Corporate Meetings & Events July 2009

July/August 2009

Canada's Premier Publication for Corporate Meeting & Event Organizers

2010 Winter Olympics

BC hosts one of the world's largest meetings Inside: PM 40063056

BC Profile ROOM TO NEGOTIATE Meet in the big apple

On your next meeting

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contents REGIONAL PROFILES 9 BRITISH COLUMBIA

Canada’s biggest playground is ideal for meetings

By Rachel Naud

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NEW YORK CITY

Manhattan is the place to meet

By Scott Anderson

FEATURES 16 THE OLYMPIC FLAME’S GLOW

British Columbia stands to benefit from Winter Olympics

By Jamie Zachary

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ACCOMMODATING DEALS

Hotels are adding value to attract and retain clients

By Lucie Grys

DEPARTMENTS 5 EDITOR’S NOTE 6

INDUSTRY NEWS

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CHEF’S SPOTLIGHT

Executive Chef Damian Harrington offers Niagara-inspired cuisine

By Habeeb Salloum

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PLUGGING INTO THE AUDIO-VISUAL TRENDS

Shedding new light on the advances

By Ralph Niekamp Corporate Meetings & Events | 3

- Best Western Director of Hotel Operations Ottawa, Ontario

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

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

We offer a collection of standard amenities and services including free high-speed Internet*, hot or continental breakfast at all locations* and in room coffee/tea. With our rewards program, “Best Western RewardsSM,” it is easy to earn points toward rewards, and with 4,000* locations worldwide, chances are there’s a Best Western right next to where your business client needs to be.

www.bestwestern.com | 1.800.WESTERN® ALBERTA Calgary Best Western Village Park Inn 888-774-7716 Hinton Best Western White Wolf Inn 800-220-7870 Leduc Best Western Denham Inn & Suites 800-661-3327 Lethbridge Best Western Heidelberg Inn 800-791-8488 BRITISH COLUMBIA Courtenay Best Western The Westerly Hotel 800-668-7797 Kamloops Best Western Kamloops 800-665-6674 Quesnel Best Western Tower Inn 800-663-2009 Tofino Best Western Tin Wis Resort Lodge 800-661-9995

Vancouver Best Western Chateau Granville 800-663-0575 Best Western Sands 800-661-7887 Vancouver Airport Area (Richmond) Best Western Richmond Hotel & Convention Centre 800-663-0299 MANITOBA Winnipeg Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites 877-269-8811 NEW BRUNSWICK Edmundston Best Western Edmundston Hotel 888-735-0001 Moncton Best Western Moncton 888-887-8788 NOVA SCOTIA Dartmouth Best Western Dartmouth Hotel & Suites 800-780-7234

Truro Best Western Glengarry Hotel 800-567-4276 ONTARIO Brantford Best Western Brant Park Inn & Conference Centre 877-341-1234 Dryden Best Western Motor Inn 888-394-2378 Jordan Best Western Beacon Harbourside Inn & Conference Centre 888-823-2266 Kingston Best Western Fireside Inn 800-567-8800 Midland Best Western Highland Inn & Conference Centre 800-461-4265 Orillia Best Western Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre 800-461-0283

THE WORLD’S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN.® Ottawa Best Western Macies Hotel 800-268-5531 Best Western Victoria Park Suites 800-465-7275 Stratford Best Western The Parlour Historic Inn & Suites 877-728-4036 Toronto Best Western Roehampton Hotel 800-387-8899 Best Western Travel Inn Toronto Airport 866-459-1234 Waterloo (St. Jacob’s Area) Best Western St. Jacobs Country Inn 800-972-5371 QUEBEC Montreal Best Western Europa Downtown 800-361-3000

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

editor's note

Corporate Meetings & Events Volume 10 Number 3

Publisher

Vaios Petsis

Editor

Scott Anderson

Senior Designer

Annette Carlucci

Designer

Ian Clarke

Production Manager

Rachel Selbie

Circulation Manager Cindy Younan

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For advertising information, Contact Vaios Petsis 416-512-8186 ext. 234 vaiosp@mediaedge.ca Printed and published six times per year by MediaEdge Communications Inc.

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Website: www.mediaedge.ca Corporate Meetings & Events subscriptions are available for: 12 issues $70.40, 6 issues $40.20.

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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.

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Publications Mail Agreement No. 40063056 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Circulation Dept.

5255 Yonge Street, Suite 1000 Toronto Ontario M2N 6P4 416-512-8186 ext. 232

All eyes on British Columbia

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A recent report by The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) showed that three of the top cities in North America to have welcomed the highest number of international events in 2008 were Canadian.

And the ICCA certainly knows a thing or two about Canada. The international group hosted its 2008 congress in Victoria, British Columbia. That meeting saw 734 members attend -- marking a record for both North and South America, and the third highest of all time.

"We were delighted with the overall numbers and particularly with the strong geographical spread and the seniority of the delegates," says Martin Sirk, ICCA’s chief executive. “Victoria worked brilliantly for this size of event -- our delegates really felt they took over the city.”

If 734 people can “take over a city,” just imagine what an event of Olympic proportions is going to do! In less than a year some two to three billion people around the world will turn their attention to Vancouver and Whistler for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

In this issue we take a close look at British Columbia as it cranks up for the Games. Regular contributor Jamie Zachary notes that “fresh infrastructure, increased media exposure and a vibrant Olympic atmosphere have given the local meetings and events industry a much-needed assist in these difficult economic times -- and officials couldn’t be happier.”

Meanwhile, another regular writer Rachel Naud gives us a broad brush overview of British Columbia. “Not only does it offer cosmopolitan cities that boast the best in dining, shopping and culture but it’s also the nation’s biggest playground, accommodating all sports-minded individuals, whether they’re into golf, hiking, biking or skiing,” she notes.

Western Canada has been a popular meeting destination for North American and more recently Asian corporations for a number of years. But brace yourself after the Olympics, as the true beauty and convenience of the region is showcased to the world.

Scott Anderson Editor

Printed in Canada Reprint permission requests to use materials published in Corporate Meetings & Events should be directed to the publisher.

Corporate Meetings & Events | 5

industrynews MAKEOVER FOR QUEBEC CONVENTION CENTRE

Photo courtesy of Quebec City Convention Centre

Top 50

We have translated the Convention Centre’s unique and innovative approach into the central theme of ‘Anything but conventional’.”

QUEBEC CITY IS THE PLACE TO MEET The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has published its preliminary International Association Meetings Market Country and City Rankings. The

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The Québec City Convention Centre is getting a makeover with a new communication platform designed and developed in collaboration with LXB Communication marketing.

This shift toward an updated branding breaks with convention and will provide an impetus to the Convention Centre’s promotional efforts in a variety of markets.

“Although the Québec City Convention Centre has enjoyed considerable success over the past 10 years with its communication platform, it was time to lead the way into the future with a bold and powerful image,” says Ann Cantin, director of communications and marketing at the Convention Centre.

“With LXB, we have successfully risen to this challenge by building on our strengths, and we are very proud to introduce a new and modern image that reflects the youthful vitality of an impassioned team that is anything but conventional.”

As for LXB, Pier Lalonde and Jean Bissonnette, the campaign’s creative directors, describe the platform in the following terms: “Our mandate was to build a new image from the elements that form the basis of the Convention Centre’s reputation for excellence.

report ranks top cities and countries to have welcomed international events in 2008 and Québec City was ranked third in North America.

Canada has tremendous appeal for international event planners. The top three cities in North America to have welcomed the highest number of international events are Canadian.

Celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2008, Québec City welcomed 37 international events that earns it a third place i n North America. The Québec Cit y Convention Centre alone hosted 21 international congresses.

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On the international front, Québec City ranks in the top 50 for the first time.

Considering ICCA surveys more than 300 cities, Québec City’s 42nd place is no small accomplishment.

Top 10 Cou nt ries: 1. Un ited States (507 events) 2. Germany (402 events) 3.

Spain (347 events) 4. France (334 events) 5. United Kingdom (322 events) 6. Italy (296 events) 7. Bra zi l (254 events) 8.

Japan (247 events) 9. Canada (231 events) 10. Netherlands (227 events).

