August 2010 by MERCI

The Power of Appearance By Barry Siskind

recently read a news article about Debrahlee Lorenzo, an attractive woman who worked at Citibank. The story stated that she was dismissed because the clothes she wore were too provocative and not appropriate to the financial industry image.. She fired back with a gender-discrimination suit saying she couldn’t help the way she looks. The case will probably go on for years. The issue that this raises is what is the appropriate dress for people who work on the front line engaged in face-to-face marketing and selling to customers? Years ago the answer was simple. People who met customers should look professional; men in ties and women in dresses. One need look no further than the popular television show Mad Men to see how people dressed in the 60’s. But all that has changed. The definition of professional dress has changed. In the 80’s and 90’s the CEO’s of dot com companies in the Silicon Valley, went barefoot, in jeans and tee shirts . Then someone invented dress-down Fridays where regardless of the industry people took one day each work week to look like dot-com executives. Now when I attend a face to face marketing event I never know what I will see. Some people are over dressed and don’t seem to fit into the industry they represent while others opt for personal comfort in their choice of wardrobe.

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Dress professionally which means wearing what would be considered appropriate to wear to a client meeting from Monday to Thursday. Everyone dresses the same which gives the company and its representatives an opportunity to stand out at the event they are participating in.

If they choose the latter then there are some considerations in the selection of theme clothing:

a) Look

at the wide variety of theme clothing available to expand your choices beyond tee-shirts and sweat shirts. This can include jackets, arm bands, neck ties, hats, scarves etc.

b) C hoose a color and theme that complements your display. This gives the appearance that your choice of clothes has been intentional and that your staff are part of the display.

c ) Don’t print logos and messages that are so small someone has to be literally standing in front of you to read it. Whether in the display or walking around your staff now becomes a walking billboard.

d) Choose clothes that are gender and physique neutral; you don’t want to make people uncomfortable with your choices.

e) Make it mandatory that all front line staff look the same. f) Choose good quality. g) Adjust your choices to the culture and country where you are exhibiting. In some areas of the world a more formal dress code may be the norm.

h) Let your staff keep the clothes after the event. If they take In the 60’s psychologist Albert Mehrabrian wrote an interesting thesis titled Communication without Words. Mehrabrian studied thousands of workers and found that 55% of their customers’ perception of these people - whether they liked them or trusted them – was passed on through their non-verbal; the way they looked, their body language and how they dressed. Mehrabrian’s work is just as relevant today as it was a half century ago. The dilemma companies face at face to face marketing events is a definition of what is professional and therefore appropriate for their staff to wear. I think there are two answers to this:

the clothes home and wear them on the weekend, it displays a sense of personal pride in their company. Now the choice is yours. You can define professionalism measured against what you would normally wear to attend a client meeting or create a look that compliments your display and marketing message.

Barry Siskind is North America’ foremost trade and consumer show expert. Visit his Web site: www.siskindtraining.com or e-mail him at: barry@siskindtraining.com.

www.theplanner.ca | August 2010 | thePLANNER

InT this Issue C E

Editor’s Note

Paving the road ahead

Immigration is becoming an important consideration, learning to communicate to different cultures, as their reference points are often very different. Marshall McLuhan called it right when he said, “The medium is the message”. As a planner, you will have to cater to many different cultures and age groups within your events. So simplicity and creativity will be the answer. Music is one universal language that reaches all generations and cultures. Visuals are another effective tool as “a picture tells a thousand words”. Online methods have proliferated the field of communication and show no sign of abating, particularly among young people. I heard recently that over 13,000 new videos are added to YouTube daily!

For our part, we at The Planner will continue to provide you with timely and useful information to help you in these challenges and in your day to day activities. We wish you a pleasant last few weeks of summer, and as always, we welcome your comments and suggestions. Don Murray, CMP

Genevieve Archibald of the InterContinental Toronto Centre tell planners what unique services she can provide them with.

12 The ATA Carnet >

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce explains when and why you would want to use a Carnet when traveling to another country.

17 Designing for Strategic innovation >

Ed Bernacki innovative thinker of the Idea Factory offers ideas and innovative strategies from Down Under.

20 The Banana Slug / Carbon Offsetting >

Sandra Woods shares thoughts from a recent holiday.

22 Sow the Seeds of Success >

Green is a no-brainer. Anything we can do within our lives – both personal and professional - should now be a given. Our biggest task as planners is to encourage clients and suppliers to go green and not just pay lip service to the concept. So as a planner, you will at times have to be as hard as a diamond, as flexible as a willow or as smooth flowing as water. Most importantly, you will need the wisdom to decide which quality to rev up in any given situation and the confidence to make that decision instantaneously. Not knowing is not an excuse for a planner because by definition, to plan means to organize and arrange in advance. Plan now for your own immediate and long-term future by participating in continuing education and encouraging others to do so. Build the professionalism in our field.

dition

6 Chat with a Concierge

Our August issue focuses on what we believe to be the immediate future for planners: Education, creativity and being green. Creativity will be the key for many reasons, but mostly because we are now working with such a variety of different groups. People will be remaining in the work force longer which will require a different approach than that of the new generation just now joining us.

anadian

Camille Lay shares creative ideas from 2 industry planners, Connie Tinney, CMP, and Brenda Carter, CMP of KPMG.

