and chosen on the basis of environmental impact. The lighting upgrades significantly reduced energy consumption and even the new carpet is carbon-neutral.

Two months on, the marketplace has had a chance to see how the new elements perform in the real world. I recently spoke with Robert Giorgini, the LCC’s director of sales and marketing, about the various rationales for, as well as the early reaction to, the renovations.

What does your facility stand to gain from this project, given that you’re in a secondary market?Being in a tier-two market – some might see it as a disadvantage but we see it as an advantage, because we can offer a great product at a great price, and because all the secondary services and products, the things you need to book an event, come at a better price in London. One of the

things we pride ourselves on – and I was just talking to a client about this last evening – is that clients really appreciate the quality of our product and the level of service that we bring to the table. We don’t have to be the biggest or flashiest; what we have to be is consistent and good all the time. And it’s about small features like doing these continuous improvements to our facility, never really lagging or waiting until it’s too late to do cleanups or cosmetic upgrades. We want to be proactive with all those things, so that people don’t even see the transition. It is, instead, a perpetually fresh product.

you talk about being proactive? is it more or less difficult to be proactive in a down economy?It’s funny – we made the decision to undertake the upgrade before we knew the market was in trouble. About 18 months out, we saw the booking levels begin to lag. They weren’t at pace. So we made the decision to accelerate the schedule and not wait the couple years we had planned to wait. We knew that is was taking a chance, but the numbers

were soft at the time, so it made sense to take the chance. And it really did work in our favour. Not only did we not displace business by shutting down our inventory over the summer months, but we actually saved money when it came to the trades – the trades came at a better price because the market was down. Our dollar went further: we were able to do a couple extra things that the original plan didn’t allow us to do. To say that we knew this was going to happen would probably be a little dishonest, but we did look ahead and we did go ahead at what we thought was the best time, and in the end there were some secondary benefits that came with that timing.

it’s probably too early to say for certain, but have you noticed a tangible effect on business?I do think it’s a little too early to be measurable, but the initial comments from our customers since the re-opening in September have been very positive. They’re very happy with the diversity of lighting, and they appreciate that we’ve become more energy-efficient. We donated all the carpet we pulled out of the facility to Habitat for Humanity, and I’d be lying if I said we didn’t get some PR mileage out of that, but all the same it was just the right thing to do. From a customer’s perspective, they like what we’ve done. And I think that’s because we didn’t do anything over the top. We freshened the look; we added some extra elements. Now our numbers do look very good, they’re very favourable, but is that solely because of the reno, or is it that combined with our reputation and service levels? We’d prefer to think that it’s a combination.

New and improvedthe London Convention Centre’s recent renovation has solidified its aready sterling reputationBy matthew laforge

F E at u r E

Extraordinary Meetings & Special Events

To book your next meeting or event, contact:905.851.2200 / 800.533.3009 • [email protected] • www.lejardin.com

Le Jardin Conference & Event Centre Toronto Airport North8440 Hwy #27 (at Hwy #7), Woodbridge, ON.

Over 38,000 sq. ft. of function space • Award winning, French inspired decor • Abundance of natural lightthroughout • Outdoor courtyards • Soaring 30' beautifully detailed ceilings • Complimentary Hi Speed internet

Complete Meeting Package available • Over 600 complimentary parking spots • Strategically located in Vaughanat HWYs 7 & 427 • Hotel accommodations within 1 km • Minutes to Pearson International Airport

30 | december 2009


Major events in York region in 2009:FerrariClubofAmericaInternationalMeet(atHiltonSuitesToronto/MarkhamConferenceCentre&SpaandEaglesNestGolf) LArGECoMpANIESTHATrEGuLArLyHoSTMEETINGSANDEVENTSINyorkrEGIoNINCLuDE:CanadianChamberofCommerceAGMIBMJohnson&JohnsonroyalBankofCanadaTDBankregisteredNursesofCanadaSony