MEETINGS DESERVE GOOD KARMA Planning a meeting in an ideal setting like Richmond, British Columbia is easy. Use our MeetingsEasyTM tool to take care of all the details and organize a meeting that will recharge your mind and spirit in a Venue City for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Plus when your delegates return, they’ll thank you for the good karma. It’s all here.

allinrichmond.com/cme2 1.888.2XPLORE

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MEETINGS WITH BIG SHOPPING ADVENTURES

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Planning a meeting in an ideal setting like Richmond, British Columbia is easy.

Use our MeetingsEasyTM tool and we’ll take care of all the details. Organize a meeting in a shopaholics dream destination. When your delegates return, they’ll thank you for all their cool new stuff. It’s all here.

allinrichmond.com/cme1 1.888.2XPLORE

industrynews ICCA HEADING TO SAN JUAN The International Congress & Convention Association’s 51st Congress will take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico in November 2012.

The ICCA Board’s decision was made at the IMEX 2009 exhibition in Frankfurt and was revealed on the last day of the show. The other finalist in the bidding competition was the city of Monterrey, Mexico.

"This is the third time that Puerto Rico has bid to host the Congress and it turned out to be a truly exceptional proposal, filled with creative ideas and led by a very professional team,” says Martin Sirk, ICCA chief executive.

“We're very excited to bring our congress to the Caribbean for the first time, a region that is just starting to develop its meetings-related infrastructure, and are certain that our decision will be the catalyst for many island nations to take a serious look at our industry.”

FAIRMONT HOTELS’ GREEN INITIATIVES Savvy meeting professionals know that clients want it all: an eco-conscious event that is as mindful of the environment as it is of the bottom line. While that may seem like a tall order for planners, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has stepped up to the plate.

Launching across the brand’s 56 properties, planners can now easily identify on-site environmental initiatives through Green Sheets, providing quick and easy access to green information for every hotel and resort in the Fairmont collection, made available at www.FairmontMeetings.com or through Fairmont sales colleagues.

Fairmont’s new Green Sheets are a valuable resource for planners looking for green information, and are an asset to showcase Fairmont’s Eco-Meet program, which provides a meetings structure that is both environmentally responsible and informative for delegates.

The sheets outline how each individual Fairmont hotel or resort is working within the company’s Green Partnership Program, a comprehensive commitment to minimizing the brand’s impact on the planet. For example, at The Fairmont San Francisco, the Green Sheet informs planners that not only does the culinary team purchase ingredients from within a 150-mile radius of the hotel, meeting planners can select hemp linens and sustainable centerpieces for their events.

The Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda notes that collection of rainwater from the rooftop for potable use is stored below8 | July/August 2009

ground in a one-million gallon storage tank for hotel operations and the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge highlights its introduction of waste recycling, vermicomposting (wormery) and an herb garden.

Fairmont is committed to paying more than lip service to green meetings and events by giving planners the tools they need to create a truly eco-friendly meeting.

In fact, many Fairmont hotels have received green seals of approval from local governments and respected environmental groups.

Joining the ranks of green certified hotels are The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club, which is pursuing certification from Florida’s Green Lodging Program, and The Fairmont Chicago, which is on track to be Green Seal Bronze certified. All of Fairmont’s California properties are planning to participate in California’s Green Lodging program as well.

FACE TO FACE IN VICTORIA Can’t get enough of Victoria? Well now you can experience Victoria anytime.

Tourism Victoria announced the launch of “Place Your Face,” a new interactive video designed to market the destination by sharing cutting-edge digital entertainment with friends and family.

Go to: www.tourismvictoria.com/placeyourface, upload a picture of your face and a picture of a friend, and voila! Your faces become digitally attached to the bodies and you’re off on your Victoria, B.C. getaway. You can watch your creation repeatedly or email your creation to family and friends.

"This is another step in our continuing commitment to use digital strategies to market our destination," says Robert Gialloreto, president and chief executive of Tourism Victoria. "Through our partnership with Copeland Communications on this project, we are able to separate ourselves a bit from other destinations by using fun and creative ways to engage our consumers."

The Place Your Face websites were produced for Tourism Victoria by Victoria-based advertising and communications agency Copeland Communications.

“We’re thrilled to bring this new form of consumer-generated digital media to Victoria,” says Doug Brown, managing director of Copeland Communications. “It’s a great way for consumers to be a part of a campaign.

What’s more, it’s fun -- just like Victoria.”

LOCALS KNOW CANADA Canada is full of surprises and secrets and, this summer, the Canadian Tourism Commission

(CTC) is sharing locals’ unknown experiences with fellow Canadians -- to inspire them to explore their country.

The CTC, along with Canada’s tourism industry is launching LOCALS KNOW, a national integrated advertising campaign (print, magazine, TV and online) made possible by special stimulus funding from the Government of Canada. The CTC will be investing $10 million per year over the next two years to support the tourism industry and stimulate Canada’s economy.

“The visitor economy makes a valuable contribution to the economic, social and environmental well-being of Canadians across the country,” says Diane Ablonczy, federal Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism). “Now, more than ever, we want to entice and encourage visitors -- including Canadians themselves -- to explore our country. I applaud this campaign as it will give Canadians a reason to discover more about their own country and keep tourism dollars at home.”

The eight-week campaign will focus on the unexpected, encouraging Canadians to seek out new and exotic experiences in places they didn’t know existed. The source of this information? Canadians themselves… because LOCALS KNOW best.

Canadians will be encouraged to upload photos of their favorite Canadian travel spots and great unknown experiences on the CTC campaign website -- www. localsknow.ca.

“The visuals used in this campaign won’t be typical,” says Michele McKenzie, CTC president and chief executive. “People won’t just be seeing the traditional images of our country. They’ll discover a whole new Canada. The imagery, experiences, and deals offered by the industry will surprise Canadians, build pride, and create an urgency to book a trip and see Canada now!”

Almost all provinces and territories, as well as other industry partners both large and small, are participating in this national program.

“The domestic stimulus program is strategic, relevant, and timely for Canada’s tourism industry,” says Denny Kobayashi, manager of Marketing Operations for Tourism Yukon. “What is particularly appealing about this program is the CTC designed a program for partners from every corner of the country to participate in and receive extraordinary value, national reach and exposure that will benefit tourism in our area.”

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British Columbia Canada’s biggest playground is ideal for meetings

Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver, Aqua Riva

By Rachel Naud

Corporate Meetings & Events | 9

Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver, Feenie’s/ Lumiere

Reg i o n al P r o f i le

Who knew the Pet Shop boys would have all the answers?

Or at least one, anyway.

When trying to decide where to host the next big meeting or event, meeting planners are wise to heed the advice of the electronic pop band that once crooned to its fans to “Go West.”

Perhaps they knew that British Columbia is a meeting planner’s dream.

Not only does it offer cosmopolitan cities that boast the best in dining, shopping and culture but it’s also the nation’s biggest playground, accommodating all sportsminded individuals, whether they’re into golf, hiking, biking or skiing.

“Canada’s westernmost province is known for its stunning natural setting, vast tracts of untouched wilderness and safe, vibrant cities,” says Stephanie Nichols, sales manager for Tourism British Columbia. “It’s a top choice for outdoor adventure, urban pleasures and pure escape.”

Not only does B.C. boast 11.4 million hectares of untouched wilderness, which is protected within parks, conservancies, ecological reserves and recreation areas, but 10 | July/August 2009

it also houses more fauna than any other part of Canada. In all, 142 different animals, 488 species of birds, 18 types of reptiles, 22 different amphibians, 83 kinds of freshwater fish and 368 varieties of saltwater fish species live in or travel through the province.

For those who are more into sports than wildlife, B.C, the chosen venue for the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games, boasts almost 200 golf courses (in fact, the province is a PGA golf tour destination), more than 30 full-service downhill ski resorts and over 3,500 km of hiking trails.

“If someone has tried it, you can probably do it here,” says Nichols.

This includes adventurous activities such as bungee-jumping, spelunking, goldpanning, hang gliding, hot air ballooning, mountaineering, river-rafting, rock climbing, surfing, whale-watching and windsurfing.

And for those who would rather sit and relax, B.C. is also the perfect spot to put up your feet and indulge in the province’s gourmet treats -- both food and drink.

“From caribou to chanterelles, cedar-plank

salmon to micro-brewed ale, the local fare is rich and varied,” says Nichols.

It turns out the province is also an ideal location to get the job done.

Cities including Victoria, Vancouver, Richmond, Whistler, Nanaimo and Kamloops offer world-class meeting venues surrounded by a natural setting that is sure to motivate and inspire.

Here’s what you’ll find province-wide to help your meeting go smoothly and give your delegates an un forgettable working experience.

