CM&E Source Book by MediaEdge

2014 SOURCE BOOK DESIGNED TO SHOWCASE AND PROFILE LEADING SUPPLIERS ACTIVE IN THE CANADIAN CORPORATE MEETINGS AND EVENT INDUSTRY

www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

PM 40063056

Strategic Solutions for Today's Planner

Big meeting coming up? Ron and his team will do whateveR it takes to make it a success. Ron Bentley is the Director of Event and Client Services and he has been with The International Centre for over 22 years. Ron’s expertise and knowledge are extensive. He can work heavy equipment – he’s a Class A Auto Mechanic with his D Class Truck Drivers license – and, together with his hand-picked team, he has experience overcoming a wide range of logistical and event planning challenges. In short, he’s the professional you want by your side when you’re organizing a meeting, whether it’s for 50 or 5,000.

InternationalCentre.com 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, Ontario 905.677.6131 / tf 1.800.567.1199

3 450+ EvEnts a yEar 3 $4.5 M rEnEwal Plan 3 500,000+ ft2 EvEnt & MEEtIng vEnuE 3 5,000 frEE ParkIng sPaCEs

FEATURE STORY 42 CONVENTION CENTRES Today’s issues will shape future prospects. By Rod Cameron

CONTENTS 63

VENUE CHOICES

By Stephanie Rapko

RESTAURANT EVENTS

By Annette Frymer

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

SNAZZY SWAG

By Scott Steinberg

By Jennifer Vaughn

EVENT APPS

TECH TALK

By Noah Baird

FEATURES 7

EDITOR'S NOTE

BUILDING BUZZ

How promotional products can leave a lasting impression

By Ben Moorsom

Top tech trends for meeting and event planners

Sponsorship for events without sponsorship

By Jonah Wolfraim

MOBILE APPS

By Adrian Segar

MEETING PLANNER WELLNESS

By Tahira Endean

HOTEL SELECTION

By Leanne Calderwood

Six great iPhone/iPad apps for event planners

15 tips for a healthy 2014

Tips for choosing a hotel to suit your event needs

Ask the right questions, make the right choice

Deliciously successful corporate dining

What’s new for event swag in 2014

4:3 vs 16:9 – What’s an aspect ratio anyway?

100 THE TASTE EXPERIENCE

Ethnic menus, donuts lead event catering trends

By Jasmine Baker

110 GRAND DESIGNS

The value of professional event design

By Penni Holdham

124 PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING

The modern art of hiring a speaker

By Bob Parker

DIRECTORY 13 MEETING VENUES 95 MEETING SERVICES & PRODUCTS 127 COMPANY AND ADVERTISER INDEX Corporate Meetings & Events Spring 2014 | 5

EXPAND YOUR

HORIZON WINNIPEG IS CANADAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEWEST CONVENTION CENTRE Expansion complete spring 2016

With more than $2 billion in new developments, Winnipeg is thriving and ready to welcome your meeting or convention. With a growing convention centre that will soon boast more than 264,000 sq.ft. of prime meeting space, dynamic new hotels, and iconic show-stopping venues such as the Canadian Museum for Human Rights set to open in September 2014, Winnipeg invites you to join us and expand your horizon. To book your next convention please call Tourism Winnipeg 1.855.PEG.CITY (734.2489) or visit meetingswinnipeg.com

Canadian Museum for Human Rights, opening September 2014

EDITOR’SNOTE

SUCCESS THROUGH TEAMWORK

Corporate Meetings & Events Volume 15 Number 1 Publisher

Chuck Nervick

Associate Publisher Managing Editor Online Editor Senior Designer Designer Production Manager Circulation Directory Manager

Trevor David Sean Moon Steven Chester Annette Carlucci Jennifer Carter Rachel Selbie Lina Trunina Petra Brown

Editorial Advisory Board Doreen Ashton-Wagner, Chief Strategist & Managing Director, Greenfield-Services Inc. Sandy Biback, Principal, Imagination Meetings Leanne Andrecyk, Creative Director, ZedEvents Sarah Lowis, President, Sea to Sky Meeting Management Inc. Fiona Marshall-White, Managing Director of Events, Fraser Institute Joe Nishi, Regional Director, Meeting Encore Francis Pare, Account Manager, Zeste Incentive Martin Perelmuter, President, Speakers’ Spotlight Rita Plaskett, President, Agendum Inc. Brent Taylor, Principal, Timewise Event Management Inc. Angela Zaltsman, A to Z Event Management

For advertising information Contact Chuck Nervick 416-512-8186 ext. 227 chuckn@mediaedge.ca Contact Trevor David 416-512-8186 ext. 262 trevord@mediaedge.ca For editorial enquiries Contact Sean Moon 416-512-8186 ext. 265 seanm@mediaedge.ca Printed and published two times per year by MediaEdge Communications Inc. Printed in Canada. Reprint permission requests to use materials published in Corporate Meetings & Events should be directed to the publisher. Circulation Inquiries 5255 Yonge Street, Suite 1000 Toronto Ontario M2N 6P4 416-512-8186 ext. 232 circulation@mediaedge.ca Corporate Meetings & Events subscriptions are available for two years: $70.00*; one year: $40.00*; single copy sales; $12.00* Outside of Canada, USA: $70.00, International: $90.00, *plus applicable taxes. Subscription entitles the recipient to four issues 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 Senior Vice President

Whether you are a corporate or independent meeting planner, you understand the importance of teamwork in putting together a successful event. No one in this industry can do it alone and every planner relies on a strong network of colleagues, associates, vendors, suppliers and, of course, happy clients to help them do his or her job. With this issue of Corporate Meetings and Events, we are proud to present our annual Industry Sourcebook as our contribution to your success team. Along with a wide assortment of informative and practical articles to provide strategic solutions for today’s dedicated planner, the 2014 CM&E Sourcebook is your resource for the most up-to-date compilation of meeting venues and product or service suppliers the industry has to offer. From convention centres to hotels, resorts to unique venues, the Sourcebook Meeting Venue Directory provides readers with the most accurate and relevant information they need to find the perfect fit for their next meeting or event. In addition, the Meetings Services and Products Directory lists the multitude of suppliers you’ll require to assemble your premier event team. On the editorial front, you’ll find a unique approach to this year’s issue, with enlightening and entertaining articles integrated into each appropriate directory section. Combining our regular slate of columns and departments with a number of helpful features from top industry analysts and insiders, you are certain to find the event solutions you need. In this jam-packed issue, look for the following editorial contributions from our diverse team of writers and experts: • How to build better buzz for your events by choosing promotional merchandise with impact • Learn about the value of professional event design • How to ask the right questions in order to make the right choice when selecting a hotel or venue • Discover some deliciously successful options for corporate dining • Look into the top technology trends for event planners • Get connected with the best tablet and smartphone meeting apps • And much more! From our team at CM&E to your team out in the field, we hope you enjoy the 2014 Industry Sourcebook and continue to make CM&E your go-to resource for all your event planning needs. Cheers for now

Kevin Brown Chuck Nervick

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Subscribe to e-newsletter at corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca Follow on Twitter @MeetingNetwork Like us on Facebook /cmemediaedge Join our group on linkd.in/cmemediaedge

Sean Moon Managing Editor

BUILDINGBUZZ

DEEP IMPACT

HOT

How promotional products can leave a lasting impression I think we can all recall a time when we’ve attended an event or conference and found ourselves with a pile of keepsakes and giveaways that we have absolutely no use for. While I’ll sometimes take these trinkets home and hand them over to my kids, there have been times when I’ve actually left them behind in a hotel room or tossed them into the recycling bin. I just can’t justify bringing more clutter into my home and have very little tolerance for ‘throw away’ promotional items that offer no value to the recipient. By Ben Moorsom From the perspective of the company giving out these mementos, this is the worst thing you can have happen. The point of branded promotional products is to create a lasting touch-point, something that can bring to life the message you’re trying to communicate in a tangible way. If the items you give out are a nuisance and create a negative impression, you’re better not to give anything out at all. Because most of us are looking to de-clutter rather than accumulate more— companies must be more thoughtful and intentional when choosing products to give away. Promotional materials do have the power to emotionally connect with a recipient and leave a lasting, meaningful impression—if done properly. 8 | www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

But, this can’t be accomplished simply by leafing through a catalogue and picking something last-minute to give away. Branded products should not be an after-thought. When choosing the products that will support your event, ask yourself: • What do I want my participants to remember/feel? • How will these products reflect my brand/corporate culture? • What can I create that will reinforce the message of my event? • And, what is something that my attendees will want and use? Promotional products come in all shapes and sizes, but what matters more than how much you give away or how expensive it is, is how well thought-out

the product is, how on-message you can keep it, and what type of connection it can forge with the recipient. Here’s a great example: Debut Group recently worked with a client whose top sales people were being sent on a trip to Ireland. The destination in itself was hugely rewarding—but how would the company ‘tease’ the trip? How would they deliver the message about the trip to the recipients? The easy choice, or what we like to call the “low hanging fruit,” might have been a luggage tag or a travel tote. But, the people in this business travel often; they have all this stuff. These gifts would have no impact. The client had a budget of $150 per person. We were looking to create a lasting impression. The solution: the traveler would receive a hand carved, wooden Irish wish box with a poem about the luck of the Irish and a brochure outlining the details of the trip. These boxes were original (made specifically for the participants of the trip), lasting (the employees could put photos or keepsakes from their trip in the box and keep it as a memento), and directly related to the event (Irish box for an Ireland trip). It also wasn’t covered with the company logo, something that’s worth keeping in

BUILDINGBUZZ HOT TRENDS IN THE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS ARENA When it comes to sourcing customizable products—gone are the days of cheap t-shirts and pens. There are so many amazing, quality products available for customization, all of which can make a great impact. Or, you can source your own, finding manufacturers that are ethical and aligned with your brand. One-of-a-kind gifts can often have more significance than items that people can just as easily buy for themselves. CLOTHING: Five years ago women’s clothing options for customization were terrible. But, thankfully this is no longer the case.

Big brands like Nike, Adidas, and Cutter & Buck are transforming branded apparel. You’re no longer just taking a t-shirt and screening the company logo on it (or handing women a men’s size small/medium and calling it a day). Instead, fashionable shirts and jackets are tastefully customized, meaning they are not only worn during an event, but afterwards as well.

BIG BRANDS: Lately many retail brands are crossing over into the promotional brand arena, bringing with them the emotional connection they’ve already formed with consumers. There are now many cool and cutting edge electronic-type gifts that can be customized. Things like Bluetooth speakers, laser projected keyboards, and mobile pocket projectors, all of which are not only stylish but useful. Big brands like Isaac Mizrahi, Oakley, and Sony are all coming out with high-end, quality products that can be branded. FINDING UNEXPECTED WAYS TO PROPEL YOUR MESSAGE/BRAND: There are always opportunities to think beyond the ‘typical’

and move into something a bit more unusual when it comes to branded products. Think, for example, of customizing hotel amenities like towels, robes, soap, etc. When attendees walk into their hotel room they’ll be surprised to find a personalized robe lying on the bed. Items like this are not only useful during their stay, but can help transport the feeling or message of the event into their home life.

mind. Sometimes it’s better to have the gift subtly represent your brand, rather than blatantly doing so. Sometimes a relevant or meaningful quote or saying is more impactful than the company name and logo. Your recipients will remember where the item came from, if it holds significance to them. While some companies are opting to do away with promotional products altogether, we believe that people really do love receiving presents. If the gift is well thought-out, the impact can be invaluable for the company/brand. But not all budgets are created equally; some companies are able to spend hundreds of dollars per gift while others have just a few dollars to spend. The impact comes with the thought that goes into the gift rather than the amount spent. Recently we worked with a U.S.-based company that was bringing its people to Montreal for an event. Because the travel expenses were high, the budget for promotional materials was limited. We wanted to give each attendee something before the trip to get them excited. It had to be quintessentially Canadian, without being cheesy (although everyone loves Quebec cheese!). What we settled on was the perfect Canadian gift, sweet maple candies made from 100 per cent pure Canadian maple syrup. Presented beautifully in a gift bag, this small token was novel to the American recipients who’d never experienced this delicious treat before. The impact was achieved—the gift was on message, on budget, and oh so yummy!

There are many opportunities throughout an event to reach your audience in unexpected ways. The key is to think beyond what’s typically expected and find a way to create a lasting impression. With this comes the emotional engagement that brings about results. And, isn’t that what it’s really all about?

HOT

Ben Moorsom is President of Orange Tag Inc. and Chief Creative Officer at the Debut Group. Orange Tag goes beyond creating typical promotional products and corporate gifts to help companies engage with their people in a meaningful and impactful way. As part of the Debut Group, Orange Tag brings extensive event and communications expertise to the table, offering a more thoughtful approach to branded products. Aligned with Debut’s Brave Ideas™ philosophy, Orange Tag offers out-of-the-box solutions that are always on budget and on-message. Corporate Meetings & Events Spring 2014 | 9

TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

Top tech trends for meeting and event planners By Scott Steinberg

Over 3,700 buyers and exhibitors attended AIBTM 2013 in Chicago, where over 30 hours of content programming were devoted to the theme of “Defining the Future of Meetings… Together.” After speaking with several top industry leaders, it became obvious to me that even if we had 300 hours to cram in to discuss the latest and greatest technology trends impacting the world of destination and event management, it still wouldn’t have been enough. From virtual and hybrid meetings to online video streaming, live audience polling, and custom apps of every shape and size for functions from networking to 3D maps, the amount of high-tech solutions available to today’s corporate meeting planner continues to skyrocket. Also apparent is the growing role and impact social media content marketing, 10 | www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

and responsive site design (e.g. websites optimized for both desktop and mobile usage) will play going forward when planning and researching business events. For those whose heads are spinning with all the options coming down the virtual pike, here’s the good news: Most new tools and services fall under the following five key practical areas of innovation,

each of which is easy to remember, and can help boost your planning and production efforts. CONNECTED DEVICES Among the most prevalent high-tech themes discussed at AIBTM: The rise of ‘smart’ (Internet-connected) and mobile devices, all supporting on-demand downloads, real-time communications features, and options to create or share media. With over 1.2 billion sales of smartphones and tablets expected last year, event and venue websites shouldn’t just be optimized for these platforms (think smaller screens and more immediate user access), among attendees’ new primary research tools. Ongoing promotional programs and content should also be built that support corresponding formatting and bandwidth, higher viewing and consumption frequency, and onetouch sharing capabilities. Likewise, meetings and events can also be designed to allow for real-time social media sharing, messaging, or even taking polls of audience members right from the podium. HIGH-PERFORMANCE MOBILE COMPUTING Thanks to chipmakers like AMD, Qualcomm, and NVIDIA, all growingly concentrating on such mobile solutions, set-top PC horsepower and graphics performance is also increasingly available from your pocket. Combined with universal access to cloud computing solutions including SlideShare, MightyMeeting and Prezi, this means pitching sponsors and strategic partners is suddenly easier than ever – assets and presentation materials can now be shared via portable screens. Nowadays, your desktop travels wherever you do, and – whether focused on engaging end-

users or B2B clients – it’s painless to provide attendees with 3D floor plans or (via virtual or on-site video demos) offer advertisers firsthand tours of featured venues without hopping an international flight. MEDIA SHARING AND STREAMING Not routinely recording programs or presentations on video? Stop selling your events and destinations short. Smartphones, tablets and low-cost HD camcorders now make it possible to quickly capture learning or announcements and create and share broadcast-quality video en masse at little cost. Businesses and venues of every size can now assemble learning libraries, build evergreen promotional assets, or even livestream content using apps like Qik or Livestream at-will at little expense. Such initiatives pay lasting dividends by letting you easily extend the value of events and campaigns far beyond day-of activities and attendance. ONLINE PHOTO AND VIDEO PUBLISHING Given content’s growingly disposable nature – especially on mobile devices – it’s now obvious: Ongoing publishing efforts should be a part of every organization’s outreach programs. Events provide the perfect venue at which to tap experts, executives, and community leaders for learning, insights and advice which can be used to generate added value and help raise awareness all year long. As part of programs, workshops and events, ask all to share stories, provide hints and tips, and offer support or inspiration. Quotes and commentary can then be incorporated back into newsletters, mailers, trailers and more, providing year-long benefit.

CONTENT AND INBOUND MARKETING Another key development this year: Search engines have become a core frontline for customer interaction, and among the primary touchpoints from which they research venues, event management resources and incentive travel solutions. In a world where businesses are growingly defined by their online footprint, suddenly, we’re all in the publishing business. Given data’s growingly disposable nature, content marketing efforts should be an ongoing part of promotional efforts. Happily, not only is your own enterprise filled with subject matter experts who can serve as ambassadors via blogs, newsletters or podcasts. Events provide the perfect venue at which to tap experts for learning, insights and advice. As part of programs, ask all to share best practices and tips, and offer support or inspiration. Quotes and commentary can then be incorporated back into newsletters, mailers, trailers and more, providing year-long benefit. Scott Steinberg, a top-ranked international event speaker on the lecture circuit, is a bestselling expert on leadership and innovation, and the head of strategic consultancy TechSavvy Global. Steinberg is among today’s most well-known providers of keynote speeches, training workshops and seminars, as seen in 600+ outlets from CNN to NPR. Corporate Meetings & Events Spring 2014 | 11

SPONSORSHIP

EVENTAPPS By Johah Wolfraim

Sponsorship for events without sponsorship Many companies prohibit taking advantage of potential sponsorship opportunities at their events, making it virtually impossible to generate any sort of revenue. Whether it’s a matter of competing interests or the marketing team not wanting to present competing brands, there are a variety of reasons some companies are unable to showcase sponsors and partners. Without that outside support, it’s spend, spend, spend and all upper-management sees is that the meeting cost the company X amount of dollars. Pure quantitative analysis has never been a friend to the meeting professional. But what if one day you showed your boss a more efficient way to bring the team together while reducing your bottom line, all without the use of “sponsors”? As an example of traditional sponsorship, an event might require a company to pay $5,000 in order to gain exposure during the conference in hopes of attracting the attention of attendees. This is a hard dollar value that can be seen and tracked on paper. But what about the soft dollars, the value of great service, the value of increased brand exposure? Here are a few clever ways you can use conventional event app sponsorship opportunities in unconventional ways. Suddenly, your event app “sponsorship” becomes a bargaining chip with your host venue, trading “hard dollars” for “soft dollars”. Let’s assume your event consists of 200 sales managers in town for a three-day meeting. The hotel, which also hosts the meeting, has a variety of restaurants and other amenities including a brand new spa. That’s 200 visitors that the hotel can potentially upsell to. Lucky for them, your event app is used and accessed by all 200 guests throughout the meeting. The best time to consider using your soft dollars is when you’re negotiating those hard dollar contracts like room rates, F&B, and A/V. Take a look at a few scenarios to illustrate what the conversation might look like. Sponsorship level one: If the host hotel is willing to reduce the F&B contract by five per cent, you’ll include the hotel’s four-star restaurant in the event app map along with a suggestion in the FAQs section. Sponsorship level two: If the hotel is willing to reduce the cost by 10 per cent, you’ll create a custom page for the restaurant with the menu along with a link on the home screen of the app. Sponsorship level three: With a 15 per cent discount to your F&B costs, you’ll send out an alert to all 200 guests at the end of each day including a 10 per cent discount coupon at the hotel’s restaurant. There’s a good probability that those exhausted guests aren’t 12 | www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

going to wander too far if they have coupon in hand – convenience wins. Your $1,500 investment in an event app has led to $5,000 reduction in your F&B contract while providing your hotel with unparalleled direct access to your attendees throughout the three-day stay. That means if the hotel can get each guest to spend just $10/day, the hotel is already making more money than if they had charged you full price for your F&B contract. Even better, you just found $3,500 in savings taking into account the cost of the event app. The cost savings don’t stop there. With an event app that works on every type of device, you’ll greatly reduce, if not eliminate, your printed materials altogether. No more printing bulky sales binders, no more paper agenda booklets, and no more printed session presentations. All of your materials are easily added, edited, and accessed right on your mobile event app. If you typically hand out 30 pages of material to each attendee, at five cents a page, that’s a $6,000 line item. You may have a few paper-loving attendees not ready to transition into the digital era yet, so we’ll account for the cost of a handful of paper guides and put your savings at $5,000. Between the $5,000 reduction on your F&B budget along with the $5,000 savings in paper printing, your $1,500 investment in an app just translated to $8,500 in savings. Depending on your event, your savings may be even greater. Next time you’re negotiating with your host venue, consider using an event app not only as a way to reduce your printing costs but as a strategic bargaining tool as well. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the planning process – opportunities for greater efficiency and meeting innovation are endless. As EventMobi’s Communications Manager, Jonah Wolfraim works closely with his team to create and share resources for event planners looking to learn more about mobile apps. Listening closely to what planners need to succeed, Jonah strives to make the transition into the world of mobile apps as simple and easy as possible. For more information, visit www.eventmobi.com.

MEETING VENUES

DIRECTORY CONTENTS MEETING VENUES

MEETING SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Adventure/Outdoor................................................15

Association.............................................................97

Attraction...............................................................16

Audio Visual Services..............................................97

Banquet Hall...........................................................17

Catering.................................................................98

Casino...................................................................22

Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB).........................107

Conference Centre..................................................23

Design Services.....................................................112

Convention Centre..................................................46

Destination Management Company (DMC).............113

Corporate Retreat....................................................53

Entertainment & Talent...........................................113

Cruise Line..............................................................55

Equipment Rental..................................................114

Event Tents..............................................................55

Event Management & Consulting Services...............115

Extended Stay.........................................................56

Facilitation............................................................117

Gallery/Museum.....................................................56

Food & Beverage Services.....................................117

Golf Course............................................................56

Gifts, Incentives & Other Items...............................121

Hotel......................................................................57

Insurance..............................................................121

Hotel Chain............................................................72

Recording & Translation Services............................122

Resort.....................................................................74

Registration, Staffing & Badging Services...............122

Restaurant, Club & Bar............................................77

Speaker Bureau & Services....................................122

Spa........................................................................82

Trade Show Decorating Services............................123

Team Building Venue...............................................82

Trade Show Displays.............................................123

Theatre...................................................................86

Transportation Services (Car, Shuttle, etc.)...............126

Unique Venue.........................................................87

Videoconferencing & Web Casting Services............126

University & College................................................91

Note: Members are listed by category; ranked within each category by their membership level and then alphabetically within the level. 1. – PLATINUM MEMBERS – 2. – GOLD MEMBERS –

Each listing also shows the location of the company by highlighting their region.

3. – SILVER MEMBERS –

Location:

4. – BRONZE MEMBER –

14 www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

Atlantic

MB/ SK

– GOLD MEMBER –

BAYVIEW WILDWOOD RESORT 1500 Port Stanton Parkway Severn Bridge, ON P0E 1N0 Phone: 705-689-2338 Toll Free: 800-461-0243 Fax: 705-689-8042 Website: www.bayviewwildwood.com Email: grpsales@bayviewwildwood.com Contact: Christi Spriggs This 4-season, lakeside resort is only 90 minutes from Toronto. In warmer weather, enjoy boating, fishing, kayaks, canoes, tennis, hiking, biking, swimming, waterskiing and ATV’ing. In snowy months, go cross country skiing, snow shoeing, ice skating or snowmobiling. The indoor recreation centre provides squash courts, indoor pool, hot tub, indoor games and exercise area. Spa services available on site. Location: Atlantic

MB/ SK

CAMP FORTUNE 300 Dunlop Road Chelsea, QC J9B 2N3 Phone: 819-827-1717 Fax: 819-827-9388 Website: www.campfortune.com Email: eboucher@campfortune.com Contact: Erin Boucher, Sales & Marketing Camp Fortune: 15 minutes from Ottawa. Team building and outdoor adventure activities including skiing and snowboarding, aerial park and ziplines and disc golf. Unique natural venue in the heart of the Gatineau park. Available for as a meeting and banquet space May to November with full catering services. Location: Atlantic

MB/ SK

PACIFIC NATIONAL EXHIBITION 2901 East Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1 Phone: 604-251-7787 Fax: 604-251-7761 Website: www.pne.ca Email: sales@pne.ca Contact: Group Sales Playland, The Fair and Fright Nights are perfect locations for your next special event. You’ll have access to rides, attractions, catering, games and private eating areas, providing an unparalleled experience with entertainment and activities built-in! Playland: May 3 - September 21 The Fair: August 16 - September 1 Fright Nights: October Location: Atlantic

MB/ SK

Canada’s 19 major convention centres offer some 3 million square feet of rentable function space of which 61% is exhibition space, 21% is meeting space and 18% is ballroom space. (Source: Convention Centres of Canada)

– SILVER MEMBERS –

Event spaces with living backdrops. CALABOGIE PEAKS RESORT 30 Barrett Chute Road Calabogie, ON K0J 1H0 Toll Free: 800-669-4861 Website: www.calabogie.com Email: marketing@calabogie.com Contact: Liz Murphy, Marketing Director

Host your next corporate event, cocktail party or conference reception at the most unforgettable venue in Vancouver.