CApACITIES:5,051hotelroomsover500,000squarefeetofmeetingspace

NEWCoNSTruCTIoNSIN2009:HolidayInnExpressandSuitesNewmarketHolidayInnExpressandSuitesToronto-Markham(inrichmondHill)NovotelVaughanrichmondHillCentrefortheperformingArts

SpECIALINCENTIVEproGrAMS:yorkregionTourismisproudtointroducetheTrees inTrustprogram,runningfromSeptember2009 toDecember2010.Foreachnewmeeting booked atoneof theparticipating york region and TorontoNortheasthotels,280square feetof theCawthraMulockNaturereservewill bededicatedinthenameofyourcompany,eventormeeting.Inaddition,youcansave10%onyourmeetingcostsfornewmeetingsbookedattheseparticipatinghotels:

ComfortInnMarkham TorontoNortheastHotelCourtyardbyMarriottMarkhamCourtyardbyMarriottVaughanDeltaMarkhamDeltaTorontoEastHotelHiltonGardenInnToronto/Vaughan

HiltonSuitesToronto/Markham ConferenceCentreandSpaHolidayInnExpress&SuitesVaughanHolidayInnHotel&SuitesToronto-MarkhamHowardJohnsonInn&SuitesTorontoEastNovotelVaughanradissonHotelTorontoEastStaybridgeSuitesbyHolidayInnToronto/MarkhamWestinprinceHotel

uNIquEFEATurESoFyorkrEGIoN:yorkregionisahighlyaccessiblelocationoffering awealth of outdoor recreationopportunitieswith all theamenitiesof abigcity.yorkregionnotonlyoffersurbancentresandhistoricmainstreetsbutalsoawoodedwonderlandwithover1,200squarekilometresofenvironmentallyprotectedland,whichmakesdoingbusinessheremuchdifferentthandoingsoinToronto.yorkregionspecializesinuniqueteam-buildingactivitiesthatinspireteamsandsupportdiscoverybyescapingtheeveryday.Somequirksorpointsofdifferentiationinclude:• aplethoraofgolfcourses• TheoakridgesMoraineoffersover115kilometresoftrails,andtheoakridgesTrailAssociationcanplantheperfectoutdoorteam-buildingeventorgroupactivity.• kortrightCentreforConservationandtheArchetypeSustainableHouse-www.trcaparks.ca• BigTopSchoolofCircus (www.bigtopcircusschool.com)• Canada'sWonderland

Whatyouneedto knowaboutyorkregion

Mission statement:York Region

Tourism's mandate is to market

York Region and promote the Region's nine

municipalities as an integrated

travel destination in partnership

with the tourism industry and

other levels of governments.

32 | december 2009

LLocated on the shore of the Ottawa River half-way between Montreal and Ottawa, the log-built Fairmont Le Château Montebello offers rustic ele-gance and fine food in Montebello, Quebec, one of Eastern Canada's leading year-round holiday des-tinations. An enticing resort famed for its rugged luxury, Le Château Montebello is one of the world’s largest log castles.

It is also one of Eastern Canada's top conference resorts and an ideal destination for a family outing or a couple’s romantic weekend: besides offering a fine spa, the area surrounding the huge, luxuri-ous log cabin features a fine spa, an 18-hole golf club, and 26 km of cross-country ski trails, as well as fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, kayak-ing, and snowmobiling. It offers the astute traveller original and unique experiences, ranging from out-door adventures to the renowned gastronomy of Executive Chef Serge Jost.

Chef Serge began life in the French town of Dorlisheim, near Strasbourg, in Alsace, where his family ran a country inn and restaurant. The culinary world around him inspired him to follow a kitchen career, as did his grandfather, a fine epicurean. He explains: ''I grew up watching my parents and grandparents and dreamt of working in a kitchen like them. Since then, my love affair with cooking has continued to grow.''

Chef Serge studied at L'école Hôtelièrede Strasbourg before beginning his professional train-ing at Michelin-starred restaurants and hotels in Germany and France, enhancing his culinary skills at the famous Ritz, in Paris, and the Buerehiesel, in Strasbourg. In the early 1990s he was appointed chef de cuisine of Restaurant Petrus at the Island Shangri-La hotel in Hong Kong.