Victoria Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, covers an area of 695.4 sq. km. and has a population of about 82,653.

Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, what sets Victoria apart is its size.

T he c h a r m i ng a r e a of fe r s a l l t he a me n it ie s of a b ig- c it y de st i n at ion without the hustle-and-bustle st ress often associated with major hubs.

“Victoria combines the best of both worlds

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Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/C Restaurant

-- the amenities and intrigue of a resort destination with the convenience and accessibility of a capital city,” says Kelsey Ewart, co-ordinator, travel media for Tourism Victoria.

Victoria has long been known for its oldworld British heritage but on the flip side, it’s also a cosmopolitan island destination that boasts world-class accommodations, spas, shopping and fine dining.

And it also boasts the mildest climate in the country. As a result, outdoor adventure and gardens abound year-round.

The Butchart Gardens is a prime example.

In 1904, the concept of the Butchart Gardens began with an effort to beautify an abandoned limestone quarry site on the 130-acre estate of Mr. and Mrs. Butchart, pioneers in the manufacture of Portland Cement in Canada.

Today, the National Historic Site is 55 acres of spectacular displayed gardens, which celebrated 100 years in bloom in 2004.

When it comes to connecting with nature, Victoria is the ideal destination. Delegates will be moved and inspired by the whalewatching tours on the Pacific coast.

Visitors can join local certified naturalists for a guided marine adventure tour to see and learn about the area’s residing marine wildlife, including killer whales, gray whales, humpback and minke whales as well as sea lions, seals and porpoises.

When it comes to getting down to business, Victoria also serves up a plethora of unique meeting venues.

The Victoria Conference Centre is located in the heart of downtown Victoria, nearby

the spectacular Inner Harbour and within walking distance of four- and five-star hotels. It is a bright, modern and technically advanced meeting place that serves up hightech facilities amidst breathtaking scenery.

Having hosted delegates from all over the world, The Victoria Conference Centre recently underwent a large expansion increasing the meeting capacity to 73,000 sq. ft. The addition is called Crystal Garden and is a perfect venue for exhibitors and social functions.

To get a history lesson while discussing new incentives and strategies, try hosting a meeting at the Royal B.C. Museum. With three permanent exhibit galleries available for private business or conference events, the unique museum is an optimal venue to combine business, education and pleasure.

“Where else could you be surrounded by artifacts from years gone by, whilst enjoying a mouth-watering West Coast feast,” says Ewart.

In addition, The Modern History Gallery has Captain Vancouver’s ship, a water wheel and a turn-of-the century town, all perfect settings for entertainment and learning about the early days of British Columbia.

“Whether the group is 10 or 2,000, the Royal B.C. Museum gives guests a chance to see, feel and taste the history of British Columbia,” says Ewart.

Vancouver Vancouver is one of B.C.’s most popular meeting destinations as it is the province’s biggest city -- even though the city of

Vancouver itself if quite small. Metro Vancouver covers 2,930 square miles and is comprised of 21 municipalities, one of which is the city of Vancouver. The population of Metro Vancouver is 2.2 million with the city of Vancouver at about 600,000.

Despite, its relatively quaint size, Vancouver is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in North America with dozens of cultures represented in restaurants, stores, markets and distinct neighborhoods throughout the city.

However, more than anything, Vancouver is renowned for its beauty.

“We’re one of the few cities on the planet that can at once boast an ocean-front setting and towering mountains,” says Amber Sessions, travel media specialist for Tourism Vancouver. “It makes our skyline very unique -- the modern glass city on the edge of the ocean with a huge mountain range behind.”

What also makes Vancouver unique is the proximity of the opportunities to work and play.

Within 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, where many meeting venues are located, delegates can be skiing or hiking on Grouse Mountain or wandering the famous Granville Island Public Market. Also within a short walk from the downtown core is the city’s famous Stanley Park, where visitors can rent a bike, sit on the beach or admire totem poles.

Vancouver was also recently named one of the top 10 dining cities in the world by Food and Wine magazine.

“Our restaurants are incredible and the cuisine is signature to the West Coast with a focus on local seafood and fruits and vegetables grown in the fertile Fraser Valley,” says Sessions. “British Columbia also has a thriving wine industry, which local restaurants proudly show off.”

When it comes to selecting a meeting venue, the Vancouver Convention Centre is impressive in both size and amenities. Its new West Wing, (which recently opened in April) tripled the size of the existing convention centre. The facility is on the waterfront in downtown Vancouver with stunning views of the North Shore Mountains, Stanley Park and the cruise ships and the boats in the harbor. The facility itself is also state-of-theart and will be the main media centre during the Games.

For an off-beat, unique meeting venue, Grouse Mountain is popular for its incredible Corporate Meetings & Events | 11

Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/Trifon Marchovski

industrynews

panoramic views of the city. The Vancouver Aquarium can also host cocktail receptions or dinners in the underground viewing area of the Beluga Whale habitat, while the Museum of Anthropology is currently expanding its facility to include more meeting space.

“This venue offers the opportunity to mingle among First Nations totem poles and learn about B.C.’s aboriginal history,” says Sessions.

Richmond Right next door in neighboring Richmond, delegates will also find a fantastic destination for work and play.

Located at the mouth of the Fraser River, Richmond is close to the U.S. border. Known for its accessibility, multi-culturalism, history and world-class venues, Richmond serves up a variety of entertaining and educational attractions that delegates can enjoy pre and post meeting.

Steveston Village is a picturesque working fishing village, home to almost 1,000 commercial fishing vessels and the largest commercial fishing harbor in Canada.

12 | July/August 2009

Visitors can participate in whale-watching and wildlife tours or enjoy the culinary treats found in the village’s 25 restaurants that serve everything from Chinese and Italian to Indian and Mexican fare. Clothing boutiques, antique and specialty shops are also sprinkled throughout the village so delegates will have no trouble finding souvenirs to take home.

For those who want a taste of Asian culture, Golden Village serves up the best of Hong Kong in the middle of British Columbia. Richmond is home to the second largest Asian community in North America and the Golden Village is a four-block district that boasts more than 300 shops and services including jewelry stores, art galleries and the latest designer fashions from Hong Kong, Toyko and Taipei.

“Aficionados of authentic Asian food don’t have to endure a red-eye flight to Hong Kong to enjoy the most authentic dishes of the continent,” says Nikki Barnes, marketing manager for Tourism Richmond. “Thanks to a 60-percent Asian population (including some of Asia’s highly acclaimed chefs), Richmond is home to more than 375 Asian

restaurants, with options extending far beyond the westernized ‘chow mein’ Chinese and Japanese sushi offerings.”

After washing down an authentic meal, Richmond also serves up unique meeting destinations.

The Richmond Olympic Oval is a 512,000 sq. ft., multi-use facility, with capacity for 8,000 spectators. It will play a big role in the 2010 Games, hosting 12 long-distance speedskating medal events. However post-Games, the Oval will begin its legacy as an important permanent fixture serving the local, national and international community as a one-of-akind centre for health, wellness, sports and business excellence.

For another unique meeting experience, book your event at The John M. S. Lecky UBC Boathouse, which was created to provide an opportunity for UBC’s Varsity Rowing Crew and St. George’s School Crew to achieve excellence. In addition, the boathouse functions to further the sports of rowing and dragon boating for community youth, adults, and rowing alumni with an emphasis on the development of crew teams.

Today, the facility is also known for its world-class meeting facilities. Free with the event, delegates can take advantage of the boathouse’s high-tech equipment while enjoying the pristine scenery, which overlooks the river.

For a more traditional meeting experience, Richmond has 26 regional, national and international brand hotels offering stays ranging from affordable comfort right up to luxurious suites. More than 4,500 guest rooms and almost 130,000 sq. ft. of combined meeting space, enable Richmond to propose a full range of options, which include superlative service and first-class amenities.

“Richmond is an affordable option for meetings and events while providing a natural setting that appeals to the adventurous spirit in people of all ages and inclinations,” says Barnes.

Whistler Vancouver’s hosting partner of the 2010 Games, Whistler is located in the Coast Mountains, 40 km from the Pacific Ocean and 120 km from the city of Vancouver.

Whistler has a year-round population of approximately 9,500 permanent residents.

In addition, it is a part-time home to approximately 11,500 second homeowners from around the world and 2,300 seasonal residents. With overnight and day visitors, the resort’s per day population averages 28,280 in the winter and peaks at about 45,000. The area is known for being a year-round resort destination, offering the highest lift-serviced vertical and the largest terrain of any ski area in North America.

