march 2009

March ’09 5 THEPLANNER

Trade shows provide some of the bestvenues when it comes to networking

opportunities. This is the one place whereeveryone in your industry congregates fora few short days and is focused on onething – business.

Over the last few years, we have seen a significant drop inthe number of people who attend shows while the quality ofattendees has risen. This is important news for an exhibitor ora visitor who wants to meet and greet sometimes-inaccessibleindustry people.

These are the same people for whom you have left count-less unanswered telephone and e-mail messages but may bethe same people who will ultimately decide on the purchaseof your product or service. There will be the movers and shak-ers – people who have their finger on the pulse of your indus-try. All you need to do is be prepared.

Here are a few tips on preparing your networking activitiesfor your next trade show:

1. Define your objective. Be really clear about what youwant to accomplish whether it’s meeting decision makers,product experts, industry gurus, forecasters or people whowork for your competitors. Ask yourself, “What do I want toaccomplish with these people?” If you want to learn moreabout your industry for example, take this statement a stepfurther and ask, “What specifically?”

2. List it. Make a list of the people you want to meet andthe most likely place to meet them. This will include suchplaces as receptions, on the show floor, at participatinghotels, during industry events such as meetings, banquets,sporting events or at a lecture.

3. Scheduling. Attempt to reach these people ahead oftime to set up a pre-arranged meeting. This is a great ideabecause the people that you want to meet, just like you, arebusy and have full schedules.

4. Develop your questions. Rather than leaving the meet-ing to chance it’s always better to spend a bit of time prepar-ing a list of questions ahead of time. Questions like the onein Step 1 – “What specifically?”

5. Record information. Bring a notebook to record theinformation you are gathering.

6. Bring your business cards. Its simply good business eti-quette to exchange business cards during a business meeting.

Having a contact’s card also gives you their vital statistics soyou can get in touch with them after the show in case youhave additional questions or need some clarification on theinformation they gave you.

7.Thank you notes. Send them not only after the meetingis over but immediately after the show. It’s good businesspractice to send an e-mail or letter thanking them for the timethey spent with you and the value of their information.

8. Look for opportunities to add information. Duringyour face-to-face meetings, you may stumble across bits ofinformation the person you are meeting with may be lookingfor. Here is a great chance to give something back to the con-versation. But be careful and avoid gossip. Keep the informa-tion you are sharing factual and positive.

Sometimes we get so focused on setting up an exhibit orplanning a trip we neglect the power we can cultivate with astrong network. Put these eight simple steps to work at yournext show and reap the rewards that come from adding net-working to your show schedule.

Barry Siskind is North America’ foremost trade and consumer show

expert. Visit his Web site: www.siskindtraining.com or e-mail him at:

[email protected].

Use the untapped potentialof your tradeshow network

BY BARRY SISKIND

In this market, YOU should be king!

As we continue feeling the pinch of the tightening economy andsearch for better value for our money, suppliers should be giving

you more bang for your buck.The reality may be different, however, as many are making serious

cuts to weather the economic storm. The worst do it believing these cutswill help them survive, but this is clearly short-term thinking. The bestsuppliers – those thinking long term and looking to gain market share –will be resisting and actually doing more to safeguard their services andkeep customers in this recession.

In fact, top performers are treating their best customers better thanever. Some may be cutting back office expenses but are preserving front-line jobs. This recession will accentuate the difference betweencompanies that put customers first and those that sacrifice loyalty forshort-term gain.

A few key elements will be:• Not to cutback in staffing levels, but instead work to cross-train

employees so they can step up to fill a variety of needs.• Make their staff happy by spoiling them more than ever as they will

be asked to work harder than ever.• Keeping their customers happy by giving them more service and

attention than ever.So, as a planner, if your suppliers aren’t doing the above but instead

are cutting look for those who are looking to gain you as a new customer.By offering you more in these difficult times, not less, they will be making you feel important – and that is what it’s all about.

Leo Gervais

6 March ’09THEPLANNER

T H E C A N A D I A N E D I T I O NIn th is Issue

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Events on campusThere are a myriad of venues for a plannerto choose from. Some university campusesare taking notice, and many are offeringservices and amenities to rival the tradition-al venues we all know.

Third party route For some meeting aspects, it can be a no-brainer to bring in a specialist. In particular,a site selection specialist can provide an invaluable service to an overwhelmedplanner. Dave Jewell explains the benefits ofhaving an extra person in the planning mix.

Conference centresThe Planner offers a special section thismonth, looking at conference centres inCanada. We have included several articlesand a comprehensive guide to many ofthese venues across the country to assistyou in your search.

Sleepless Pt. 2B.C. Planner Kathie Madden got a lot morethan she bargained for when she agreed tohelp out some local high school studentswith their senior soiree. Enlisting the helpof several other professionals, Kathiereceived much more than her regular fee.

2105 de la Montagne, suite 100Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Z8

Telephone: (514) 849-6841 ext. 315 Fax: (514) 284-2282

MANAGING EDITOR Leo Gervais [email protected] EDITORS Camille Lay [email protected]

Jyl Ashton Cunningham [email protected] ARTIST Matt RiopelSALES James Paulson [email protected] Tania Joanis, Patricia LemusEXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Debbie Barlow

CONTRIBUTORS Melissa Bell, Cynthia Fell, Dave Jewell, Kathie Madden, Barry Siskind

The Planner uses 30% recycled post-consumer paper.

Cover: The University of Toronto

Poste-publication No. 40934013Colour printer: Litho Express, (514) 816-3865, www.lithoexpress.ca

The Planner is published nine times a year.

The Planner is a monthly publication distributed to professional meeting and event planners across Canada.

THEPLANNER

March ’09 7THEPLANNER

Dietary fibre will help your heartPeople who eat lots of fibre tend to live longer and have a

reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and digestive problemsaccording to a recent Dutch study. The long-term study foundthat for every additional 10 grams of daily fibre (about 3/4 ofa cup of beans or vegetables, there was a 9 percent reductionin overall mortality rates and a 17 percent drop in coronarydeath rates, regardless of factors like body weight or fatintake. People in their fifties and sixties seemed to benefitmore than those in their sixties and seventies.

The eyes have itGetting eye strain from your computer? Here are some tips

to limit the problem:• Keep the monitor at arm’s distance, with the top at eye

level so that you look slightly down at the screen• Limit glare by positioning your lamp so it does not reflect

in the screen, dimming overhead lights and closing blinds.• Enlarge the print size on the screen, as needed.• If you wear glasses, have the prescription checked

regularly – you may need special lenses for computer work.• Don’t forget to blink often, as computer work slows

blinking and take breaks often• Artificial tears will soothe your eyes.• Take frequent breaks, 10 minutes per hour if possible

Go nuts and feel good about itNuts have made their mark nutritionally in recent years. At

150 calories per ounce, they’re high in calories but also richin healthy fat, as well as a variety of nutrients, fiber, vitamins(especially E), etc. many beans, nuts and grains are actuallyseeds. Some, like sesame and poppy, are used as snacks andflavourings while others, like safflower, are grown primarilyfor their oil. Remember these tips: 1. Try to avoid heavily-salt-ed seeds. 2. Add seeds to cakes, breads and muffins and addthem to salads. 3. Toast or roast raw seeds in a little bit of oil.

(For more health news, visit www.wellnessletter.com)

Taps for MuzakThe elevator is going quiet – Muzak Holdings LLC filed for

bankruptcy in February.Muzak, the creators of elevator music for the past 75 years,

has filed to try to refinance some of its debt, estimated atbetween US$100 million and $500 million with assets of lessthan US$50,000. Among its biggest unsecured creditors is U.S.Bank NA, which is owed US$371 million according to a courtfiling. Other unsecured creditors include: Universal MusicEnterprises, owed US$349,000; EMI Capital Records,US$320,000; and AT&T, US$257,000.

Secured creditors, such as tax agencies, are paid beforeunsecured creditors and the list of those secured creditorsshould be filed soon.

On the Web: www.muzak.com


Anyone who still thinks that university campuses only offerstudent dorms and catering –

where all the food is the same colour – is in for a very pleasant surprise.

University event marketing and department operations aresteadily taking on a level of professionalism and creativity thatwill give many hotels and conference centres some serious competition. Formerly the domain of low-budget groups, largecorporations are seeing the potential for saving money andkeeping all meeting components closely together on campus.

When considering holding a meeting or event at a univer-sity, remember that availability – especially of accommoda-tions – tends to be limited to four months, between May andAugust. There are a few exceptions depending on the facili-ty, however it is essential to check before proposing any cam-pus to a client. Another consideration is that university eventsgenerally take precedence, so booking several months or evenyears ahead is not always feasible.