After returning to France to run the family busi-ness, he moved in 1996 to Montreal, where he worked as executive chef at the Westin Mont-Royal and, later, as executive ous-chef at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. In July 2006, Chef Serge moved in as executive chef at Le Château Montebello, bring-ing his lifelong passion for cooking to the idyllic top-notch hotel.

Today, his culinary vision – that of combining European and Quebecois cuisine traditions to create dishes that also evince an Asian flair – is

presented at Montebello in a manner suitable for the 21st century. Describing his own cooking, Chef Serge says, ''I believe in healthy, uncomplicated cuisine, presented in an understated and elegant manner that allows the natural flavours, colours, and textures to stand on their own as a comple-ment to each other.''

In addition to Aux Chantignoles, the hotel's res-taurant, Chef Serge oversees seasonal outdoor BBQ and golf course outlets, as well as banquets, in-room dining, an outside catering service, and the hotel’s new free-standing meeting facility, which features a fabulous state-of-the-art kitchen. He also trains new chefs and supervises a staff that in high season swells to more than 70 people.

Chef Serge’s dishes have a regional touch and are defined by their simplicity and freshness – it is some of the finest gourmet cuisine in the region. Three of his favourites: savoury cassolette of snails in L'Ermite de Saint Benoit sauce, slow-roasted Boileau deer shank, and fresh Papineauville goat cheese with grilled-watermelon salad.

Under Chef Serge’s watchful eye, food for all types of group events has been served at the hotel. He has catered such groups as the 2007 North American Leaders Summit, whose menu (“It’s delectable.”) is now offered to other groups. Chef Serge also offers set menus to groups with names such as Girls Getaway Experience, Wine Maker’s Weekends, and Fabulous Weddings. For all these events, he tries to, as he says, “ensure that the mem-ory of the meal will last a lifetime.” Another stal-wart of his special menus is the “100 Mile Dinner,” prepared from ingredients found within a 100-mile radius of Montebello. “It allows us to work with our local producers and bring a taste of the region to our guests,” he says.

Chef Serge’s loves his work: “I love the fact that no matter how long you are a chef, you can con-tinue to grow, learn, and develop to ensure that you remain on the culinary edge,” he says. “My greatest pleasure is to make guests happy through the art of cuisine.” Deneen Perrin, Director, Public Relations, Fairmont Château Laurier and Fairmont Le Château Montebello. Tel: 613-562-7001. Fax: 613-562-7033. E-mail: [email protected].

Executive Chef Serge JostOffering fine cuisine at Fairmont Le Château Montebello

By habeeb salloum



Mission stateMentThunderBaypromotes itself around the“Superior byNature” brand statementand capitalizes on its connection to theoutdoorsbypromotingourselves as the“unconventionalConvention”destinationbyinspiringconventionitinerariesthatbalanceworkandadventuresuchassailing,kayaking,angling,golfing,skiingandotheractivitiesthat encourage convention andmeetingparticipantstoexplorethecity.

Major events in 2009• C I S M e n ’ s u n i v e r s i t y H o c k e yChampionships• Thunder Bay B lues fes t saw 15 ,0 00internationalBluesfollowersdescendonthecity’swaterfront.• TrophyGarden’srVSummerreunion–225Texas-basedrVsheldtheirsummerreunionandconventioninthecityforfivedaysinAugust.• recreat ionab le – ontar io Inc lus iverecreationForum• Nishnawbe Ask i Development FundAboriginalBusinessAwards.• ThunderBayishostingthe2010CISMen’suniversityHockeyinMarchandtheWorldJuniorBaseballChampionshipsinJuly2010.

CApACITIES• 6conventionhotels• 16 un ique convent ion and meet ingdestinations including the iconic FortWilliamHistoricalpark• 160meetingroomslocallyfrom10to1,000capacity• 1950hotelrooms• 600isthelargestsingleroomhotelbanquet/conventioncapacity(ValhallaInn)• LakeheaduniversityandConfederationCollegeeachhave1000capacitydinner/meetingrooms.• FortWilliamHistoricalparkfeaturesa53000seatoutdooramphitheatreforhostingmajoroutdooreventsandfestivals.