Calabogie Peaks is a year-round resort complete with hotel, restaurant, rentals, and more. We cater to outdoor enthusiasts, family activities, and corporate retreats with competitive options in a beautiful surrounding. Enjoy skiing/snowboarding on Ontario’s highest public mountain, golfing on our 9-hole Ironwoods course, or simply relax in Canthooks Restaurant. Location: Atlantic

MB/ SK

vanaqua.org/plan

CORPORATE CORPORATEMEETINGS MEETINGS& &EVENTS EVENTSSOURCE SOURCEBOOK BOOK

MEETING VENUES ADVENTURE/OUTDOOR •

ADVENTURE/OUTDOOR

MEETING VENUES • ATTRACTION •

ATTRACTION – PLATINUM MEMBERS –

ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO 317 Dundas Street West Toronto, ON M5T 1G4 Phone: 416-979-6634 Website: www.ago.net/venue-rental Email: events@ago.net Experience world-class art, panoramic views of Toronto and Frank Gehry’s stunning architecture. With a permanent collection of more than 80,000 works of art, the AGO is among the most distinguished art museums in North America. Feel inspired and experience art at your next event. The AGO is equipped to host your social and corporate affair. With multiple event spaces, seminar rooms and a theatre to choose from, there is a venue for every type of event. Whether it’s a wedding, a corporate meeting, a product launch or anything in between, the AGO will cater to your every need. Your event will be an unforgettable experience with the expertise of our fullservice team.

Banquet seating capacity: 1,200 Largest Banquet Room (sq.ft.): 18,000 Largest Function Room (sq.ft.): 18,000 No of meeting rooms available: 18 Bingemans is home to over 45,000 square feet of conference and banquet facilities and is recognized as the largest event centre in the Waterloo Region, in addition to being South Western Ontario’s largest catering company for both on and offsite events. Located on over 170 acres along the Grand River, Bingemans also features Big Splash Waterpark, FunworX Indoor Playland (35,000 sq. ft.), 9 hole executive golf course, outdoor mini-golf and 28 lane Kingpin Bowlounge & Boston Pizza!

MB/ SK

Atlantic

Get your company profile online and connect with 30,000 decision makers in the meetings industry.

Contact Petra Brown 866.216.0860 ext. 233 email petrab@mediaedge.ca Be seen! 16 www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

MB/ SK

Location: Atlantic

MB/ SK

MISSED YOUR PRINT LISTING OPPORTUNITY?

Unique, unexpected and unforgettable... a variety of unique settings, award-winning cuisine and ambiance make the CN Tower Toronto’s most exclusive event venue and the perfect choice for spectacular events - dining, receptions, meetings, product launches, corporate parties, intimate gatherings and more from 2-2,000. 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower features award-winning regional Canadian cuisine showcasing local producers.

Location:

Location: Atlantic

CN TOWER 301 Front Street West Toronto, ON M5V 2T6 Phone: 416-601-4718 Fax: 416-601-4712 Website: www.cntower.ca Email: sales@cntower.ca

BINGEMANS CONFERENCE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITY 425 Bingemans Centre Drive Kitchener, ON N2B 3X7 Phone: 519-744-1555 Toll Free: 800-667-0833 Fax: 519-744-1985 Website: www.bingemans.com Email: sdracopolous@bingemans.com Contact: Spiro Dracopolous

– GOLD MEMBERS –

Since 1987, Mariposa Cruises has built its reputation as the established leader in Toronto Harbour with an impressive fleet of distinctive vessels, varying in size and style for groups up to 575 guests. Catering to a wide audience and hosting a range of different events. Mariposa Cruises is dedicated to offering outstanding ships with exceptional food and service in a premier location.

ALEXANDER KEITH’S NOVA SCOTIA BREWERY 1496 Lower Water Street Halifax, NS B3J 1R9 Phone: 902-455-1474 Toll Free: 866-612-1820 Fax: 902-422-1077 Website: www.keiths.ca Email: keiths.brewery.store@labatt.com Actors in period costume and character lead guests on an energetic trip back to Halifax in 1863 - through Alexander Keith’s Brewhouse, then on to the Stag’s Head Inn, our private Victorian taproom, for traditional Maritime songs, stories, and a couple of mugs of Keith’s finest! Group discounts, extended tours and private dinner packages available year-round. Location: Atlantic

MB/ SK

Location: Atlantic

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MEDIEVAL TIMES DINNER & TOURNAMENT 10 Dufferin Street Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Phone: 416-260-1170 ext. 2619 Fax: 416-260-1179 Website: www.medievaltimes.com Email: toronto@medievaltimes.com Contact: Group Sales

TOURISM BURLINGTON 414 Locust Street Burlington, ON L7S 1T7 Phone: 905-634-5594 Toll Free: 877-499-9989 Fax: 905-634-7220 Website: www.tourismburlington.com Email: Linda.Olimer@burlington.ca Contact: Linda Olimer

Location: Atlantic

Burlington, ON is situated in the heart of the Golden Horseshoe, between the shores of Lake Ontario and the cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, within 75km of three international airports. Featuring inspiring venues for up to 1800 people, over 1000 guest rooms, award winning chefs and numerous attractions, activities and experiences that will unite, challenge and excite participants. Offering up to $3,000 to host events that include overnight stay, Burlington offers a memorable meeting in an unforgettable setting!

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BANQUET HALL Category Sponsor CHÂTEAU LE JARDIN

Location: Atlantic

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Toronto • Airport • Vaughan

CHÂTEAU LE JARDIN 8440 Highway 27 Woodbridge, ON L4L 1A5 Phone: 905-851-2200 Toll Free: 800-533-3009 Fax: 905-851-2292 Website: www.lejardin.com Email: sandro@lejardin.com Contact: Sandro Calcagno Conveniently located in Vaughan, minutes from Pearson International Airport with easy access to all major highways. Over 600 complimentary ground level parking spots available and hotel accommodations in close proximity. The venue boasts over 38,000sq. ft. of beautifully appointed function space in an award winning, French inspired décor. Elegant ballrooms, bright stunning foyers, grand fireplaces and walkout to courtyard space have been designed to host a wide range of events in sheer comfort and sophistication. Château Le Jardin’s location, professional service and exquisite food, make it the ideal venue to host your next meeting or event. Location:

– SILVER MEMBERS –

Atlantic

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www.lejardin.com PACIFIC NATIONAL EXHIBITION 2901 East Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1 Phone: 604-251-7787 Fax: 604-251-7761 Website: www.pne.ca Email: sales@pne.ca Contact: Group Sales Playland, The Fair and Fright Nights are perfect locations for your next special event. You’ll have access to rides, attractions, catering, games and private eating areas, providing an unparalleled experience with entertainment and activities built-in! Playland: May 3 - September 21 The Fair: August 16 - September 1 Fright Nights: October Location: Atlantic

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Of the 400-plus association, independent, and corporate planners who completed PCMA’s annual Meetings Market Survey in late 2013, 44 per cent experienced an increase in attendance at their 2013 flagship event over the previous year and 41 per cent expected their attendance to grow in 2014. Thirty-three per cent said they had more exhibitors at their main 2013 convention, and nearly 30 per cent expected exhibitor growth to continue this year.

CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

MEETING VENUES • ATTRACTION • BANQUET HALL •

– PLATINUM MEMBERS –

– BRONZE MEMBER –

• BANQUET HALL •

MEETING VENUES

CHÂTEAU LE JARDIN “Banquet Hall” Category Sponsor

Complete Meeting Package

95 44. www.lejardin.com $

Toronto • Airport • Vaughan

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DEER CREEK GOLF & BANQUET FACILITY 2700 Audley Road North Ajax, ON L1Z 1T7 Phone: 905-427-7737 Fax: 905-427-1574 Website: www.golfdeercreek.com Email: info@golfdeercreek.com Contact: Heather Gianfriddo, Sales & Event Manager Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility encompasses the ultimate golf experience coupled with our wonderful events space. Comprised of 72 Championship Golf Holes (45 at Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility, 18 at Glen Cedars Golf Club and 9 Executive Style Holes at Salem Ridge Golf & Academy) whatever your golfing ability, we have something for you. Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility is the premier facility in the Durham Region to host any type of special event or meeting. Set on a pristine 45-hole golf course, with breathtaking scenery, this 50,000 square foot facility will heighten any event from golf tournaments and corporate meetings to weddings and galas; Deer Creek offers an exceptional experience every step of the way.

per person

GRAND LUXE EVENT BOUTIQUE 3125 Bayview Avenue Toronto, ON M2K 1G2 Phone: 416-250-LUXE (5893) Fax: 416-250-5892 Website: www.grandluxe.ca Email: info@grandluxe.ca Avant Garde meets Luxury in Toronto’s Boutique Event Venue. Sophisticated and contemporary, The Grand Luxe Event Boutique features over 6,000 ft of event space. Exclusivity is yours, as you and your guests enjoy the intimacy and private use of The Grand Luxe Event Boutique all to yourselves. Experience the uncompromising attention to detail & exceptional personal service of our event team. Culinary excellence & customized design await your attention at The Grand Luxe. Staged against the urban and contemporary architecture of our ballroom, your event will truly be memorable to all. Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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In North America, 70 per cent of travel managers said finding innovative ways to generate savings is a high priority for them in 2014, followed by further promoting the travel program at 62 per cent, and driving growth in online adoption at 53 per cent, according to Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s Travel Management Priorities for 2014 report. Travel managers with responsibility for North America are keenest of all regions to further promote the travel program, while optimizing end-to-end travel processes and redesigning travel policies remain areas of untapped potential, with 42 per cent and 31 per cent respectively ranking them high priority.

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PALAIS ROYALE BALLROOM 1601 Lakeshore Boulevard West Toronto, ON M6K 3C1 Phone: 416-533-3553 Fax: 416-533-7600 Website: www.palaisroyale.ca Email: info@palaisroyale.ca

Location: Atlantic

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ATLANTICA HOTEL HALIFAX 1980 Robie Street Halifax, NS B3H 3G5 Phone: 902-423-1161 Toll Free: 888-810-7288 Website: www.atlanticahotelhalifax.com Email: sales@atlanticahalifax.com Contact: Rhonda MacDonald The Atlantica Hotel Halifax, a Canada Select 4 Star, 230 room, landmark hotel at the corner of Quinpool Road and Robie Street. We’ve recently embarked on a journey that involves more than just changing our name. This new direction provides for a modern, urban hotel experience in the heart of Halifax while still offering the warmth of East Coast hospitality. Our central location puts you right across from the Halifax Common, venue to world-class outdoor concerts and minutes away from area attractions including the WTCC, Citadel Hill, Pier 21, the Maritime Museum and Casino Nova Scotia. Planning a meeting for 3 to 300 delegates, our team of catering professionals is ready to assist. Other amenities include heated underground parking, business centre, fitness centre with indoor pool, full service Seasons by Atlantica and offering an in-room dining option. Free high-speed Internet access in all guestrooms and meeting rooms will keep you connected during your travels. Stay close to everything…and far away from ordinary. Location: Atlantic

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CORPORATE MEETINGS NETWORK New industry website for corporate meeting planners

A New Benchmark for a Historical Landmark. Completed in 1914, Casa Loma is a historical landmark as one of North America’s only castles and offers a one of a kind backdrop for any event. Dedicated to the highest standard of hospitality, Casa Loma offer the ultimate experience in ambiance, cuisine and customer service. Casa Loma is the perfect setting for an exceptional event. Accommodating groups of 15 to 1,500, Casa Loma offers a choice of room and catering options to suit all tastes. Location: Atlantic

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EVRAZ PLACE 1700 Elphinstone Street Regina, SK S4P 2Z6 Phone: 306-781-9241 Fax: 306-781-9242 Website: www.evrazplace.com Email: ladams@evrazplace.com Contact: Lori Adams Central, modern and competitive, the Queensbury Convention Center at Evraz Place is Saskatchewan’s largest Conference, Tradeshow and Exposition venue. Remarkable value, service, quality and stress free event management and execution. Only 10 minutes from the Regina International Airport, Downtown Hotels, Casino Regina and other Regina attractions. Offering 307,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit halls and conference space. Our Salons provide 23,000 sq. ft. for formal functions, sessions, Break - outs, and exhibits. 12 meeting rooms, for 10 to 1000. Location: Atlantic

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Visit us online at:

www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• BANQUET HALL •

Style, Originality and Service Beyond Expectation…The Palais Royale represents the pulse of the modern ballroom. The romance of history, tradition and an intimate setting on Toronto’s lakefront all come together at the Palais Royale Ballroom. Built in 1922, this historic building has been restored to surpass its original splendor. Unique to the downtown lake shore, this spectacular 20,000 sq.ft. facility is the ultimate venue for all special events featuring a 4,000 sq.ft. lakeside deck for receptions and a grand ballroom servicing detailed five star culinary excellence, state of the art audio visual and the best view in Toronto.

CASA LOMA 1 Austin Terrace Toronto, ON M5R 1X8 Phone: 647-725-1833 Website: www.casaloma.org Email: events@casaloma.org

MEETING VENUES

– GOLD MEMBERS –

MEETING VENUES • BANQUET HALL •

LIBERTY GRAND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX 25 British Columbia Road Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Phone: 416-542-3789 Fax: 416-260-0598 Website: www.libertygroup.com Email: rob.rosset@libertygroup.com Contact: Robert Rosset The Liberty Grand is the perfect multi-use, multi-functional venue designed for a full range of corporate meeting, conference and special event needs. This 100,000 square foot complex comprises large and small rooms, which comfortably accommodate groups of 150 to 4,000. Complete with an extensive array of permanently installed audio/visual equipment and services, the Liberty Grand also boasts an internationally acclaimed hospitality and culinary team. Location: Atlantic

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SHERATON MONTREAL AIRPORT HOTEL 555 Boulevard McMillan Dorval, QC H9P 1B7 Phone: 514-828-4248 Toll Free: 800-567-2411 Fax: 514-631-5933 Website: www.SheratonMontrealAirport.com Email: info@SheratonMontrealAirport.com Contact: Sales Team Big Ideas are Better When Shared @ Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel For inspiring events, connect with your best minds in the open atmosphere of more than 20 flexible meeting spaces. Get advantage and benefits from our exclusive group offer - % off your master bill, Complimentary Club Level room, Club Lounge access, Complimentary HSIA in your meeting room, access to meeting planner office, environmentally sustainable meeting practices, Starpoints® signing bonus Call our meeting planner professionals at 514-828-4248 Or, submit an RFP by visiting www.sheratonmontrealairport.com/ meetings-events.

BURLINGTON CONVENTION CENTRE 1120 Burloak Drive Burlington, ON L7L 6P8 Phone: 905-319-0319 Fax: 905-319-3989 Website: www.burlingtonconventioncentre.ca Email: bcc@burlingtonconventioncentre.ca Contact: Sonia Radunovic, Director of Operations Burlington Convention Centre, Meeting Your Needs… Halton Region’s Premiere Conference Facility, 20,000 sq. ft of flexible meeting space for 10 to 1500. 2 executive boardrooms, 3 large ballrooms, state of the art lighting, highspeed wireless internet, professional meeting planners, onsite catering with executive chef, ample free parking. Centrally located between Toronto and Niagara. Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

OTTAWA CONVENTION CENTRE 55 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, ON K1N 9J2 Phone: 613-563-1984 Toll Free: 800-450-0077 Fax: 613-563-7646 Website: www.ottawaconventioncentre.com Email: meetings@ottawaconventioncentre.com Contact: Dawn Guindon Canada’s Meeting Place, an iconic design of sculpted glass with panoramic views of downtown, Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal. 192,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, a 56,000 sq.ft. multipurpose hall, 28 meeting rooms, a stunning 19,032 sq.ft. ballroom all built as an eco-friendly facility LEED Certified with 6,000 hotel rooms within walking distance... Inspired People Creating Extraordinary Events. Location: Atlantic

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CARLU, THE 444 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M5B 2H4 Phone: 416-597-1931 Fax: 416-597-9319 Website: www.thecarlu.com Email: events@thecarlu.com Contact: Consultant The Carlu, a National Historic Site, is located downtown Toronto. It is famed for its Art Moderne design, and includes the Round Room, the Concert Hall, Clipper Rooms and Sky Room. The Carlu’s world class architecture is complimented by their unparalleled service which ensures the consistent delivery of unforgettable occasions every time.

– SILVER MEMBERS –

BOULEVARD CLUB, THE 1491 Lake Shore Boulevard West Toronto, ON M6K 3C2 Phone: 416-532-3341 Website: www.boulevardclub.com Email: catering@boulevardclub.com Contact: Eric Chou A venue like no other. Situated minutes from downtown Toronto, offering a beautiful lakeside setting and superb facilities, The Boulevard Club provides the perfect backdrop for family celebrations and corporate events. Exquisite views, well-appointed function and meeting spaces and attentive service ensure a unique and memorable event. Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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Let us help you plan your next meeting! Completely renovated in 2012, we offer 224 guestrooms including 5 executive floors, 12 long term suites and 15,000 sq ft of flexible meeting space! Our Crowne Meetings Director will work with you from the earliest stages and help plan every detail to assure your event’s success. Location: Atlantic

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Your meeting delegates will be comfortable and productive at the Estates of Sunnybrook. All our meeting rooms have natural lighting and furnished in an elegant, residential style. Smaller rooms are graced with formal boardroom tables and comfortable upholstered armchairs. A retreat in the city, minutes from downtown with complimentary parking. Location: QC

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We deliver what planners define as elements for their success! Pillar-free 8,000 sq foot Ballroom; Meet-Feed for up to 250 delegates; Conference and Breakout space on ground floor; Wheelchair accessibility; Free parking and internet; Healthy menus on budget, Hilton honors Meeting Planner Points; and, of course, a great night’s rest! Location: Atlantic

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HOLIDAY INN CAMBRIDGE 200 Holiday Inn Drive Cambridge, ON N3C 1Z4 Phone: 519-658-4601 Toll Free: 866-375-8241 Fax: 519-658-4995 Website: www.hicambridge.ca Email: ahudson@fortisproperties.com Contact: Ann Hudson Full Service Hotel - 143 Rooms. Priority Club Meeting Rewards Program. 10 Meeting Rooms from 216 to 3600 sq. ft. All inclusive meeting packages available. On-site Meeting Services Manager. Customized Theme Meeting breaks available. Executive Style Special Events (Tradeshow format: Grand Ballroom accommodates 25 booths 8x10 in size) Location: Atlantic

Atlantic

HILTON QUEBEC 1100 Rene-Levesque Boulevard East Quebec City, QC G1R 4P3 Phone: 418-648-6485 Fax: 418-647-2986 Website: www.hiltonquebec.com Email: gina.cuglietta@hilton.com Contact: Gina Cuglietta Recently renovated, the Hilton Québec is known for its unparalleled world-class service, facilities and unrivalled location. Located steps away from all major tourist attractions, it is directly connected to the Convention Center. Each contemporary guestroom is decorated in rich warm tones, and features a floor-to-ceiling window offering a splendid view. Location: Atlantic

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MEETING VENUES • BANQUET HALL •

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K.C. IRVING REGIONAL CENTRE 850 St. Anne Street Bathurst, NB E2A 6X2 Phone: 506-548-0410 Toll Free: 877-549-3200 Fax: 506-548-0406 Website: www.bathurst.ca Email: gerald.pettigrew@bathurst.ca Contact: Gerald Pettigrew The design of the K.C. Irving Regional Centre integrates the exhibition facilities and the sports/ entertainment events in a single multi-purpose building which also serves as a twin pad arena. In addition to the above the Paul Ouellette Room on the rink level can also accommodate events for up to 720 people. This room can be used in conjunction with the two rinks independently for a variety of events. Location: Atlantic

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MISSED YOUR PRINT LISTING OPPORTUNITY? Get your company profile online and connect with 30,000 decision makers in the meetings industry. Reserve your listing today call Petra Brown 866.216.0860 ext. 233 or email petrab@mediaedge.ca

BE SEEN!

CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

MEETING VENUES • BANQUET HALL • CASINO •

– BRONZE MEMBERS –

ONTARIO SCIENCE CENTRE 770 Don Mills Road Toronto, ON M3C 1T3 Phone: 416-696-3150 Toll Free: 888-696-1110 Fax: 416-696-3163 Website: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca Email: Roxann.Grant@osc.on.ca Contact: Roxann Braithwaite-Grant, Sales & Event Representative The Ontario Science Centre is an inspired choice for your next event. Our unique facility offers a variety of event spaces, interactive exhibits, and corporate team building options. With indoor and outdoor space, this venue has the perfect chemistry to turn your special occasion into a memorable event. Location: Atlantic

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BEST WESTERN PLUS LAMPLIGHTER INN & CONFERENCE CENTRE 591 Wellington Road South London, ON N6C 4R3 Phone: 519-681-7151 Toll Free: 888-232-6747 Fax: 519-681-3271 Website: www.lamplighterinn.ca Email: salesmgr@lamplighterinn.ca Contact: Claudia Neville, Catering Manager Location: Atlantic

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PRAIRIELAND PARK TRADE & CONVENTION CENTRE PO Box 6010 Saskatoon, SK S7K 4E4 Phone: 306-931-7149 Fax: 306-931-7886 Website: www.saskatoonex.com Email: claird@saskatoonex.com Contact: Caroline Laird Location: MB/ Atlantic QC ON AB SK

WOODBINE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP 555 Rexdale Boulevard, PO Box 156 Toronto, ON M9W 5L2 Phone: 416-675-7223 Toll Free: 888-675-7223 Website: www.hostyourevent.com Email: cateringsales@ woodbineentertainment.com Contact: Catering Sales Department Unique Destinations. Endless Event Possibilities. Imagine truly unique meeting and special event spaces, ease of accessibility and free parking, paired with gourmet dining and catering services to suit your every need. Now add the heart-pounding thrill of live horse racing and a state-of-the-art slot floor and your event just became unforgettable. With locations that cover the GTA, accommodations from 8 to 800 and event coordination to make every affair incredible, Woodbine Entertainment will make your event one to remember. Visit HostYourEvent. com today to get your event started.

Location: SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT TORONTO VAUGHAN 612 Applewood Crescent Vaughan, ON L4K 4B4 Phone: 905-760-9960 Fax: 905-760-9907 Website: www.springhillsuitesvaughan.com Email: sales@springhillsuitesvaughan.com Contact: Mark Jones, Director of Sales & Marketing The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Toronto Vaughan is located in the heart of Vaughan with easy access to Highway 400, Highway 407, Highway 401, Highway 7 and 15 minutes from Lester B. Pearson Toronto International Airport. Location: Atlantic

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Atlantic

CASINO – GOLD MEMBERS –

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Location: Atlantic

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– SILVER MEMBERS –

As a Meeting Planner, you pour everything into your work. It’s not just a meeting, it’s your meeting. You want it to be more than efficient and productive, you want it to be unique and refreshing. That’s where we come in! Located in the heart of downtown, Delta Barrington is connected to our sister property, Delta Halifax, Casino Nova Scotia and the World Trade and Convention Centre. Good times await you! BC

Cascades Casino Resort has everything you want for a great getaway. • Live Entertainment • 24-hour gaming • Hotel • Convention Centre • Restaurants • Starbucks® • SpaPure Located in the heart of Langley we are ideally situated for easy access to & from multiple U.S. border crossings and Downtown Vancouver. Location: Atlantic

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GEORGE DAWSON INN 11705 Eighth Street Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4N9 Phone: 250-782-9151 Toll Free: 800-663-2745 Fax: 250-782-1617 Website: www.georgedawsoninn.com Email: georgedawsoninn@pris.ca Contact: Carol Pollard The George Dawson Inn features Pantry chain of restaurants, pub, lounge, and a liquor store. We offer banquet and conference rooms for up to 400 people. We have 80 newly renovated hotel rooms, including bridal and deluxe suites. Our lounge and pub feature entertainment for all ages.

Atlantic

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CONFERENCE CENTRE Category Sponsor CHÂTEAU LE JARDIN

Conveniently located in Vaughan, minutes from Pearson International Airport with easy access to all major highways. Over 600 complimentary ground level parking spots available and hotel accommodations in close proximity. The venue boasts over 38,000sq. ft. of beautifully appointed function space in an award winning, French inspired décor. Elegant ballrooms, bright stunning foyers, grand fireplaces and walkout to courtyard space have been designed to host a wide range of events in sheer comfort and sophistication. Château Le Jardin’s location, professional service and exquisite food, make it the ideal venue to host your next meeting or event.