Some Canadian universities have been around for almost200 years and have some of the most impressive architectureand grounds, often right in the heart of the city or communi-ty on land that is the envy of many a developer. Others havea varied selection of campus sites, situated in the countrysideor suburbs. Many convents and seminaries have been takenover by universities, as the once-powerful Catholic Church’soutreach slowly diminishes. In Montréal, Concordia Universityrecently procured the Grey Nuns’s magnificent property indowntown Montreal, which will undoubtedly provide somestunning event spaces in the future. As beautiful old mansionshave come onto the market in the vicinity of most downtowncampuses, they are regularly snapped up by universities foruse as faculty clubs, offices and event spaces.

However, as much as the beautiful old buildings offer fabulous backdrops for photo-ops and historically outstand-ing venues for every occasion, new and exciting buildingdesigns also provide state-of-the-art facilities for today’s meet-ing industry needs.

Planning an event at a universityBY JYL ASHTON CUNNINGHAM, CMP

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10


Universities provide one-stop shoppingThese include auditoriums fitted out with the latest in

lighting and sound; art galleries and exhibit halls with climatecontrol and well-equipped catering kitchens as well as techni-cal laboratories, complete with computers and Webcastingfacilities, are available at a very competitive rate.

The immediate advantage to using a university facility iscost. Olga Chodan, Administrative Officer of McGill’s Facultyof Dentistry explained that in-house services such as audio-visual are readily available and tend to be less expensive thanoutsourcing. Whenever possible, Olga keeps meetings andevents on campus, only outsourcing when the event is toolarge for the campus properties. Many rooms in universitiesare also already equipped with proper tables and chairs thatdon’t require linens, so the room rate can be kept down.

Universities are generally easily accessible by public tran-sit, although during the summer months special commuterbuses may be taken out of service, so check with the localtransit authority. Parking is readily available, however it generally costs the same as the going rate for parking in thearea, so it can be pricey.

Before planning a university event, visit The CanadianUniversity and College Conference Organizers Associationwebsite www.cuccoa.org or www.connectoncampus.ca.The 31-year old association’s site is a veritable gold mine ofregularly updated information, with everything fromresources to planning tools to help even the most inexperi-enced planner coordinate a successful meeting. Importantinformation on planning accessible and green meetingsdemonstrate that the association and its members are con-stantly evolving to stay competitive and socially responsible inthe meetings industry.

Each CUCCOA member’s site is linked to the associationsite with details of venue capacity, number of meeting rooms,event photos and catering contacts. Test e-mails to just a fewof the almost 100 association members received almost imme-diate helpful and informative responses. There are even linksto other resources such as meeting planning associations andoverseas venues. The association enjoys good relationshipswith local tourism bureaus that assist in providing informationon the local scene.

Having an event at a university provides a one-stop shop-ping experience that makes planning a breeze. Many facilitieshave their own catering or they can recommend caterers.Since campus life revolves around students for most of theyear, there are usually plenty of on-site activities available,such as top of the line sports and fitness facilities, retailstores, pubs and restaurants (McMaster University has anexcellent food hall with all kinds of healthy and unusualmeals available), open year-round.

The educational facilities in universities are naturally second to none, and perfect for team building exercises.Guelph University’s Kemptville Campus AgroforestryEducation Centre near Ottawa, for example, has a maplesyrup production farm that delegates can work on, learn allabout Canada’s most famous food export and hopefully sam-ple the product. There are resources for all ages, making it anideal property for events where children are included.

University venues can be particularly child-friendly, frompre-school to teen – not just because of the reasonable accom-modation rates, but also for the educational opportunities andoutdoor activities. Anyone planning an incentive event duringthe summer would find plenty to do at venues such asUniversity of British Columbia’s several properties. With a vastarray of playing fields, indoor recreation centres and twohuge swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoors, the kidswill be exhausted by bedtime. With such impressive amenities,UBC and similar properties are ideal locations for large multi-day sporting events. UBC has some stunning venues for adultstoo, check out their Signature Venues link on their websiteand marvel at the beautiful First Nations Longhouse.

On the Web: www.ubcconferences.com.

PROVIDE A COMPUTER LAB FOR DELEGATESThe University of Lethbridge and the University of Calgary

each have climbing walls on site and Trent University has rowing facilities. These are just a few of the examples ofactivities for all ages found on the CUCCOA website, there arehundreds more.

For historical value, consider Queen’s University inKingston or Bishop’s University in Quebec, where the archi-tecture and beautiful interior designs from the last two cen-turies are prevalent everywhere. Both campuses offer stun-ning grounds and historical points of interest are only a shortwalk away.

Some properties offer hotel standard accommodation(Ryerson and McGill to name two) but if the bedrooms seemsparse, cheer them up with a pretty throw (offer as a give-away)or a flowering plant and offer a program that requires mini-mum time in bedrooms except to sleep. Provide a computer labfor delegates to check e-mail, offer evening movies or pubnights and be outdoors in the fresh air as much as possible.

Whatever the reasons for planning an event at a University,one thing is for sure: The possibilities are only limited by theimagination. So visit the CUCCOA website today and look atthe many options available for planners in places of higherlearning across Canada.

• • •

Jyl Ashton Cunningham is a meeting and incentive planner and

freelance writer based in Oakville, Ontario. Jyl can be reached at:

[email protected]

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9


Going the third party routewill save you time and moneyBY DAVE JEWELL, CMP

The path of the planner from “We have to do a meeting,”to “Whew, the final invoice has been paid!” can be a long

and arduous one, cluttered with obstacles, distractions and noshortage of conflicting duties and responsibilities.

From negotiating AV prices, to nailing down the best roomrental package, few businesspeople can be pulled in multipledirections with a greater need for ever-expanding areas ofexpertise than a meeting planningprofessional.

Enter The Specialist. For somemeeting aspects, it can be a no-brainer to bring in a specialist.A team-building experience withvery specific goals and objectiveswill almost always be best led by aprofessional from a company withthis area of expertise. For that galaevent, away from the host hotel,with catered food, entertainment,décor and more, your destinationmanagement partner can be worththeir weight in gold. And yourfavorite speaker’s bureau willalways be the best direction to gofor that keynote address.

Less obvious, but often of equal, if not greater importance,can be the site-selection specialist. While not new in our industry, site selection has been a component of destinationmanagement and complete meeting management services fordecades, but the site selection specialty as an industry in and ofitself can really be traced back fewer than 20 years. The mostprevalent business model offers the planner the valuable contribution of the specialist while not increasing the planner’sbudgeted expenditures, as the site-selection services are performed in exchange for the commission or finder’s fee paidby the hotel to the site-selection professional.

As a representative of HelmsBriscoe in the Toronto andCanadian markets for nearly six years, I have had opportunityafter opportunity to share the value of what we do with themeeting planning professionals in this region and beyond.

The service companies such as ours can offer and will take a monumental weight off the shoulders of the meetingplanner whose other responsibilities, in conjunction with the meeting they are charged with organizing, can be formidable.

From making sure all VIPs have the appropriate room category,to getting the printing of materials done on time, to verifyingthe arrival of boxes in the right place on the right day, to fit-ting appropriate room sets into the appropriate spaces, aplanner can feel pulled in many directions, and a profession-ally-managed assist in an area of such gravity as the site-selection component of the meeting can make all the differencein that planner’s successful implementation of their program.

BENEFITS FOR PLANNNERSThe reasons why a planner

would use a site-selection profes-sional can be myriad. It can be achallenge for the planner to createan RFP for their program and get itinto the hands of the various hotelswhere the program would be agood fit, only to then appropriatelyevaluate the responses they receive.As a result, often it is the case thatfewer hotels are competing for thebusiness, and the best possiblepackage of rates, value and conces-sions might be missed. The site-selection professional has as theirprimary responsibility the completeand exhaustive execution of this

process, thus putting the planner in the best case scenario offinding the best hotel for the various aspects of their program.

Often a planner will be handling a program in a marketwhere they are not accustomed to doing business, either with-in their own country or abroad in a foreign land with unfamil-iar currencies and customs. In this situation, the specialist’svalue can truly be appreciated, as many of the larger, globalcompanies in this business have a network of professionals inmany countries, where expertise can be harnessed in a time-ly and efficient manner, giving the planner a comfort level inan unfamiliar market equal to that of the markets in whichthey are accustomed to doing business.

Additionally, the opportunity to convey to the planner thatsense of “coming home” to a hotel that they enjoy with theproperties they eagerly return to again and again, can be oneof the most significant and overlooked byproducts of the site-selection process.

“The most prevalentbusiness model offers

the planner the valuable contribution ofthe specialist while not

increasing the planner’sbudgeted expenditures.”