NEWrENoVATIoNS ANDCoNSTruCTIoN• ValhallaInnhasembarkedonthefirstphaseofacompleteroomremodellingprogram,havingcompleted2floorsin2009.• VictoriaInnhasbegunamultiyearroom

renovationprogram,beginningwithanumberofroomremodels• BestWesternNorwesterresorthasrecentlycompletedrenovationstotheentireguestroomcompliment

SpECIALGoVErNMENT INCENTIVEproGrAMSAND SEASoNALDISCouNTS• Freeconferencedelegateinformationsupport

(delegatebagsandvisitormagazines)• Conference planner support – hostingplannersandprovidingtransportationandadvisoryservicesandmeetingvenuetoursfreeofcharge.• Beginningin2010,TourismThunderBayoffersfinancialsponsorshipsupporttotourismfocusedmotorsportralliesandconventionsandselectcatalystsporttourismeventsthroughtheirlocalorganizingcommittees.

Executive Chef Serge Jost Whatyouneedto knowaboutThunderBay

34 | december 2009


eventwithanunforgettableliveperformanceby home-grown talents such as randyBachman , Bur ton Cummings , Chanta lkreviazukandNeilyoung.Meanwhile,severalgalleriesandmuseumsuch as the LeoMol SculptureGarden,WinnipegArtGallery,ManitobaMuseumandSt.BonifaceMuseumofferstunningandprovocativelocalandinternationalexhibits.Winnipeg is alsoproud tobehome tothemuch-anticipatedCanadianMuseumforHumanrights.TheCanadianMuseumforHumanrightsisthefirstfederalmuseumtobelocatedoutsideofthenation’scapital.Itspurposeistoengagevisitorstolearn,reflectanddiscusshumanrightsissuesthatpeoplehavefacedthroughouttheyearsinCanadaandacrosstheworld.The site of theCanadianMuseum forHumanrights,theForks,cannotbemorefitting.Forover6,000years,FirstNationspeople have gathered at The Forks – aNationalHistoricalSitefeaturing50uniqueshopsandrestaurants.Whi le in Winnipeg , exper ience thetranquilityandrelaxationwiththeIndigenousHotStoneMassageattheriverstoneSpaorindulgeinadayatTenSpa’shamam–aco-edTurkishbathexperiencethatcanbebookedforagrouporindividually.Forfashionistas—Winnipegoffersavarietyofshoppingdestinationsfromdesigneroutletmallstouniqueboutiquestolargeshopping

Imagineacitywhereartsandculturearecelebratedoneverycorner,acitywhosemulticulturalismshinesbright,acitywithaward-winningculinarycreationsfromsomeofthebestchefsinCanadaandhometosomeofthecountry’smostcelebratedfashionandjewellerydesigners.WelcometoWinnipeg–theHeartoftheContinent.Hometo730,000people,Winnipegisaculturallydiversemid-sizedcityrepresentedby100ethnicgroupsspeaking80differentlanguages.The cit y ’s d iverse cultural make upshinesbrightlythroughthegloballyinspiredcuisine found in almost everyWinnipegneighbourhood.Withoneof thehighestrestaurantspercapitaratiosinNorthAmerica--Winnipeghasover1,100restaurants,dinersanddelisspecializinginanykindofcuisineyoucanthinkof,fromregionalCanadianfaretofieryhotdishesfromthetropicstogourmetcuisinefromaward-winningchefs.Asthe2010CultureCapitalofCanada,Winnipegisacitywherepeopletrulycanexperienceawidearrayofworld-classarts&cultureoneverycorner.TheroyalWinnipegBallet ,Winnipeg Symphonyorchestra ,ManitobaTheatreCentreandprairieTheatreExchange,justtonameafew,aresomeofthemanyartsorganizationsinthecity.Inadditiontothescheduledperformances,manyofWinnipeg’sartsgroupsareavailableforprivatefunctionbookingsorcapofyour

centresfeaturingstoreslikeSephora,AritziaandTownShoes.Whenitcomestoactivityandadventure,Winnipeghasitall.FromruggedhikingtrailstopristinegolfcoursestopolarBeardaytripstoChurchill–Winnipegisyourgatewaytothegreatoutdoors.BookyournextCorporateMeetingorEventinWinnipegtodayandstartplanningyourultimateexperienceintheHeartoftheContinent.