“Whistler has been consistently rated the top ski resort in North America for the past 12 years in a row and is the host mountain resort of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and site for more than half of the Olympic events and over 90 percent of the Paralympic events,” says Patricia Westerholm, corporate and member communications specialist for Tourism Whistler.

“The resort offers an extensive range of accommodations totalling 10,000 bedrooms among 24 hotels as well as townhomes, condos, B&Bs and chalets. Whistler also boasts more than 100 restaurants and bars, 200 retail shops, 25 spas and countless activity options.”

When it comes to getting down to business, Whistler offers nearly 150,000 sq. ft. of conference space in a variety of venues. With a renovation of the Whistler Conference Centre in 2003, reopening as the Telus Whistler

Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/ Coast Mountain Photography

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Conference Centre, the resort now offers a central meeting location with the capacity to facilitate larger meetings (approximately 40,000 sq. ft. of usable space), providing more groups the opportunity to enjoy the unique Whistler experience.

Other unique meeting venues include the Roundhouse Lodge, which is located 6,069 feet above sea level and boasts breathtaking 360-degree mountain views. It also offers 15,000 sq. ft. of function space and can host up to 1,500 delegates.

Nanaimo Nanaimo is the second largest city on Vancouver Island, with a population of about 80,000 and promises a lively and unique urban experience with a thriving mix of restaurants, music venues, shops, galleries, and exciting nightspots.

The town is also home to Woodgrove Centre, the largest shopping centre on Vancouver Island, and several other attractive retail shopping centres throughout the city.

Nanaimo is famous for its beautiful harbor city, outdoor recreation and rich history.

The Nanaimo area was orig i nally inhabited by the Coast Salish Snuneymuxw tribe, who had several villages where the city is now located. Early European and Canadian settlers referred to their small community on First Nations territory as Colville Town, but the name was soon changed to Nanaimo, after Snuneymuxw, which translates "a great and mighty people."

Nanaimo was protected from potential attack by the Bastion, an eight-sided armed building, which holds a commanding position over the harbor. Built in 1853, the Bastion served as a warehouse, defensive structure, and the HBC clerk's office. The clerk was responsible for the operation of the mine and the well-being of the settlement. While the cannons were never fired in defense, they were frequently fired to celebrate community events.

In fact, today, three floors of the Bastion are open to visitors, with exhibits providing insight into what life was like in Nanaimo more than 150 years ago. Visitors should be sure to visit the Bastion at noon in the summer for the daily cannon firing.

In addition to its interesting historical attractions, the area also boasts a myriad of activities to be enjoyed pre and post meeting.

Newcastle Island Provincial Park is situated in Nanaimo Harbour within sight of both Vancouver Island and the towering Coastal Mountains of the Lower Mainland.

Newcastle Island possesses a rich natural and cultural history that makes it one of the most intriguing provincial parks in British Columbia.

The island's shoreline is dominated by steep sandstone cliffs and ledges that are punctuated by sandy gravel beaches. Caverns abound along the shoreline, providing an appealing contrast to the undulating upland that is studded with Douglas fir, Arbutus, Garry Oak and Dogwood trees.

Corporate Meetings & Events | 13

Photo courtesy Tourism Vancouver

Reg i o n al P r o f i le

It’s also an outdoor playground that can accommodate any outdoor adventure. During their off-time, delegates can canoe, kayak, sail, swim or bike in the park. For a post-meeting adventure, 18 individual campsites and five group campsites are available.

For some hair-raising team-building activities, WildPlay Element Parks serves up a tree course, bungee-jump, king swing and canyon zip that will be sure to unite delegates with its adrenaline-pumping fun.

To get the job done, Nanaimo boasts a brand new state-of-the-art conference centre, The Vancouver Island Conference Centre.

With its inspiring oceanside location, 38,000 sq. ft of convention and trade show space, the centrally located and easily accessible conference centre, is the newest and most desirable location for hosting any conference.

The conference centre features full wireless access, digital way-finding and global broadcast capabilities, and will accommodate meetings, conferences and events for up to 1,300 people.

In addition to the conference centre's facilities, delegates and event attendees can access the adjacent 800-seat Port Theatre, which is fully equipped for any presentation. In addition, the new Nanaimo 14 | July/August 2009

Museum, located one level below the main function spaces, provides event organizers and attendees a unique venue for receptions and dinners.

To experience a sense of Nanaimo hospitality, the Coast Bastion Hotel is another great meeting venue. Overlooking Nanaimo Harbour, the Coast Bastion Inn is a premier hotel with facilities to suit all meeting delegates’ needs.

The inn can accommodate groups as small as eight to as big as 400 in any of its five meeting spaces and the hotel can serve delegates gourmet regional fare per person or buffet style.

Kamloops Approximately 85,000 residents call Kamloops home. The central core of the city is located in the valley near the confluence of the north and south branches of the Thompson River.

Kamloops is surrounded by the smaller communities of Cherry Creek, Pritchard, Savona, Scotch Creek, Adams Lake, Chase and others that make up the ThompsonNicola Regional District.

Kamloops has several claims to fame, notably for being B.C.’s second-sunniest city with more than 2,000 hours of sunshine

annually. It’s also known as Canada’s Tournament Capital, as the city hosted more than 110 regional, provincial, national and international tournaments last year alone.

Lastly, Kamloops is known as Canada’s hottest new golf destination. With a long season that can extend from mid-March well into October, 13 remarkable golf courses, superb conditioning and spectacular views, Kamloops has some of the best courses including Tobiano, which was named Canada’s Best New Golf Course 2008 by both Golf Digest and Score Golf magazines.

In fact, the vast, rugged landscape of Kamloops has attracted world-famous golf architects including Robert Trent Jones Sr., Graham Cook, Thomas McBroom and Robert Heaslip.

“Many golf resorts and courses offer incredible value packages and there are innumerable opportunities for combining meetings, ret reats or reun ions with unforgettable golfing experiences,” says Kris Austin, Tourism Kamloops.

In regard to its infrastructure, Kamloops is experiencing exciting growth in its accommodations sector with two hotels scheduled to complete construction by fall 2009 and several others planned to break ground in 2010/11. In addition to this there are several hotels: The Stockman’s Inn & Conference Centre (formerly the Executive Inn Kamloops), the Kamloops Towne Lodge (formerly the Best Western) and the Ramada Inn Kamloops are all going through multimillion-dollar renovations and upgrades.

One of the more popular properties for meeting and conferences is The South Thompson In n & Con ference Centre which is a unique facility on the outskirts of Kam loops. The newly redesig ned con ference cent re is a n u nexpected corporate surprise in the midst of the tranquility of the inn, with 10 functional meeting rooms accommodating up to 200 people, high-speed wireless Internet, business centre and endless patios and 55 scenic acres for outdoor events.

The facility also now features a challenge ropes course offering delegates a new level of corporate teambuilding. Other popular meeting facilities include the Stockman’s in the heart of downtown and the two largest convention sites: Thompson Rivers Un iversit y (TRU) and the Kamloops Convention Centre (formerly Forster’s Convention Centre) which is attached to the Kamloops Towne Lodge.

The Olympic flame’s glow British Columbia stands to benefit from Winter Olympics

By Jamie Zachary

16 | July/August 2009

Photos courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/Gary Fiegehen

It’s mere months until some two billion people from across the globe turn their attention to Vancouver and Whistler for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Yet for the Lower Mainland and beyond, the games are already afoot.

fea t u r e F r e s h i n f r a s t r u c t u r e, i n c r e a s e d media exposure and a vibrant Olympic atmosphere have given the local meetings and events industry a much-needed assist in these difficult economic times -- and officials couldn’t be happier.

“The profile of the city is definitely being given a boost,” says Michelle Taylor, manager of meeting and convention sales, Canada for Tourism Vancouver. “(It’s) the cache that it brings to your destination, which in turn helps planners attract delegates/clients to their meeting.”

That cache includes the aforementioned media exposure that planners are using as an effective tool in attracting delegates to their respective meetings and events.

“People want to meet in an Olympic city -the media coverage that the host city receives during the Games boosts the profile of the destination and moves it up the must-see list for many people,” says Taylor.

And not just Vancouver. Whistler, which is the Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, recently held its biggest conference ever.