While the planner may not have the reach to a substantialvolume of hotels as they place programs in various markets,their specialist in site selection may enjoy a much broadercontact base through the number of programs they placearound the globe, and the value of that contact base can betransferred from specialist to end user in a very seamless fash-ion. The planner then finds they have the feeling of beingwelcomed back to a hotel where they are a new client, due tothe previous experience of their site-selection professionaland the company they represent.

This can be of exceptional value when the planner has a pro-gram that might not immediately get the hotel’s attention (due tospace/rooms ratio issues, budgetary constraints, date and timingneeds, and various other reasons). That site-selection profession-al you have employed can make all the difference in getting youinto the hotel you want and need to be in, while saving you thepremiums often charged in conjunction with such circumstances.

Ultimately, the relationships involved in the process canoften be the most significant reason a planner uses a site-selection specialist. The specialist often becomes your trustedpartner in the planning process, and their knowledge aboutyour programs often allows you to develop a shorthand lan-guage in your communications. The ability to utilize your site-selection specialist as a filter for your communications withhotel partners competing for your attention between pro-grams can be reason enough to justify their existence.

And the specialists’ ability to keep you abreast of the newand renewed product you should be taking into considerationas you plan your future programs can give you the confidenceyou are making the best possible for each and every programyou place.

If you haven’t done so already, please consider a site-selec-tion specialist for your next program.

Dave Jewell is the Regional Vice President, Canada East

for HelmsBriscoe. He can be reached at [email protected]

or (416) 304-0105.

A selection specialist can help

LEVEL: EASY Solution, page 31

LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE Solution, page 31

Fill each square with a number from 1 to 9 so that everynumber appears only once in each row, column and cell.

SOME SUDOKU RESOURCES ON THE WEB:• www.websudoku.com •www.sudoweb.com•www.dailysudoku.com •www.sudokupuzz.com

SudokuSponsored by the Centre Mont-Royal

ErratumIn the article “101 Ways To Save” (The Planner,

February, 2009) we neglected to mention thatsome of the ideas offered had been sent to us byLouisa Davis of Prime Strategies in Vancouver,B.C. and should have been credited as such. The Planner regrets the error. Ms. Davis will bepresenting a talk on the topic of saving on April16 in Montreal for National Meetings Industry Dayat Le Crystal Hotel, 1100 rue de la Montagne.

For more info: www.mpimontreal.com/en



Ed. Note: Following last month’s article by Cynthia Fell on savings in restaurants, we now present some eatery options inCentral Canada as Part II of our series on restaurants.

Niagara FallsELEMENTS ON THE FALLS RESTAURANT For the ultimate Niagara Falls view, bring your guests to thenewly-remodeled Elements on the Falls Restaurant. Locatedon the upper level of Table Rock, this popular landmark islocated on the very edge of the Horseshoe Falls. While here,guests can sample the finest VQA wines from the acclaimedNiagara Wine Region. Breathtaking views and delicious sea-sonal Niagara Cuisine make this the perfect venue for privateconference buy out events with a private board room and fullA/V services available.Tel: 1-877-642-7275 ext. 2On the Web:www.niagaraparks.com/dining/elementsonthefalls.php

QUEENSTON HEIGHTS RESTAURANTThe Gateway to Niagara Wine Country. Delight in a uniquewine and culinary experience that highlights their award-win-ning VQA wine collection, The Best of Niagara. Your group canenjoy the panoramic view of the Niagara River and the bountifulvineyards stretching beyond to Lake Ontario, from the privatedining room, the private Queenston Banquet Room or the inti-mate covered patio. With more than 20 years experience, theirinternationally-trained chef uses his extraordinary understandingof freshness, quality and pairing, to develop signature dishes formemorable private dining events. A/V services available.Tel: 1-877-642-7275 ext. 2On the Web:www.niagaraparks.com/dining/queenstonres.php

EDGEWATERS RESTAURANTThe beautiful and historic Queen Victoria Place is home toNiagara Parks' popular Edgewaters Restaurant. A stunningvenue for private buy out events, this location has a spectac-ular panoramic view of both the American and CanadianHorseshoe Falls from the indoor dining room, the coveredoutdoor terrace or our 3rd level Commissioner’s Quarters.The nightly illumination of the Falls can be experienced herethroughout the year, and the terrace offers a perfect seat for watch-ing the Falls Fireworks during the summer months. Customizedspecialty group menus and full A/V services available.Tel: 1-877-642-7275 ext.2On the Web:www.niagaraparks.com/dining/queenstonres.php

LEGENDS ON THE NIAGARA CLUBHOUSEThis grand venue boasts panoramic lakeside views ofLegends’ Battlefield course, where your guests can relax overcocktails and a delicious meal prepared by their skilled chefsat this classically styled clubhouse. Enjoy their Lounge Bar,Dining Room, outdoor covered Terrace, or book one ofLegends’ spacious boardrooms with full A/V services avail-able. Book a tournament at your choice of two championshipcourses at Niagara’s only platinum golf complex, which offersall the amenities of a world-class golf destination. Located justten minutes south of the Falls.Tel: 1-877-642-7275 ext.2On the Web:www.niagaraparks.com/dining/legendsres.php

THE KEG STEAKHOUSE & BARThe Keg Steakhouse & Bar, located on the 9th floor of theEmbassy Suites Hotel Niagara Falls – Fallsview, offers arelaxed, contemporary setting with mouthwatering steaks, agreat wine list and many delicious appetizers. Paired with ourbeautiful two-room suites, fully equipped, spacious meetingrooms and service that is second to none, the Keg Steakhouse& Bar overlooking Niagara Falls is the perfect addition to yournext conference. A semi-private area can be reserved for yourgroup for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A variety of set menus,both plated and buffet are available.Tel: 1-800-420-6107.On the Web: www.fallsviewrestaurant.com

TorontoHARD ROCK CAFÉThe Hard Rock Cafe Toronto is located directly across fromDundas Square and The Eaton Centre.Their memorabilia-stocked restaurant is suited for all types of events, from Blacktie to Black Leather! Their private room “the Lounge “comesequipped with full lighting, sound and stage and all your A/Vrequirements. The Lounge seats 150 with 350 reception style.The restaurant capacity is very similar in size seats up to 175with 400 reception style – full “buy out” seated capacity 325with a 600 person capacity for reception style. Their banquetchef can custom design menus to satisfy diverse pallets aswell as restricted budgets.Tel: (416) 362-3636 On the Web: www.hardrock.com/toronto



130 WEST EVENT CENTRE Located in the heart of Toronto this event venue provides amodern esthetic with a comforting atmosphere. With theoverview of industry professionals experienced in event pro-duction and the ability to create cuisine that defies any conti-nental constraints this unique venue allows for a plethora ofevent types. With the amenities of 5 private rooms with manyvariances, an in-house A/V system, they are sure to have theright space for you. The Venue does entertain “Buy-outs” anyday of the week. Whether you are looking to hold a businessconference, or an intimate wedding, our production team isable to deliver a unique and memorable moment. 130 WestEvent Centre and One Up Private Dining is the venue ofchoice for anyone who demands perfection. With two floorsand five available spaces, we are sure to find the right config-uration for your event.Tel: (416) 340-9631On the Web: www.130west.com

CN TOWERDo you want to experience an engineering wonder of theModern World and the most spectacular views of Torontowhile enjoying one of Canada’s finest culinary experiences?The perfect destination to do all that is Toronto’s CN Tower.The CN Tower combines a variety of breathtaking settings andaward-winning cuisine to host over 500 memorable eventseach year for up to 2,000 people, from receptions, galas andparties to meetings, film screenings and press launches.360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower is one of Toronto’s finestrestaurants with unforgettable food combined with an out-standing revolving view of Toronto more than 1,000 feetbelow. 360 can host sunrise breakfast meetings, lunches or anelegant sunset event. Planners can book exclusive use of therestaurant for served functions up to 400 or receptions up to600 guests. Cocktail receptions at the top include awe-inspir-ing views stretching out to the horizon and beyond for 50 orup to 600 guests. Horizons, the other great restaurant at theCN Tower, can accommodate 300 or 150 seated, is easily divid-ed for privacy and a built in stage and sound system supportsa variety of presentation and entertainment options. The ultimate event can combine dinner in 360 with pre and postdinner parties in Horizons. The venue also has a 144-seat cinema plus fully equipped meeting rooms. With all it has tooffer, it’s no wonder the CN Tower is so popular.Corporate sales: (416) 601-4718Toll free: (North America) 1-888-684-3268On the Web: www.cntower.ca

SASSAFRAZSassafraz has a dedicated kitchen, events manager, core servicestaff, audio visual amenities and barrier-free access. These toolsare all geared towards every private event, a key and integralcomponent to their business, a huge success. Guests will expe-rience service and attention to detail equivalent to that of ahigh-end hotel and group dining which offers on-site and indi-vidual selection in an atmosphere that is elegant, warm andwelcoming. Sassafraz, located in Yorkville, understands thatevent planners rely on consistency and flexibility to meet thespecific needs and goals of their clients. Sassafraz delivers both.Tel: (416) 964-2222 On the Web: www.sassafraz.ca