WINNIpEGCoNVENTIoNCENTrESquareFootage:• TotalSquareFootage160,000• 78,000sq.ft.ofpillarlessexhibitspace• 5,100 sq. ft . presentation theatrewithmovietheatrescreenandsoundquality

TotalNumberofGuestroomsinWinnipeg:• 6400

TotalNumberofGuestroomsinDowntownWinnipeg:• 2600

TotalSquareFootageofMeetingSpace:• 312,632sq.ft.• LargestMeetingroom• 13,750 sq. f t . (Victoria Inn Hotel &ConventionCentre)

oFF-SITEVENuESEstimatedTotalSquareFootage:• 125,000sq.ft.

CLoSESTAIrporTWinnipeg James Armstrong richardsonInternationalAirport• 15minutedrivetodowntown

oTHErWINNIpEGSELLINGpoINTS• LocatedinCentralCanada• Winnipegisthe2010CulturalCapitalofCanada• Winnipeg’srestaurantsarenotedin“Top5”and“Top10”bestlistsinCanada• 28GolfCoursesinandaroundtheCity

Whatyouneed toknowaboutWinnipeg

Who needs sleep when networking is this much fun?

With great event venues to host 5 to 5,000 delegates, a state-of-the-art Convention Centre for

getting down to business, a world of dining and entertaining things to see and do – when you’re in

Winnipeg, every minute is memorable. Got more time? Explore Manitoba’s beauty for even more

memorable moments.

For more information on planning a meeting or convention in Winnipeg, call 1.800.665.0204 or

visit www.destinationwinnipeg.ca.

bedtime Four sessions, three new friends, fi ve hours ago.

1.800.565.7776 | www.wcc.mb.ca

T36 | december 2009

The intelligibility of audio at an event is crucial. An associate has a section of a presentation where he highlights the importance of audio. First, the PowerPoint screen goes black but he keeps talking to his audience. Though people might prefer to follow visuals, he is understood. Then the screen comes to life and he stops speaking. After a few PowerPoint slides with no narration, his point is well understood.Producing intelligible audio in a large venue can be a challenge. It is much more complicated than just getting more powerful amplifiers and bigger speakers. There are several issues with placing a bigger sound system at the foot of the stage. The people in the front rows will find

the sound too loud while those at the back will find it too quiet or unintelligible. The loud sound waves hit the walls, floor, and ceiling surfaces, and are reflected back into the room. These many reflections muddy the sound and render speech unintelligible. Some controlled reflections provide warmth to the audio – as in a concert hall – but they can also be overwhelming.

As sound moves outwards from the speakers, volume is reduced at a rate of six decibels per doubling of the distance between speaker and listener. This is why using a large speaker cluster at the front of a large room is not ideal for a corporate event. The attached photo and

diagram illustrate that approximately 200 feet lie between the video screens and drape and the last row of tables. The front row of seats is about 10 feet in front of a speaker stand. If the sound level at the front row is an ear-splitting 100 db (which is recognized by experts as the pain threshold), it would be less than 70 db at the last row. This difference is lost in the room’s ambient sound and via the reflected sound. Ideally, a corporate event would have even sound pressure levels of between 85 db and 88 db.

One way to approach this challenge is to use a greater quantity of speakers. This reduces

How to ensure intelligible audio in large venuesFilling the roomBy ralph niekamp

av i n s i G H t

the overall movement of sound energy in the room and minimizes unwanted reflections.