Location:

Atlantic

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Atlantic

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Toronto • Airport • Vaughan

www.lejardin.com

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research reports the performance of the exhibition industry significantly improved during the fourth quarter of 2013 with a year-on-year increase of three per cent compared to just 0.4 per cent increase in the third quarter of the same year. This is an exciting and promising result considering there was only a 0.7 per cent increase in the fourth quarter of 2012. This marks the fourteenth consecutive quarter of year-onyear growth and the highest increase since the first quarter of 2012 which reported 3.2 per cent at that time. CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• CASINO • CONFERENCE CENTRE •

Location:

CHÂTEAU LE JARDIN 8440 Highway 27 Woodbridge, ON L4L 1A5 Phone: 905-851-2200 Toll Free: 800-533-3009 Fax: 905-851-2292 Website: www.lejardin.com Email: sandro@lejardin.com Contact: Sandro Calcagno

MEETING VENUES

– PLATINUM MEMBERS –

CREATING EVENTS TOGETHER

Conference & Special Events Center 2200 Mansfield Street Montreal, Quebec, Canada 514 844-2000 â&#x20AC;˘ 1 866 844-2200 www.centremontroyal.com

MOBILETECHNOLOGY

MOBILE

APPS Six great iPhone/iPad apps for event planners By Adrian Segar More than three years have flown by since, excited by my immediate purchase of the original iPad, I shared 13 great iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch apps for event planners. I am still a big fan of five of these apps (Simplenote, DropBox, Square, Evernote, and GoodReader) while the remainder have been discontinued (WifiTrak and, sadly, TweetDeck), or superseded in my affections (Adobe Ideas, Beat the Traffic, Box.net, Instapaper, iTalk, and WeatherBug) by other apps.

26 | www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

MOBILETECHNOLOGY

My original iPad is now in my wife’s hands, and my Tumi Alpha man purse (je t’adore, read the reviews!) contains these days an AT&T iPad 3 (fits in the Tumi perfectly), a Verizon iPhone 5s, and a second generation iPod touch holding music and podcasts which, with the addition of an $8 SODIAL FM radio transmitter, I use solely to pump audio into my car radio as I drive. Here are six more apps that I actively use and enthusiastically recommend to event planners: BIRDBRAIN ($2.99) – If you are active on Twitter (and I’d argue that most event planners should be) Birdbrain is a fantastic way to manage your Twitter network. The app provides an excellent overview and management of your followers and those you follow. Birdbrain handles multiple accounts, makes it easy to investigate anyone on Twitter, allows you to track unfollows as they occur, list people you’re following who don’t follow you, display mentions and retweets, and provides informative statistics showing changes in your Twitter stats over time. The only feature I’d like to see added is the ability to show inactive accounts you’re following. Recommended! WAZE (FREE) – Waze is my favorite traffic and navigation app of the many that I’ve tried. Unlike traditional GPS units with traffic updates that I’ve often found to be woefully out of date, Waze uses information from its own users to detect traffic snarls and reroutes you on the fly when necessary to avoid that accident that happened up ahead five minutes ago or the rush hour traffic jam building up on the highway you normally drive on to get home. Purchased

recently by Google, my only concern is that the company will start using my location in nefarious ways. If I start seeing annoying ads promoting the tattoo parlor I’m passing by I’ll reconsider. Until then, this is an amazing app that has saved me hours of driving and frustration, and shown me countless new neighborhoods as I bypass traffic where other drivers sit fuming. FOURSQUARE (FREE) – Foursquare started as a game (be the mayor of places, win badges, and have more points than your friends) and a way to see where your friends are and what they’re doing. I live mostly in a rural area and, while I have occasionally discovered and met up with friends I didn’t know were near me, my main use of this service is to store a searchable history of where I’ve been. When did I drop off that luggage to be repaired? What was the name of that great place I ate dinner with Susie in Atlanta? When exactly was I in Anguilla in 2009? Foursquare’s history of my check-ins is often useful in unexpected ways. And, yes, I admit it, it’s fun to triumphantly win back the mayorship of my favorite local restaurant once in a while… GATEGURU (FREE) – GateGuru is an airport information app that was purchased by TripAdvisor in June 2013. While it attempts to replicate some of Tripit’s functionality, I use it to scope out the places to eat (aka amenities) at airports. The travellers’ reviews, while sometimes spotty, usually allow you to pick out the best place to satisfy your current gustatory desires, and I’ve occasionally found a real gem tucked away on Concourse C that I’d otherwise have missed.

GOOGLE VOICE (FREE APP, MOST BUT NOT ALL SERVICES ARE FREE) – Google Voice has been around for years and has a bazillion options, many of which I don’t really understand. But that’s OK, because I find it very useful for two things: a) transferring calls made to my cell to my office phone when I’m at home where my cell phone doesn’t work (ah, the joys of living in rural Vermont) and b) texting. Now let’s be clear: I hate texting and refuse to pay the inflated rates that carriers charge for it on my cell phone, but sometimes it’s the only way to communicate with some people (especially my two younger kids). Google Voice to the rescue! I can text for free from my free Google Voice number, which works with strangers as long as I let them know in the message that it’s me, Adrian Segar, texting them. Incidentally, though I haven’t yet used this feature, calls made using Google Voice from outside the U.S. to U.S. numbers cost just 1¢/ minute; a pretty good rate! OPENTABLE (FREE) – OpenTable allows you to make free reservations at over 30,000 restaurants in the United States, Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and the UK. No more phone calls to a restaurant only to get an answering machine, having to leave a message, and wondering whether you’ll get the reservation you wanted or not. The app works quickly and many reservations give you OpenTable points which can eventually be redeemed for a discount off your meal. Well, these are some of my favorite apps that make it a little easier to travel, communicate, and eat while I’m on the road.

Adrian Segar is a meeting architect and event facilitator with over 30 years experience. He is the author of “ConferencesThat Work: Creating Events That People Love” and “Conferences That Work II: Engaging Participants for Maximum Learning & Connection” (publication 2014). Adrian is an energetic champion for participation-rich and participant-led meetings that uncover and satisfy actual attendee needs for relevant content, education, answers, connections, and engagement. Corporate Meetings & Events Spring 2014 | 27

H E A LT H AWA R E N E S S

MEETING PLANNER WELLNESS 15 tips for a healthy 2014

By Tahira Endean Most of us have either experienced a lack of balance or know someone in the industry, a friend or colleague who has suffered from this reality. Some of us have also known, worked with or supported someone who suffers from or has lost the battle to illness, sudden or chronic. When ill, some have focused on their needs and their health and taken the time to heal, but in an industry filled with A-type, “we can do it all” personalities, who live by the credo “the client/ meeting/event must come first,” this is a rare path followed by an even rarer person. Others have approached illness like a program, fitting in doctors’ appointments and treatment schedules around their existing rigorous schedule, rarely taking actual time off to recover, unless actually hospitalized. Consider these real life scenarios: a meeting planner who breaks down and has to be hospitalized on Day Three of a four-day program as the ongoing 20 hour days left her unable to cope; planning team members in their hotel rooms mid-program, knocked out by a combination of a small virus but an unmanageable workload leaving them exhausted, on IV drips, unable to eat solid food, 5,000 km from home in a foreign country; a meeting planner who goes on site with pneumonia and slips away during the program without ever going to the hospital as the show had to go on; cancer survivors who fit chemo in between a client breakfast and “just checking” on an evening event their team is working on; these are just a few we know about. Many of us are healthy now, but as we grow careers or businesses it is rare to put our health first and to be proactive about taking care of 28 | www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

ourselves on a daily basis. As professionals in the meeting and event industry, we collectively face many similar issues, many impacting our health negatively, including the following. See if you recognize any of these challenges in your own situation. Keep reading for some small steps that can be considered and that we have seen others do successfully, increasing their own personal health. • Continued demands on our time and resources and added pressure from stakeholders causing us to work longer hours, although not necessarily more productively • Feeling you just can’t keep up or catch up (piling up of calls, emails, paperwork) • No time to recover – from an illness, from a demanding program • Long days on-site to meet the demands of setup, rehearsal, meeting/show, strike (and resets to do it all over again) • Increased travel, often through varied time zones • Disrupted sleep patterns from any combination of work overload, travel, lying there thinking about work, etc. • Stiff neck, shoulders, headaches, “stress” stomach, etc. on a regular basis • Eating out/on the run = little control over preparation and portions • Stimulant use (this can range from “energy” potions to pharmaceuticals to too much

H E A LT H AWA R E N E S S caffeine) to assist in getting through the long days/short nights syndrome • Networking functions where alcohol is offered/easily consumed or over-consumed • Difficulty to incorporate regular exercise into erratic schedules • Just plain tired, a feeling of being burnt out

• Challenges developing or maintaining successful relationships If you recognize any of the above symptoms, below is a collection of tips collected from smart industry friends who have found the need to make changes at certain periods of time, and some you might find helpful as we start 2014

full of renewed optimism for our professional selves, and an eye to refreshing our personal selves as the new year begins. Even if you only incorporate one or two from this collection, you might find it all just feels a little bit easier, that you are more productive, and that you and your relationships are healthier.

MAKE THE COMMITMENT TO MAKE YOURSELF AND YOUR NEEDS A PRIORITY. For some this will be a simple mental check-the-box; for others you may find you need to (really!) schedule time for you into your calendar. SAY NO. Not to everything, but to extraneous asks and tasks that won’t have a net positive impact on your work or life. APP IT UP – fitness, food, music to exercise to, productivity… If you think of it, someone has probably made an app for it. FIND DEDICATED TIME TO FOCUS ON THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT MATTER. As they say in The Devil Wears Prada, “You know, in case you were wondering – the person whose calls you always take? That’s the relationship you’re in.” This might start as one item – free dinner or a walk each week. It is just about making the effort and focusing on the other during this time. This might be a spouse, lover, friend or puppy. The point is to focus on enjoyment. BUILD IN EXERCISE WHERE YOU CAN. Some have committed to walking a certain number of steps or distance every day – which could be a hike, a walk around your neighbourhood, taking out a pet or a friend’s pet, parking farther away than normal from your workplace or a meeting, a walking meeting with a colleague. (Bonus: walking meetings are very effective and can generate new ideas as you change up your literal view!) STRETCH, EXERCISE, MASSAGE… do what you find works for you to ease physical stress and its associated symptoms. THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK – alcohol, stimulant drinks, caffeine – moderation over the long term will make a positive difference. BRING YOUR LUNCH. If not every day, commit to two days a week where you pack a fresh lunch featuring fresh, nonprocessed choices. KEEP HEALTHY SNACKS ON HAND – In your car, backpack, purse, desk and especially in your on-site office during events. You can try nuts, yogurt (yes this requires a fridge), sugar-light bars, dried seaweed, the choice is yours.

SLEEP APPS – there are quite a few out there that will help you relax at night, and when it becomes part of your pattern, when you find yourself in a new time zone and need a quick adjustment, this familiarity will aid you. CREATE A STAFF SCHEDULE FOR ON-SITE, AND THEN STICK TO IT WORKING WITH PEOPLE YOU TRUST. This is hard but a step that will save you from burning out you and your team. USE THE POWER OF TOUCH – just holding hands with someone for six seconds increases your oxytocin levels improving mood and alertness. Imagine what a hug can do! LEARN SOMETHING NEW – a sport, a hobby, an interesting book, an instrument, a new route to work. Positive change stimulates new ideas and has your neurons firing. You don’t have to excel at something; it is the process of learning that creates the positive effect. BREATHE THROUGH THE GUILT – you know who you are. When you feel bad for putting yourself first, just breathe and remind yourself that if you can’t be good to yourself, it will be almost impossible to sustain being good for anything or anyone else!

Tahira Endean, CMP is the Director, Creative and Production at Cantrav Services, a DMC, meeting and event production company based in Western Canada. Her passion for meeting and event design is limitless, and building brand appropriate environments where learning is enhanced and connections are created through thoughtful collaboration remains at the forefront of the team’s work.

HYDRATE. You will be amazed at how much better you feel with a little extra water inside. If you feel a headache coming on, take a couple of glasses right away!

Corporate Meetings & Events Spring 2014 | 29

• CONFERENCE CENTRE •

MEETING VENUES

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CONFERENCE & RECEPTION FACILITY

MB/ SK

GRAYDON HALL MANOR 185 Graydon Hall Drive Toronto, ON M3A 3B4 Phone: 416-449-5432 Fax: 416-449-9830 Website: www.graydonhall.com Email: julie@graydonhall.com Contact: Julie Munro

GLEN HOUSE RESORT 409 1000 Islands Parkway Lansdowne, ON K7G 2T6 Phone: 613-659-2204 Toll Free: 800-268-4536 Fax: 613-659-2232 Website: www.glenhouseresort.com Email: info@glenhouseresort.com Contact: Jeanine Hunter, Group Sales / Office Manager Glen House Resort is a quaint 72 room, 4 Star Canada Select Resort featuring waterfront rooms, spa facilities, contemporary menus, 18 hole Championship Golf Course, renovated Smuggler’s Lounge and updated conference facilities. Choose from a host of on-site activities and attractions for your group to enjoy; on-site boat charters, outdoor barbeques and bonfires present great opportunities for interaction. Minutes from the 401 in the heart of the Thousand Islands, we are located midway between Toronto and Montreal, 90 minutes from Ottawa - easily accessible from all points of the compass. The Resort’s staff help in convention planning, utilizing the latest audio/visual equipment, catered breaks and amenities for a productive/enjoyable conference experience. Visit our website at www.glenhouseresort. com or phone 1-800-268-4536.

Recharge, rejuvenate, luxuriate and motivate - Graydon Hall, Toronto’s premier boutique reception facility is the perfect location to clear the mind, stimulate the psyche, and pamper your team or your clients. It is nestled amidst 4 acres of formal gardens, yet located just minutes from downtown Toronto. Graydon Hall specializes in conferences, seminars, business meetings, strategy development sessions, product launches, or team building sessions. At Graydon Hall we understand that you require an experienced staff to create an event that truly is a reflection of your corporate image. It is our mission to attend to every detail to ensure every comfort and convenience from the moment you make an inquiry, through the planning process, to event execution. Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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Employment continues to improve in the global meeting industry, as do economic conditions, according to a recent MPI Business Barometer. With the exception of a few specific locations, marketplace uncertainty is giving way to the need to find more creative and efficient ways to deliver great experiences. Meeting professionals are turning to better uses of technology, more creative event and session formats and a better understanding of emerging tools in order to enhance attendee experiences. 30 www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

Location: Atlantic

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No. of Meeting Rooms: 8 Theatre Seating Capacity: 480 Banquet Seating Capacity: 360 Largest Exhibit Area: 4,324 sq ft Largest Banquet Area: 4,324 sq ft. Find out where business and pleasure seamlessly mingle under one roof at Atlantica Hotel & Marina Oak Island (formerly Oak Island Resort). Just 45 minutes from Halifax, this hotel features over 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, 105 guestrooms, 13 oceanfront chalets and 2 luxury, condo-style, seaside marina villas, the Aqua spa and a full service dining room. With complimentary wireless internet access, customized meal plan options and competitive group rates we can accommodate up to 480 guests. Atlantica Hotel & Marina Oak Island is equipped with all the amenities you need to make your meeting memorable and successful. Discover Seaside Different. Location: Atlantic

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The Atlantica Hotel Halifax, a Canada Select 4 Star, 230 room, landmark hotel at the corner of Quinpool Road and Robie Street. We’ve recently embarked on a journey that involves more than just changing our name. This new direction provides for a modern, urban hotel experience in the heart of Halifax while still offering the warmth of East Coast hospitality. Our central location puts you right across from the Halifax Common, venue to world-class outdoor concerts and minutes away from area attractions including the WTCC, Citadel Hill, Pier 21, the Maritime Museum and Casino Nova Scotia. Planning a meeting for 3 to 300 delegates, our team of catering professionals is ready to assist. Other amenities include heated underground parking, business centre, fitness centre with indoor pool, full service Seasons by Atlantica and offering an in-room dining option. Free high-speed Internet access in all guestrooms and meeting rooms will keep you connected during your travels. Stay close to everything…and far away from ordinary. Location: Atlantic

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Technology and social media are vital to motivational event marketing The use of mobile technology has increased dramatically in the past year with respondents (80 per cent) saying it is important or very important, versus 69 per cent in 2012, according to the Site Index Annual Survey. LinkedIn is currently the most widely used social media platform at 65 per cent, with Facebook following at 58 per cent and Twitter at 47 per cent. However, when asked about their future plans respondents predict an increase in the use of Twitter and Facebook. CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• CONFERENCE CENTRE •

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Ryerson University Conference Services and Lodging provides one-stop service for all your meeting and conference needs. From meeting space and catering, to presentation technology and accommodations, we guide you through your event planning process while attending to all your needs and providing recommendations to ensure that your event is a success. Our attention to details, outstanding service, and updated facilities are a perfect combination for your next event.

ATLANTICA HOTEL & MARINA OAK ISLAND 36 Treasure Drive, Western Shore, PO Box 6 Lunenburg County, NS B0J 3M0 Phone: 902-493-4421 Toll Free: 800-565-5075 Website: www.atlanticaoakisland.com Email: sales@atlanticaoakisland.com Contact: Lori Forward

MEETING VENUES

– GOLD MEMBERS –

MEETING VENUES • CONFERENCE CENTRE •

BEST WESTERN PLUS NOR’WESTER HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE 2080 Highway 61 Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1B8 Phone: 807-473-9123 Toll Free: 888-473-2378 Fax: 807-473-9600 Website: www.bestwestern.com/prop_66055 Email: sales@bwnorwester.com Contact: Edwin Martinez Experience the Setting… the Service… the Satisfaction… Welcome to Thunder Bay’s only 3 diamond, and full service hotel. Proudly 100% smoke free and certified with 3 Green Key from the Eco-Rating Program. We are situated in the heart of the Nor’Wester mountains yet only 7 minutes from downtown. Location: Atlantic

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Cranberry Golf Resort is a 750 acre four season resort destination set against the panoramic backdrop of Blue Mountain and the beautiful waters of Georgian Bay. From small corporate gatherings to business groups of up to 220, Cranberry Golf Resort will graciously cater to all your conference needs. Enjoy the waterfront privacy of a meeting at the Bear Estate or an educational seminar in our Ballroom. Whatever your specific requirements, Cranberry has the facilities, audio visual equipment, professional staff and complete planning assistance to ensure your meeting’s a success.

Feel welcomed the moment you arrive as our friendly staff offer you a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie at check-in. Admire the stylish surrounds, inspired by the city of Edmonton and the province of Alberta. Settle into a contemporary guest room, equipped with thoughtful amenities including complimentary WiFi, a spacious workstation, a mini-refrigerator and a 42-inch HDTV. Located ten minutes from West Edmonton Mall and other parks and attractions. Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

CENTRE MONT-ROYAL 2200 Mansfield Street Montreal, QC H3A 3R8 Phone: 514-844-2000 Toll Free: 866-844-2200 Fax: 514-843-8500 Website: www.centremontroyal.com Email: info@centremontroyal.com Contact: Luis Ribeiro, Director of Sales & Business Development Creating events together! Banquet Seating Capacity: 650 Largest Banquet Room (sq.ft.): 7,529 Largest Function Room (sq.ft.): 8,280 Downtown Montreal’s most innovative conference and special events centre, where high tech and hospitality converge. Outdoor terrace. Groups from 10 to 800 appreciate the ergonomic environment, 50,000 sq.ft. 19 rooms, 730 fixed-seat-state-of-the-art auditorium, outstanding in-house catering, natural light. CMR is a Wi-Fi venue. 3,500 hotel rooms at our doorstep. 15 minutes from airport. Connected to the underground city. Member of IACC. Location: Atlantic

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32 www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

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DELTA HALIFAX 1990 Barrington Street Halifax, NS B3J 1P2 Phone: 902-425-6700 Toll Free: 800-268-1133 Fax: 902-492-6405 Website: www.deltahalifax.com Email: chris.mosher@deltahotels.com Contact: Chris Mosher, Director of Sales & Marketing As a Meeting Planner, you pour everything into your work. It’s not just a meeting, it’s your meeting. You want it to be more than efficient and productive, you want it to be unique and refreshing. That’s where we come in! Located in the heart of downtown, Delta Halifax is connected to our sister property, Delta Barrington, Casino Nova Scotia and the World Trade and Convention Centre. Good times await you! Location: Atlantic

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Overlooking 152 lush green acres on the banks of the Ottawa River, DoubleTree Gatineau-Ottawa offers 125 guestrooms, only 8 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Located in peaceful, natural surroundings, this majestic convention centre offers complimentary WiFi, a beautiful 18-hole golf course, as well as 2 restaurants, a fitness center, a full service day spa, a hair salon and an indoor pool. Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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Central, modern and competitive, the Queensbury Convention Center at Evraz Place is Saskatchewan’s largest Conference, Tradeshow and Exposition venue. Remarkable value, service, quality and stress free event management and execution. Only 10 minutes from the Regina International Airport, Downtown Hotels, Casino Regina and other Regina attractions. Offering 307,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit halls and conference space. Our Salons provide 23,000 sq. ft. for formal functions, sessions, Break - outs, and exhibits. 12 meeting rooms, for 10 to 1000. Location: Atlantic

The waterfront city of Barrie, Ontario, brings you home-town feel with urban appeal! Barrie is also home to Georgian College, which offers the perfect venue for your next conference, annual general meetings, trade shows, youth and sports camps, religious retreats and corporate training. Our intimate campus offers a wide variety of meeting and event facilities all within walking distance. Our classrooms, meeting rooms, lecture halls and theatres are equipped with built in state of the art technology. Location: Atlantic

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CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• CONFERENCE CENTRE •

Edmonton EXPO Centre is one of Canada’s largest conference, trade and consumer show venues featuring 522,000 SF of space. The conference centre includes the Alberta ballroom, 16 meeting rooms, and eight exhibit halls. Northlands is located minutes from downtown with convenient public transit access and over 6,000 on-site parking spaces. The Edmonton EXPO Centre is part of Northlands unique 160 acre campus which is also home to Rexall Place, an entertainment destination as well as Northlands Park Casino and Race Track.

EVRAZ PLACE 1700 Elphinstone Street Regina, SK S4P 2Z6 Phone: 306-781-9241 Fax: 306-781-9242 Website: www.evrazplace.com Email: ladams@evrazplace.com Contact: Lori Adams

MEETING VENUES

EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE PO Box 1480 Edmonton, AB T5J 2N5 Phone: 780-471-7377 Toll Free: 888-800-7275 Fax: 780-471-7172 Website: www.edmontonexpocentre.com Contact: Nancy Ralph, Director of Sales

MEETING VENUES • CONFERENCE CENTRE •

HOLIDAY INN HALIFAX HARBOURVIEW 101 Wyse Road Dartmouth, NS B3A 1L9 Phone: 902-464-5410 Toll Free: 888-434-0440 Fax: 902-464-1227 Website: www.hiharbourview.ca Email: info@hiharbourview.ca Contact: Kathleen O’Halloran Known as the best place to host conferences and meetings, the Holiday Inn Halifax Harbourview features over 14,000 square feet of meeting space accommodating groups of up to 500. With the best view in the city, 196 comfortable rooms and suites, delicious food, complimentary high-speed internet and ample guest parking your every stay turns into an experience. Location: Atlantic

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INN & SPA

MILLCROFT INN & SPA 55 John Street Alton-Caledon, ON L7K 0C4 Phone: 519-941-3903 Fax: 519-941-1960 Website: www.vintage-hotels.com Email: salesinquiry@vintage-hotels.com Contact: Marianne Callihall

Humber Conference Services provides an inspiring environment for any conference, meeting or special event, with a variety of unique facilities on campus. We offer onestop-shop service with a range of services and amenities, from IT and Audio/Visual, to state-of-the-art sport facilities and on-site food service. Our year-round conference and catering services are available evenings & weekends September-April, and daily from May-August. Affordable hotel-style summer accommodations are available to all groups, sports teams, and corporate clients. - We’ve got you covered! Location: Atlantic

HOTEL BLACKFOOT 5940 Blackfoot Trail South East Calgary, AB T2H 2B5 Toll Free: 800-661-1151 Website: www.hotelblackfoot.com Email: sales@hotelblackfoot.com Hotel Blackfoot a contemporary boutique hotel in south Calgary located just minutes from downtown. Blackfoot is an independently-owned, 193 room hotel with modern, contemporary rooms and suites, featuring the service and amenities to please business and leisure travelers alike. Hotel Blackfoot features an on-site comedy club, a 24 hour fitness room, four unique dining options, a gift shop, ample free parking and complimentary high-speed Internet access throughout the building. Relax with us and live in the moment. Location: Atlantic

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No. of Bedrooms: 222 No. of Meeting Rooms: 9 Theatre Seating Capacity: 600 Banquet Seating Capacity: 500 Largest Exhibit Area (sq.ft.): 6,380 Largest Banquet Room (sq.ft.): 6,380 The Medicine Hat Lodge Resort, Casino and Spa is ideally located along the Trans Canada Highway for excellent access. Our convention facilities are available for any size group. We take great pride in catering menus specially suited to your needs. Location:

34 www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

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Location: Atlantic

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Atlantic

The Millcroft Inn & Spa is the definitive country destination for intimate executive gatherings or corporate retreats. 6 meeting rooms, 52 individually decorated guestrooms and over 100 acres of woodlands create a unique venue for complimentary teambuilding and brainstorming sessions. In addition to knowledgeable conference service staff, the inn offers four diamond dining and a 9,000 square foot spa, fitness centre and indoor and outdoor pool. Experience tranquility, comfort and heritage charm less than an hour northwest of Toronto.