OttawaCOURTYARD RESTAURANTLocated in a gorgeous, old stone-walled heritage building indowntown Ottawa, the Courtyard offers a warm and charmingatmosphere with affordable prices. Private dining rooms areavailable for groups of 10 to 80 guests for seated functions or upto 200 for cocktail receptions, and all-day meetings and retreatscan have up to 40 guests, with AV and Internet access available.Their award-winning chef works with our clients to create memorable menus using local products. Event coordinators arelocated on site to help with all aspects of planning your next event.Tel: (613) 241-1516On the Web: www.courtyardrestaurant.com

KingstonKING STREET SIZZLE RESTAURANT & BARLocated at street level in the Four Points by Sheraton in down-town Kingston, King Street Sizzle offers your guests a fantas-tic dining experience. Experience Sizzle’s funky moderndécor, open kitchen and contemporary menu. For smallergroups, reserve one of our two private rooms, featuring largescreen plasma and dedicated lighting and music. For largergroups, choose from one of the Four Points many private din-ing venues including a second floor dining room completewith large outdoor terrace. Sizzle’s team of chefs will delightyour palate with the fresh flavours of our signature dishesfrom pasta to seafood and steak. We offer a wide selection ofover 40 international beers, including eight premium drafts.Enjoy a glass of Kingston’s coldest beer from one of our twinice towers or sample our extensive wine list. Dine al frescoon The Sidewalk (seasonal). Underground parking.Tel: (613) 544-6226 On the Web: www.kingstreetsizzle.com



Montréal

ARIEL RESTAURANTThe concept: Bistro + Gastronomie =Bistronomie. This is the art of good eating (gastronomy) in an energetic,elegant environment (bistro). Ariel offersmodern bistro-based on French tradi-tion, with international accents andMontreal style. It is the perfect balanceof refinement, creativity and simplicity.Their menu reflects the changing seasons by celebrating the best localproducts. Available for semi-private orprivate functions for up to 75 people.Chef’s Tables are also available forguests to experience.Tel: (514) 282-9790On the Web: www.arielrestaurant.com

GARÇONWhat we like about Garçon – other thantheir excellent food (or as they liketo say adventurous) and the fact thatone of Canada’s top sommeliers (Don-Jean Léandri) works there – is theiropenness to creativity. They are alwaysopen and coming up with new ideas.Another plus is their great location, witha terrace in summer and an ice bar inwinter, right on Sherbrooke Street, nextto all the major hotels. A sure hit withfoodies! Tel: (514) 843-4000On the Web:www.restaurantgarcon.com

EUROPEAThey call it culinary art at it’s finest, socome discover exquisitely-preparedQuebec food products. From cookinglessons to Chef’s Tables, with a terracein summer to nine-course meals, this isMontréal eating at it’s best. Locateddowntown on rue de la Montagne,Montreal’s high-end fashion street.Tel: (514) 398-9229On the Web: www.europea.ca

TROIKA RESTAURANTTake a step back in time and enter intothe world of Old Russia. Troika’s inti-mate dining room is rich in authenticRussian works of art and shines with allthe splendor of the Czarist times.Experience all the charm, wonder and ele-gance of Imperial Russia while feastingon gastronomic delights once preparedby French chefs for Russian nobility.Ideal for group luncheons of up to 40guests in their dining room or anevening dinner that will not only bringthe taste but also the sounds of OldRussia to life with Troika’s own talentedmusicians in traditional costume.Located in the heart of downtownMontreal, enjoy the spirit of Russia with15 flavours of the world’s best vodkaand a wide selection of fine wines andimported beers. Step back, an enviablemeeting of culinary excellence andexcitement awaits you.Tel: (514) 849-9333

• • •

Quitting for dollarsA new study shows that smokers

who earn financial incentives are threetimes more likely to kick the habit.

Of almost 900 smokers employedat General Electric, 15 percent ofthose given incentives were smokefree after a year, compared with 5 per-cent of those who weren’t eligible forcash awards.

“People are drawn to tangiblethings. It makes it easier for you to doin the short-term what you know is inyour long-term interest,” said the study’sauthor Kevin Volp of the PhiladelphiaVA Medical Center. The AmericanCancer Society, which was not involvedin the study, has said that tobacco taxesalso provide a strong incentive to quit –research shows each 10 percentincrease in the cost of cigarettesreduces the teen smoking rate by 7 per-cent and the adult rate by 4 percent.

Avtec, Montreal’s leading audio-visual company, has for the past 15years offered employees who gave upcigarettes a $500 incentive, with morethan 10 successfully taking up thechallenge.

“It wasn’t (the only reason) why Iquit, but it was an effective reason thathelped,” said Matt Riopel, a longtimeAvtec employee who quit smoking in2008.

Volp noted that 70 percent ofsmokers want to quit, but only 3 per-cent succeed each year. The relativelylow quit rates in his study – in spite ofincentives – underscore how difficultit is to quit, even with help.

According to Statistics Canada,Canadians who are smokers, smokedless in 2007 (the last year for availabledata). Canadian smokers puff on anaverage of 12.7 cigarettes per day,down from 13.1 in 2003 and 14.5 in 2001.


Yes we can: Embracing new trendswithin the conference centre industryBY MELISSA BELL

Now more than ever, we all have a strong desire toknow what the future holds. Where is my careerheaded? Did I just make the right business decision?

And what in the world is happening to the economy? Withthe launch of the Board Associate role within IACC(International Association of Conference Centres) as EmergingTrends Advisor to the North American Board of Directors inJanuary 2007, the Association sought out to do just that:understand the future – or at least gain an idea of what thefuture might hold as the next generation steps up.

First of all, what exactly is an “Emerging Trends” advisor?Personally, I think that it is a genius idea that needs to bedeveloped and fostered by associations (and even companies)throughout the country. The essence of the role within IACCis to actively involve a member of the incoming generationwith the current board of directors in order to:

a) represent the perspective of the incoming Generation Y

(aka the Millennials) on issues that may have an impact onIACC and/or the conference center industry, and

b) develop future leaders who have a desire to remain in theindustry and have the ability to realize their potential for growth

EMERGING TRENDSThe role consists of several layers, the first being within the

Emerging Trends committee that consists of eight or so mem-bers from the industry throughout North America. As the chairof the committee, it was my responsibility to organize month-ly conference calls relating to a variety of topics, which wewould discuss and develop as a team. For example, during theSocial Networking discussion, the subsequent initiatives werethe launch and development of both the IACC Facebookgroup as well as the IACC LinkedIn group; simple and yeteffective ways to bring IACC to the Web 2.0 world – a trendthat has rapidly expanded from “new and emerging” to “musthave” in less than one year.

*


Everyone likes to know what lies aheadIn addition to the monthly telephone meetings, I attended

five Board of Directors meetings across North America, withthe sixth (and final) meeting coming up at the end of Marchprior to the Annual Conference in Atlanta. During the boardmeeting this past January, I was able to assist in a brainstorm-ing discussion regarding the IACC 2010 conference, prompt-ing discussion surrounding new ideas that would potentiallyre-vamp the entire event. The discussion sparked ideas sur-rounding open-space and other fundamental changes to thefuture of programming, from pre-and post-conference blogsto embedding more free time options within the event. I lookforward to seeing the impact that this input and discussionwill have in the years to come.

One of the most meaningful and memorable experienceswas participating as a panelist during IACC’s first “Town Hall”meeting during the 2008 Annual Conference in Midway, Utah.Representing the voice of my committee, I was given theopportunity to share the development of the Emerging TrendsTask force with not only the conference attendees, but alsothe IACC members the world over, via Webcast. I was able toprovide ideas and insight from a new angle, which sparkedseveral questions from the audience during the Q&A. Thepresentation experience alone was amazing, not to mentionthe opportunity to poke fun at my *ahem* baby boomer fel-low-panelists!

THOUGHT LEADERS: IACC AND THE FUTURE OFMEETINGS

The Inaugural Thought Leaders Summit, held on my home-turf at the BMO Financial Group Institute for Learning inToronto in October of 2008, offered the opportunity to expe-rience the summit as a “fly on the wall” by viewing the entiremeeting via simultaneous video-cast. The Summit involvedindustry representation relating to all aspects of the meetingexperience, from architecture and sustainability to adult-learn-ing styles and Food & Beverage; the summit truly was an idea-sharing think tank. The question of “will technology replacethe need for face-to-face meetings?” is often raised through-out the industry, and this was eloquently addressed duringdiscussions surrounding the growing demand for “modular”and “blended” meeting design. As a member of generation Y,my answer to this question has always been that it is up to usto embrace new ideas and trends and find ways to integratethese ideas into the overall meeting experience. I was pleasedto hear that my own understanding of the future of our indus-try was on track with the minds of industry experts.