More than 2,000 delegates -- including mayors, councilors and senior municipal staff from across the country -- descended on the resort town in early June for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ annual conference.

The result was more than 7,000 room n ight book i ngs, a nd a mult im illiondollar economic impact for the town of nearly 10,000 residents.

“Many are looking for a West Coast feel as well as a Games experience. With the venue development, Whistler can offer the Games experience,” says Patricia Westerholm, corporate and member communications specialist for Tourism Whistler.

Taylor agrees, adding that the expectation from many planners and delegates leading up to the 16-day competition is for that Olympic excitement to translate into their respective meetings and events.

“We’re definitely seeing more planners wanting to incorporate an Olympic feel to their meeting or event,” she says.

“T h i s m ig ht b e t h roug h t he t hemes addressed in the presentations or the keynote speakers themselves, or more literally th rough using Olympic and Paralympic venues, trying out Olympic sports, or themed gala events.”

Similar results are being seen elsewhere in B.C., too. In Nanaimo, officials are anticipating increased meeting and event traffic in the months leading up to the

Games, as well as in the weeks following its conclusion.

Denise Tacon, general manager for Vancouver Island Conference Centre, credits that, in part, to displaced meeting b u s i n e s s f r o m t h e Va n c o u ve r a n d Whistler areas due to volume of people and meeting space availability.

She also points to increased awareness of Nanaimo -- a vibrant town of more than 78,000 people that’s about 110 kilometres northwest of Victoria, and 55 kilometres west of Vancouver -- as a versatile, and accessible meeting destination.

“There will be impact and spillover to the island due to easy-access options from harbor to harbor flights as well as two ferry terminal options,” says Tacon, also noting that Nanaimo is one of 15 B.C. communities that will be showcased as part of a six-month awareness campaign at the Vancouver Airport.

“Clients are seeking something different when they choose Nanaimo. They want a ‘getaway-feel’ destination that appeals to the splendor in nature, island culture and friendliness, coinciding with upscale facilities that speak professionalism and quality of product.”

In Vancouver, where the local meetings and events industry generates more than $1 billion annually in economic activity, the Games’ long-term impact is already becoming apparent.

“2010 and 2011 are shaping up to be record convention years for Vancouver and much of that can be attributed to groups wanting to be in Vancouver right after the Olympics. . . as an attendance-building strategy for their events,” says Claire Smith, vice-president of sales and marketing for the Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC).

That’s good news for the VCC, which has undergone extensive renovations leading up to the Olympics. The harbor-front facility -- world-famous thanks in part to its “living roof” -- recently tripled its capacity with the addition of a new West Building for a combined 473,532 square feet of pre-function, meeting, exhibition and ballroom space.

The centre, which will serve as the broadcast centre for the Olympics and Paralympics, has also been designed as a series of modules, giving it the ability to hold multiple simultaneous events, each with their own separate access and function spaces.

“Vancouver will never be quite the same after 2010,” says Smith. “We will have the spectacular new West Building and the Corporate Meetings & Events | 17

fea t u r e fully renovated East Building fully operational.�

The VCC is not alone. Once the Olympic torch is officially passed, meetings and events coming to Vancouver and Whistler will enjoy a number of a world-class facilities -- from Canada Hockey Place and UBC Thunderbird Arena in Vancouver to alpine and sliding facilities in Whistler.

The Whistler Sliding Centre, for example, offers delegates a once-in-a-lifetime meeting experience, mere footsteps from where the world’s best lugers, bobsleigh teams and skeleton racers will face off for Olympic gold.

The $104-million facility, which can accommodate 12,000 spectators, offers everything from intimate meetings some 150 metres above ground at the top of its world-renowned track, to sit-down receptions set amid a mountain backdrop in the track lodge.

Canada Hockey Place (GM Place outside of the Olympics), meanwhile, will soon be hallowed ground as the world’s top men’s and women’s hockey players vie for Olympic immortality.

In the meantime, the facility, home to the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, offers everything from hockey-inspired facilities high above the action to theatre-style meetings for nearly 1,500 delegates.

One of the more unique Olympic legacies left to planners and delegates just might be the groundbreaking Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler.

The three-storey, 30,400-square-foot facility, which is located on six forested acres along the majestic Fitzsimmons Creek, came to life through the partnerships forged in preparing to host the world during the Games, says Westerholm.

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Designed to evoke the form of a Squamish Longhouse and Lil’wat Istken (earthen dwelling), it features a Great Hall that reveals spectacular mountain and forest views through curved 220-foot glass-plank walls, as well as hand-carved cedar welcome figures, pictograph-embossed boulders, massive spindle whorls and a series of cedar canoes -- many of which are suspended from the hall’s 22-foot high ceilings.

The centre also features specialized meeting spaces, such as a ‘Class A’ museum, 80-seat multimedia theatre, 220-foot cedar deck overlooking Blackcomb Mountain and Ă?stken Hall, a circular glass room with natural cedar interior as well as a generous patio and barbeque space.

The Paralympic Games, meanwhile, are making their own mark on the local meetings and events scene as venues across the province continue to upgrade their facilities in order to offer unprecedented disability access.

For example, the Paralympics have already spawned an accessibility rating system that will apply to tourism and hospitality providers, notes Taylor.

The rating system is currently underway, and once complete, will allow planners to search for accessible hotels, restaurants and attractions. “Vancouver is already recognized as an extremely accessible destination, so hosting the Paralympics further builds on this reputation,� says Taylor.

In Whistler, where more than 90 percent of the Paralympic competitions will be held, officials have signed an agreement with the Whistler for the Disabled Society that will equip sales agents with the tools to provide accurate information and answer questions for visitors with disabilities. “This agreement is a significant step toward promoting and delivering Whistler's promise as an exciting and inclusive destination for travelers with disabilities,� says Arlene Schieven, vice-president of marketing for Tourism Whistler. “As a mountain destination focused on growing visitation, continually enhancing our accessibility is critical to our success.�

That includes accessibility, year-round. While the Games will highlight Vancouver and Whistler as a world-class winter destination, it’s also giving local officials the opportunity to shed some light on B.C. as a four-season destination. “Having the eyes of the world on us and the cameras rolling to show it as it really is, is an amazing opportunity to showcase Vancouver as a world-class, year-round destination,� says Smith. “Vancouver is a remarkable value for meetings in the winter, and with the mountains and skiing at our doorstep, you can easily combine the best of both worlds.�

The Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, for example, offer a relatively mild climate year-round, giving delegates plenty of options outside of the boardroom -- from hiking and biking to white-water rafting, golfing and sailing.

And in many months, seasonal disparities in neighboring communities -- such as Vancouver and Whistler -- add to that activity list. Where else can you ski and surf on the same day? “B.C.’s exposure to the world will definitely have a positive impact on how our province is viewed,� says Tacon. “The Olympics will create an interest in alternate B.C. destinations for meeting planners and delegates where consideration may have not been before. It’s already helping groups realize that they can meet here at any time of the year.�

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industrynews

New Yo 20 | July/August 2009

industrynews

ork City Manhattan is the place to meet

By Scott Anderson

When Peter Minuit bought Manhattan from the natives in the early 1600s, it marked one of the first major transactions in the area. But who knew that it would also be the start of a bustling cosmopolitan city that, almost 400 years later, would still serve as host to meetings

Corporate Meetings & Eventsâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; 21

Photo courtesy of NYC & Company

and business deals of all sizes.

Reg i o n al P r o f i le Although Manhattan is only one of the five boroughs that make up New York Cit y, it s neve r- e nd i ng st r e t c h of sk ys c rap e r s, t he b r ig ht l ig ht s of Broadway, the hustle of Wall Street and the bustle of Times Square has become the face of the area.

Today Manhattan, which is some 12.5 miles long and 2.5 miles wide, serves as the financial, commercial and cultural hub of the area.

The “Big Apple” as it is affectionately known is one of the top North American destinations when it comes to meetings a nd c o nve nt io n s. I n f a c t, ab out 2 5 p e r ce nt of a l l t r ip s to t he a r e a a r e business-related.

“It ’s a n i n t e r s e c t i o n o f s o m a ny different businesses, so for many people it ’s a good busi ness choice. It h as a reputation of where business gets done.

Ma ny i ndust r ies a re headqua r tered here…so I think people do look at it as a serious business destination,” says Chris Heywood, vice-president of travel and tourism public relations at NYC & Compa ny, t he of f icia l m a rket i ng, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York.