NIAGARA FALLS TOURISM 5400 Robinson Street Niagara Falls, ON L2G 2A6 Phone: 905-356-6061 Toll Free: 800-569-2557 Website: www.fallsmeetings.com Email: vwikston@niagarafallstourism.com Contact: Vittoria Wikston, CMP Be NATURALLY INSPIRED! Niagara Falls, a natural wonder that offers the perfect backdrop for successful Meetings and Conventions. Other words to describe the City come just as naturally: Productive – 16,000 premium guestrooms, 680,00 sq.ft. diverse venues including the NEW Scotiabank Convention Centre… Exciting – casinos, live entertainment, amusement attractions, nightlife… Fun – golf, spa, hiking, white water jetboating Interesting – history, culture, live theatre… Delicious – award winning wine region, celebrity chefs, famous restaurants Beautiful – natural parks and gardens And of course Spectacular! Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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Canada’s Meeting Place, an iconic design of sculpted glass with panoramic views of downtown, Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal. 192,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, a 56,000 sq.ft. multipurpose hall, 28 meeting rooms, a stunning 19,032 sq.ft. ballroom all built as an eco-friendly facility - LEED Certified with 6,000 hotel rooms within walking distance... Inspired People Creating Extraordinary Events. Location: QC

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Location: Atlantic

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Rodd Hotels & Resorts offer a broad range of function rooms and facilities in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, & New Brunswick - from elegant boardrooms and banquet halls, to magnificent ballrooms. Whether you’re planning a meeting, conference or special event, you surely want to make it memorable. We have properties in several commercial all major cities of Atlantic Canada, including Charlottetown, and Moncton. Our staff would be happy to assist and advise you on all aspects of creating a successful event. Location: Atlantic

Atlantic

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s most historic landmark is home to over 7,400 square feet of luxurious meeting facilities and The Royal Cambridge banquet centre, 110 elegantly appointed guestrooms, CAA/AAA four diamond dining and a world class spa. Prince of Wales offers old world charm, meticulous service and the very latest in high-tech business amenities for groups up to 160. Fully equipped with high-speed internet access and a full service business centre, Prince of Wales delivers an exceptional experience in a truly unique setting.

RAMADA PLAZA CRYSTAL PALACE & CONVENTION CENTRE 499 Paul Street Moncton, NB E1A 6S5 Phone: 506-861-6456 Toll Free: 800-561-7108 Fax: 506-858-5486 Website: www.crystalpalacehotel.com Email: info@crystalpalacehotel.com Located just minutes from Downtown Moncton and the Greater Moncton Airport. We offer 115 bedrooms and suites. We have everything under one roof with our McGinnis Restaurant, Empire Theatres, Chapters and Starbucks and directly beside Champlain Place with 160 stores and services. We offer free parking, free internet, free local calls, free airport shuttle, fitness centre and heated indoor pool. Our Convention Centre offers the highest quality meeting rooms and accommodates meetings and convention groups of all sizes up to 450. Full banquet facilities round out our services to ensure that all your needs are elegantly satisfied. Location: Atlantic

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SCOTIABANK CONVENTION CENTRE 6815 Stanley Avenue Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3Y9 Phone: 905-357-6222 Toll Free: 888-997-6222 Fax: 905-357-6212 Website: www.fallsconventions.com Email: sales@fallsconventions.com Contact: Jeremy Tyrrell, Director of Sales As Niagara’s largest conventions and meeting facility, the Scotiabank Convention Centre, in Niagara Falls (SCCN), offers a generous canvas of uniquely designed spaces; strategically located in one of the World’s most exciting destinations. In addition to drawing from Niagara’s vividly colourful history, rich abundance of aweinspiring sights, and original attractions, the SCCN is an innovator of the unconventional and a model of a new class of ‘green’ convention & meeting facilities; committed to sustainability and community leadership. Location: Atlantic

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CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• CONFERENCE CENTRE •

Your Toronto Retreat! You deserve the luxurious décor, elegant service and exquisite menus that you will experience at The Old Mill Toronto. Offering 57 beautifully appointed and unique guest rooms. Featuring over 20,000 square feet of flexible function space in 16 distinctly decorated event rooms and on-site complimentary parking for your guests. Experience our fabulous service teams in banquets, our restaurants, Home Smith Bar and SPA. Nestled in the Humber Valley trail system, our ideal location invites you to Escape the Ordinary.

PRINCE OF WALES HOTEL 6 Picton Street Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 Phone: 905-468-3246 Toll Free: 888-669-5566 Fax: 905-468-8646 Website: www.vintage-hotels.com Email: salesinquiry@vintage-hotels.com

MEETING VENUES

MEETING VENUES • CONFERENCE CENTRE •

SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE 9797 Jasper Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5J 1N6 Phone: 780-917-7610 Website: www.shawconferencecentre.com Email: crose@edmonton.com Contact: Cheryl Rose One of Canada’s premier convention and conference venues offering 150,000 sq. ft. of event and exhibition space, including 4 major halls and 23 flexible meeting rooms. Centrally located in downtown Edmonton, just steps away from 2,000 hotel rooms, shopping, restaurants and attractions. Let our experienced staff, in-house catering and quality conference services make your event the centre of attention! Location: Atlantic

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SHERATON RED DEER HOTEL 3310 - 50th Avenue Red Deer, AB T4N 3X9 Phone: 403-755-1150 Fax: 403-346-4790 Website: www.sheratonreddeer.com Email: sales@sheratonreddeer.com Contact: Lisa Francoeur, Director of Sales & Marketing Sheraton Red Deer Hotel features central Alberta’s premier meeting facilities. Rooms feature the plush Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed, Flat Screen Televisions, complimentary WiFi and amenities to make you feel at home. Meeting facilities total 55,000 square feet that can accommodate up to 2,500 guests. Spanning 33,000 square feet, the main exhibition hall is the perfect setting for large conventions and major social events. Meeting and catering professionals will work with you every step of the way to craft the perfect event. Location: Atlantic

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SHERATON PARKWAY TORONTO NORTH HOTEL, SUITES & CONFERENCE CENTRE 600 Highway 7 East Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1B2 Phone 1: 905-881-2121 Phone 2: 905-882-3101 Toll Free: 800-668-0101 Fax: 905-882-3100 Website: www.sheratonparkway.com Email: sales@sheratonparkway.com Contact: Monique Dennison

Location: QC

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– SILVER MEMBERS – TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE 650 Dixon Road Toronto, ON M9W 1J1 Phone: 416-245-5000 Fax: 416-245-4923 Website: www.torontocongresscentre.com Email: gem@torontocongresscentre.com

Conveniently located in North Toronto sharing the neighbourhood with many worldwide corporate offices. The Sheraton Parkway North is a welcoming place to host your next meeting or special event. We feature 30 unique Non-Smoking event spaces (over 55,000 square feet) ideal for all types of special events. Our experienced staff is available to help you plan an event tailored to your individual needs.

Atlantic

No. of Meeting Rooms: 68 No. of Function Rooms: 78 Max # of Booths (10X10): 3,000 Banquet Seating Capacity: 10,000 Total Exhibit Space (sq.ft.): 1,000,000 Largest finished Ballroom (sq.ft.): 30,000 Largest Function Room (sq.ft.): 200,000 Awarded “Best in Hospitality” by M&IT Readers Choice, Free Parking, Convenient Location, Superlative Food & Beverage. Located on one level, the Toronto Congress Centre has over 30 truck level loading docks. Our reputation as Great Experience Makers® makes us the best in the business. Location: Atlantic

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AMBASSADOR HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE 1550 Princess Street Kingston, ON K7M 9E3 Phone: 613-541-4681 Toll Free: 800-267-7880 Fax: 613-548-1613 Website: www.ambassadorhotel.com Email: efinucan@ambassadorhotel.com Contact: Erin Finucan, Director of Sales Kingston’s largest meeting & conference hotel is centrally located minutes from downtown with easy access to highway 401. 246 Business, Comfort and Traditional guestrooms feature contemporary interiors. 22 meeting rooms include Executive Boardrooms and the Ambassador Ballroom which accommodates 600 guests, is column free and can be divided into up to 3 distinct spaces. Location: Atlantic

36 www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

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The Banff Park Lodge is the only Canada Select 4 Star full-service resort hotel and conference centre that is located in downtown Banff, with 19,000 sq.ft. of meeting and exhibit space for groups from 10 to 400 people. High speed Internet access and video conferencing is available. Location: QC

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The Briars Conference Centre offers first class Ontario meeting facilities, accommodation and unparalleled four-season recreation opportunities, within an easy hour’s drive from Toronto on Lake Simcoe, Ontario. From seminars, team building, conferences to enjoying a round of golf, fresh thinking is waiting for you right here at The Briars.

Burlington Convention Centre, Meeting Your Needs… Halton Region’s Premiere Conference Facility, 20,000 sq. ft of flexible meeting space for 10 to 1500. 2 executive boardrooms, 3 large ballrooms, state of the art lighting, high-speed wireless internet, professional meeting planners, onsite catering with executive chef, ample free parking. Centrally located between Toronto and Niagara.

Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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BROOKSTREET HOTEL 525 Legget Drive Ottawa, ON K2K 2W2 Phone: 613-271-1800 Fax: 613-271-3541 Website: www.brookstreet.com Email: sales@brookstreet.com Contact: Mark Nisbett Experience Brookstreet, Ottawa’s leading four diamond restaurant, golf, spa and conference destination! 276 contemporary rooms, naturally lit meeting space, award winning four diamond dining, full service spa, championship golf course, executive short course, saltwater pools, state of the art gym and jazz lounge. Environmentally friendly practices throughout the hotel. Location: Atlantic

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CITY OF MIRAMICHI 141 Henry Street Miramichi, NB E1V 2N5 Phone: 506-623-2158 Toll Free: 800-459-3131 Fax: 506-623-2261 Website: www.miramichi.org Email: dawn.waye@miramichi.org Contact: Dawn Waye Miramichi offers all the modern amenities for your meeting needs in a tranquil setting. With over 350 hotel rooms and 35,000 square feet of meeting space, we cater to small and medium sized meeting groups. Boat tours, golf or even a kitchen party are some of the activities available. Location: Atlantic

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In the Restaurants Canada 2014 Chef Survey, chefs identified these top five trends in Canadian restaurants: 1) Gluten-free/ allergy conscious recipes; 2) Quinoa; 3) Locally sourced foods; 4) Leafy greens; and 5) Craft beer. CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• CONFERENCE CENTRE •

Atlantic

MEETING VENUES

MEETING VENUES • CONFERENCE CENTRE •

CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL NIAGARA FALLS - FALLSVIEW 5685 Falls Avenue Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6W7 Phone: 905-374-4447 Fax: 905-374-9606 Website: www.niagarafallscrowneplazahotel.com Email: sales@niagarafallshotels.com Classic elegance located directly across from Niagara Falls, featuring 12 flexible function rooms including Fallsview space to host up to 800 attendees. Crowne Plaza also offers indoor connections to 140,000 sq ft of event space, 1200 guestrooms, Casino Niagara, The Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra Fallsview Dining Room, and shops all located on Falls Avenue Entertainment Resort. Location: Atlantic

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FORT GARRY HOTEL, SPA AND CONFERENCE CENTRE 222 Broadway Winnipeg, MB R3C 0R3 Phone: 204-942-8251 Toll Free: 800-665-8088 Fax: 204-942-7036 Website: www.fortgarryhotel.com Email: christopherson@fortgarryhotel.com Contact: Sherraine Christopherson This former Grand Trunk Railway hotel and National Historic Site in the heart of downtown Winnipeg is minutes away from all major attractions. All guestrooms and suites feature: down duvets/pillows, and fine Italian linens. Dining: legendary daily breakfast & award winning Sunday brunch; two fullservice dining rooms. Premier conference facilities including: four grand historic ballrooms, 16 conference/meeting rooms. Complimentary high speed wireless internet. Fully equipped fitness centre with indoor pool, world-class Ten Spa, and Yoga Public.

HILTON GARDEN INN TORONTO VAUGHAN 3201 Highway 7 West Vaughan, ON L4K 5Z7 Phone: 905-532-2235 Fax: 905-660-4300 Website: www.torontovaughan.stayhgi.com Email: alexis.edgar@hilton.com Contact: Alexis Edgar, Director of Sales & Marketing We deliver what planners define as elements for their success! Pillar-free 8,000 sq foot Ballroom; Meet-Feed for up to 250 delegates; Conference and Breakout space on ground floor; Wheelchair accessibility; Free parking and internet; Healthy menus on budget, Hilton honors Meeting Planner Points; and, of course, a great night’s rest! Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

ESTATES OF SUNNYBROOK 2075 Bayview Avenue Toronto, ON M4N 3M5 Phone: 416-487-3841 Fax: 416-487-5700 Website: www.estatesofsunnybrook.com Email: mansions@estatesofsunnybrook.com Contact: Jennifer Prince Your meeting delegates will be comfortable and productive at the Estates of Sunnybrook. All our meeting rooms have natural lighting and furnished in an elegant, residential style. Smaller rooms are graced with formal boardroom tables and comfortable upholstered armchairs. A retreat in the city, minutes from downtown with complimentary parking. Location: Atlantic

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BC Magnetic Hill, Moncton

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The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moncton, NB is conveniently located off the TransCanada highway #2. Our 6000 sq ft of meeting space, our clean, spacious hotel rooms, Priority Club Meeting Rewards®, and scrumptious buffet breakfast make us a favorite for your corporate event. You will appreciate our great value, comfort and convenience. Call us today! Location: Atlantic

MB/ SK

BE SEEN!

Old Québec City, best located 4 star hotel offering 17 upscale meeting room facilities, 289 modern or classic room categories, indoor pool, 4 season spa center, ballroom and fitness center. Easy access to Québec City’s major attractions, boutiques and renowned restaurants and bistros. Award-winning banquet and catering services, plus 15% city rebate coupons for all your delegates, and so much more.

It’s ‘Apples’ to their ‘Oranges’! Offering a TRUE 24hr Complete Meeting Package for meetings, conferences and retreats. Accommodations for up to 141, delicious meals, 22 meeting rooms, all-inclusive pricing. NO DMF fees, NO Resort Admin. fees, NO automatic gratuity. Located a little ABOVE Toronto, an HOUR closer than Muskoka.

Get inspired by the fresh air and rejuvenating natural beauty of the Nottawasaga Valley. Only 45 minutes north of Toronto and 45 minutes south of Muskoka, our full-service 64,000 sq.ft. facility is perfect for small or large conferences, offering an unprecedented line-up of meeting spaces within 36 meeting rooms, including an on-site 21,000 sq.ft. trade centre.

Atlantic

Location: Atlantic

Location:

MB/ SK

Location: Atlantic

NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE 53 Elgin Street Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1 Phone: 613-947-7000 Fax: 613-943-1403 Website: http://nac-cna.ca/en/meetings/ Email: nelson.borges@nac-cna.ca Contact: Nelson Borges

Four unique rooms with stunning views of Ottawa’s landmark buildings and over-looking the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal. Captivate your palate with exquisite Canadian contemporary cuisine and service standards fit for the Queen. Inspire your guests with the dynamic energy and convenient central location. Ideal for meetings, corporate events, galas, weddings and show/dinner packages. Location: Atlantic

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• CONFERENCE CENTRE •

KEMPENFELT CONFERENCE CENTRE BARRIE 3722 Fairway Road Innisfil, ON L9S 1A5 Phone: 705-722-8080 Fax: 705-721-3395 Website: www.kempenfelt.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/kempenfelt Email: info@kempenfelt.com Contact: Scott Harradine

MEETING VENUES

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OLD ORCHARD INN AND SPA 153 Greenwich Road South, RR 2 Wolfville, NS B4P 2R2 Toll Free: 800-561-8090 Website: oldorchardinn.com Email: billwallace@oldorchardinn.ns.ca Contact: Bill Wallace Only 1hr from Halifax with flexible meeting rooms and panoramic views this landmark property of over 40 years, will easily fulfill your expectations. Located in the heart of NS Wine Country and several golf courses. Complete your event with an activity at our Heritage Barn or the local Lobster fishing village for a true Maritime experience. Location: Atlantic

MB/ SK

Location: Atlantic

MB/ SK

The 19 members of Convention Centres of Canada collectively host some 8,000 meetings, conventions, exhibitions and related events per year. Approximately 48% of these are meetings, 9% are conventions and conferences, 5% are trade or consumer shows and 38% are banquet, social or special events. (Source: Convention Centres of Canada) CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

MEETING VENUES • CONFERENCE CENTRE •

PILLAR AND POST 48 John Street West Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 Phone: 905-468-2123 Toll Free: 888-669-5566 Fax: 905-468-8646 Website: www.vintage-hotels.com Email: salesinquiry@vintage-hotels.com Ontario’s only five-star Country Inn (Canada Select) offers over 11,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, 122 beautifully decorated guestrooms, four diamond dining and world class spa. The prime location, attentive service and commitment to the comfort of guests makes Pillar and Post the ideal location for a successful business meeting. Location: Atlantic

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RAMADA PRINCE GEORGE 444 George Street Prince George, BC V2L 1R6 Phone: 250-563-0055 Toll Free: 800-830-8833 Fax: 250-563-6042 Website: www.ramadaprincegeorge.com Email: jmagnell@ramadaprincegeorge.com Contact: Joy Magnell, Sales/Mktg Manager The Ramada Prince George is Northern BC’s premiere conference, meeting and event facility. From a boardroom for 4 to your corporate event for 300, our varied convention facilities offer up to 7 meeting rooms, many feature natural lighting. Our experienced staff will ensure that even the smallest details will be considered to make your event a spectacular success.

Experience stately Georgian-style elegance and gracious service in a spectacular Niagaraon-the-Lake waterfront setting. Queen’s Landing offers over 15,000 square feet of executivequality meeting facilities, 142 elegantly decorated guestrooms and CAA/AAA four diamond dining. Our knowledgeable, dedicated conference services staff will work with you to ensure every meeting is a success. Location: Atlantic

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The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Toronto Vaughan is located in the heart of Vaughan with easy access to Highway 400, Highway 407, Highway 401, Highway 7 and 15 minutes from Lester B. Pearson Toronto International Airport. Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

MB/ SK

SHERATON ON THE FALLS 5875 Falls Avenue Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3K7 Phone: 905-374-4444 Fax: 905-374-9606 Website: www.Sheratononthefalls.com Email: sales@niagarafallshotels.com Sheraton on the Falls is an award-winning 4-Diamond experience blending business and leisure. Located across from Niagara Falls, the hotel offers a diverse selection of unique special event and team building venues, restaurants, and attractions. The state-of-the-art facilities include 669 guestrooms/suites and 35,000 sq. ft. of function space featuring Fallsviews. Location: Atlantic

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St. Andrew’s Club and Conference Centre offers beautiful space in Downtown Toronto. Occupying the 27th in the Sunlife building with two additional Suites of Rooms on the 16th floor, St. Andrew’s Club & Conference Centre is the ideal location for meetings, seminars, conferences, receptions and dinners. Location: Atlantic

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Optimism for incentive travel is at a four-year high - The majority (87 per cent) of Site Index Annual Survey respondents indicated that the use of incentive travel will increase or substantially increase in the next one to three years with nearly half (48 per cent) of respondents more optimistic about the short term (the next six months) than they were in 2012 (33 per cent). 40 www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

When selecting a convention centre, we understand how important it is to find the right fit. At the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, we are dedicated to creating successful events of all sizes. Whether you have 20 attendees or over 20,000, our flexible meeting spaces can be configured to meet your needs perfectly. Plus, our award-winning team works with you to ensure every aspect of your event, from the floor plan, to the food, to the lighting, is fully customized. Take a closer look at all we have to offer at mtccc.com.

LOOK CLOSER.

CONVENTIONCENTRES

CONVENTION For the past few years of economic uncertainty, business in many sectors was more about survival than growth. However, with something resembling a reasonably stable recovery beginning to emerge, thoughts can once again turn to where the best growth prospects are likely to be found. This is most certainly the case with both convention centres and their clients, because while the economy was going in circles there were profound changes taking place with the industry itself. What this means is that in our industry, as with so many others, recovery will not be a matter of simply going back to the successes of the past but having to address what in many respects will be an entirely new model â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one that will challenge event organizers every bit as much as the suppliers like centres that will have to accommodate their needs. Amongst those challenges are those that will only be successfully addressed with a collective approach in which both groups recognize and support each other in responding. There are many areas where this is the case but here are three worth thinking about:

42â&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

CONVENTIONCENTRES

CENTRES

Today’s Issues Will Shape Future Prospects

By Rod Cameron

RELEVANCE First, the biggest issue in today’s industry is relevance – the ability to clearly demonstrate why the kinds of events that characterize what we do are preferred options for the businesses, professionals and academics that take part. Organizations that stage these events are increasingly facing many different and highly effective vehicles for interaction and information delivery, and few of these are necessarily tied exclusively to membership. This means there is a constant need to come up with good arguments as to why membership and event participation is a necessity for today’s potential delegates. For associations, this is a matter of life and death – and for suppliers, it means needing to get more actively involved in both understanding and supporting the objectives of their clients in order to ensure that they and their events remain a preferred choice for potential participants. ADAPTATION The second area demanding action is adaptation. Today’s delegates are ever more demanding in terms of their expectations, including the ability to input to and even shape event content and format, and that requires not just flexible thinking but also the ability to adapt both physical facilities and services in response to what may be very short-term demands. This ability to respond quickly and effectively to rapid changes is important but so is being able to anticipate what these might be and have contingencies in place for when and if they’re needed. Making this work is again a joint responsibility for both the planners representing the organizations staging events and the suppliers that provide the support, including a level of communications and transparency that is new for many.

Corporate Meetings & Events Spring 2014 | 43

CONVENTIONCENTRES

IMAGE A third, and closely related concern is what might best be called image - and nowhere is this more important today that in terms of the way we are seen by governments, many of which are still struggling to manage financial challenges incurred through a period of lower revenues and heightened concerns around spending. In the long term, this may well be one of the biggest challenges we face – and again, it is very much a shared one. Whether we like it or not, governments are essential elements in our industry for three very good 44 | www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

attitudes either legitimize or challenge attendance by others, as we saw very clearly when meetings in countries like the U.S. were being demonized by governmental statements only a very few years ago. In many parts of the world, this role has been seriously challenged of late with travel and meetings participation being used as a primary government cost-cutting measure, and we are not exempt from this prospect in Canada. And finally, they are policy-makers – and as a result, responsible for the creation of laws and regulations that may have a huge effect on the industry even though they were intended to address very different areas – think taxation and transportation policies, for example. This kind of “accidental impact” can only be mitigated if governments are sufficiently aware of and sensitive to industry prospects that they are able to connect the dots between cause and effect in terms of their own policies.

reasons. First, they are big investors; governments own and operate most centres in Canada (as in the rest of the world) for the very simple reason that industry economics generally don’t support the kind of return required to attract private investment. We need them to play that role, and to do so they need to see a good return, particularly in a time when there are so many other demands on their resources. Secondly, they are a huge factor in event participation, not only directly by virtue of the attendance of conferences and conventions by government officials, but because in a sense their

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY This is truly a case where organizers and suppliers have both a shared risk and a shared responsibility. Organizers need both good facilities and strong participation to achieve their organizational objectives, and governments are important players in both these areas. At the same time, organizers are uniquely able to deliver a big part of the required answer as to why these events are valuable for ongoing economic and professional development. No one knows better than organizers what these values are – and no one is better positioned to deliver that message effectively to decision makers. Everyone in the industry has an interest in seeing meetings and conventions assuming as big a role in the economy of the future as it held in the past. But that’s only going to happen if there is a cooperative effort to ensure its ongoing relevance and demonstrable value to those who must invest in that future. Let’s hope this can be a priority for the industry as a whole as we move forward. Rod Cameron is the Executive Director of Convention Centres of Canada

www. convention. qc.ca

“ We are flabergasted! Your staff is not normal! Your level of service is way above any other facility we’ve experienced in our long career of meeting planning. You were truly an extension of our team. ”

Julie Peden

COO & Chief Event Strategist, Ruby Sky Event Planning Inc.