While using several rows of speakers throughout the room solves one set of issues, it also introduces another challenge. Sound moves through air at 1,130 feet per second, and the same sound moves through the speaker wires at the speed of light – which, for all practical purposes, is to say that it moves through wires instantaneously. Thus, people sitting at a distance from the stage will hear sound from the speakers nearest to them sooner than they will hear the same sound from speakers farther away, and the result will be poor audio intelligibility. A digital delay device can be used in order to ensure that sound waves produced on stage emanate simultaneously from all speakers in the room.

Ralph Niekamp, Inland AV Saskatoon General Manager addresses audiovisual considerations important to event planners. As a branch manager, Ralph brings a unique perspective as he is involved in both permanent systems design and integration and AV rentals applications

38 | december 2009


Major events in saskatoon in 2009:Jan.7–11CanadianuniversitypressNationalConferenceFeb.1–4SaskatchewanurbanMunicipalitiesAssociationAnnualConferenceMar.9–12SaskatchewanAssociationofruralMunicipalitiesAnnualConferenceMar. 19 – 21 SG I I n sur ance Annua lConferenceMar. 22 – 24 Associat ion ofWorkersCompensation Board ofCanadaAnnualConferenceMar.29–31NationalCongressonruralEducationAnnualConferenceApr.5–7SaskatchewanAssociationofHealthorganizationsAnnualConferenceApr.22–23WesternCanadianLivestockExpoMay22–25CanadianAssociationofLabourMediaJune5–7MennoniteChurchofCanadaAnnualAssemblyJul. 13 – 16Chicken FarmersofCanadaSummerMeetingAug.15–16CamecoCanadaremembersInternationalAirShowAug.16–19CanadianMedicalAssociationAnnualConferenceoct . 7 – 9Western Canadian HazmatConference

CApACITIES:• 604,000squarefeetofnon-hotelmeetingspace(CreditunionCentre,TCuplace,prairielandpark, and theuniversityofSaskatchewan)• over150,000squarefeetofhotelmeetingspace• over3,300hotelrooms

NEWCoNSTruCTIoNSANDrenovations in 2009: • Theradissonhotelcelebratedtheir25thanniversaryin2009witha$5millionfloor-to-ceilingrenovationofall291guestrooms,aswellasupdatestotheirmeetingspace.• TheSheratonCavalierHotelSaskatooniscurrentlyrenovatingtheCavalierTower,previouslyusedasanapartmentbuilding,intoanew35roomwingofsuitesandextendedsuitescompletewithmultiplebedroomsandkitchenettes• CreditunionCentreisintheprocessofcompletingtheadditionof3,800seats,newofficespace,renovateddressingrooms,atrainingareafortheSaskatoonBlades(WHL)• prairieland park has just completed a58 ,000-square-foot addition to theirconventionspace.

rEGIoNALpArTNErS:Convent ions Saskatoon ! is a work ingcommittee of the Tourism SaskatoonConvent ions and Event Marke t ingDepartment,theirmembersare:CreditunionCentre,prairielandpark,TCuplace,universityofSaskatchewan,DeltaBessborough,HiltonGardenInn,HolidayInnExpressandSuites,HotelSenator,parkTownHotel,radissonHotel,SheratonCavalier,BestWesternInn,CountryInnandSuites,HeritageInn,SandmanHotel,ramadaHotelandGolfDome,SaskatoonI nn , S a sk a toon Tr ave lodge Hote l ,ChampetreCounty,odeonEventsCentre,Souleio,WesternDevelopmentMuseum,WillowsGolfandCountryClub,Wilson’sEntertainmentpark,Boffin’sprivateClub,LivingSkies,MyTravelSinfonia,onpurposeLeadership Inc , rSVp Event Design ,TurnerCobenEventMarketing,Creative

Whatyouneedtoknow aboutTourismSaskatoon

Mission statement:

We are Greater

Saskatoon’s

destination

management

organization,

expanding our

economy through

tourism.