Last year also marked a record year for the city with some 47 million people visiting and in the process spending about US$30 billion as i nter nat ional travelers took advantage of the weak U.S. dollar. But with the world in the grips of the economic downturn, Heywood says they are expecting a drop of about five percent this year.

“This year we are in a different situation.

Obviously we haven’t been immune to the global recession, so this is the year to enjoy unprecedented value and opportunity in New York and also to take advantage of something that is a hallmark of the meeting in New York, which is a record-breaking attendance. Almost every meeting that is brought to New York yields record numbers of people,” Heywood says.

The choices are endless when it comes t i me to get dow n to busi ness. From sm a l l b out ique hotel s, a r t ga l ler ie s and museums, to the large convention centers and concert halls there is a site for every meeting.

One of the biggest meeting facilities i s t he venerable Mad i son S qua re Garden. The world-famous arena has hosted athletes, musicians, performers and presidents for decades. Aside from the 19,500-seat arena, the venue also offers a theatre with a seating capacity 22 | July/August 2009

of 5,600 and an expo center that can accommodate up to 2,000 people.

Radio City Music Hall is also legendary.

The splendor of the hall’s design is present at every scale, from the exquisite 5,900-seat theater to the luxurious private apartment, the Roxy Suite.

Meanwhile, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts serves as a lavish host to meetings of all kinds with its Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse Special Events Room and Reception Gallery. Situated on the 10th floor, the glassed-in and terraced Penthouse is fully equipped to meet entertaining and conference needs.

HOTEL BUILDING BOOM

New York City boasts some 74,000 rooms across the five boroughs, but this number is set to swell by more than 20 percent in the next two years as the area enjoys a hotel building boom. Manhattan stands to gain almost half of these new rooms.

“Our hotels are willing to work more closely with meeting planners, with more competitive pricing than ever before and there are just more opportunities for great value than we have seen in the past,” says Heywood.

The Hilton New York is an international hotel located in the heart of Manhattan’s business district. The hotel offers more t h a n 150,0 0 0 sq. f t. of meet i ng a nd exhibit space and boasts New York City’s largest grand ballroom. It is equipped with modern projection equipment, a sophisticated lighting system and facilities for closed-circuit television. The hotel features three additional ballrooms as well as meeting facilities for small and medium-size groups.

New York Marriott Marquis, located in Times Square and the Theatre District, is just steps from the world’s best shopping, restaura nts a nd n ightli fe. The hotel features more than 50 event spaces which offer A/V services, more than 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, six levels of function space, five different suite sizes and one of the largest ballrooms in New York.

The Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers is a popular host for business and social events. With four ballrooms, including the Imperial Ballroom, the hotel can accommodate everything from a small conference to receptions of up to 2,000 guests. The Executive Conference Center features 13 function rooms.

The Grand Hyatt New York, multipleyea r re c ipient of t he pre st ig iou s Pinnacle Award and Gold Key Award

for outstanding service and meeting facilities, boasts an enviable reputation.

The hotel offers 55,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, with the Empire State Ballroom su it e d for l a rge r eve nt s, wh i le t he Ma n hat t a n Ba l l room is desig ned to accommodate more intimate gatherings of up to 500 guests.

But for large scale meetings, planners should look no further than the state-run Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. This facility is one of the largest event venues in the United States, with the ability to create up to 11 halls from 814,400 total square feet of exhibit space.

T he ce nter of fer s f lo or-to - cei l i ng acoust ica l div idi ng wa l ls a nd more t h a n 10 0 r o o m s f o r s e m i n a r s a n d hospitality areas. There is 65,000 sq. ft. of registration space and on-site kitchens to prepare 10,000 meals. Electronic media include a Visitor Information System, an exterior marquee, a 14x18-foot Jumbotron i n for m at ion d i spl ay w it h g raph ic s capabilities and a video wall.

An addit ional US$463 m illion has been earmarked for a 100,000-squarefoot expansion including 40,000 square feet of exhibition space as well as patron and exhibitor amenities. The expansion is expected be completed in 2010, and the renovation completed in 2013.

ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES

But let’s not kid ourselves; the day really b eg i n s once t he me e t i ngs a re over.

With incredible cultural opportunities from the footlights of Broadway, the art galleries and museums, to the worldclass professional sports teams, there is something for everybody to enjoy.

A nd w it h f i rst- cla ss shoppi ng on Fifth Avenue, the numerous vendors along Broadway and the world-famous department stores, nobody will go home empty-handed.

But let’s not forget the food choices!

From small diners, coffee shops and eateries, to five-star restaurants there are surely enough choices to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

“We like to believe that we are not only an arts and cultural capital, but we are also a dining capital, a shopping capital, an entertainment capital and obviously we’re home to Broadway. We like to call ourselves the cit y away from home,” Heywood says.

For more information on Manhattan see: nycgo.com

F E A TUR E

Accommodating

deals

Hotels are adding value to attract and retain key clients

By Lucie Grys

24 | May/June 2009

F E A TUR E

Despite news of the economic slowdown turning to a more positive note and media reports filtering out that the worst may be behind us, competition among hotels to secure corporate meetings and convention business is still ongoing. contracts. “Meeting planners can sell value-added benefits to their clients.

As a planner, everything comes down to dollars and cents,” says Pollard, a 20-year industry veteran.

While a hotel may lose revenue on a value added bonus like reduced golf course rates or complimentary parking, they are still filling rooms and might, in turn, get a better return on food and beverage because those rooms are full.

According to Advancing the Issues, a recent survey conducted by Fleishman Hilla rd for the Hotel Associat ion of Ca n ada, “f ive percent less busi ness t ravel is projected for 2009 with the i nc rease i n v ideo con ference a nd economic challenges,” notes Pollard. Of the 571 business travelers interviewed, 76 percent noted t h at f re e busi ness

Internet was a big draw, as were free upgrades and discounts. “Most business travelers expect to pay between $126 and $150 a night and loyalty programs increased dramatically in importance a s d id rewa rd prog ra m s. However, friendly customer service is still key,” he adds.

“In Canada, we have some of the most iconic hotels span ning the east coast to the west coast. There is a significant value proposition to offer our customers to meet at an historic property,” says Mark Sergot, vice-president of Global Sales at Fairmont Hotels.

Sergot is seei ng meet i ng pla n ners looking for value to justify convention business across all sectors. Recently, Fairmont announced a program offering a 10-percent credit to the master account

Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Hotel - Suite

Photo courtesy of Delta Vancouver Suites Banquet

According to industry experts, the key to drawing and retaining key convention business is creating value added incentives and offering optimal customer service.

“Meeti ng a nd convent ion busi ness is critical to everything we do,” says Tony Pollard, president of the Hotel Association of Canada.

Most hotels work with a ratio system when it comes to booking conventions.

T h e m o r e r o o m s t h at a r e b o o k e d , the better the chance to get deals on meeting facilities and food and beverage programs. He notes the best times to negotiate deals is during March Break and the second week in December.

Hotels are finding that adding value rather than reducing their room rates is proving to be an invaluable bonus when securing meeting and convention

Corporate Meetings & Events | 25

F E A TUR E

cineplex.com/corporatesales

1-800-313-4461

corporatesales@cineplex.com

26 | July/August 2009

to any clients who book meetings in 2009 and 2010 at Fairmont properties.

“Whether companies chose to apply the 10 percent credit to a future meeting or to offset expenses, the credit is geared to groups concerned with value in today’s environment where dollars and overall spend being a big issue,” Sergot notes.

Fairmont Hotels has gone a step further to retain key business and for those planners and companies who commit beyond a one-year cycle and sign agreements to hold meetings at other Fairmont properties across Canada. Fairmont will give back a 3-percent credit to room revenue for a two-year contract, 5-percent credit for a three-year contract and a 10-percent room credit for a four-year contract.

“It all comes down to understanding what it’s going to take to book a hotel and what the client’s needs are. Every client has very specific needs and it’s our job to create specific solutions,” says Sergot. “We want people to walk away from a meeting with a sense of accomplishment.”

Kostas Ch r istopou los, di rector of ma rket i ng at Fou r Seasons Vancouver agrees that you have to offer competitive incentives to bring in the business. “Vancouver is a very competitive market and we promote a value-added package in our “My Meeting” program. Depending on how many rooms are booked, clients can chose a system of rewards that includes everything from room upgrades, food and beverage, value added audio/visual packages, up to 20 percent attrition and other comps.