MEETING VENUES • CONFERENCE CENTRE • CONVENTION CENTRE •

– BRONZE MEMBERS –

TIGH-NA-MARA SEASIDE SPA RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTRE 1155 Resort Drive Parksville, BC V9P 2E3 Phone: 250-248-1855 Toll Free: 800-663-7373 Fax: 250-248-1854 Website: www.tigh-na-mara.com Email: sales@tigh-na-mara.com Contact: Wendy Johnson Located on Vancouver Island in Parksville, Tigh Na Mara is an all season destination resort featuring 192 rooms on 22 beautiful acres. With 10,000 sq ft of meeting space with natural light, free wifi, parking, 2 restaurants, an award winning spa, it’s the perfect location for your next business event. Location: Atlantic

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BEST WESTERN NORTH BAY 700 Lakeshore Drive North Bay, ON P1A 2G4 Phone: 705-474-5800 Toll Free: 800-461-6199 Fax: 705-474-8699 Website: www.BestWesternNorthBay.com Email: Tara.Buchanan@whg.com Contact: Tara Buchanan, Sales Manager

CONVENTION CENTRE Category Sponsor CHÂTEAU LE JARDIN

Location: Atlantic

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Toronto • Airport • Vaughan

www.lejardin.com – PLATINUM MEMBER–

Location: Atlantic

VICTORIA CONFERENCE CENTRE 720 Douglas Street Victoria, BC V8W 3M7 Phone: 250-361-1035 Toll Free: 866-572-1151 Fax: 250-361-1099 Website: www.victoriaconference.com Email: brendaa@victoriaconference.com Contact: Brenda Anderson, Director of Sales Our unique, boutique-style conference centre in beautiful Victoria, BC offers a perfect location, versatile function space and remarkable value in times when a positive ROI is essential. Our stunning building is bathed in natural light and showcases original art from our First Nations heritage. Share Ideas. Stay Connected. Be Inspired. Location: Atlantic

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MILLER LASH HOUSE, THE 130 Old Kingston Road Toronto, ON M1E 3J5 Phone: 416-287-7000 Website: www.millerlashhouse.ca Email: info@millerlashhouse.ca Contact: Tammy Tennisco-Hart, Manager Location: Atlantic

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In 2012, the tourism sector accounted for 1.7 million jobs—9.4% of all jobs in Canada. Nearly all job growth in tourism industries was in full-time employee jobs. About 33,000 such jobs were added in 2012, 23,000 of which were in food and beverage services. (Source: Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council) 46 www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

Location: Atlantic

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Location: AB

DELTA BARRINGTON 1875 Barrington Street Halifax, NS B3J 3L6 Phone: 902-429-7410 Toll Free: 800-268-1133 Fax: 902-492-6405 Website: www.deltabarrington.com Email: chris.mosher@deltahotels.com Contact: Chris Mosher, Director of Sales & Marketing As a Meeting Planner, you pour everything into your work. It’s not just a meeting, it’s your meeting. You want it to be more than efficient and productive, you want it to be unique and refreshing. That’s where we come in! Located in the heart of downtown, Delta Barrington is connected to our sister property, Delta Halifax, Casino Nova Scotia and the World Trade and Convention Centre. Good times await you! Location: Atlantic

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As a Meeting Planner, you pour everything into your work. It’s not just a meeting, it’s your meeting. You want it to be more than efficient and productive, you want it to be unique and refreshing. That’s where we come in! Located in the heart of downtown, Delta Halifax is connected to our sister property, Delta Barrington, Casino Nova Scotia and the World Trade and Convention Centre. Good times await you!

Atlantic

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DELTA PRINCE EDWARD & PEI CONVENTION CENTRE 18 Queen Street Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4A1 Phone: 902-894-1230 Toll Free: 888-890-3222 Fax: 902-566-1745 Website: www.deltaprinceedward.com Email: pri.sales@deltahotels.com Contact: Betty Anne Morrison, Director of Sales & Marketing

Atlantic

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EVRAZ PLACE 1700 Elphinstone Street Regina, SK S4P 2Z6 Phone: 306-781-9241 Fax: 306-781-9242 Website: www.evrazplace.com Email: ladams@evrazplace.com Contact: Lori Adams

Delta Prince Edward, a 4.5 star hotel, adjoins the NEW PEI Convention Centre, offering 60,000 square feet of combined meeting & event space with stunning floor to ceiling waterviews. As Charlottetown’s only waterfront hotel, the Delta Prince Edward is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Charlottetown just steps away from shopping, theatres, restaurants and nightlife - the ideal location for your next conference or event!

Location:

Atlantic

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Atlantic

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CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• CONVENTION CENTRE •

Conveniently located near eclectic shopping, fine dining and world-class corporations, the Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travel. Our newly renovated and expanded hotel meeting space includes over 9,500 sq ft of event space for up to 300 people with natural light and updated fixtures. Our Professional Meeting Planners and Culinary team are delighted to assist in making your event a true success.

EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE PO Box 1480 Edmonton, AB T5J 2N5 Phone: 780-471-7377 Toll Free: 888-800-7275 Fax: 780-471-7172 Website: www.edmontonexpocentre.com Contact: Nancy Ralph, Director of Sales

MEETING VENUES

– GOLD MEMBERS –

MEETING VENUES • CONVENTION CENTRE •

HALIFAX CONVENTION CENTRE 1800 Argyle Street Halifax, NS B3J 2V9 Phone: 902-421-8686 Website: www.halifaxconventioncentre.com Email: sales@halifaxconventioncentre.com No. of Meeting rooms: 25 Ballroom: 30,000 sq feet Exhibition level: 40,000 sq feet Opening in 2016, Nova Scotia’s new Halifax Convention Centre offers over 120,000 square feet of flexible space in the heart of downtown. We connect to over 3,000 hotel rooms, the best local dining, and fantastic arts and culture - all within an easy stroll from our doorstep. Location: Atlantic

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INTERNATIONAL PLAZA HOTEL + CONFERENCE CENTRE, TORONTO AIRPORT 655 Dixon Road Etobicoke, ON M9W 1J3 Phone: 416-246-7900 Toll Free: 800-668-3656 Website: www.internationalplazahotel.com Email: hpawlyshyn@internationalplazahotel.com Contact: Heidi Pawlyshyn No. of Breakout Meeting Rooms: 21 Theatre Seating Capacity: 1,700 Largest Exhibit Area (sq.ft.): 23,464 Banquet Seating Capacity: 1,300 Largest Room (sq.ft.): 14,850 433 Deluxe guestrooms located minutes from the airport. We now offer Free HSIA in all guest rooms, and meeting space. Wireless internet in all the guest rooms/ISTN lines in all meeting rooms. Location: Atlantic

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MEDICINE HAT LODGE RESORT, CASINO AND SPA 1051 Ross Glen Drive South East Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3T8 Phone: 403-529-2222 Toll Free: 800-661-8086 Fax: 403-528-4075 Website: www.medhatlodge.com Email: sales@medhatlodge.com Contact: Devon Ebach, Ext Sales Coord. No. of Bedrooms: 222 No. of Meeting Rooms: 9 Theatre Seating Capacity: 600 Banquet Seating Capacity: 500 Largest Exhibit Area (sq.ft.): 6,380 Largest Banquet Room (sq.ft.): 6,380 The Medicine Hat Lodge Resort, Casino and Spa is ideally located along the Trans Canada Highway for excellent access. Our convention facilities are available for any size group. We take great pride in catering menus specially suited to your needs. Location: Atlantic

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Our guests are the centre of attention.

Edmonton’s Shaw Conference Centre is one of Canada’s premier convention and conference venues. Meeting planners love our 150,000 sq. ft. of flexible, convention and exhibition space located downtown, just steps away from 2,000 hotel rooms, shopping, restaurants and attractions. Let our experienced staff and award winning chefs make your event the centre of attention. Host your event in an award-winning venue like no other.

For more information: 780-917-7610 or www.shawconferencecentre.com 48 www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

CHÂTEAU LE JARDIN “Convention Centre” Category Sponsor

95 44. www.lejardin.com $

Toronto • Airport • Vaughan

MB/ SK

RBC CONVENTION CENTRE WINNIPEG 375 York Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 3J3 Phone: 204-956-1720 Toll Free: 800-565-7776 Fax: 204-943-0310 Website: www.wcc.mb.ca Email: davidc@wcc.mb.ca Contact: David Chizda

Located just minutes from Downtown Moncton and the Greater Moncton Airport. We offer 115 bedrooms and suites. We have everything under one roof with our McGinnis Restaurant, Empire Theatres, Chapters and Starbucks and directly beside Champlain Place with 160 stores and services. We offer free parking, free internet, free local calls, free airport shuttle, fitness centre and heated indoor pool. Our Convention Centre offers the highest quality meeting rooms and accommodates meetings and convention groups of all sizes up to 450. Full banquet facilities round out our services to ensure that all your needs are elegantly satisfied.

No. Meeting Rooms: 30 Max No. of Booths (8x10): 425 Banquet Seating Capacity: 5,000 Largest Banquet Room (sq. ft.): 78,000 Situated in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, ten minutes from the airport and within easy walking distance to many fine hotels, restaurants and attractions, our convention centre offers 160,000 sq. ft. of meeting space including 78,000 sq. ft. of pillar-less exhibition space. With a $180+million expansion currently underway, we’re poised to almost double in size when we’re complete in 2016!

Atlantic

Location: Atlantic

Location:

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Though the top five ranked reasons for attending meetings are the same across generations, motivations for attending diverge thereafter, according to Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Generational Differences in Face-to-Face Interaction Preferences and Activities report. The majority or more professionals of all ages come to look for new products, gain insights on industry trends, network with colleagues, see and talk with current vendors/suppliers, and look for new products/vendors. Additionally, younger attendees also seek to gain inspiration and motivation for their jobs, while more Older Millennials/Young Gen Xers and Boomers also go to attend conference programs or sessions. CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• CONVENTION CENTRE •

per person

MEETING VENUES

Complete Meeting Package

MEETING VENUES • CONVENTION CENTRE •

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– SILVER MEMBERS –

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TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE 650 Dixon Road Toronto, ON M9W 1J1 Phone: 416-245-5000 Fax: 416-245-4923 Website: www.torontocongresscentre.com Email: gem@torontocongresscentre.com No. of Meeting Rooms: 68 No. of Function Rooms: 78 Max # of Booths (10X10): 3,000 Banquet Seating Capacity: 10,000 Total Exhibit Space (sq.ft.): 1,000,000 Largest finished Ballroom (sq.ft.): 30,000 Largest Function Room (sq.ft.): 200,000 Awarded “Best in Hospitality” by M&IT Readers Choice, Free Parking, Convenient Location, Superlative Food & Beverage. Located on one level, the Toronto Congress Centre has over 30 truck level loading docks. Our reputation as Great Experience Makers® makes us the best in the business. Location: Atlantic

50 www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

Alderney Landing ALDERNEY LANDING 2 Ochterloney Street, PO Box 725 Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3Z3 Phone: 902-461-4698 Fax: 902-461-4679 Website: www.alderneylanding.com Email: bea@alderneylanding.com Contact: Beatrice McGregor Our reception spaces overlooking Halifax Harbour are attractive, accessible and affordable - the perfect location for your reception, dinner, seminar or press conference. Alderney Landing has 3 principle meeting rooms and breakout space, and can accommodate groups as large as 700 or as small as 2. Our theatre seats 285 and can be set for green screening. Location: Atlantic

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Convention Development Fund

Learn how you may qualify to RECEIVE at least

$10,000

The real deal with:

FREE INTERNET

in MEETING INCENTIVES*

Some convention centres offer free internet services without determining clients’ needs. At the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls our public spaces are equipped to provide basic internet access at no extra charge. But when it comes to events and conventions, we recognize that not all are created equal, so why should internet services be packaged as one-size-fits-all? We provide an attentive and knowledgeable sales and events team that determines your specific needs and designs a plan that is tailor-made for your success. It may cost more, but we think you are worth it.

“Contact us and learn how our team can be part of your event’s success.” SCCNIAGARA

Carrie Paolone

CMP, CEM Director of Events

fallsconventions.com 031414-003-A

MEETING VENUES • CONVENTION CENTRE •

BW PLUS GLENGARRY, TRURO TRADE & CONVENTION CENTER 150 Willow Street Truro, NS B2N 4Z6 Phone: 902-893-4311 Toll Free: 800-567-4276 Fax: 902-893-1555 Website: www.bwglengarry.com Email: ccox@bwglengarry.com Contact: Carl Cox 3 1/2 Star Downtown Hotel and Convention Center, Free Parking, Free Internet and local calls. In-room tea & coffee. Indoor heated pool & hot tub, seasonal outdoor pool, full service restaurant & Piano Bar. Twelve meeting rooms opening into 12,000 sq. ft. Guest controlled heat & a/c. New Pillowtop Mattresses & 42” flat screen TV’s. Location: Atlantic

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Location:

Atlantic

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Burlington Convention Centre, Meeting Your Needs… Halton Region’s Premiere Conference Facility, 20,000 sq. ft of flexible meeting space for 10 to 1500. 2 executive boardrooms, 3 large ballrooms, state of the art lighting, highspeed wireless internet, professional meeting planners, onsite catering with executive chef, ample free parking. Centrally located between Toronto and Niagara.

Atlantic

Location:

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Recently renovated, the Hilton Québec is known for its unparalleled world-class service, facilities and unrivalled location. Located steps away from all major tourist attractions, it is directly connected to the Convention Center. Each contemporary guestroom is decorated in rich warm tones, and features a floor-to-ceiling window offering a splendid view.

Atlantic

HILTON QUEBEC 1100 Rene-Levesque Boulevard East Quebec City, QC G1R 4P3 Phone: 418-648-6485 Fax: 418-647-2986 Website: www.hiltonquebec.com Email: gina.cuglietta@hilton.com Contact: Gina Cuglietta

The design of the K.C. Irving Regional Centre integrates the exhibition facilities and the sports/ entertainment events in a single multi-purpose building which also serves as a twin pad arena. In addition to the above the Paul Ouellette Room on the rink level can also accommodate events for up to 720 people. This room can be used in conjunction with the two rinks independently for a variety of events. Location: Atlantic

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According to the findings of the annual HAC Hotel Economic Impact Report, throughout all of Canada there are approximately 8,508 hotels, motels, inns and resorts. This translates into about 461,537 guest rooms. (Source: Hotel Association of Canada) 52 www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

MISSISSAUGA CONVENTION CENTRE 75 Derry Road West Mississauga, ON L5W 1G3 Phone: 905-564-1920 Website: www.mississaugaconventioncentre.com Email: ann@mississaugaconventioncentre.com Contact: Ann Boyd Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn United by luxurious facilities, exclusive amenities and the signature services of our staff, the Mississauga Convention Centre takes pride in hosting your event. Unique among the finest hotels and facilities, the Mississauga Convention Centre delivers a superior level of modern convenience and distinguished sophistication.

Atlantic

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Situated in beautiful downtown Saskatoon, TCU Place features over 104,000 sq. ft. of modern space including 21 exceptional rooms with unlimited configurations allowing maximum flexibility for your conference, meeting, tradeshow or banquet. The centre also features luxurious rooms with 19’ ceilings and natural light. Book your event now and let TCU Place create a great experience for you!

Category Sponsor BRIARS RESORT, SPA Briars_CM&E_13_02_. 2013-02-04 & CONFERENCE CENTRE

Just one hour from Toronto

FRESH THINKING 1- 877- 547- 5718 w w w. b r i a r s m e e t i n g s . c a

Location: Atlantic

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CM&E - 2.25”w x 2.25”h - FC

– PLATINUM MEMBER –

– BRONZE MEMBERS –

ST. ANDREW’S CLUB & CONFERENCE CENTRE 150 King Street West, 27th Floor Toronto, ON M5H 1J9 Phone: 416-366-4228 ext. 506 Toll Free: 800-267-7539 Fax: 416-366-9347 Website: www.standrewsclub.ca Email: amanda.miller@standrewsclub.ca Contact: Amanda Miller St. Andrew’s Club and Conference Centre offers beautiful space in Downtown Toronto. Occupying the 27th in the Sunlife building with two additional Suites of Rooms on the 16th floor, St. Andrew’s Club & Conference Centre is the ideal location for meetings, seminars, conferences, receptions and dinners. Location: Atlantic

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4:29 PM Page 1

Graydon Hall Manor

CONFERENCE & RECEPTION FACILITY

GRAYDON HALL MANOR 185 Graydon Hall Drive Toronto, ON M3A 3B4 Phone: 416-449-5432 Fax: 416-449-9830 Website: www.graydonhall.com Email: julie@graydonhall.com Contact: Julie Munro Recharge, rejuvenate, luxuriate and motivate - Graydon Hall, Toronto’s premier boutique reception facility is the perfect location to clear the mind, stimulate the psyche, and pamper your team or your clients. It is nestled amidst 4 acres of formal gardens, yet located just minutes from downtown Toronto. Graydon Hall specializes in conferences, seminars, business meetings, strategy development sessions, product launches, or team building sessions. At Graydon Hall we understand that you require an experienced staff to create an event that truly is a reflection of your corporate image. It is our mission to attend to every detail to ensure every comfort and convenience from the moment you make an inquiry, through the planning process, to event execution. Location: Atlantic

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CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• CONVENTION CENTRE • CORPORATE RETREAT •

Location:

TCU PLACE - SASKATOON’S ARTS & CONVENTION CENTRE 35 - 22 Street East Saskatoon, SK S7K 0C8 Phone: 306-975-7926 Toll Free: 888-639-7770 Fax: 306-975-7804 Website: www.tcuplace.com Email: sdecker@tcuplace.com Contact: Suzanne Decker

MEETING VENUES

CORPORATE RETREAT

MEETING VENUES • CORPORATE RETREAT •

– GOLD MEMBERS –

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RODD HOTELS AND RESORTS 149 Kent Street Charlottetown, PEI C1A 1N5 Phone: 902-629-2313 Toll Free: 800-565-RODD (7633) Fax: 902-368-3569 Website: www.roddhotelsandresorts.com Email: jhiggins@roddhotelsandresorts.com Contact: Janet Higgins, National Sales Mgr Rodd Hotels & Resorts offer a broad range of function rooms and facilities in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, & New Brunswick - from elegant boardrooms and banquet halls, to magnificent ballrooms. Whether you’re planning a meeting, conference or special event, you surely want to make it memorable. We have properties in several commercial all major cities of Atlantic Canada, including Charlottetown, and Moncton. Our staff would be happy to assist and advise you on all aspects of creating a successful event. QC

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Location: Atlantic

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Atlantic

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CROWNE PLAZA GATINEAU-OTTAWA 2 Montcalm Gatineau, QC J8X 4B4 Phone: 819-778-3880 Toll Free: 800-567-1962 Fax: 819-778-3309 Website: www.crowneplaza.com/gatineauottawa Email: ntremblay@rosdevhotels.com Contact: Nathalie Tremblay, Director of Sales Let us help you plan your next meeting! Completely renovated in 2012, we offer 224 guestrooms including 5 executive floors, 12 long term suites and 15,000 sq ft of flexible meeting space! Our Crowne Meetings Director will work with you from the earliest stages and help plan every detail to assure your event’s success.

BOULEVARD CLUB, THE 1491 Lake Shore Boulevard West Toronto, ON M6K 3C2 Phone: 416-532-3341 Website: www.boulevardclub.com Email: catering@boulevardclub.com Contact: Eric Chou

Location:

A venue like no other. Situated minutes from downtown Toronto, offering a beautiful lakeside setting and superb facilities, The Boulevard Club provides the perfect backdrop for family celebrations and corporate events. Exquisite views, well-appointed function and meeting spaces and attentive service ensure a unique and memorable event. Location: Atlantic

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Location:

– SILVER MEMBERS –

From the moment you arrive at the Great Wolf Lodge, expect to be amazed and amused. Whether hosting an office meeting or a national conference, the Great Wolf Lodge can accommodate all your conference needs. Featuring unique team building activities, spa escapes, diverse meeting space, outstanding in-house catering and don’t forget our own themed waterpark.

Location: Atlantic

GREAT WOLF LODGE 3950 Victoria Avenue Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7M8 Phone: 905-354-4888 ext. 5701 Fax: 905-353-5639 Website: www.greatwolf.com Email: sales@greatwolfniagara.com Contact: April Boudreau

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Hastings House Country House Hotel is a small waterfront luxury country resort, spa and restaurant sitting on 22 acres on the waterfront of Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia and is an ideal destination for the out of the ordinary executive corporate retreats, weddings, celebrations and private events.

EVENT TENTS – PLATINUM MEMBER –

Location: Atlantic

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ASK GUY EVENT GRAPHICS INC 705 Lite Street Point Edward, ON N7V 1A7 Phone: 647-258-5400 Toll Free: 877-258-6137 Fax: 647-277-1238 Website: www.AskGuy.ca Email: Guy@AskGuy.ca Contact: Guy Langevin

CRUISE LINE – GOLD MEMBER –

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MARIPOSA CRUISES 207 Queen’s Quay West, Box 101, Suite 425 Toronto, ON M5J 1A7 Phone: 416-203-0178 Toll Free: 866-MARIPOSA Fax: 416-203-6627 Website: www.mariposacruises.com Email: sales@mariposacruises.com Since 1987, Mariposa Cruises has built its reputation as the established leader in Toronto Harbour with an impressive fleet of distinctive vessels, varying in size and style for groups up to 575 guests. Catering to a wide audience and hosting a range of different events. Mariposa Cruises is dedicated to offering outstanding ships with exceptional food and service in a premier location.

We offer the following for your Event, AGM, Symposium or Trade Show. Ask Guy Event Graphics has been involved in the graphics and trade show business since 1997. • Roll Up Banner stands in various sizes • Portable backdrops and display stands in various sizes • Table linens and covers (folding tables if needed) • Easel Stands • Banners • Branded tents • Custom beach flags • Branded custom signage • Trade Show backdrops. Graphic design, installation and setup services, shipping to and from destination, storage available. Coast to Coast coverage, shipping from Ontario. If you have an extraordinary request or application, ASK GUY can help. Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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– BRONZE MEMBERS – MILLER LASH HOUSE, THE 130 Old Kingston Road Toronto, ON M1E 3J5 Phone: 416-287-7000 Website: www.millerlashhouse.ca Email: info@millerlashhouse.ca Contact: Tammy Tennisco-Hart, Manager Location: Atlantic

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Cruise length is an important factor in choosing ideal cruises, says Site Index study, Focus on Cruises for Incentive Travel. For groups, four or five night cruises are favoured, while longer six to eight night cruises were favored for individual incentive travel. CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• CORPORATE RETREAT • CRUISE LINE • EVENT TENTS •

Location: Atlantic

MEETING VENUES

OAKWOOD RESORT 70671 Bluewater Highway Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0 Phone: 519-238-2324 Toll Free: 800-387-2324 Fax: 519-238-2377 Website: www.oakwoodinnresort.com Email: oakwood@oakwoodinnresort.com Contact: Dave Bartlam, Director of Sales & Marketing

MEETING VENUES • EXTENDED STAY • GALLERY/MUSEUM • GOLF COURSE •

EXTENDED STAY

GOLF COURSE

– SILVER MEMBER –

– PLATINUM MEMBERS –

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON TORONTO VAUGHAN 618 Applewood Crescent Vaughan, ON L4K 4B4 Phone: 905-760-1660 Fax: 905-760-1663 Website: www.torontovaughan.homewoodsuites.com Email: alexis.edgar@hilton.com Contact: Alexis Edgar, Director of Sales & Marketing Weeklong events can be tough on planners and delegates alike. Our all-suites hotel will have attendees feeling the comforts of home, away from home with unique amenities, standard properties can’t deliver. Free up training budgets with free internet and parking, complimentary breakfast daily and supper Monday-Thursday, and more. Location: Atlantic

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GALLERY/MUSEUM – PLATINUM MEMBER –

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Atlantic

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“Pay particular attention to first-time attendees, and assign a staff member to focus only on newcomers,” advises Andy McNeill CEO of AMI. “The role of that staff member is to seek connections with other newcomers and connect them. The more comfortable attendees feel at an event, the more likely they are to return.”