One correlation between discussions during the EmergingTrends committee calls as well as during the Thought LeaderSummit was the increasing demand for work/ life balance.Conference centres have an undeniable ability to offer a bal-

ance to their clients during their stay: healthy menu optionsas a part of the CMP (Complete Meeting Package); fitness pro-grams of a wide variety offered at several times during theday; on-site spa service; promotion of outdoor running trailsand walking routes; and group teambuilding activities. Asmore Millennials are becoming meeting attendees or meetingplanners, I foresee this trend expanding and growing into anexpectation; similar to what we have seen over the past yearin terms of the direction of the green and sustainability move-ment, it will be a “must-have” from all perspectives.

Everyone likes to know what lies ahead. Although I do nothold a crystal ball, my hope is that this short article hasinspired all generations to seek out new opportunities andmove those ideas into action. Ultimately, it isn’t about age orwhich generational “category” one falls into, it is simply aboutembracing new ideas and uncovering new trends that willtake you to the next level.

• • •

Melissa Bell is an Account Executive for Dolce Hotels & Resorts,

supporting BMO Financial Group Institute for Learning, Toronto. She

just completed her 16-month term as IACC’s Board Associate.

PROVConference centre and

coordinates No

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AB

Banff Centre

Contact : Sales Office, 403-762-6435107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Box 1020, Banff, AB T1L 1H5Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 403-762-6202Web : www.banffcentre.caDescription : The Banff Centre delivers a perfect environment for gettingdown to business. The range of accomodations, meeting rooms, diningvenues and recreational options are designed for productivity and creativity.

60 3,864 1,000 N/C 2007/Dining room

400

AB

Chateâu Louis Hotel & Conference CentreContact : Rosie Gallo-Rose, 780-452-777011727 Kingsway, Edmonton, AB T5G 3A1Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 780-454-3436Web : www.chateaulouis.comDescription : This free standing conference centre has a beautiful grandballroom and solarium. Offers superior soundproofing and advancedteleconferencing capabilities.

11 3,240 –Ext.NC

Ongoing/Hotel roomsand Conf.

Centre

139

AB

Oasis Edmonton Conference CentreContact : Leigh-Ann Angermann, 780-451-922710930 - 177 St., Edmonton, AB T5T 2X7Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 780-486-7870Web : www.occonferencecentre.comDescription : The ultimate conferencing event centre. World class décorthroughout, inspiring Grand Hall w/balcony, marble foyer, VIP boardroom,outstanding AV, acoustic, private park with courtyard, a stage and a café.

8 6,550 –Ext.N/C

2007/New

–

AB

Shaw Conference Centre

Contact : Martin Linlove, 780-917-76109797 Jasper Ave., Edmonton, AB T3J 1N9Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 780-425-5121Web : www.shawconferencecentre.comDescription : The Shaw Conference Centre is renowned internationally forits premier facilities and services. This centre has world champion chefs andaward-winning architecture.

N/A 32,000 – Ext. 2007/Meetingrooms

Adjacent

BC

Hotel Grand PacificContact : Allan Nichols, 250-380-4462463 Bellville St., Victoria , BC V8V 1X3Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 250-380-4475Web : www.hotelgrandpacific.comDescription : Four-key environmental rating by the Hotel Association ofCanada. It has 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space available.

13 3,010 – Int. $ Ongoing 304

BC

Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue

Contact : Ian Wish, 778-782-7658580 Hastings St., Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 778-782-5818Web : www.sfu.ca/meetandstayDescription : Located in a restored heritage building in the heart ofdowntown Vancouver. This IACC-rated conference centre featuresspectacular circular hall designed for dialogue and interaction.

14 6,500 – Ext. $ – Adjacent

BC

Simon Fraser University – Meeting, Event and Conference ServicesContact : Ian Wish, 778-782-7658580 West Hastings St. , Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 778-782-5818Web : www.sfu.ca/meetandstayDescription : Three vibrant downtown campus buildings, including adedicated conference centre. All provide full catering services and in-housetechnology.

46 2,424 200 Ext. $ 2008 Adjacent


Conference Centres Legend on page 27



coordinates No

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BC

Tigh-Na-Mara ResortContact : Jenn Houtry Ferguson, 250-248-18021155 Resort Dr., Vancouver, BC V9P 2E5Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 250-248-1854Web : www.tigh-na-mara.comDescription : Tigh-Na-Mara comfortably accommodates up to 300 guests intheir 12 meeting rooms with the largest resort conference facilities onVancouver Island. All meeting rooms offer natural light.

12 2,336 –Ext.N/C

2008/New baradded

192

BC

Vancouver Island Conference CentreContact : Amanda Kass, 250-244-4050101 Gordon St., Nanaimo, BC V9R 5J8Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 250-244-4055Web : www.viconference.comDescription : A new location that offers wireless Internet access, globalbroadcast capabilities and can accommodate up to 1,300 people.

15 1,272 200 Int. $ 2008/New

–

NS

Cunard CentreContact : Elizabeth Newman, 902-425-5528961 Marginal Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4P7Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 902-429-8516Web : www.rcr.caDescription : Multi-purpose event site in downtown Halifax with a wall ofwindows overlooking the waterfront. It has 45,000 sq. ft. of innovative,column-free space with loading docks. High-tech kitchen available.

1 45,000 3,000 Ext. $ 2006 –

NS

Delta HalifaxContact : Tracy Gates, 902-492-64301990 Barrington St., Halifax, NS B3J 1P2Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 902-492-6405Web : www.deltahotels.comDescription : The Delta Halifax is sourrounded by historic ambiance andlocated in the core of the business district. Directly connected to a multitudeof restaurants and entertainment venues via an indoor pedway.

17 4,124 –Int./

Ext. $2007/

Meetingrooms

296

NS

Park Place Hotel and Conference Centre, Ramada

Contact : Lori forward, 902-481-3886240 Brownlow Ave., Dartmouth , NS B3B 1X6Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 902-468-2255Web : www.ramadans.comDescription : Four-star property, with over 13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, afour-green key rating from the Hotel Association of Canada (ECOmmodationprogram), meeting and conference specialists on site.

14 2,920 –Ext.N/C

2008/Various

178

NS

Westin Nova ScotianContact : Cherl D'Eon, 902-496-85851181 Hollis St., Halifax, NS B3H 2P6Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 902-496-8589Web : www.westin.ns.comDescription : The Westin has completed an $8-million renovation to allguestrooms and hallways with 310 well-appointed guestrooms and 23,000sq. ft. of meeting space. The hotel is ideal for travelers and planners alike.

14 8,400 – Ext. $ Ongoing 310

ON

Ambassador Conference ResortContact : Erin Finucan, 613-541-46811550 Princess St., Kingston, ON K7M 9E3Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 613-548-1613Web : www.ambassadorhotel.comDescription : Kingston's largest convention centre with over 22,000 sq.ft. ofmeeting space and 251 guestrooms.

22 7,200 –Ext.N/C

2009/Guestrooms

251

Conference Centres



coordinates No

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ON

American Conference Resort and Spa

Contact : Pat Laskey, 905-371-85848444 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1H4Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 905-356-9233Web : www.americanniagara.comDescription : Located just minutes from Niagara Falls. On-site amenitiesinclude the Waves Waterpark and Senses Spa.

15 10,660 –Ext.N/C

2008/Spa and

café

200

ON

Blue Mountain

Contact : Mark Rich, 705-445-0231 x. 6210110 Jozo Weider Blvd., Collingwood, ON L9Y 3Z2Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 705-444-1751Web : www.bluemountain.caDescription : Ontario's largest meeting resort provides meeting options forgroups ranging from 20 to 1,000 delegates. Blue Mountain offers 840 lodgingrooms, expansive conference space and many après-meeting choices.

25 8,524 –Int./Ext.N/C

2005/Construction

of VillageConference

Centre

840

ON

BMO Financial Group Institute for Learning

Contact : Event reservations, 416-490-43893550 Pharmacy Road, Toronto, ON M1W 3Z3Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 416-490-4493Web : http://ifl.bmo.comDescription : The Institute for Learning is one of only a few conferencecentres in Canada to receive an IACC accreditation. The IFL is open tobusiness groups for meetings or conferences.

49 5,583 –Ext.N/C

2008/Aesthetic

& A/V

150

ON

BrookstreetContact : Sandy Mallette, 613-271-3543525 Legget Dr., Ottawa, ON K2K 2W2Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 613-271-3541Web : www.brookstreet.comDescription : Brookstreet is Ottawa's leading Four Diamond conferencehotel with 22,000 sq. ft. of naturally-lit meeting space, expert event managers,276 contemporary guestrooms, an award-winning restaurant and much more.