B r e a k f r o m

Create a convention with a difference!Here’s a place whose enthusiasm is infectious, a place whose heart is as big as the

prairie sky, where service, fun and sophistication are blended into an unforgettable

conference experience, where an unconventionally dedicated thirty partner

Convention & Event team will assist.

Fly direct to the heart of the country!Conference attendees are thrilled with Saskatoon’s air access. Direct flights from Toronto,

Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Minneapolis, Denver, Chicago, and

beyond arrive daily.

Call Dave to get started... 1-800-567-2444 ext 30.

T o u r i s m S a s k a t o o n : 1 0 1 – 2 0 2 F o u r t h A v e n u e N o r t h , S a s k a t o o n , S K S 7 K 0 K 1P h o n e : ( 3 0 6 ) 2 4 2 - 1 2 0 6 F a x : ( 3 0 6 ) 2 4 2 - 1 9 5 5 w w w . t o u r i s m s a s k a t o o n . c o mP r o u d h o s t o f C S A E 2 0 1 1 N a t i o n a l C o n f e r e n c e a n d S h o w c a s e

S a s k a t o o n !i n

*Free high-speed Internet access in North America only. High-speed Internet access may not necessarily be available in all guest rooms or public areas. *Either continental OR hot breakfast available (many complimentary). *Numbers are approximate and can vary. Best Western Rewards is formerly known as Gold Crown Club® International. See www.BestWesternRewards.com for additional terms. Each Best Western® hotel is independently owned and operated. Best Western and the Best Western marks are service marks or registered service marks of Best Western International, Inc. ©2009 Best Western International, Inc. All rights reserved.

At every Best Western®, your clients will discover amenities that business travelers want.

We offer a collection of standard amenities and services including free high-speed Internet*, hot or continental breakfast at all locations* and in room coffee/tea. With our rewards program, “Best Western RewardsSM,” it is easy to earn points toward rewards, and with 4,000* locations

worldwide, chances are there’s a Best Western right next to where your business client needs to be.

www.bestwestern.com | 1.800.WESTERN®

THE WORLD’SLARGEST

HOTEL CHAIN.®

The world’s largest hotel chain does business everywhere you do.

- Best Western Director of Hotel OperationsOttawa, Ontario

ALBERTACalgaryBest Western Village Park Inn888-774-7716HintonBest Western White Wolf Inn800-220-7870LeducBest Western Denham Inn & Suites800-661-3327LethbridgeBest Western Heidelberg Inn800-791-8488BRITISH COLUMBIACourtenayBest Western The Westerly Hotel800-668-7797KamloopsBest Western Kamloops 800-665-6674QuesnelBest Western Tower Inn800-663-2009Tofi noBest Western Tin Wis Resort Lodge800-661-9995

VancouverBest Western Chateau Granville800-663-0575Best Western Sands800-661-7887Vancouver Airport Area (Richmond)Best Western Richmond Hotel & Convention Centre800-663-0299MANITOBAWinnipegBest Western Pembina Inn & Suites877-269-8811NEW BRUNSWICKEdmundstonBest Western Edmundston Hotel888-735-0001MonctonBest Western Moncton888-887-8788NOVA SCOTIADartmouthBest Western Dartmouth Hotel & Suites800-780-7234

TruroBest Western Glengarry Hotel800-567-4276ONTARIOBrantfordBest Western Brant Park Inn & Conference Centre877-341-1234DrydenBest Western Motor Inn888-394-2378JordanBest Western Beacon Harbourside Inn & Conference Centre888-823-2266KingstonBest Western Fireside Inn800-567-8800MidlandBest Western Highland Inn & Conference Centre800-461-4265OrilliaBest Western Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre800-461-0283

OttawaBest Western Macies Hotel800-268-5531Best Western Victoria Park Suites800-465-7275StratfordBest Western The Parlour Historic Inn & Suites877-728-4036TorontoBest Western Roehampton Hotel800-387-8899Best Western Travel Inn Toronto Airport866-459-1234Waterloo (St. Jacob’s Area)Best Western St. Jacobs Country Inn800-972-5371QUEBECMontrealBest Western Europa Downtown800-361-3000

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