– SILVER MEMBER –

– GOLD MEMBERS –

CLUBLINK 15675 Dufferin Street King City, ON L7B 1K5 Phone: 905-841-8964 Toll Free: 877-622-4196 Fax: 905-841-8068 Website: www.clublink.ca Email: greatmeetings@clublink.ca Contact: Cathy Giovane

ClubLink provides the perfect environment to host successful events. From board meetings, seminars, business dinners and meetings on the golf course – it can all happen here. Our clubs have their own unique conference rooms, meeting rooms and golf courses, making them perfect for business and networking events of all kinds. Location: Atlantic

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HOTEL – PLATINUM MEMBER –

Location: Atlantic

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DOUBLETREE GATINEAU-OTTAWA 1170 Aylmer Road Gatineau, QC J9H 7L3 Phone: 819-776-7941 Toll Free: 800-807-1088 Fax: 819-777-7161 Website: www.doubletreegatineau.com Email: aaman@doubletreegatineau.com Contact: Amir Aman Overlooking 152 lush green acres on the banks of the Ottawa River, DoubleTree Gatineau-Ottawa offers 125 guestrooms, only 8 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Located in peaceful, natural surroundings, this majestic convention centre offers complimentary WiFi, a beautiful 18-hole golf course, as well as 2 restaurants, a fitness center, a full service day spa, a hair salon and an indoor pool. Location: Atlantic

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DELTA LONDON ARMOURIES HOTEL 325 Dundas Street London, ON N6B 1T9 Phone: 519-679-6111 Toll Free: 800-668-9999 Fax: 519-679-6397 Website: www.deltalondonarmouries.com Email: barbara.emrich@deltahotels.com Contact: Barbara Emrich, Director of Sales & Catering The historic Delta London Armouries Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown London close to the London Convention Centre, Budweiser Gardens, and most corporate headquarters. The hotel’s 220 luxurious guestrooms offer a complete range of amenities. Suite options and Signature Club rooms with lounge access available. Enjoy the Armouries Grille Restaurant for breakfast, a lunch meeting or a quiet dinner or relax in the Cantata Lounge. In-Room Dining is also available. The hotel offers 13 meeting rooms to accommodate conferences, individual meetings or elaborate social events. All guestrooms and meeting rooms have complimentary high speed internet access. Delta London Armouries Hotel offers everything you would expect in a luxury hotel including gift shop, whirlpool, saunas, fitness centre, and an indoor swimming pool.

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According to Hotels.com report, 56 per cent of respondents said free Wi-Fi was their number one must-have amenity when travelling for business.

Location: Atlantic

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CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• GOLF COURSE • HOTEL •

MEETING VENUES

– GOLD MEMBERS –

MEETING VENUES • HOTEL •

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MISSED YOUR PRINT LISTING OPPORTUNITY? Get your company profile online and connect with 30,000 decision makers in the meetings industry.

Experience the Setting… the Service… the Satisfaction… Welcome to Thunder Bay’s only 3 diamond, and full service hotel. Proudly 100% smoke free and certified with 3 Green Key from the Eco-Rating Program. We are situated in the heart of the Nor’Wester mountains yet only 7 minutes from downtown.

Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

CALGARY MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN HOTEL 110 Ninth Avenue South East Calgary, AB T2G 5A6 Phone: 403-266-7331 Toll Free: 800-896-6878 Fax: 403-262-8442 Website: www.calgarymarriott.com Email: mhrs.yycdt.dosm@marriotthotels.com Conveniently located near eclectic shopping, fine dining and world-class corporations, the Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travel. Our newly renovated and expanded hotel meeting space includes over 9,500 sq ft of event space for up to 300 people with natural light and updated fixtures. Our Professional Meeting Planners and Culinary team are delighted to assist in making your event a true success. Location: Atlantic

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Be seen! 58 www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

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Contact Petra Brown 866.216.0860 ext. 233 email petrab@mediaedge.ca

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Location: Atlantic

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Atlantic

EATON CHELSEA, TORONTO 33 Gerrard Street West Toronto, ON M5G 1Z4 Phone: 416-585-4340 Toll Free: 800-CHELSEA (243-5732) Fax: 416-585-4393 Website: www.eatonchelsea.com Email: estor.sales@eatonhotels.com Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Eaton Chelsea, Toronto is the ideal destination for business functions, corporate meetings and private celebrations. Easily accessible by public transport and incorporating over 24,000 ft² of newly renovated event space, the hotel offers a variety of adaptable venues to suit every type of function. The Eaton Chelsea, Toronto features 4 restaurants/lounges, separate adult and family recreation areas and complimentary in-room Wi-Fi; making Toronto’s Meeting Place the perfect solution for your business. Location: Atlantic

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Discover the Edmonton Marriott at River Cree Resort. Boasting a vibrant atmosphere and renowned Marriott service, our four-star West Edmonton hotel is ideal for business and leisure travel. We offer two NHL-sized hockey rinks and a lively casino with more than 1000 slot machines and 50 table games. And for off-site fun, our hotel’s West Edmonton location is just minutes from the area’s top shopping, dining, museums and attractions. Our guest rooms feature plush bedding, large windows & breathtaking views. Location:

Atlantic

• HOTEL •

MEETING VENUES

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GEORGIAN CONFERENCE & EVENT SERVICES 1 Georgian Drive Barrie, ON L4M 3X9 Phone: 705-722-5120 Fax: 705-722-5170 Website: www.meetatgeorgian.com Email: sara.tuck@georgiancollege.ca Contact: Sara Tuck, Manager, Conference Services The waterfront city of Barrie, Ontario, brings you home-town feel with urban appeal! Barrie is also home to Georgian College, which offers the perfect venue for your next conference, annual general meetings, trade shows, youth and sports camps, religious retreats and corporate training. Our intimate campus offers a wide variety of meeting and event facilities all within walking distance. Our classrooms, meeting rooms, lecture halls and theatres are equipped with built in state of the art technology. Location: Atlantic

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CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

HOTELSPOTLIGHT

HOTEL

SELECTION

Tips for choosing a hotel to suit your event needs

When meeting planners are tasked with sourcing and choosing a hotel or venue for their event, the decision on which hotel is best for their group should not be taken lightly. All hotels seemingly offer a similar product – guest rooms, meeting space, hotel pool, restaurants – however not all hotels are the same. By Leanne Calderwood When evaluating hotel options, a planner should always go back and consult the goals and objectives of the meeting. With each objective, carefully weigh whether that particular hotel will meet those specific objectives. Below are a few typical meeting goals and recommendations as to what type of venue may work best for your group based on your unique criteria.

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NETWORKING A primary goal of any conference is the networking that occurs between peers. Depending on the space available, some venues may be a better fit for networking than others. Try to find a venue that offers multiple on-site outlets such as restaurants, lounges and hospitality suites that will encourage networking to occur at the venue outside of the formal agenda hours. If possible, try to

HOTELSPOTLIGHT

keep your delegates at one host hotel versus several locations. This will allow all attendees to connect and network at one location during their time at the meeting. If possible, build opportunities into your program for networking. If there is a need to go off-site during your program, try to create opportunities to go as an organized group, or smaller groups that can meet up at the end of a function. If your chosen hotel does not have on-site outlets or nearby restaurants, your delegates can possibly venture out on their own and miss out on networking opportunities. BUSINESS, BUSINESS, BUSINESS! If your delegates are attending a meeting to “get things done,” ensure the environment you choose is conducive. Tempting your delegates with a spa and golf course property may take their focus away from the business tasks at hand. Ensure your venue has a few on-site outlets or nearby restaurants so as not to lose valuable time travelling to and from dinner venues. Also check to ensure the Internet connectivity in the meeting rooms and guest rooms is strong. “Complimentary Internet” does not always mean good Internet, so

ensure your team has good bandwidth in their meeting space and guest rooms. REWARDS AND INCENTIVES Is your conference a way of rewarding your teams for a job well done? This is where your spa and golf resorts are a great fit versus the airport location. Also, going to a coastal town versus a big city may lend itself to the rewarding feel you are trying to deliver for your delegates. IDEA EXCHANGE Networking can take place anywhere – a

ballroom, a hallway or even the hotel coffee shop. Business is best done in meeting spaces without distraction, along with good technology. Idea exchange is a bit different in that you are coupling the two, networking and business. Strive to find venues where the flow from one meeting room to the next is easy, and where meeting spaces have ample room for delegates to roam and connect in different areas. Incorporate the foyers into your meeting flow design and possibly utilize the hotel’s outdoor spaces. Corporate Meetings & Events Spring 2014 | 61

HOTELSPOTLIGHT goods” that hotels offer that can make a big difference to your bottom line. Upgrades to deluxe suites for your VIPs, amenities, complimentary rooms based on pickup, and room rebates can all potentially impact your bottom line greatly. T E C H N O L O G Y: Y o u m a y t h i n k technology is only about Internet access, but over the past few years it has become so much more. Is your chosen hotel reactive to social media and instant feedback? How “fast” is the Internet speed? Some hotels offered tiered Internet packages – one for basic email, and one for increased data usage including streaming video. Take a look at your delegate demographics – are most of your attendees “young at heart” and require constant connection? If so, you will want the technology and Internet speed needed to support them and this may drive your hotel selection alone!

BUILDING MEMBERSHIP If you are planning an association meeting and your main goal is to attract new members, location is key. Hosting a conference in a destination near potential members can contribute to meeting your new member goal. It will also offer budget-friendly options to entice participation and attendance. EASE OF ACCESS Are most of your delegates coming from other locations? Ease of access and lift into airports may drive your attendance. Flight costs into different locations may prevent some budgetconscious delegates from attending, something to keep in mind when selecting your meeting destination. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY For many organizations, Corporate social responsibility and accountability back to their membership or stakeholders can also determine the location of the event. Having the meeting near company 62 | www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

headquarters sends a message that you support the local economy. With the Canadian dollar losing strength in recent months, holding your meeting at home is also more cost-effective. Luckily, our world is a vast and interesting place, with numerous destinations to be explored and great hotels to play host. You will likely find many options that meet all your meeting goals and objectives – and if so, then what? How does one choose THE hotel or THE destination that is the best option? Here are a few factors that could place certain destinations or hotels above the rest, when all else is equal. Financial Incentives: Occasionally, Convention and Visitors Bureaus may offer financial incentives for your clients to book meetings at their destinations. Typically, you can use the incentive to fund other expenses, such as off-site venue costs, transportation and team building activities. HOTEL INCENTIVES AND CONCESSIONS: Sometimes it’s the “soft

THE TEAM: While the quality of the property and the real estate is very important to your meeting, without the people your program will not be a success. This starts with the responsiveness and openness of the hotel sales team and spans all the way to the amazing talents of the conference services team and the food and beverage team. The talent of the sales team is easy enough to assess in the event you have been in communication with them from the beginning of the RFP process, but consider setting up a meeting with key staff members to give you peace of mind that you’ve gone with the right TEAM for your program. For some meeting planners, the decision to choose a hotel takes a backseat to choosing the destination. Once again, going back to your goals and objectives for the meeting can help determine the destination which is just as important as the actual facility. Your goals and objectives will not only drive these decisions, but also set you up for success for your meeting. Leanne Calderwood is Director, Global Accounts at HelmsBriscoe. You can contact her at lcalderwood@helmsbriscoe.com.

VENUEFOCUS

VENUE

CHOICES

Ask the right questions, make the right choice By Stephanie Rapko When it comes to real estate it is all about location, location, location. The same could be said when selecting a venue for an event. Not only do you need to ensure you have chosen the perfect location for the event, you also need to make sure all the finer details are considered to be confident the event will be successful. When determining the venue, the type of event being held should be considered. You don’t want to be holding a golf retreat in the heart of a bustling city! Is the event a small executive face-to-face? A summit with over 3,000 delegates? A two-day trade show with an education program? Whatever you are planning, make sure the venue you have contacted for a site inspection is appropriate for the event’s requirements. If you have been contacted for attend a FAM Trip or invited to tour a property, do not accept the invitation without doing your homework. Whether a seasoned planner or just starting out in the industry, you already know the standard questions that should be on your site checklist: • What is the room capacity and square footage? • How many sleeping rooms are there? • What is the distance from the nearest airport, train station, bus terminal? • What are the accessibility options? • What are the emergency procedures? With the advent of technology and the need to be connected 24/7 you will also want to make sure to inquire about internet access or Wi-Fi availability and what the cost will be. Today, most properties have either hardwired

internet access in every room or Wi-Fi. However, not every property offers Wi-Fi as complimentary, so be sure to ask and never assume. USE A CHECKLIST By simply doing a Google search, any planner can find myriad websites, articles and checklists for what you should and should not do, look for and ask about when checking out a new facility for your event. When I was still rather green in the meetings and events industry, I came upon an interesting checklist on www.CorbinBall. com, written and produced by Write Style Communications Ltd. The Site Inspection Handbook might be 10 years old, but it is still relevant today as the basics will always remain the same. The checklist in this handbook delves into the minute details (such as the type of room key and whether or not every room has a smoke alarm and sprinkler) along with broader questions such as how many meeting rooms there are and how many restaurants are on site. What caught my attention, though, were the tips to make sure you have a successful inspection. For example, did you ever think to show up to a FAM trip unannounced

the day before just to see how attentive and friendly the staff were? Might be something worthwhile, especially if you are having a conference in which delegates would be travelling from all over the world. What if they do arrive a day early? How will they be treated? How will the staff react? Another interesting tip was to wander into the meeting space without a guide. Does security stop you? Does anyone take notice of you wandering around, poking in and out of meeting rooms? This will give you a great indication of the type and level of security you can expect at your own event. When working through the details of selecting the best location and venue for your upcoming event, make sure that you pay close attention to even the smallest of details. It is known that even the smallest oversight could turn your event from the “wow” experience you had planned to the worst experience ever. The location is key, but what you get with that location is the lock. Create your own checklist or grab one from the multitudes available online, and use it.

Stephanie Rapko is the Show Operations Manager for MediaEdge Communications Inc. She can be reached via email at srapko@mediaedge.ca Corporate Meetings & Events Spring 2014 | 63

MEETING VENUES • HOTEL •

HOTEL BLACKFOOT 5940 Blackfoot Trail South East Calgary, AB T2H 2B5 Toll Free: 800-661-1151 Website: www.hotelblackfoot.com Email: sales@hotelblackfoot.com

GREAT WOLF LODGE 3950 Victoria Avenue Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7M8 Phone: 905-354-4888 ext. 5701 Fax: 905-353-5639 Website: www.greatwolf.com Email: sales@greatwolfniagara.com Contact: April Boudreau From the moment you arrive at the Great Wolf Lodge, expect to be amazed and amused. Whether hosting an office meeting or a national conference, the Great Wolf Lodge can accommodate all your conference needs. Featuring unique team building activities, spa escapes, diverse meeting space, outstanding in-house catering and don’t forget our own themed waterpark. Location: Atlantic

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Hotel Blackfoot a contemporary boutique hotel in south Calgary located just minutes from downtown. Blackfoot is an independently-owned, 193 room hotel with modern, contemporary rooms and suites, featuring the service and amenities to please business and leisure travelers alike. Hotel Blackfoot features an on-site comedy club, a 24 hour fitness room, four unique dining options, a gift shop, ample free parking and complimentary high-speed Internet access throughout the building. Relax with us and live in the moment. Location: Atlantic

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MEDICINE HAT LODGE RESORT, CASINO AND SPA 1051 Ross Glen Drive South East Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3T8 Phone: 403-529-2222 Toll Free: 800-661-8086 Fax: 403-528-4075 Website: www.medhatlodge.com Email: sales@medhatlodge.com Contact: Devon Ebach, Ext Sales Coord No. of Bedrooms: 222 No. of Meeting Rooms: 9 Theatre Seating Capacity: 600 Banquet Seating Capacity: 500 Largest Exhibit Area (sq.ft.): 6,380 Largest Banquet Room (sq.ft.): 6,380 The Medicine Hat Lodge Resort, Casino and Spa is ideally located along the Trans Canada Highway for excellent access. Our convention facilities are available for any size group. We take great pride in catering menus specially suited to your needs. Location: Atlantic

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INN & SPA

MILLCROFT INN & SPA 55 John Street Alton-Caledon, ON L7K 0C4 Phone: 519-941-3903 Fax: 519-941-1960 Website: www.vintage-hotels.com Email: salesinquiry@vintage-hotels.com Contact: Marianne Callihall The Millcroft Inn & Spa is the definitive country destination for intimate executive gatherings or corporate retreats. 6 meeting rooms, 52 individually decorated guestrooms and over 100 acres of woodlands create a unique venue for complimentary teambuilding and brainstorming sessions. In addition to knowledgeable conference service staff, the inn offers four diamond dining and a 9,000 square foot spa, fitness centre and indoor and outdoor pool. Experience tranquility, comfort and heritage charm less than an hour northwest of Toronto. Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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PAN PACIFIC VANCOUVER HOTEL 300 - 999 Canada Place Vancouver, BC V6C 3B5 Phone: 604-891-2872 Toll Free: 800-663-1515 USA Toll Free: 800-937-1515 Fax: 604-891-2861 Website: www.panpacificvancouver.com Email: sales@panpacificvancouver.com Contact: Robert Brosseau Located atop Canada Place and adjacent to the Vancouver Convention Centre, award winning Pan Pacific Vancouver offers 42,000 sq.ft. of meeting space, catering events up to 1500 persons. With breathtaking views & exquisitely appointed guestrooms & suites, guests experience first class service & amenities, including outdoor saltwater pool and Spa. Location: Atlantic

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RADISSON SUITE HOTEL TORONTO AIRPORT 640 Dixon Road Toronto, ON M9W 1J1 Phone: 416-242-7400 Toll Free: 800-333-3333 Fax: 416-242-9888 Website: www.radisson.com/torontoca_airport Email: whg4107dos@whg.com Contact: Anita Bhamra, Director of Sales Located right beside the Toronto Congress Centre close to Pearson International Airport. Radisson Suite Hotel Toronto Airport features 216 suites including separate living area/private bedroom highlighting Sleep Number Bed®. Four meeting rooms to chose from. Onsite restaurants and seven alternative restaurants outside front doors. Complimentary high speed internet. Pets Welcome. Location: Atlantic

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SHERATON MONTREAL AIRPORT HOTEL 555 Boulevard McMillan Dorval, QC H9P 1B7 Phone: 514-828-4248 Toll Free: 800-567-2411 Fax: 514-631-5933 Website: www.SheratonMontrealAirport.com Email: info@SheratonMontrealAirport.com Contact: Sales Team Big Ideas are Better When Shared @ Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel For inspiring events, connect with your best minds in the open atmosphere of more than 20 flexible meeting spaces. Get advantage and benefits from our exclusive group offer - % off your master bill, Complimentary Club Level room, Club Lounge access, Complimentary HSIA in your meeting room, access to meeting planner office, environmentally sustainable meeting practices, Starpoints® signing bonus - Call our meeting planner professionals at 514828-4248 Or, submit an RFP by visiting www. sheratonmontrealairport.com/meetings-events. Location: Atlantic

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CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• HOTEL •

MEETING VENUES

MEETING VENUES • HOTEL •

SHERATON PARKWAY TORONTO NORTH HOTEL, SUITES & CONFERENCE CENTRE 600 Highway 7 East Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1B2 Phone: 905-881-2121 Phone 2: 905-882-3101 Toll Free: 800-668-0101 Fax: 905-882-3100 Website: www.sheratonparkway.com Email: sales@sheratonparkway.com Contact: Monique Dennison Conveniently located in North Toronto sharing the neighbourhood with many worldwide corporate offices. The Sheraton Parkway North is a welcoming place to host your next meeting or special event. We feature 30 unique Non-Smoking event spaces (over 55,000 square feet) ideal for all types of special events. Our experienced staff is available to help you plan an event tailored to your individual needs. Location: Atlantic

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Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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BROOKSTREET HOTEL 525 Legget Drive Ottawa, ON K2K 2W2 Phone: 613-271-1800 Fax: 613-271-3541 Website: www.brookstreet.com Email: sales@brookstreet.com Contact: Mark Nisbett

– SILVER MEMBERS –

Atlantic

Location:

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Atlantic

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Experience Brookstreet, Ottawa’s leading four diamond restaurant, golf, spa and conference destination! 276 contemporary rooms, naturally lit meeting space, award winning four diamond dining, full service spa, championship golf course, executive short course, saltwater pools, state of the art gym and jazz lounge. Environmentally friendly practices throughout the hotel. Location: Atlantic

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3 1/2 Star Downtown Hotel and Convention Center, Free Parking, Free Internet and local calls. In-room tea & coffee. Indoor heated pool & hot tub, seasonal outdoor pool, full service restaurant & Piano Bar. Twelve meeting rooms opening into 12,000 sq. ft. Guest controlled heat & a/c. New Pillowtop Mattresses & 42” flat screen TV’s.

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Classic elegance located directly across from Niagara Falls, featuring 12 flexible function rooms including Fallsview space to host up to 800 attendees. Crowne Plaza also offers indoor connections to 140,000 sq ft of event space, 1200 guestrooms, Casino Niagara, The Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra Fallsview Dining Room, and shops all located on Falls Avenue Entertainment Resort.

• HOTEL •

Location:

Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

CALABOGIE PEAKS RESORT 30 Barrett Chute Road Calabogie, ON K0J 1H0 Toll Free: 800-669-4861 Website: www.calabogie.com Email: marketing@calabogie.com Contact: Liz Murphy, Marketing Director Calabogie Peaks is a year-round resort complete with hotel, restaurant, rentals, and more. We cater to outdoor enthusiasts, family activities, and corporate retreats with competitive options in a beautiful surrounding. Enjoy skiing/snowboarding on Ontario’s highest public mountain, golfing on our 9-hole Ironwoods course, or simply relax in Canthooks Restaurant. Location: Atlantic

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DELTA VANCOUVER SUITES 550 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6 Phone: 604-689-8188 Toll Free: 888-663-8811 Fax: 604-605-8881 Website: www.deltavancouversuites.ca Email: dvs.sales@deltahotels.com An all-suite hotel located in the heart of downtown Vancouver and within a block of the Canada Line. Delta Vancouver Suites is within walking distance to many local attractions and just minutes from the Vancouver Convention Centre and the city’s central business district. Enjoy shopping on Granville Street, Robson Street and take in the vibrant dining scene and nightlife of Gastown. Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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Canada welcomed approximately 700,000 international visitors in January, 2014, an increase of 3.1% compared with the same month in 2013. (Source: Statistics Canada International Travel Survey) CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

MEETING VENUES

MEETING VENUES • HOTEL •

HALLIBURTON, THE 5184 Morris Street Halifax, NS B3J 1B3 Phone: 902-420-0658 Toll Free: 888-512-3344 Fax: 902-423-2324 Website: www.thehalliburton.com Email: information@thehalliburton.com Contact: Robert Pretty, Manager A trio of historic townhouses have been combined to create this charming hotel. Stories Restaurant showcases inventive seafood & game in intimate rooms. The cozy Library and colourful garden courtyard offer quiet places to relax, a discreet, naturally lit meeting space seats twenty. Free breakfast and WiFi. Location: Atlantic

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HASTINGS HOUSE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL 160 Upper Ganges Road Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2S2 Phone: 250-537-2362 Toll Free: 800-661-9255 Fax: 250-537-5333 Website: www.hastingshouse.com Email: info@hastingshouse.com Contact: Kelly McAree Hastings House Country House Hotel is a small waterfront luxury country resort, spa and restaurant sitting on 22 acres on the waterfront of Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia and is an ideal destination for the out of the ordinary executive corporate retreats, weddings, celebrations and private events. Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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HAMPTON INN & SUITES BY HILTON TORONTO AIRPORT 3279 Caroga Drive Mississauga, ON L4V 1A3 Phone: 905-671-4730 Toll Free: 866-496-2642 Fax: 905-671-4739 Website: www.torontoairportontario.hamptoninn.com Email: Karen.Hunt@Hilton.com Contact: Karen Hunt, Dir of Sales & Mktg

Our Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Toronto Airport hotel is ideally located moments from the terminal. Offering 200 contemporary designed guestrooms along with two recently refreshed naturally lit meeting rooms. Our specialized catering team can cater to your every need for events up to 60 people. Location: Atlantic

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HILTON GARDEN INN TORONTO VAUGHAN 3201 Highway 7 West Vaughan, ON L4K 5Z7 Phone: 905-532-2235 Fax: 905-660-4300 Website: www.torontovaughan.stayhgi.com Email: alexis.edgar@hilton.com Contact: Alexis Edgar, Director of Sales & Mktg We deliver what planners define as elements for their success! Pillar-free 8,000 sq foot Ballroom; Meet-Feed for up to 250 delegates; Conference and Breakout space on ground floor; Wheelchair accessibility; Free parking and internet; Healthy menus on budget, Hilton honors Meeting Planner Points; and, of course, a great night’s rest! Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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The top three most common on-site marketing activities engaged in by exhibitors are: exhibition program advertising, speaking at educational seminars/workshops and sponsoring an exhibition giveaway. Each is used by more than seven out of 10 exhibiting companies, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Exhibitor Ancillary On-site Marketing Practices report. 68 www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