22 5,188 – Int. $ 2003/New

276

ON

Days Hotel and Conference Centre Toronto DowntownContact : Farnaz Zohrvand, 416-542-601330 Carlton Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2E9Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 416-977-0502Web : www.dayshoteltoronto.caDescription : The hotel has 538 guestrooms as well as nine meeting rooms.The hotel is located within walking distance of the financial district, manygreat restaurants and mere steps away from the college TTC subway station.

9 2,400 – Int. $ 2005/Meeting &

guest rooms

538

ON

Delawana Inn Spa and Conference Resort

Contact : Lisa Lauder, 888-335-292642 Delawana Road, Honey Harbour, ON P0E 1E0Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 705-756-0422Web : www.delawanaconferenceresort.comDescription : Just 90 minutes from Toronto, this award-winning resort has136 rooms, a complete meeting package, extraordinary onsite teambuildingprograms, incentive packages, boat cruises, full recreation, golf and a spa.

14 6,000 600 Ext. 2008/Lobby

136

ON

Donald Cousens Conference Centre/Hilton Suites TorontoContact : Anna Ng, 905-470-8500 x. 29868500 Warden Avenue (at Hwy 7), Markham, ON L6G 1A5Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 905-415-7624Web : www.torontomarkham.hilton.comDescription : Four Diamond all-suite hotel with 45,000 sq. ft. of renovatedmeeting space. Easy highway access. Twenty minutes from downtownToronto and Pearson International airport with many amenities available.

27 14,040 – Ext. $ 2008/Some

meetingrooms

500

Conference Centres



coordinates No

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Donald Gordon Conference CentreContact : Claire Grazette, 613-533-2221421 Union St., Kingston, ON K7L 3N6Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 613-533-2915Web : www.donaldgordoncentre.comDescription : Executive level conference centre. Distraction-freeatmosphere. Complete meeting plan rates available.

80 1,800 50 Ext. – –

ON

Four Points by Sheraton Hotel and Suites

Contact : Susan Truppe, 519-681-0680 x. 83221150 Wellington Road S., London, ON N6E 1M3Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 519-681-8837Web : www.fourpoints.com/londonDescription : This state-of-the art conference centre is located on one level,just minutes from Hwy 401 and 402 and 10 minutes to downtown London.Within walking distance of one of London's largest shopping malls.

13 6,630 –Ext.N/C

2006/Carpets,

paint

181

ON

Hampton Inn Ottawa and Conference CentreContact : Janice Byers, 613-741-2300200 Coventry Road, Ottawa, ON K1K 4S3Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 613-667-9888Web : www.hamptoninnottawa.comDescription : This venue has 36,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 23 meetingrooms, two ballrooms with 26 ft.-high ceilings, divisible, two amphitheatres,full-service catering, wheelchair accessibile and underground parking.

23 11,000 229Int.N/C

2009 179

ON

Hilton Garden Inn Vaughan/Toscana Banquet and Conference CentreContact : Alexis Edgar, 905-532-22353201 Highway 7 W., Vaughan, ON L4K 5Z7Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 905-660-4300Web : www.torontovaughan.stayhgi.comDescription : Offers an 8,000 sq. ft. ballroom - no pillars, equipped withsurround sound, drop down screens, pin spot lighting and free Internet. Fouradditional breakout rooms and all meeting spaces are on street level.

7 7,952 –Ext.N/C

Newbuilding

155

ON

International Centre

Contact : Lee-Ann Leckie, 905-678-58826900 Airport Road, Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 905-677-3089Web : www.internationalcentre.comDescription : Service, style, flavor – this centre has it all. With restaurant-style service for up to 2,500 guests and the latest technology built in, this newconference centre offers elegance, flexibility and top service.

15 17,066 –Ext.N/C

2008/New

–

ON

Ivey Spencer Leadership CentreContact : Melanie Cooper, 519-679-4546551 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 519-858-1553Web : www.iveyspencerleadershipcentre.comDescription : Located on 30 acres of parkland, the centre is southwesternOntario's only IACC-approved conference hotel. Offers 125 guestrooms,state-of-the-art meeting space and award-winning cuisine.

26 2,700 85Ext.N/C

2008/Guest

bathrooms

125

ON

Kempenfelt Conference CentreContact : Scott J. Harradine, 705-727-46633722 Fairway Road, Barrie, ON L9S 1A5Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 705-721-3395Web : www.kempenfelt.comDescription : Less than 45 minutes north of Toronto. Features a 24-hourComplete Meeting Package.

20 1,800 –Ext.N/C

2006/Guestrooms

79

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ON

Kingbridge Conference Centre and Institute

Contact : Stephen McInerney, 905-833-651212750 Jane St., King City (TO), ON L7B 1A3Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 905-833-0762Web : www.knigbridgecentre.comDescription : Just a short distance north of Toronto, the Kingbridge Centre isa one-of-a-kind, innovative conference venue offering a wide variety ofcustomized programs, resources and modern technologies.

43 3,100 350Ext.N/C

– 124

ON

Metropolitan Conference Centre

Contact : Bonnnie Townsend, 403-266-3876333 4th Ave. SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0H9Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 403-233-0009Web : www.metcentre.comDescription : A privately-operated conference and meeting space indowntown Calgary, centrally located with indoor access to three major hotels.It can host events from small board meetings to gala dinners and weddings.

9 5,200 600Int/

Ext. $2008/Carpet

& painting

800adjacent

ON

NAV CANADA Training and Conference CentreContact : Janice Eastman, 613-936-50671950 Montreal Road, Cornwall, ON K6H 6L2Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 613-936-5089Web : www.conference.navcanada.caDescription : Eastern Canada's largest conference centre on 70 acres facingthe St. Lawrence River. All-inclusive packages, 560 guestrooms, 50,000 sq.ft. of flexible meeting space and full recreational facilities are all available.

70 9,600 250Ext.N/C

2008/Guest

rooms &public areas

560

ON

Nottawasaga Inn ResortContact : Sylvia Biffis, 705-435-55016015 Highway 89, Alliston, ON L9R 1A4Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 705-435-5840Web : www.nottawasagaresort.comDescription : Located 45 minutes north of Toronto, this centre specializes inconvention services offering exceptional amenities, professional businessservices and a 40-year family tradition of great hospitality.

36 21,000 2 X 56 Ext. 2007/Meetingrooms

269

ON

Orchard View Reception and Conference Centre

Contact : Elise Schmitz or Isabella Milito, 613-821-26756346 Deer Meadow Drive, Greely, ON K4P 1M9Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 613-821-4692Web : www.orchardview.caDescription : This centre has 30 acres of outdoor activity area for teambuilding and executive retreats. Located 10 minutes from the Ottawainternational airport. Free shuttle for groups over 100.

5 5,400 –Ext.N/C

2009/New hall,bedroom

and exterior

5adjacent

ON

St. Andrews Club & Conference CentreContact : Andrew Hodd, 416-366-4228150 King St. W., Toronto, ON M5H 1J9Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 416-366-9347Web : www.standrewsclub.caDescription : This centre integrates luxurious surroundings and moderntechnology, creating the perfect setting for meetings, corporate events andsocial functions.

17 1,850 – Ext. $ 2006/The

conservatory

–

ON

Sheraton Fallsview Hotel and Conference CentreContact : Rosetta Snell, 905-374-31746755 Fallsview Blvd., Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3W7Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 905-374-3715Web : www.fallsview.comDescription : Overlooking thunderous Niagara Falls, the Sheraton Fallsviewextends a warm welcome with flexible meeting facilities and award-winningservice for the perfect event. Close proximity to attractions and casinos.

25 7,992 40Int./

Ext. $2008/

Carpets& painting

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White Oaks Conference Resort and SpaContact : Julie Lepp, 905-688-2550253 Taylor Road SS4, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 905-704-5616Web : www.whiteoaksresort.comDescription : White Oaks is located in the heart of wine country and offers aluxury conference experience with an IACC-approved, state-of-the-artconference centre combined with a Four Diamond, Five Star 220-room hotel.

23 6,042 150Ext.N/C

2006 220

QC

Centre Mont-Royal

Contact : Luis Ribeiro, 514-844-20002200 rue Mansfield, Montréal, QC H3A 3R8Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 514-843-8500Web : www.cenremontroyal.comDescription : Located downtown in the Golden Square Mile district.The former location of IATA has been entirely reconfigured into a first-classconference centre with more than 50,000 sq.ft of space.