“Our focus is not on the price but on the value. When people book events at the Four Seasons, they know we will deliver,” says Christopoulos.

Of particular note is Four Seasons’ openness to be flexible with people’s budgets. Christopoulos remarks that there are a lot of last minute bookings and budget changes. Meeting pla n ners’ decision-mak i ng cycles are di fferent a nd the process for budget approvals is also different than it was before the economic downturn. Companies aren’t planning too far in advance, and when they do make a decision to hold an event or a conference, it tends to happen quickly.

To retain key connections and ensure repeat business, Christopoulos notes that customer service and follow up is critical. “Understanding a client’s needs and exceeding their expectations is all part of the job.”

K r i st a Ca meron, d i re c tor of sa le s a nd m a rke t i ng at Destination St. John’s, the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau for Eastern Newfoundland, says, “We’re not feeling the recession at all. The city is sold out and convention business has been booming in 2009. Our statistics show record attendance.”

The draw for visitors and meeting planners to St. John’s is the fact that the city is a unique destination that a lot of people have never been to. Able to accommodate up to 3,000 people, meeting planners are now looking to St. John’s as an extremely viable option.

“Our convention season has grown from June to September to mid-April to mid-November because of demand. We are just being ourselves and largely through word of mouth, our business has grown,” Cameron says. “All conference organizers say over and over again that it is the friendliness of the people of St. John’s that is a huge draw.”

F E A TUR E Due to St. Joh n’s exclusive locat ion, ma ny convent ion visitors bring their families, which is a big economic benefit for the province.

“Our sales teams build loyalty but it’s really the experience that people have when they visit that draws them back. I’ve yet to meet someone that didn’t want to return,” she says.

“There are two ways to look at drawing and retaining business to your hotels,” says Frank Dirocco, National Sales Director for Delta Hotels. With 16 years of service with Delta Hotels, he knows what works. “You can use incentive programs like Aeroplan miles and other promotions, which are successful. Or, our philosophy at Delta is to work with customers on long-term strategies across the country with a series of open meetings. This creates loyalty and we build on success.”

A major push at Delta is creating emotional connections with customers and working straight from the heart.

“We are very relationship driven and we try to earn their exclusivity if we can. We look at their calendar of events and meetings and match the right facilities with the right meeting,” says Dirocco. “From a national sales perspective, no one saw that the economic slowdown was going to hit as hard as it has and we are trying to be proactive. We go back to customers and ask how we can help with their plans and budgets.”

Among the top requests from customers is the ability to be flexible with contracts. On the corporate side, planners are asking for a lot of flexibility and Delta Hotels is adding more value-added incentives.

“Pricing is very competitive and all the brands out there are offering the sky. Delta has done an excellent job retaining business because we offer good value for the product,” says Dirocco. “Our Meeting Maestros program creates a culture that is all about impressing. We wow them with the site inspection and our response time is guaranteed to 24 hours. Sometimes that’s all it takes to show willingness and a desire to do business.

Acknowledgement is crucial.”

InterContinental Hotels and Resorts boasts a points and rewards program as an incentive for meeting planners. By booking a qualified meeting until the end of the year, meeting planners can earn up to one million bonus points to be redeemed for meeting credits ranging from $250 to $1,000. Points can also be redeemed for free nights, airline miles, retail gift certificates and more. And now, there is an extra incentive for meeting planners where they can earn double the Priority Club Meeting points between now and the end of the year. Priority Club Meeting points never expire, can be redeemed worldwide at more than 3,800 facilities and there are no unsettling black out dates.

With stiff competition for business across the board, hotels must be innovative and adaptable when it comes to securing meeting and convention business. Through excellence in customer ser vice, f lexibilit y with cont racts and offering incentives like points or credits to a master account, meeting planners have a bounty of options available to them.

Knowing that salespeople are open and willing to negotiate and custom design a program to fit every need and budget proves that there’s no excuse to postpone a sales event, an annual general meeting or a training seminar despite the slow economic recovery.

Corporate Meetings & Events | 27

Pantone Colours Green Pantone 363 Blue Pantone 661

c h e f ' s s p ot l i g h t

Executive Chef Damian Harrington Offering Niagara-inspired cuisine

By Habeeb Salloum

A

Any one who visits Canada’s Niagara Falls is sure to pass by the newly renovated Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview Hotel, an historic abode with excellent views overlooking the Canadian and American Falls.

Its superb location in the heart of the tourist district and direct indoor connections to the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, Casino Niagara, and other popular attractions makes it a tourist destination par excellence. Considered one of the most majestic and celebrated hotels in Ontario, it offers a romantic getaway.

A topping to all these allurements is its dining places under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Damian Harrington. The queen of all the eatingplaces in the hotel is the Fallsview Rainbow Room Restaurant from where there are spectacular views of the Gorge as well as the falls. With a reputation of elegance among an international clientele along with superb fare, the restaurant offers customers an award winning five-star a la carte menu featuring gourmet Niagara-inspired cuisine, along with the finest Niagara vintage wines.

Harrington graduated from George Brown College’s School of Hospitality, then apprenticed at the Thornhill Golf & Country Club under Fred Reindl, one of the founding fathers of culinary arts in Toronto.

Expanding on his chosen career he continued to train under world-class chef Mark McEwan, at his two Toronto restaurants, North 44 and Bymark where he was head saucier. Harrington claims that

“My philosophy is that any meal can be done in large volume. I like to serve restaurant quality food for banquets and this means doing this the last minute -- having everything in place 80 percent done, and then finishing off the last 20 percent at service time” 30 | July/August 2009

these two chefs, along with Chef Lee Goble, made him the chef he is today.

In the ensuing years Harrington held positions at a number of Toronto area restaurants, Restaurant and Banquet Chef at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Spa in Rose Hall Jamaica, and Grand Lido Braco Resort and Spa, Trelawny, Jamaica. In November 2008 he was appointed Executive Chef at Crowne Plaza Fallsview Hotel. Today as a world-class chef, his main goals are “To apply my experience in catering to clients with expensive palettes; and high expectations to group and convention menus at the Crowne Plaza.”

Harrington has prepared many menus for corporate and other groups as well as conferences including Hewlett-Packard, The Liberal Party of Ontario, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and Sun Life Financial.

“My philosophy is that any meal can be done in large volume. I like to serve restaurant quality food for banquets and this means doing this the last minute -- having everything in place 80 percent done, and then finishing off the last 20 percent at service time,” he says. “Off site catering is my favorite because it is the most challenging.”

Harrington supervises a kitchen staff of 35 and trains new chefs on an ongoing basis.

“Training is an everyday thing. Changing food trends and proper training are the keys to a happy and productive culinary brigade....It gives me great pleasure when I witness a cook progress to the next level such as mastering the art of making proper stocks and sauces.”

Currently, Harrington is revamping the Rainbow Room menu to reflect the classic charm of the historic Crowne Plaza. The new menu will include classic recipes with a modern fine dining flare. No doubt included will be two of his favorite dishes: Chicken Cordon Bleu and Beef Wellington. “I love the classics,” he notes.

Harrington says the most enjoyable part of his job is creating a memorable experience that he tries to deliver to every guest. He loves his work and aims at becoming a Chef instructor at a local culinary college or a corporate chef for a hotel company.

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Plugging into the audio-visual trends Shedding new light on the advances

T

By Ralph Niekamp

The audiovisual aspect of the corporate meeting and event industry continues to evolve. Anything that can save time, money and reduce energy usage quickly becomes mainstream. Many of the new trends meet these criteria as well as offer a new and better way of doing things.

When people think of AV the first thing that usually comes to mind is projectors, and yes, they continue to be brighter, smaller and more affordable. While the “brighter, smaller, cheaper” trend has been around since LCD projectors were first introduced they have now become more specialized and sophisticated.

Ultra - shor t throw projec tor s are a specialized product development. They project an 80” diagonal image from less than 30” of projection distance. It can be mounted on the top of an interactive whiteboard making it easier for the facilitator to conduct a training session (fewer distracting shadow puppets).

The system is also portable as the interactive whiteboard and mounted projector can be wheeled from room to room.

Michael A bram s on, Pacific M e dia Associates notes that “in 2006 and 2007, there were less than five brands in the market with short-throw projectors. Now there are more than 15 brands and about 50 models in the short-throw market, including models that are standard aspect ratio as well as ones that are widescreen.”