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Weeklong events can be tough on planners and delegates alike. Our all-suites hotel will have attendees feeling the comforts of home, away from home with unique amenities, standard properties can’t deliver. Free up training budgets with free internet and parking, complimentary breakfast daily and supper Monday-Thursday, and more. Location: QC

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LONSDALE QUAY HOTEL 129 Carrie Cates Court Vancouver, BC V7M 3K7 Phone: 604-986-6111 Toll Free: 800-836-6111 Fax: 604-988-8782 Website: www.lonsdalequayhotel.com Email: sales@lonsdalequayhotel.com Contact: Farah Stéen No. of Bedrooms: 70 No. of Meeting rooms: 4 Theatre Seating Capacity: 180 Banquet Seating Capacity: 150 Largest Exhibit Area (sq.ft.): 1,800 Largest Banquet Room (sq.ft.): 1,800 Come for the experience! North Shore’s boutique hotel invites you to create lasting memories, enjoy scrumptious tastes and share intimate celebrations from 10 to 180 people. Unbeatable location for business or pleasure. Location: Atlantic

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CORPORATE MEETINGS NETWORK Industry website for corporate meeting planners

Visit us online at: www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• HOTEL •

Location:

MEETING VENUES

Magnetic Hill, Moncton

NOTTAWASAGA INN RESORT 6015 Highway 89 Alliston, ON L9R 1A4 Phone: 705-435-5501 Toll Free: 800-669-5501 Fax: 705-435-5840 Website: www.nottawasagaresort.com Email: sbiffis@nottawasagaresort.com Contact: Sylvia Biffis, Director of Sales Get inspired by the fresh air and rejuvenating natural beauty of the Nottawasaga Valley. Only 45 minutes north of Toronto and 45 minutes south of Muskoka, our full-service 64,000 sq.ft. facility is perfect for small or large conferences, offering an unprecedented line-up of meeting spaces within 36 meeting rooms, including an on-site 21,000 sq.ft. trade centre. Location:

• HOTEL •

MEETING VENUES

With a lower Canadian dollar, in 2013, U.S. travellers took the opportunity to cross the border and explore the Canada’s cultural and entertainment capital, Toronto, which surpassed Rome to rank as the third most popular international city for Americans for the first time since 2010. (Source: Hotels.com)

Atlantic

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Ontario’s only five-star Country Inn (Canada Select) offers over 11,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, 122 beautifully decorated guestrooms, four diamond dining and world class spa. The prime location, attentive service and commitment to the comfort of guests makes Pillar and Post the ideal location for a successful business meeting. Location: QC

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The Rimrock Resort Hotel is a unique Four Diamond property located in Banff National Park. 18,000 square feet of function space with breathtaking views, Western Canada’s only 5 Diamond Dining, a full service luxury spa, complimentary 24hr gym and 346 newly renovated guest rooms make for a truly remarkable experience. Location: Atlantic

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SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT TORONTO VAUGHAN 612 Applewood Crescent Vaughan, ON L4K 4B4 Phone: 905-760-9960 Fax: 905-760-9907 Website: www.springhillsuitesvaughan.com Email: sales@springhillsuitesvaughan.com Contact: Mark Jones, Director of Sales & Marketing The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Toronto Vaughan is located in the heart of Vaughan with easy access to Highway 400, Highway 407, Highway 401, Highway 7 and 15 minutes from Lester B. Pearson Toronto International Airport. Location: Atlantic

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• HOTEL •

Atlantic

RIMROCK RESORT HOTEL 300 Mountain Avenue, PO Box 1110 Banff, AB T1L 1J2 Phone: 403-762-1852 Toll Free: 888-RIMROCK (746-7625) Fax: 403-762-1842 Website: www.rimrockresort.com Email: sales@rimrockresort.com Contact: Jim Leavens

– BRONZE MEMBER –

QUEEN’S LANDING HOTEL 155 Byron Street Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 Phone: 905-468-2195 Toll Free: 888-669-5566 Fax: 905-468-8646 Website: www.vintage-hotels.com Email: salesinquiry@vintage-hotels.com Experience stately Georgian-style elegance and gracious service in a spectacular Niagaraon-the-Lake waterfront setting. Queen’s Landing offers over 15,000 square feet of executivequality meeting facilities, 142 elegantly decorated guestrooms and CAA/AAA four diamond dining. Our knowledgeable, dedicated conference services staff will work with you to ensure every meeting is a success. Location: Atlantic

Location:

Sheraton on the Falls is an award-winning 4-Diamond experience blending business and leisure. Located across from Niagara Falls, the hotel offers a diverse selection of unique special event and team building venues, restaurants, and attractions. The state-of-the-art facilities include 669 guestrooms/suites and 35,000 sq. ft. of function space featuring Fallsviews.

Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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BEST WESTERN PLUS AUSTRIAN CHALET 462 South Island Highway Campbell River, BC V9W 1A5 Phone: 250-923-4231 Toll Free: 800-667-7207 Fax: 250-923-2840 Website: www.bwcampbellriver.com Email: info@bwcampbellriver.com Contact: Annabel Saunders

SHERATON ON THE FALLS 5875 Falls Avenue Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3K7 Phone: 905-374-4444 Fax: 905-374-9606 Website: www.Sheratononthefalls.com Email: sales@niagarafallshotels.com

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MEETING VENUES

The most common exhibitor practices and attendee preferences are well-aligned, according to Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Exhibitor Product Information Sharing Practices report. The two most common methods of product information sharing methods used by exhibitors are printed brochures/ catalogues given out at the booth, 85 per cent, and emails sent after the exhibition, 70 per cent. The top two methods preferred by attendees to receive information are the same, in the same rank order: 58 per cent and 41 per cent respectively. CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

MEETING VENUES • HOTEL CHAIN •

HOTEL CHAIN

– GOLD MEMBERS –

– PLATINUM MEMBER –

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT NIAGARA FALLS 5950 Victoria Avenue Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3L7 Phone: 905-358-3083 Sales Phone: 905-353-4037 Website: www.nfcourtyard.com/cme Email: sales@n21inc.com It’s a new discovery with every stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls. Whether it’s worktime or playtime, our redesigned lobby helps you make the most of your stay. Featuring a contemporary lounge area, complimentary WiFi, a business centre, an interactive GoBoard®, and a 24 hour Market. Relax & Recharge in our spacious guest rooms, designed for both comfort and functionality. Dine with us at one of our on-site restaurants. Featuring a daily breakfast buffet and The Keg Steakhouse & Bar or T.G.I. Friday’s for lunch and dinner. Small meetings deserve a big focus. With over 1200 sq.ft. of meeting space and customized meeting packages, your next event is sure to be a rewarding experience. We’re located in the “centre of it all,” just minutes from Niagara Falls, both casinos and major attractions. Location: Atlantic

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According to Hotels.com report, 56 per cent of respondents said free Wi-Fi was their number one must-have amenity when travelling for business.

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Location:

Atlantic

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As a Meeting Planner, you pour everything into your work. It’s not just a meeting, it’s your meeting. You want it to be more than efficient and productive, you want it to be unique and refreshing. That’s where we come in! Located in the heart of downtown, Delta Halifax is connected to our sister property, Delta Barrington, Casino Nova Scotia and the World Trade and Convention Centre. Good times await you! Location: QC

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Full Service Hotel - 143 Rooms. Priority Club Meeting Rewards Program. 10 Meeting Rooms from 216 to 3600 sq. ft. All inclusive meeting packages available. On-site Meeting Services Manager. Customized Theme Meeting breaks available. Executive Style Special Events (Tradeshow format: Grand Ballroom accommodates 25 booths 8x10 in size) Location: Atlantic

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RAMADA PRINCE GEORGE 444 George Street Prince George, BC V2L 1R6 Phone: 250-563-0055 Toll Free: 800-830-8833 Fax: 250-563-6042 Website: www.ramadaprincegeorge.com Email: jmagnell@ramadaprincegeorge.com Contact: Joy Magnell, Sales & Marketing Mgr The Ramada Prince George is Northern BC’s premiere conference, meeting and event facility. From a boardroom for 4 to your corporate event for 300, our varied convention facilities offer up to 7 meeting rooms, many feature natural lighting. Our experienced staff will ensure that even the smallest details will be considered to make your event a spectacular success. Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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– SILVER MEMBERS –

DAYS INN STEPHENVILLE 44 Queen Street Stephenville, NL A2N 2M5 Phone: 709-643-6666 Toll Free: 800-DAYSINN Fax: 709-643-3900 Website: www.daysinnstephenville.com Email: daysinn.sville@nf.aibn.com Contact 1: Patty Guignard Contact 2: Scott Ryan

Location: QC

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BEST WESTERN PLUS DORCHESTER HOTEL 70 Church Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H4 Phone: 250-754-6835 Toll Free: 800-661-2449 Fax: 250-754-2638 Website: www.dorchesternanaimo.com Email: info@dorchesternanaimo.com Contact: Julie Park, General Manager Location: Atlantic

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Location:

A premier meeting and convention centre, Days Inn offers 47 spacious air-conditioned rooms in the heart of downtown Stephenville. We offer 2,000 sq.ft. of banquet space with seating capacity theatre style for 200 and dinner capacity for 140. Our conference facilities are an ideal location for groups and convention groups.

Atlantic

– BRONZE MEMBER –

Atlantic

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• HOTEL CHAIN •

Incomparably convenient! The Sheraton Gateway Hotel Toronto is the only hotel directly connected to the airport with indoor access to Terminal 1 and 3. Tasteful and modern meeting space most with windows makes this the perfect place to meet. Our thermal pane windows ensure whisper quiet rooms. With 24-hour access to the Fitness Centre and Link @Sheraton you don’t miss a beat. Enjoy casual dining in our Mahogany Restaurant or Bar. Easy access to downtown Toronto and Niagara Falls.

MEETING VENUES

SHERATON GATEWAY HOTEL IN TORONTO AIRPORT PO Box 3000 Toronto, ON L5P 1C4 Phone: 905-672-7000 Fax: 905-672-7100 Website: www.sheraton.com/torontoairport Email: reservations.00692@sheraton.com Contact: Sibylle Jenny

MEETING VENUES • RESORT •

– GOLD MEMBERS –

RESORT – PLATINUM MEMBERS –

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CORPORATE MEETINGS NETWORK New industry website for corporate meeting planners

www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

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CRANBERRY GOLF RESORT 19 Keith Avenue Collingwood, ON L9Y 4T9 Phone: 705-446-3253 Toll Free: 800-465-9077 Fax: 705-446-0270 Website: www.thecranberryresort.com Email: sales@thecranberryresort.com Contact: Diana Simpson Cranberry Golf Resort is a 750 acre four season resort destination set against the panoramic backdrop of Blue Mountain and the beautiful waters of Georgian Bay. From small corporate gatherings to business groups of up to 220, Cranberry Golf Resort will graciously cater to all your conference needs. Enjoy the waterfront privacy of a meeting at the Bear Estate or an educational seminar in our Ballroom. Whatever your specific requirements, Cranberry has the facilities, audio visual equipment, professional staff and complete planning assistance to ensure your meeting’s a success. Location: Atlantic

Visit us online at:

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Location: Atlantic

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• RESORT •

Location: Atlantic

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BROOKSTREET HOTEL 525 Legget Drive Ottawa, ON K2K 2W2 Phone: 613-271-1800 Fax: 613-271-3541 Website: www.brookstreet.com Email: sales@brookstreet.com Contact: Mark Nisbett

– SILVER MEMBERS –

INN & SPA

MILLCROFT INN & SPA 55 John Street Alton-Caledon, ON L7K 0C4 Phone: 519-941-3903 Fax: 519-941-1960 Website: www.vintage-hotels.com Email: salesinquiry@vintage-hotels.com Contact: Marianne Callihall

BANFF PARK LODGE CONFERENCE CENTRE PO Box 2200 Banff, AB T1L 1K5 Phone: 403-760-3265 Toll Free: 800-661-9266 Fax: 403-762-4740 Website: www.banffparklodge.com Email: info@banffparklodge.com Contact: Steve Orchin The Banff Park Lodge is the only Canada Select 4 Star full-service resort hotel and conference centre that is located in downtown Banff, with 19,000 sq.ft. of meeting and exhibit space for groups from 10 to 400 people. High speed Internet access and video conferencing is available.

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Location: AB

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CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

MEETING VENUES

GREAT WOLF LODGE 3950 Victoria Avenue Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7M8 Phone: 905-354-4888 ext. 5701 Fax: 905-353-5639 Website: www.greatwolf.com Email: sales@greatwolfniagara.com Contact: April Boudreau

MEETING VENUES • RESORT •

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FORT GARRY HOTEL, SPA AND CONFERENCE CENTRE 222 Broadway Winnipeg, MB R3C 0R3 Phone: 204-942-8251 Toll Free: 800-665-8088 Fax: 204-942-7036 Website: www.fortgarryhotel.com Email: christopherson@fortgarryhotel.com Contact: Sherraine Christopherson This former Grand Trunk Railway hotel and National Historic Site in the heart of downtown Winnipeg is minutes away from all major attractions. All guestrooms and suites feature: down duvets/pillows, and fine Italian linens. Dining: legendary daily breakfast & award winning Sunday brunch; two full-service dining rooms. Premier conference facilities including: four grand historic ballrooms, 16 conference/meeting rooms. Complimentary high speed wireless internet. Fully equipped fitness centre with indoor pool, world-class Ten Spa, and Yoga Public.

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Location: Atlantic

CLUBLINK 15675 Dufferin Street King City, ON L7B 1K5 Phone: 905-841-8964 Toll Free: 877-622-4196 Fax: 905-841-8068 Website: www.clublink.ca Email: greatmeetings@clublink.ca Contact: Cathy Giovane

Location: Atlantic

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Magnetic Hill, Moncton

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES MONCTON 2515 Mountain Road Moncton, NB E1G 2W4 Phone: 506-384-1050 Toll Free: 877-660-8550 Fax: 506-859-6070 Website: www.hiexpress.com/monctonnb Email: catering@hiemoncton.com Contact 1: Darren Meredith Contact 2: Debbie Rihard The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moncton, NB is conveniently located off the TransCanada highway #2. Our 6000 sq ft of meeting space, our clean, spacious hotel rooms, Priority Club Meeting Rewards®, and scrumptious buffet breakfast make us a favorite for your corporate event. You will appreciate our great value, comfort and convenience. Call us today!

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Location: Atlantic

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– PLATINUM MEMBER – PILLAR AND POST 48 John Street West Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 Phone: 905-468-2123 Toll Free: 888-669-5566 Fax: 905-468-8646 Website: www.vintage-hotels.com Email: salesinquiry@vintage-hotels.com Ontario’s only five-star Country Inn (Canada Select) offers over 11,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, 122 beautifully decorated guestrooms, four diamond dining and world class spa. The prime location, attentive service and commitment to the comfort of guests makes Pillar and Post the ideal location for a successful business meeting. Location: QC

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Location: Atlantic

Atlantic

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Atlantic

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– BRONZE MEMBER – OAKWOOD RESORT 70671 Bluewater Highway Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0 Phone: 519-238-2324 Toll Free: 800-387-2324 Fax: 519-238-2377 Website: www.oakwoodinnresort.com Email: oakwood@oakwoodinnresort.com Contact: Dave Bartlam, Director of Sales & Marketing

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In its Best 100 Jobs of 2014 Ranking, U.S. News and World Report magazine placed the meeting, convention and event planner profession at No. 53 overall and No. 9 within the “Best Business Jobs” category. (Source: mpiweb.org)

Location: Atlantic

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CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• RESORT • RESTAURANT, CLUB & BAR •

Atlantic

MEETING VENUES

RESTAURANT, CLUB & BAR

MEETING VENUES • RESTAURANT, CLUB & BAR •

– GOLD MEMBERS –

CN TOWER 301 Front Street West Toronto, ON M5V 2T6 Phone: 416-601-4718 Fax: 416-601-4712 Website: www.cntower.ca Email: sales@cntower.ca Unique, unexpected and unforgettable... a variety of unique settings, award-winning cuisine and ambiance make the CN Tower Toronto’s most exclusive event venue and the perfect choice for spectacular events - dining, receptions, meetings, product launches, corporate parties, intimate gatherings and more from 2-2,000. 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower features award-winning regional Canadian cuisine showcasing local producers. Location: Atlantic

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SHERATON MONTREAL AIRPORT HOTEL 555 Boulevard McMillan Dorval, QC H9P 1B7 Phone: 514-828-4248 Toll Free: 800-567-2411 Fax: 514-631-5933 Website: www.SheratonMontrealAirport.com Email: info@SheratonMontrealAirport.com Contact: Sales Team Big Ideas are Better When Shared @ Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel For inspiring events, connect with your best minds in the open atmosphere of more than 20 flexible meeting spaces. Get advantage and benefits from our exclusive group offer - % off your master bill, Complimentary Club Level room, Club Lounge access, Complimentary HSIA in your meeting room, access to meeting planner office, environmentally sustainable meeting practices, Starpoints® signing bonus - Call our meeting planner professionals at 514828-4248 Or, submit an RFP by visiting www. sheratonmontrealairport.com/meetings-events. Location: Atlantic

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON WEST EDMONTON 16615 109 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5P 4K8 Phone: 780-484-0821 Fax: 780-481-3923 Website: www.WestEdmonton.DoubleTree.com Email: erin.ruta@hilton.com Contact: Erin Ruta Feel welcomed the moment you arrive as our friendly staff offer you a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie at check-in. Admire the stylish surrounds, inspired by the city of Edmonton and the province of Alberta. Settle into a contemporary guest room, equipped with thoughtful amenities including complimentary WiFi, a spacious workstation, a mini-refrigerator and a 42-inch HDTV. Located ten minutes from West Edmonton Mall and other parks and attractions. Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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This former Grand Trunk Railway hotel and National Historic Site in the heart of downtown Winnipeg is minutes away from all major attractions. All guestrooms and suites feature: down duvets/pillows, and fine Italian linens. Dining: legendary daily breakfast & award winning Sunday brunch; two full-service dining rooms. Premier conference facilities including: four grand historic ballrooms, 16 conference/meeting rooms. Complimentary high speed wireless internet. Fully equipped fitness centre with indoor pool, worldclass Ten Spa, and Yoga Public.

Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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SHERATON ON THE FALLS 5875 Falls Avenue Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3K7 Phone: 905-374-4444 Fax: 905-374-9606 Website: www.Sheratononthefalls.com Email: sales@niagarafallshotels.com

The George Dawson Inn features Pantry chain of restaurants, pub, lounge, and a liquor store. We offer banquet and conference rooms for up to 400 people. We have 80 newly renovated hotel rooms, including bridal and deluxe suites. Our lounge and pub feature entertainment for all ages.

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Location: Atlantic

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A trio of historic townhouses have been combined to create this charming hotel. Stories Restaurant showcases inventive seafood & game in intimate rooms. The cozy Library and colourful garden courtyard offer quiet places to relax, a discreet, naturally lit meeting space seats twenty. Free breakfast and WiFi.

Location: Atlantic

• RESTAURANT, CLUB & BAR •

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MEETING VENUES

– SILVER MEMBERS –

The importance of hotel environmental certification took a dramatic leap this year with 44 per cent of Canadian business travellers, up 18 per cent over 2013 numbers, says the 2014 Hotels Association of Canada Canadian Travel Intentions Survey. Those from the Atlantic (53 per cent) found it the most important, followed by BC (48 per cent). Three per cent more leisure travellers over last year said environmental certification programs are important to them. CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

FOOD&BEVERAGE

RESTAURANT EVENTS Deliciously successful corporate dining By Annette Frymer

As a culinary enthusiast and specialist, our business is to observe and uncover trends in catering. Tasting unique and flavorful foods by some the most talented chefs is part of the job. Yep, it’s tough one, but we’re thrilled to do it! Event planners rely upon restaurants to host all kinds of corporate events. In fact, according to Restaurant Hospitality, a trade magazine dedicated to the food services industry in the U.S., corporate dining is on the rise. And in Canada, Restaurants Canada, the industry’s trade association, forecasts a stronger 2014 for restaurants across the country. Great news for restaurants and for planners! And why not? Nothing stimulates conversation quite so well as good food and drink. But excellent food and interesting wines, while undisputedly of singular importance, are not the only ingredients that make for a terrific restaurant event. To experience

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a resoundingly successful dining experience, not only must the tastebuds be tantalized, but all of the senses must be nourished as well. Consider the purpose and intent of your event and then consider the following: VISIONS Every restaurant, like every event, has a theme, a style and a personality. But does it match yours? You can answer this by examining the following: • LIGHTING – A key element that can easily enhance or distract from an event. Is it meant to excite or soothe; how does it change during the day? Will the unexpected glare of sunlight

FOOD&BEVERAGE

disturb the mood at a luncheon meeting or will the sunlight fill the room with well-being and warmth? • NOISE – Ambient restaurant noises can spice up an event or simply irritate. And when checking the quality of sound systems ask about the room acoustics, or better yet, have a listen. Look for hard walls that face each other and a shortage of rugs and plush chairs that soak up sound. That’s going to be a noisy space when people start talking! • SPACE AND SCALE – This is a great one to play with when considering your purpose – creating a sense of expansiveness or encouraging mingling. All of this can be determined by how you manipulate the space. • TOUCH – Materials make the mood: Wood, soft leathers and fabric spell comfort while metal, glass and stone bring energy. • COLOURS – Colour influences appetite and mood; spicy foods are most enjoyed amidst bright colours; black brings an air of sophistication. • SMELL – Are the fragrances of the kitchen stimulating the senses? Are there other scents that fight the food? Within the vision, there is of course adaptability. Most restaurateurs today will happily change certain design elements to accommodate planner needs. Consider: • TA B L E S – Table arrangements and shapes encourage various kinds of social interaction with different business results. If they don’t have what you need, many venues will rent at cost.

• S PA C E M A N I P U L AT I O N – Larger

spaces can be arranged for smaller groups. Soft lighting and low placement, dark upholstery, rich colours and clustered seating are all tools to create intimacy from expansiveness. And with the onset of warmer weather, patio season brings other practical considerations: • Are there sufficient umbrellas and patio heaters? With Canadian weather we need both! • How close is the patio to traffic, pollution and noise – enough said! • Is there a sense of personal space? • Is it comfortable? Gone are the days of the plastic chair. In many instances patios have become designer playgrounds.

And finally, a first rate dining event demands first rate, knowledgeable and attentive service. Staff that are well trained in the art of hospitality and service will elevate your group’s dining experience.

Annette Frymer is a passionate events professional who provides expert site selection and coordination support for culinary and dining events through her company Restaurant Events. Her complimentary service has saved planners and business owners hundreds of hours - and counting. She’s about to launch her new service “RE To Go”: The same tasteful dining events in the office, salon, event space and home. She can be reached at 416-516-2994 or annette@ restaurantevents.ca

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MEETING VENUES • SPA • TEAM BUILDING VENUE •

TEAM BUILDING VENUE

SPA

– PLATINUM MEMBER –

– GOLD MEMBER –

HOTEL CHÂTEAU LAURIER QUEBEC 1220 Place George-V Ouest Quebec City, QC G1R 5B8 Phone: 418-522-3848 ext. 637 Toll Free: 866-822-9222 Fax: 418-737-4995 Website: www.hotelchateaulaurier.com Email: sales@oldquebec.com Contact: Johanne Caron, Director of Sales & Marketing Old Québec City, best located 4 star hotel offering 17 upscale meeting room facilities, 289 modern or classic room categories, indoor pool, 4 season spa center, ballroom and fitness center. Easy access to Québec City’s major attractions, boutiques and renowned restaurants and bistros. Award-winning banquet and catering services, plus 15% city rebate coupons for all your delegates, and so much more. Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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– SILVER MEMBERS –

FORT GARRY HOTEL, SPA AND CONFERENCE CENTRE 222 Broadway Winnipeg, MB R3C 0R3 Phone: 204-942-8251 Toll Free: 800-665-8088 Fax: 204-942-7036 Website: www.fortgarryhotel.com Email: christopherson@fortgarryhotel.com Contact: Sherraine Christopherson This former Grand Trunk Railway hotel and National Historic Site in the heart of downtown Winnipeg is minutes away from all major attractions. All guestrooms and suites feature: down duvets/ pillows, and fine Italian linens. Dining: legendary daily breakfast & award winning Sunday brunch; two full-service dining rooms. Premier conference facilities including: four grand historic ballrooms, 16 conference/meeting rooms. Complimentary high speed wireless internet. Fully equipped fitness centre with indoor pool, world-class Ten Spa, and Yoga Public. Location: Atlantic

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Atlantic

Location: QC

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Experience world-class art, panoramic views of Toronto and Frank Gehry’s stunning architecture. With a permanent collection of more than 80,000 works of art, the AGO is among the most distinguished art museums in North America. Feel inspired and experience art at your next event. The AGO is equipped to host your social and corporate affair. With multiple event spaces, seminar rooms and a theatre to choose from, there is a venue for every type of event. Whether it’s a wedding, a corporate meeting, a product launch or anything in between, the AGO will cater to your every need. Your event will be an unforgettable experience with the expertise of our fullservice team. Location:

Atlantic

ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO 317 Dundas Street West Toronto, ON M5T 1G4 Phone: 416-979-6634 Website: www.ago.net/venue-rental Email: events@ago.net

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MISSED YOUR PRINT LISTING OPPORTUNITY? Get your company profile online and connect with 30,000 decision makers in the meetings industry. Contact Petra Brown 866.216.0860 ext. 233 email petrab@mediaedge.ca Be seen!