17 8,280 730 Int. $ – Adjacent

QC

Gelber Conference CentreContact : Carmela Mignacca, 514-345-2645 x. 32255151 Côte Ste-Catherine , Montréal, QC H3W 1M6Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 514-345-6422Web : www.gelbercentre.comDescription : Located 10 minutes from downtown Montreal. It is a world-class, corporate meeting and banquet facility, offering fully equipped meetingfacilities, in-house catering, state of the art AV and valet parking.

9 6,969 –Ext.Valet

– –

QC

Renaissance Conference and Banquet CentreContact : Caterina Libertella, 514-352-18187550 Henri Bourassa Blvd. Est, Montréal, QC H1E 1P2Courriel : [email protected] Fax : 514-352-9962Web : www.centrerenaissance.comDescription : One of the largest convention centres on the island ofMontreal. Up to 25,000 sq. ft. of space available. Can also accommodatesmaller groups. Fine international cuisine. Professional, personalized service.

10 25,000 2,500Ext.N/C

– –

Conference Centres

LEGEND : – = Not available, Excl. = Exclusive,

Non-Excl. : Non-Exclusive, Ext. = Exterior, Int. = Interior,

N/C = No charge, Valet = Valet service, $ = Pay Service

CHA = Canadian Hotel Association

Follow-up to 101 Ways… In our continuing quest to help youfind ways to save money, here are the top 10 tips for travelersrecently released by American Express Business Travel:

1. Plan twice, book once – Travelers can incur many fees forchanges with airlines often charging $150 or more and hotelscharging “no show” fees of $50 or more. Double-checking toconfirm appointments before booking can help you save onthese potential added charges.

2. Pack light – As airlines move to unbundle services,travelers can minimize any costs by packing and checking theleast number of bags as possible. For longer business trips,the cost of dry cleaning may be cheaper than checking extraluggage for additional shirts and pants. Overnight deliveryand luggage forwarding services are also an option if youhave a lot of materials or samples to bring on a business trip.

3. Check your paperwork - Ensure that your passport is current and that you have any necessary visas for your trip inadvance. Expired or missing paperwork can delay your tripand add costly charges for expedited applications. Most travelmanagement companies can provide visa/passport supportbefore you travel.

4 . Be flexible to find savings – For travel to or from an areawith multiple airports, ask your travel counselor to searchalternate airports or use this option in your online bookingtool. For example, in New York City, fares may be less expen-sive enough at JFK to offset the incremental taxi fare differ-ence for a trip to LaGuardia.

5. Watch for waste – Millions of tickets go unused, eventhough most non-refundable fares are valid for travel for upto a year. While there may be change fees, travelers can stillsave money by not letting these unused tickets go to waste.

6. Employees that stay together, save together – Somecompanies are instituting room-sharing policies for co-work-ers traveling together. Along the same lines, sharing car service or taxis to and from the airport is an easy way to save.If you’re on different flights, plan to meet your co-workers atan airport lounge and travel to the hotel together.

7. Big ticket items can mean big savings – Complex international itineraries can offer opportunities for significantsavings. Having travel counselors plan these trips for yousaves you time and allows you to take advantage of theirknowledge on the best airlines, fare classes, specials andmore to ensure you get the lowest fare.

8. Plan ahead and stay in touch – The earlier you book airtickets and hotel rooms, the more likely it is that you’ll find alower rate. Many airlines and hotels will offer you a lower rate ifthe price for your trip falls after you’ve booked it. Plan your tripsas early as you can and ask for a discount if you see the rate drop.

9. Stretch your stay to stretch your dollar – With the resur-gence of “minimum stay requirements,” postponing yourreturn trip from a Friday until a Sunday or Monday can createadditional savings. If possible, consider extending your tripto include a weekend vacation in the same destination.

10. Oldies but goodies - The “classic"” opportunities stillexist for travelers, and some are even more common nowwith higher airline loads. Whenever possible, you should lookfor opportunities to get “bumped” for a free voucher, selectdestinations that are “off-season” (e.g. for team meetings) andbe flexible with your travel dates.

American Express Business Travel is a division of the American

Express Company and is dedicated to helping its clients realize the

greatest possible value from their investment in travel through

increased cost savings, outstanding customer service and greater spend

control. American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel,

financial and network services company founded in 1850.

On the Web: www.americanexpress.com/businesstravel


10 tips for travelers


Sleepless in Vancouver… Pt. 2Brainstorming and goodwillcome together for a helpfulDelta-based planner

BY KATHIE MADDEN

In response to my recentarticle (“Sleepless in

Vancouver,” Planner,November 2008), I receivedmany e-mails from acrossCanada supporting me andoffering gratitude to theimportance I felt in show-casing a different side toour industry. I was appre-ciative of these e-mails andit was heartwarming tolearn that many of you have shared the same spir-ited sense of benevolencethroughout your owncareers.

Managing Editor LeoGervais has asked for thisfollow-up story. To recap,when the first article wentto print, I had alreadyenlisted the help of anoth-er event professional, and by the end of that week we grewto become an enthusiastic team of four. The theme of the highschool senior soiree was “The Snowball Formal,” and althoughit was only nine days until Christmas, the only demand wewere given was to have no hint of Christmas in the décor.

A rush of brainstorming through an extremely challengingbudget charged each of us with tasks and before we knew it,we were off seeking quotes, utilizing discounts and ourincredibly persuasive powers in the underbelly of the eventworld. At the end of this process, we were ready for set-up,our cars loaded with enormous snowballs, giant snowflakes,pipes and drapes, lighting, and a sense of joyful purpose.

Before we began that day, we took the time to review thereason behind our being there, and then began a 14-hourwork day. Just as every event has its challenges, it was partic-ularly difficult to work around 300 students traipsing throughour work area throughout the day and it became a concern aswe climbed ladders. We put our student council volunteers incharge of directing traffic, but even that proved difficult asmasses of curious students passed through to observe andcomment on our progress. In all honesty, it became a burden

of worry at times andfinally in frustration welocked the doors.

We suspended thegiant snowflakes fromthe ceiling, punctuatedthe black drapery withthem and lit up theflooring with snowflakeGobos (patterns cutinto a circular plateused to create patternsof projected light).

A photography back-drop (complete with asnowman) was createdfor keepsake purposesand when the studentsfinally emerged throughthe twinkle light snowtunnel to welcomethem to the SnowballFormal, a strategically-

placed snow machine near the entrance added to the ambi-ence of their arrival.

Just as we completed our set-up and tiredly stood back toexamine our work, I noticed a small phrase written on thewindows on either side of the entrance, it read: “Scatter Joy.”I hadn’t seen it earlier, but it was a poignant moment to comprehend that we had done just that, but more importantly,we had scattered joy into our own hearts, a priceless andunforgettable deliverable.

Kathie Madden is a Delta, B.C.-based event planner and VP of

Communications for ISES Vancouver Chapter. She can be reached at

[email protected] or via her website atwww.kathiemaddenevents.com.

“I read The Planner cover to cover...”

“Excellent and informative...”

“I always take time to read The Planner...”

Planners see us. Don’t you need them to see you?To advertise, call (514) 849-6841 ext. 328

Kathie Madden and Diana Hambrook of Dionysos Events lend a hand.Tara Connolly of Effective Event Management, and Mike Kaerne ofHollyNorth Production Supplies Ltd., who generously donated thesnow décor, were also involved in this worthwhile project.


SUSTAINABLE SEAFOODFairmont is looking to save our seafood, one fish at a time.The company recently announced an extension of its

brandwide Green Cuisine program to include sustainableseafood choices in support of a global effort to conserve pre-cious marine species.

Fairmont will remove threatened fish species from theirrestaurant menus and will also align themselves locally withreputable seafood-watch organizations, ensuring guests con-tinue to be provided with a comprehensive selection of sus-tainable seafood choices. By Spring 2009, Fairmont’s seafoodpurchases will be made with the guidance and consultation ofthese groups and in consortium with local suppliers.

Fairmont has identified two seafood choices that are most atrisk and has eliminated them from its food service operations.

They include:• Chilean Sea Bass – also called Patagonia Tooth, this is a long-life fish, meaning it does not reproduce quickly. Due to world-

wide popularity of this menu item, their numbers have beendwindling dramatically from illegal and aggressive fishing.• Bluefin Tuna – heavily over-fished in international waters,

the plight of this species is so serious that the WorldConservation Union lists Southern Bluefin Tuna in its group-ing of most threatened wildlife. Their numbers have declinedby 97% over the last four decades.

Fairmont’s initiatives will hopefully encourage healthierpractices flowing down to suppliers, who will then offer bet-ter choices to restaurants. In addition, by promoting awarenessand sustainable alternatives among its guests, Fairmont wantsto play a role in influencing and shaping the tastes and pref-erences of guests who care about the future of the planet.

For close to two decades, Fairmont has strived to minimizeits impact on the planet through its award-winning GreenPartnership program, a comprehensive platform focused onkey areas such as waste reduction, energy management,water conservation, and innovative community outreach programs.