Many businesses are now recognizing the advantages of bringing short-throw projection of large-screen images to rooms and settings that in the past may have been too constrained by tight space, lighting, or room design. In fact, to illustrate how short-throw projection is moving beyond education, Pro AV dealers in North America expect that about one-third of their short-throw sales in 2009 will be for training and other business applications.”

Event staging projectors have also become brighter and their set up is more flexible with the development of interchangeable lenses. A short-throw lens reduces the amount of space required for rear projection and a long-throw lens enables the projector to be set up behind the audience.

32 | July/August 2009

Micro-projectors (11 cm x 5 cm x 2 cm) are still in their infancy but they will continue to develop and will soon become a standard road warrior accessory projecting images from their laptop, iPod or mobile device.

High Definition (HD) has become an important consideration when people are looking at designing a new AV system. HD content availability is growing and people are future-proofing their AV investment by purchasing HD systems. Videoconferencing system users have also embraced HD as a more natural meeting experience than standard definition monitors.

Legal and Health industries have identified videoconferencing as a great communication tool. Videoconferencing enables these industries to deliver expertise over great distances without the cost and travel time.

This includes delivering keynote speeches at conferences. HR departments interview candidates via videoconferencing which also speeds up their decision making process.

50” and larger LCD monitors are frequently being integrated into small meeting rooms.

The cost of the large monitors has come down and they are much better suited for small spaces where even a short-throw projector is obtrusive.

Facilities with multiple training rooms and meeting rooms have embraced AV systems that can be networked. Efficiencies of networked AV equipment include remote system access, maintenance program management, energy savings and even automated e-mail alerts if the equipment is disconnected from the system.

LED lighting continues to be an exciting AV development. It certainly meets the litmus test of “save time, money and reduce energy usage” and they deliver stunning visual impact. LED lighting saves time because each instrument can create many colors instead of only producing a single color per instrument.

The fewer instruments required means less time is needed to set up and dismantle the room. While LED instruments cost more than traditional lighting the reduction in the total number of instruments may reduce the overall

cost of a lighting system. Traditional lighting systems require a 220-volt electrical system that usually translates to additional set up costs while LED light systems run off of a regular 110 volt outlet.

Did we mention that LED lighting looks great? We were recently part of an awards dinner hosted by a major Canadian bank and a few LED lights easily illuminated the room in the corporate colors. The lights added a dynamic element to the room as they moved and faded between corporate colors making the convention hall come alive.

The internet and Web 2.0 has made an impact everywhere and the meeting and event industry is no different. Dallas Ballance, of GoodwinBallance Communications in Winnipeg, Manitoba noted that “most presenters at large events would like to upload their presentations before they leave their office and that it will be loaded on a laptop in their presentation room ready to go.”

These same presentations are now often available for download after the event from a conference website or Facebook page. A presenter now has the ability to make last minute changes to the presentation based on what a person speaking earlier in the day said making the presentation more relevant and interesting to the audience. While this saves printing out the presentations it also adds this new dimension to multi-presenter events because the presentations are not being printed out a week before the event.

Webcasting has also changed meeting industry expectations as the reach of an event is now extended. People that could not attend in person can now participate in the live event or view it at a later date. This online trend will continue to grow as the infrastructure and understanding of this new tool increases.

Ralph Niekamp, Inland AV Saskatoon General Manager addresses audiovisual considerations important to event planners.

As a branch manager, Ralph brings a unique perspective as he is involved in both permanent systems design and integration and AV rentals applications.

Extraordinary Meetings & Special Events Over 38,000 sq. ft. of function space • Award winning, French inspired decor • Abundance of natural light throughout • Outdoor courtyards • Soaring 30' beautifully detailed ceilings • Complimentary Hi Speed internet Complete Meeting Package available • Over 600 complimentary parking spots • Strategically located in Vaughan at HWYs 7 & 427 • Hotel accommodations within 1 km • Minutes to Pearson International Airport

To book your next meeting or event, contact: 905.851.2200 / 800.533.3009 • inquiry@lejardin.com • www.lejardin.com

Le Jardin Conference & Event Centre Toronto Airport North 8440 Hwy #27 (at Hwy #7), Woodbridge, ON.

CM&E Marketplace caesars windsor - see ad on page 19/27 Caesars Windsor 2IVERSIDE $R % 7INDSOR /. s s WWW CAESARSWINDSOR COM #AESARS 7INDSOR THE LARGEST CASINO RESORT IN #ANADA LOCATED ON A PICTURESQUE RIVERFRONT OFFERS 6EGAS STYLE ENTERTAINMENT ONLY FIFTEEN MINUTES FROM THE 5 3 BORDER &OUR DIAMOND ACCOMODATIONS ARE OFFERED IN TWO TOWERS WITH ROOMS A

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holiday inn - see ad on page inside front cover On your next meeting EARN UP TO 60,000* POINTS. Enroll now in Priority ClubÂŽ Meeting Rewards and start earning points with every qualified meeting you hold at more than 900 Holiday InnÂŽ hotels in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico*. s %ARN MORE POINTS FOR YOUR GROUP OR MEETING s &ASTER WAY TO %LITE STATUS s -ORE REDEMPTION OPTIONS Go to www.holidayinn.com/meetingrewards to enroll and start earning rewards.

Contact Swati.Ettrick@ihg.com or call 1-877-904-MEET for groups/events with 10 or more guest rooms peak night!

sheraton centre toronto - see ad on Outside back cover In the heart of downtown, the Four Diamond Sheraton Centre Toronto features nearly 100,000 sq ft of fully wired and Wi-Fi accessible function space, a renovated Club Lounge with upgraded amenities and expansive views of the city, 1,377 (SM) guest rooms with the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed and the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest indoor/outdoor heated pool for relaxing after a long day. Please visit us at sheraton.com/centretoronto or call 1-800-325-3535 for more information.

vancouver aquarium- see ad on page 28/29 Vancouver Aquarium Catering & Events Engaging, amazing, inspiring. Voted one of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-loved attractions, the Vancouver Aquarium is an intriguing and unforgettable venue for your next special event. From formal dining among majestic beluga whales to cocktail receptions in a living art gallery-style setting, the Aquarium offers stunning seascape backdrops for 50â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1,200 guests. As part of our Ocean Wise program, the Aquarium provides only sustainable seafood menus from our chef's culinary creations. By hosting your event at the Vancouver Aquarium, your group supports the Aquariumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conservation, education and research initiatives.

Ph. 604.659.3456 cateringandevents@vanaqua.org www.vanaqua.org/cateringandevents

Advertisers Index Best Western....................................................................................................................4

Minto Suites................................................................................................................... 18

Caesars Windsor..................................................................................................19, 27

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.............................................Outside Back Cover

Cineplex Entertainment.............................................................................................26

Starwood.......................................................................................................................23

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts..............................................Inside Back Cover

Tourism Hamilton........................................................................................................ 15

Holiday Inn.....................................................................................Inside Front Cover

Tourism Richmond.....................................................................................................6,7

LeJardin..........................................................................................................................33

Vancouver Aquarium............................................................................................28-29

34â&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; July/August 2009

TO MAKE OUR POINT, WE DECIDED TO DOUBLE YOURS.

From now through December 31, 2009, every qualified meeting* you hold at any of more than 160 Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts in Canada or the U.S. will earn you double Priority Club® Meeting Rewards points. We’ll credit you with six Priority Club points, rather than the usual three, for every US $1 you spend.

We’ll also double the maximum points per meeting to 120,000. So your rewards will add up twice as fast. Which means you’ll end up looking twice as good.

Edmonton - Chateau Lacombe

Moncton Downtown

Niagara Falls - Fallsview

Toronto Airport

Fredericton - Lord Beaverbrook

Montreal Airport

Ottawa

Toronto Don Valley

FOR DETAILS

visit CrownePlaza.com/DoublePointsca

Contact Swati.Ettrick@ihg.com or call 1-877-904-MEET for groups/events with 10 or more guestrooms peak night! *Must be a Priority Club Meetings Rewards member. Member must request offer at time of booking. No retroactive points will be awarded for qualified meetings or group stays previously contracted.

Subject to standard Priority Club Meeting Rewards program terms and conditions, which can be found at www.priorityclub.com/terms. For full terms and conditions, visit www.crowneplaza.com/meetings. ® Registered Trademark of InterContinental Hotels Group. © 2009 InterContinental Hotels Group. All rights reserved. Most hotels are independently owned and/or operated.

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