RICOH COLISEUM 100 Princes’ Boulevard Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Phone: 416-815-5492 Fax: 416-263-3901 Website: www.ricohcoliseum.com Email: nathalie.ollson@mlse.com Contact: Nathalie Ollson

Location: Atlantic

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– SILVER MEMBERS – SECOND CITY, THE 51 Mercer Street Toronto, ON M5V 9G9 Phone: 416-343-0033 Fax: 416-343-0034 Website: www.secondcity.com Email: epeirce@secondcity.com Contact: Erin Peirce Newly renovated in 2014! The Second City Theatre, conveniently located in Toronto’s Entertainment District, is home to the world’s premier improv and sketch comedy troupe. The intimate 320-seat cabaret theatre is the ideal venue for private parties and corporate events. Fully equipped for your audio-visual needs, the theatre offers full catering and beverage service. Experts in innovation, teamwork, and creativity, Second City can also provide custom entertainment, workshops, meeting support, and video production to ensure your event is truly unforgettable. Location: Atlantic

Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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• TEAM BUILDING VENUE •

Ricoh Coliseum is a dynamic venue that plays host to a variety of sporting, musical and family events. From large banquet dinners on the arena floor to corporate skating parties, Ricoh Coliseum is right for you! Winner of the 2007 Canadian Music Week venue of the year, Ricoh has hosted a diverse range of concerts and shows, catering comfortably to 500 people in an intimate setting, or hosting upwards of 8000 passionate fans.

Unique Destinations. Endless Event Possibilities. Imagine truly unique meeting and special event spaces, ease of accessibility and free parking, paired with gourmet dining and catering services to suit your every need. Now add the heart-pounding thrill of live horse racing and a state-of-the-art slot floor and your event just became unforgettable. With locations that cover the GTA, accommodations from 8 to 800 and event coordination to make every affair incredible, Woodbine Entertainment will make your event one to remember. Visit HostYourEvent. com today to get your event started.

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MEETING VENUES

– GOLD MEMBERS –

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– BRONZE MEMBERS – BERKELEY EVENTS 315 Queen Street East Toronto, ON M5A 1S7 Phone: 416-361-9666 Fax: 416-361-3555 Website: www.berkeleyevents.com Email: info@berkeleyevents.com Contact: Katie Loudon, General Manager Location: Atlantic

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CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

THE 1871 BERKELEY CHURCH

THE YORKTOWN ROOM

400 sq. ft. STAGE

CMY

THE GOODERHAM LOUNGE

AIRSHIP37 HANGAR

FIELDHOUSE MEETINGS

THE BERKELEY FIELDHOUSE

THE BERKELEY FIELDHOUSE 416.361.9666 INFO@BERKELEYEVENTS.COM 311 QUEEN ST. EAST TORONTO, M5A 1S7

1871 BERKELEY CHURCH 416.361.9666 INFO@BERKELEYEVENTS.COM 315 QUEEN ST. EAST TORONTO, M5A 1S7

AIRSHIP37 OUTDOOR SPACE

FIELDHOUSE PATIO & GARDENS

www.berkeleyevents.com

AIRSHIP37 416.364.9981 INFO@AIRSHIP37.COM 37 PARLIAMENT ST. TORONTO, M5A 2Y2

TORONTO'S SAVVY CORPORATE PLANNERS ARE VERY CALCULATING VENUE FEATURES

BERKELEY EVENTS

1) 3 unique urban venues 2) turnkey events and meetings 3) team building expertise 4) superb in house catering 5) in house A/V production team 6) advanced fibre optic wifi 7) 16-38 ft. ceilings 8) fireplaces 9) drive in capability 10) lush outdoor spaces 11) eclectic break out spaces 12) capacity 50 to 850 13) area parking 14) tree house meeting area 15) vintage VIP airstream bus 16) Holy Smoke Smokehouse BBQ

WITH BERKELEY EVENTS... IT ALL ADDS UP

www.berkeleyevents.com

THE COMPETITION

MEETING VENUES • UNIQUE VENUE • • TEAM BUILDING VENUE • THEATRE

– GOLD MEMBER –

Atlantic

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THEATRE

SECOND CITY, THE 51 Mercer Street Toronto, ON M5V 9G9 Phone: 416-343-0033 Fax: 416-343-0034 Website: www.secondcity.com Email: epeirce@secondcity.com Contact: Erin Peirce Newly renovated in 2014! The Second City Theatre, conveniently located in Toronto’s Entertainment District, is home to the world’s premier improv and sketch comedy troupe. The intimate 320-seat cabaret theatre is the ideal venue for private parties and corporate events. Fully equipped for your audio-visual needs, the theatre offers full catering and beverage service. Experts in innovation, teamwork, and creativity, Second City can also provide custom entertainment, workshops, meeting support, and video production to ensure your event is truly unforgettable.

Atlantic

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CASCADES CASINO RESORT 20393 Fraser Highway Langley, BC V3A 7N2 Phone: 604-539-4454 Fax: 604-539-4405 Website: www.cascadescasino.ca Email: sales@cascadescasino.ca Contact: Shahzyah Keshani, Convention Services Manager Cascades Casino Resort has everything you want for a great getaway. • Live Entertainment • 24-hour gaming • Hotel • Convention Centre • Restaurants • Starbucks® • SpaPure Located in the heart of Langley we are ideally situated for easy access to & from multiple U.S. border crossings and Downtown Vancouver. Location: Atlantic

86 www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

Atlantic

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– SILVER MEMBERS –

Location:

– PLATINUM MEMBER –

Atlantic

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Category Sponsor CHÂTEAU LE JARDIN

ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO 317 Dundas Street West Toronto, ON M5T 1G4 Phone: 416-979-6634 Website: www.ago.net/venue-rental Email: events@ago.net

Toronto • Airport • Vaughan

www.lejardin.com

Location: Atlantic

CHÂTEAU LE JARDIN 8440 Highway 27 Woodbridge, ON L4L 1A5 Phone: 905-851-2200 Toll Free: 800-533-3009 Fax: 905-851-2292 Website: www.lejardin.com Email: sandro@lejardin.com Contact: Sandro Calcagno

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Atlantic

Location: QC

Location:

Atlantic

The historic Delta London Armouries Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown London close to the London Convention Centre, Budweiser Gardens, and most corporate headquarters. The hotel’s 220 luxurious guestrooms offer a complete range of amenities. Suite options and Signature Club rooms with lounge access available. Enjoy the Armouries Grille Restaurant for breakfast, a lunch meeting or a quiet dinner or relax in the Cantata Lounge. In-Room Dining is also available. The hotel offers 13 meeting rooms to accommodate conferences, individual meetings or elaborate social events. All guestrooms and meeting rooms have complimentary high speed internet access. Delta London Armouries Hotel offers everything you would expect in a luxury hotel including gift shop, whirlpool, saunas, fitness centre, and an indoor swimming pool.

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More than 41.6 per cent of respondents to the German Convention Bureau’s Meetings and conventions 2030: A study of megatrends shaping our industry report identified technology in work and life to be very influential in the future of the meetings business. New forms of knowledge transfer will influence all phases of event planning. For example, the worlds of virtual and live events will blur as planners incorporate virtual components in live events and the number of networked virtual events increase.

CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• UNIQUE VENUE •

– PLATINUM MEMBERS –

MEETING VENUES

UNIQUE VENUE

MEETING VENUES • UNIQUE VENUE •

GRAND LUXE EVENT BOUTIQUE 3125 Bayview Avenue Toronto, ON M2K 1G2 Phone: 416-250-LUXE (5893) Fax: 416-250-5892 Website: www.grandluxe.ca Email: info@grandluxe.ca

PALAIS ROYALE BALLROOM 1601 Lakeshore Boulevard West Toronto, ON M6K 3C1 Phone: 416-533-3553 Fax: 416-533-7600 Website: www.palaisroyale.ca Email: info@palaisroyale.ca

Avant Garde meets Luxury in Toronto’s Boutique Event Venue. Sophisticated and contemporary, The Grand Luxe Event Boutique features over 6,000 ft of event space. Exclusivity is yours, as you and your guests enjoy the intimacy and private use of The Grand Luxe Event Boutique all to yourselves. Experience the uncompromising attention to detail & exceptional personal service of our event team. Culinary excellence & customized design await your attention at The Grand Luxe. Staged against the urban and contemporary architecture of our ballroom, your event will truly be memorable to all.

Location: QC

Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

Graydon Hall Manor

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– GOLD MEMBERS –

CONFERENCE & RECEPTION FACILITY

GRAYDON HALL MANOR 185 Graydon Hall Drive Toronto, ON M3A 3B4 Phone: 416-449-5432 Fax: 416-449-9830 Website: www.graydonhall.com Email: julie@graydonhall.com Contact: Julie Munro

CASA LOMA 1 Austin Terrace Toronto, ON M5R 1X8 Phone: 647-725-1833 Website: www.casaloma.org Email: events@casaloma.org A New Benchmark for a Historical Landmark. Completed in 1914, Casa Loma is a historical landmark as one of North America’s only castles and offers a one of a kind backdrop for any event. Dedicated to the highest standard of hospitality, Casa Loma offer the ultimate experience in ambiance, cuisine and customer service. Casa Loma is the perfect setting for an exceptional event. Accommodating groups of 15 to 1,500, Casa Loma offers a choice of room and catering options to suit all tastes. Location: Atlantic

The Liberty Grand is the perfect multi-use, multi-functional venue designed for a full range of corporate meeting, conference and special event needs. This 100,000 square foot complex comprises large and small rooms, which comfortably accommodate groups of 150 to 4,000. Complete with an extensive array of permanently installed audio/visual equipment and services, the Liberty Grand also boasts an internationally acclaimed hospitality and culinary team. Location: Atlantic

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CHÂTEAU LE JARDIN “Unique Venue” Category Sponsor

95 44. www.lejardin.com $

Toronto • Airport • Vaughan

Location: Atlantic

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OLD MILL TORONTO, THE 21 Old Mill Road Toronto, ON M8X 1G5 Phone: 416-236-2641 Fax: 416-236-0311 Website: www.oldmilltoronto.com Email: rschwengers@oldmilltoronto.com Contact: Ralph Schwengers, Dir of Sales Your Toronto Retreat! You deserve the luxurious décor, elegant service and exquisite menus that you will experience at The Old Mill Toronto. Offering 57 beautifully appointed and unique guest rooms. Featuring over 20,000 square feet of flexible function space in 16 distinctly decorated event rooms and on-site complimentary parking for your guests. Experience our fabulous service teams in banquets, our restaurants, Home Smith Bar and SPA. Nestled in the Humber Valley trail system, our ideal location invites you to Escape the Ordinary. Location: Atlantic

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Many planners try to collect and reuse their badges. But how successful are you? Attendees often forget to remove their badge, and bins can’t always be placed at every exit to prompt people to recycle their badge. Attaching a draw or donation to your badge recycling program can be a great way to encourage people to participate. IMEX’s badge back program (where attendees can drop their badge to vote for a donation to their favoured CSR program) is a great example!

CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

• UNIQUE VENUE •

RICOH COLISEUM 100 Princes’ Boulevard Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Phone: 416-815-5492 Fax: 416-263-3901 Website: www.ricohcoliseum.com Email: nathalie.ollson@mlse.com Contact: Nathalie Ollson

per person

MEETING VENUES

Complete Meeting Package

MEETING VENUES • UNIQUE VENUE •

– SILVER MEMBERS –

BRIARS RESORT, SPA & CONFERENCE CENTRE 55 Hedge Road Jackson’s Point, ON L0E 1L0 Phone: 905-722-3271 ext. 2380 Toll Free: 800-465-2376 Fax: 905-722-9698 Website: www.briarsmeetings.ca Email: brad.young@briars.ca Contact: Brad Young The Briars Conference Centre offers first class Ontario meeting facilities, accommodation and unparalleled four-season recreation opportunities, within an easy hour’s drive from Toronto on Lake Simcoe, Ontario. From seminars, team building, conferences to enjoying a round of golf, fresh thinking is waiting for you right here at The Briars.

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Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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90 www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

ELGIN AND WINTER GARDEN THEATRE CENTRE, THE 189 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M5B 1M4 Phone: 416-325-4144 Fax: 416-314-3583 Website: www.heritagetrust.on.ca Email: kevin.harris@heritagetrust.on.ca Contact: Kevin Harris Be a star at your next corporate or special event at last operating vaudeville-era doubledecker theatre in the world. The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre has a variety of spaces for medium or large-scale events and entertaining and is perfect for AGMs, film premieres, fundraisers and product launches. Location: Atlantic

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Location: Atlantic

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Location:

Playland, The Fair and Fright Nights are perfect locations for your next special event. You’ll have access to rides, attractions, catering, games and private eating areas, providing an unparalleled experience with entertainment and activities built-in! Playland: May 3 - September 21 The Fair: August 16 - September 1 Fright Nights: October Location: QC

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Atlantic

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• UNIQUE VENUE • UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE •

Atlantic

PACIFIC NATIONAL EXHIBITION 2901 East Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1 Phone: 604-251-7787 Fax: 604-251-7761 Website: www.pne.ca Email: sales@pne.ca Contact: Group Sales

Atlantic

MEETING VENUES

UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE

The Ontario Science Centre is an inspired choice for your next event. Our unique facility offers a variety of event spaces, interactive exhibits, and corporate team building options. With indoor and outdoor space, this venue has the perfect chemistry to turn your special occasion into a memorable event. Location: Atlantic

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Located 20 minutes from downtown Victoria on an exquisite 565 acre National Historic Site. Surrounded by ancient forests, Edwardian gardens, and breathtaking views across the ocean to the snow-capped Olympic mountains. Capable of meeting the needs of the global conference, meeting, corporate meeting and incentive travel markets. Location: Atlantic

– PLATINUM MEMBERS –

ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY 2005 Sooke Road Victoria, BC V9B 5Y2 Toll Free: 866-241-0674 Fax: 250-391-2620 Website: www.royalroads.ca Email: info@hatleypark.ca Contact: Bonnie Nelson

ONTARIO SCIENCE CENTRE 770 Don Mills Road Toronto, ON M3C 1T3 Phone: 416-696-3150 Toll Free: 888--696-1110 Fax: 416-696-3163 Website: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca Email: Roxann.Grant@osc.on.ca Contact: Roxann Braithwaite-Grant, Sales & Event Representative

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RYERSON UNIVERSITY CONFERENCE SERVICES AND LODGING 240 Jarvis Street Toronto, ON M5B 2L1 Phone: 416-979-5296 Toll Free: 866-592-8882 Fax: 416-979-5241 Website: www.ryerson.ca Email: meeting@ryerson.ca Contact: Louisa Capetola Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Ryerson University Conference Services and Lodging provides one-stop service for all your meeting and conference needs. From meeting space and catering, to presentation technology and accommodations, we guide you through your event planning process while attending to all your needs and providing recommendations to ensure that your event is a success. Our attention to details, outstanding service, and updated facilities are a perfect combination for your next event. Location: Atlantic

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CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS SOURCE BOOK

MEETING VENUES • UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE •

conference centre UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO accommodations & guest services

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO CONFERENCE CENTRE 200 University Avenue West Waterloo, ON N2J 4C1 Phone: 519-884-5400 Toll Free: 800-565-5410 Fax: 888-890-8184 Website: www.uwaterloo.ca/conference-centre Email: accombook@uwaterloo.ca The Conference Centre at the University of Waterloo offers an academic setting with comprehensive educational facilities and resources, plus a well-earned reputation for providing top-notch management and an emphasis on personalized service. Fullservice lodging, a variety of meeting rooms and quality food service at reasonable prices ensure a pleasant visit. The Conference Centre also offers full registration services to assist clients in developing online conference registration forms and processing delegate’s web payments. The University of Waterloo’s scenic location offers a refreshing escape from congested urban centres, as well as a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities.

HUMBER COLLEGE CONFERENCE SERVICES & ACCOMODATIONS 203 Humber College Boulevard Toronto, ON M9W 6V3 Phone: 416-675-5027 Toll Free: 888-548-6327 Fax: 416-675-4917 Website: www.humber.ca/conference Email: hcs@humber.ca Contact: Connie Sanfilippo Humber Conference Services provides an inspiring environment for any conference, meeting or special event, with a variety of unique facilities on campus. We offer onestop-shop service with a range of services and amenities, from IT and Audio/Visual, to state-of-the-art sport facilities and on-site food service. Our year-round conference and catering services are available evenings & weekends September-April, and daily from May-August. Affordable hotel-style summer accommodations are available to all groups, sports teams, and corporate clients. We’ve got you covered! Location: Atlantic

Location: Atlantic

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– SILVER MEMBERS –

– GOLD MEMBERS –

Situated along the Highland Creek Valley, The University of Toronto Scarborough provides a picturesque setting to host conferences, meetings and events. Year-round food service and summer accommodation are also available. Professional staff is ready to assist with planning, organizing and executing successful events. Location:

ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY 2005 Sooke Road Victoria, BC V9B 5Y2 Toll Free: 866-241-0674 Fax: 250-391-2620 Website: www.royalroads.ca Email: info@hatleypark.ca Contact: Bonnie Nelson

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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA - CONFERENCE & EVENT SERVICES 3333 University Way Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9 Phone: 250-960-5520 Fax: 250-960-5291 Website: www.unbc.ca/conference Email: conference@unbc.ca Contact: Deb van Adrichem Location:

– BRONZE MEMBER –

Atlantic

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MISSED YOUR PRINT LISTING OPPORTUNITY? Get your company profile online and connect with 30,000 decision makers in the meetings industry.

Contact Petra Brown 866.216.0860 ext. 233 email petrab@mediaedge.ca Be seen!

PROMO+INCENTIVES

SNAZZY

SWAG

What’s new for event swag in 2014 By Jennifer Vaughn It’s that time. It’s time to look back on what happened this year and guess what will happen next year. In the promotional products world in 2013, we saw requests for tech items like custom powerbanks and branded styluses explode. So, what will be big this year? Rather than trying to predict one or two specific products that will be hits over the next few months, we sat down and focused on categories that we think will dominate custom orders and branded products in 2014. HEALTHY LIVING Even after the post-holiday crush of workout intentions, we look for healthy living initiatives to be a strong force in 2014. We see wearable and integrated tech as a major force in this space. The popularity of devices like Nike’s Fuelband and the Fitbit line of wearable activity trackers will cross-over from the consumer space into the business space. Look for corporate wellness events and initiatives to start sourcing this next generation of tech health products. They’ll pair these pieces with staples like water bottles to promote whole health initiatives. We expect the early adopters to even go so far as trying to integrate their branded health initiatives with reward programs tracked through smartphone technology. SOCIAL SOURCING Social buying suggestions have been a gamechanger in the business to consumer space for several years now. We look for that trend

to jump into business-to-business buying decisions more deeply this year. Moving beyond a Google search, business buyers will start putting more emphasis on sourcing from other social sites in the coming year. With its unique presentation of products, Pinterest will be the main driver of socially sourced requests for promotional products requests in 2014. More business buyers will look to social curation to source ideas for their own promotions. Look for retail and DIY inspiration to drive a lot of the requests and ideas that originate from these sites. We see forward thinking event mangers in this area taking a cue from crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter. Look for these businesses to offer early-bird registrants the option to suggest or vote on the swag offered at the event as extra incentive to book early. VALUE BASED PURCHASING Several years ago, eco and green products were all the rage; then the economic downturn hit in 2008. Companies tightened their belts and relaxed their value-oriented requirements. This year, the factory collapse in Bangladesh in 2013 has created another turn in valuesbased purchasing. The collapse brought working conditions to the front of consumer minds. Another recent fire, reportedly started

by employees, has revived stories of workers’ rights in the low-cost low-wage country. Add to that, a well-publicized campaign from NPR on the life of a t-shirt and a return to profitability for businesses overall and we see values-based buying coming back. In 2014, however, companies will move from single-issue buying to a broader picture. It will no longer be a matter of eco or sweatshop free or locally made. Instead, companies will have a purchasing charter, so-to-speak, that will list a group of requirements of their vendors. Workers’ rights, or course, will move higher up the list of requirements. 2014 will be another busy year as everyone along the business spectrum tries to find new ways to connect with their audiences in an increasingly crowded, over-communicated world. As we watch these trends unfold next year, we will once again see how the consumer retail world pushes further into the promotional products world – demanding retail-style branded items quicker than ever before. Jennifer Vaughn is Marketing Manger at RIGHTSLEEVE, an award-winning promotional products agency with a focus on design and branded merchandise collections. RIGHTSLEEVE’s goal is simple, but not easy: When someone gets a piece of your swag, the company wants them to respond by saying “I love this.” Corporate Meetings & Events Spring 2014 | 93

T E C H TA L K

SCREEN EVOLUTION

4:3 vs 16:9 – What’s an aspect ratio anyway? By Noah Baird One of the cornerstones of the corporate conference industry is the ability to share presentations and a speaker’s message to a large audience. Over the years, the format of this medium has gone through numerous technological changes: slide projectors, overhead transparencies, VHS/DVD video playback. We have now reached the point at which the majority of all presentations given are executed via laptop or desktop computer, delivered to a digital projector, and then projected onto one or multiple large projection screens.

As the format of these display devices has changed, so has the aspect ratio (or relationship of the width of the screen to the height of the screen). Overheads, for example, primarily employed a 1:1 screen aspect ratio, which meant that for every unit of height, you would have the same unit of width. THE NEXT GENERATION The next phase of screen ratios entered was by far the longest standing: 4:3. This dates back to slide projectors and the first commerciallyavailable laptops which employed staggering resolutions up to and including 800x600 pixels! The 4:3-screen ratio can most easily be identified by using the consumer electronics market as an example. Do you remember the big bulky TVs that used to sit in all of our living rooms? Yep, those were 4:3. 94 | www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

As our industry moved away from supporting slide projectors, overheads and square format screens, the next stage entered was 16:9. The 16:9-screen aspect ratio is by no means a new thing. Using the previous example, let’s think about what we have in our living rooms today or what we see on the shelves of our favorite electronics store. Gone are the bulky, heavy, low-resolution televisions. In their place are sleek, thin, high-resolution, widescreen TVs. Any guess as to the aspect ratio of these new TVs? Correct, 16:9! Consumer laptops have followed suit, and we are now at a point where the computers we and our delegates are purchasing are constructed with a widescreen—or 16:9 aspect ratio screen—and support resolutions in excess of 1920x1080 pixels.

MEETING EXPECTATIONS If we are purchasing 16:9 laptops and TVs, why is it that we are still using 4:3 screens on far too many of our conferences? The short answer is PowerPoint. Up until Microsoft’s latest release of its Office product (2013), the default design template in PowerPoint was 4:3. Office 2013 now defaults to 16:9 and will no doubt be a huge driver of change in our industry. One of the biggest benefits to using a 16:9-aspect ratio for our presentations is real estate. On a screen of identical height, we get 25 per cent more viewing area than a traditional 4:3 ratio screen. Compare a 7.5’x10’ screen (4:3) versus a 7.5’x 13.3’ (16:9) screen, for example. Both screens take up the same vertical height in a room, but the second screen gives us roughly 25 square feet more viewing area! Think of this from the delegate’s perspective: sight lines, screen font size, seating layout. These are all things we must consider on a daily basis. 16:9-format screens help address all these crucial points and will soon become the expectation of presenters and attendees alike throughout the corporate conference world. Freeman Audio Visual has made a concentrated effort to prepare for this progression by investing in screens, laptops and projectors of various sizes to accommodate all needs. Our sales staff and operational teams are well versed in guiding our clients through the considerations needed when planning for this change and are excited to work with you and your teams in this next step of technological evolution. Noah Baird is General Manager of the Winnipeg Branch of Freeman Audio Visual (formerly known as AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions), a company that connects people in meaningful ways by enhancing the power of meetings, conventions, special events and trade shows through leadingedge presentation technology solutions.