On the Web: www.fairmont.com

ONE KING WEST OFFERS MONTHLY STAYStarting for less than $2,900, guests can have an extended,

month-long stay at the Suites at One King West, one of down-town Toronto’s best luxury hotels. Among the many featuresavailable are amenities like washer/dryer, complimentarylocal phone calls, morning newspaper and high-speedInternet access, electronic safe that fits a laptop, a rooftopWellness Centre and windows that open. The location is alsopet friendly.

On the Web: www.onekingwest.com

LIVE LIKE A ROCK STAR AT IRON MAIDEN’SSANCTUM HOTEL

Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham once destroyed a hotel roomwith a samurai sword and the Who’s Keith Moon liked to takethe screws out of hotel furniture to surprise the next unsus-pecting guest. None of the activities are recommended, butthe new 30-room Sanctum hotel might be the kind of placewhere that type of behaviour will not seem out of place.Located in the Soho district of London, the hotel was financedby legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden and will offerrock stars and plebs alike a 24-hour bar, a rooftop hot tub, pri-vate security, “intimacy kits” in every bedroom and the possi-bility of ordering underwear from room service in case agroupie leaves with yours. It is being billed as “an alluringhaven of hedonism – an extravagantly exclusive playpen forthe most discerning of guests.” So if the rocker, bohemianspirit moves you, this might be just the place for you. Thegrand opening is slated for March 21, 2009.

On the Web: http://www.sanctumhotel.com


Free software on the WebPaying for software is still common-

place, but those days are numbered ifyou listen to what some industry wagssay. Web browsers, for instance, are free– in fact, more than 100 million peoplehave downloaded a free third-partysoftware called Firefox by Mozilla(including the Planner’s ManagingEditor). Mozilla also offers a free e-mailprogram that many people prefer overOutlook, called Thunderbird.

Here are a few suggestions for pop-ular free software on the Web:• OpenOffice (www.openoffice.org)A full suite of office software similar toMicrosoft Office. Equivalents for Word,Excel and PowerPoint are offered, andit can open and save in all commonMicrosoft Office formats.• NeoOffice (www.neooffcie.org)Same as OpenOffice, but for Mac users.• Firefox (www.mozilla.com)A popular, free web browser.

Getting the most from Googlewww.googe.comAh, yes, the ubiquitous Google. It’shard to imagine the world without thisamazing search engine. It evenspawned a verb (I Googled it). Butthere are many tools most people don’teven know about. For example:• Calculator. Simply enter the calcula-tion into the search box e.g. 5+5 and hitenter. Can do complicated calculations.• Time. To see the time in many citiesaround the world, type in “time” andthe name of the city e.g. time Paris.• Unit conversion. Convert betweenmany different units of measurement ofheight, weight, and volume amongmany others. Just enter your desired con-version into the search box and Googledoes the rest e.g. 12 cm in inches.

• • •If you have a website that you thinkmight interest planners, please send itto [email protected]

May 26-28, 2009IMEXWorldwide Exhibition for Incentive Travel, MesseFrankfurt, Germany. Contact : ww.imex-frankfurt.com.

May 28, 2009MTE2009 Meetings Technology Expo, Chicago, Ill. Contact :www.meetingstechexpo.com.

June 24, 2009Destinations Showcase Chicago, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Ill.Contact : www.destinationmarketing.org.

.August 23-26, 2009National Business Travel AssociationAnnual International Convention and Exposition, SanDiego Convention Centre. Contact : www.nbta.org.

October 25-27, 2009Association of Corporate Travel ExecutivesFall Global Conference, Hilton Prague Hotel, CzechRepublic. Contact : ww.acte.org.

WHO’S THE BOSS?“WE TEND TO FORGET WHO PAYS OUR SALARIES.IT’S THE CUSTOMER.”

LARS NYBERG, CHAIRMAN, NCR CORP.

Websites of interest

ANSWER EASYSUDOKU FROM PAGE 12

ANSWER MEDIUM SUDOKU FROM PAGE 12

MPI meetings

The following are some upcoming MPIchapter meetings in Canada. Why notdrop in? See Web sites for more info:

BC Chapter, April 14 www.mpibcchapter.com

Greater Calgary Chapter, April 16 www.mpi-gcc.org

Greater Edmonton Chapter, April 16 www.mpigec.ca

Manitoba Chapter, April 16 www.mpiweb.mb.ca

Toronto Chapter, April 16 www.mpitoronto.org

Ottawa Chapter, April 16 www.mpiottawa.ca

Montreal Chapter,April 16 www.mpimontreal.com

Atlantic Canada Chapter, April 16 www.mpiatlanticchapter.org


Backing up your celphone

Have you ever needed to backupyour cel phone but had no access to aPC? Or maybe you wanted to transfersome numbers from one phone toanother? Back-up Pal offers a universalkit for US$49.99 that will work withmost well-known brands likeBlackberry, Motorola, Nokia, Samsungand LG with a safe, secure and perma-nent data backup. This 5-time award-winning product works with detachabletips on a round base to ensure compata-bility with most phones. Voted the “Bestof What’s New Award-2006” by PopularScience magazine. Recommended.

On the Web: www.backup-pal.com

…Speaking of back-ups, when itcomes to computers there are only twokinds of people: Those who have lostinformation and those who will. Withthat in mind, maybe it’s time for you tobuy a removable USB key. They come inall shapes and sizes, and a 2 Gigabytekey retails for less than $20 at mostoffice supply stores. Retractable onessell for less than $25 for the 2 Gigabyte

version. For that amount of money, it’s asimple, inexpensive way to backup yourimportant data.

Hypermiling can saveyou money

In these days of penny pinching,hypermiling has gained a lot of traction.The term was coined by ChicagoanWayne Gerdes in 2004, hoping to weanAmerica off foreign oil by increasing acar’s miles per gallon with gas-savingprinciples. The New Oxford Americandictionary named it word of the year in2008 as the practice became hyperpop-ular.Some of the tenets of the practice:• Keep tires properly inflated. Use num-bers on the tires sidewall.• An 80-kph driver uses less gas than a112-kph driver.• Slowing down ahead of a stop insteadof zooming to the intersection• Shut down engine if idling more than30 seconds

• Use cruise control if available toeliminate countless accelerations

Following these tips could cut gasuse by 5 to 10 percent, estimates JohnNielsen of AAA. Some hypermilers neu-tralize the engine for downhill stretches

on the way to a red light, or on a high-way exit ramp. Tailgating trucks to takeadvantage of their draft is anotherhypermiler tactic.

On the Web:www.hypermiling.com

Team safari in the cityThe Urban Safari, a team bonding

experience, is expanding this year toMontreal. Developed by the Flip Eventsteam in 2006, the Urban Safari wasintroduced to the Ottawa and Kingstonmeeting markets in 2007.

The URBAN Safari explores the histo-ry, culture and architecture of the meet-ing city. The hunt is intended to be a funand relaxed way for colleagues, afterdays of meetings in hotel rooms, to getout, discover the city and get to knoweach other. Groups of 4-8, on 2-3 hourhunts, will decipher clues and developcompetitive strategies. Bonus pointschallenge teams to devise their routesfor maximum points in minimum time.

The end of the hunt is marked by areturn to “base camp” (a local eatery) tocelebrate. The Flip Events team has cre-ated a unique clue booklet for each city.Customized clue booklets can also becreated upon request.

On the Web:www.flipevents.com/urbansafari

Following a recent event about trends in

2009, organized by The Planner, 80

planners who were there helped us clarify

certain points by participating in an elec-

tronic survey using an interactive system

provided by Tandem House. Here’s the results :

1) As a meeting planner,when do you start

your meetings ?

a. 16 % said “on time”

b. 58 % said “5 minutes after the scheduled

time”

c. 26 % said “more than 5 minutes after the

scheduled time”

2) How many meetings do you plan to

organize in 2009 compared to 2008 ?

a. 19 % said “less than in 2008”

b. 35 % said “more than in 2008”

c. 46 % said “the same as in 2008”

3) Do you ever organize meetings in

restaurants?

a. 72 % said “Yes”

b. 28 % said “No”

4) In what sector do you plan not to cut

your budget?

a. 21 % said “audiovisual”

b. 46 % said “food”

c. 7 % said “speakers”

d. 17 % said “the venue”

e. 9 % said “the hotel”

5) In the current economic context, when

will your events usually happen?

a. 16 % said “in less than 30 days”

b. 39 % said “in 30 to 60 days”

c. 25 % said “in 60 to 90 days”

d. 20 % said “in 90 days or more”

Watch future issues for more surveys!

march 2009

Documents

people whowork

number of people

inaccessibleindustry

business meeting

shakers people

business cards

list of questions

industry events