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The Planner is distributed to professional meeting and event planners across Canada E ditor A ssociate E ditor G raphic A rtist S ales C irculation C ontributors

Don Murray dmurray@theplanner.ca Aurélie Thirion athirion@theplanner.ca Matt Riopel mriopel@theplanner.ca info@theplanner.ca Patricia Lemus circulation@theplanner.ca Genevieve Archibald, Ed Bernacki, Daniel Edward Craig, Marilyn Lazar, Barry Siskind, Sandra Wood

2105, de la Montagne, suite 100 Montréal, Québec H3G 1Z8 Telephone: (514) 849-6841 ext. 315 Télécopieur: (514) 284-2282 Your comments are appreciated: info@theplanner.ca Post-publication No. 40934013 The Planner is published ten times a year.

The Planner uses 30% recycled post-consumer paper.

PAP – Registration No. 111100 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage toward our mailing costs.

PLANNER | August 2010 |www.theplanner.ca

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Signal problems earn iPhone 4 a failing review Travel - not love is what women dream of

Women put travel above falling in love when it comes to unfulfilled life ambitions, according to a recent survey by online travel community, Thelma & Louise. The female-only website, which conducted the research, found that only 10 percent of the women polled named falling in love as a lifelong dream that they haven’t yet fulfilled, whereas more than a third cited travel as an ambition. Winning the lottery topped the list, with 57 per cent saying it was their number one fantasy. Travel ranked second at 37 per cent and career aspirations came third with “get a dream job” receiving a 24 percent share. Interestingly, female students and women in the 18-24-yearold age range were the only groups who didn’t consider “winning the lottery” to be a top priority. They placed money behind their careers and having a family. The survey sheds light on just how important travel is to many women. And while many people may fantasize about winning the lottery, the odds are stacked against even the most regular ticket purchasers. Travel, on the other hand, is a concrete and achievable goal. Finally, the survey showed that the female sense of adventure is alive and kicking. 29 per cent of the 18 – 24 year-olds polled and 15 per cent of women overall selected “an adventure holiday” as the getaway that appealed to them most. After all, Thelma and Louise did it.

Beware: Salsa and guacamole have more in common than good taste

Planners concerned about food poisoning should consider a new report that suggests salsa and guacamole served at restaurants are increasingly common sources of food-borne illness.

Consumer Reports magazine said recently that it can’t recommend the new iPhone 4 to shoppers, because of persistent reception issues caused by touching the Apple Inc. phone. On its website, the product-review magazine also questioned Apple’s explanation for the glitch, saying it tested other smart phones in its labs, including the older iPhone 3GS, and that “none of those phones had the signal-loss problems of the iPhone 4.” “Our findings call into question the recent claim by Apple that the iPhone 4’s signal-strength issues were largely an optical illusion caused by faulty software that ‘mistakenly display 2 more bars than it should for a given signal strength,’” Consumer Reports said. The comments by the product-review publication add to a slew of complaints about the iPhone 4’s ability to handle voice calls. Apple has responded with a promise for a software update that will change how the phone decides how many signal bars to show, but Consumer Report’s tests cast doubt on whether that will solve the problem. Consumer Reports tested three iPhone 4s and found that touching a spot on the left side of the phone can cause reception to “significantly degrade enough to cause you to lose your connection altogether if you’re in an area with a weak signal”. “Due to this problem, we can’t recommend the iPhone 4” the magazine stated. “There is definitely a problem.” Apple has recommended that customers put rubber protective sleeves, or “bumpers”, around the phone, a step that Consumer Reports also endorsed. The magazine also suggested covering the gap in the antenna with a piece of duct tape. “It may not be pretty, but it works,” the magazine said. On the Web : www.consumerreports.org

The dishes, particularly popular during hot summer months, are linked to nearly one in 25 food-borne illness outbreaks that originate in restaurants in the United States. This figure more than doubled between 1998 and 2008, according to research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, presented recently at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases. Improper storage and handling by restaurant workers were responsible for about half of illness outbreaks involving salsa and guacamole, the report said.

www.theplanner.ca | August 2010 | thePLANNER

Chat with a concierge By Genevieve Archibald, Chef concierge, Intercontinental Toronto Centre Q: What unique services can you provide planners?

Q: What interesting, offbeat or unique places do you recom-

A: Time. We know that there are not enough minutes in the day for planners. We love to feel useful and will do whatever it takes to make their lives easier. Whether they need last minute name plates or tent cards for a dinner meeting or can’t seem to find a shipment of important documents, we will do whatever it takes to relieve their stress and take on the task ourselves. We have the expertise to handle these situations with efficiency as we are dealing with situations in our own location which we have come across numerous times before. We also have an extensive network of professionals across Canada and the world who we can call upon for assistance or information.

mend to planners?

Q: What restaurants do you recommend in your city for groups?

A: There are hundreds of restaurants surrounding The InterContinental Toronto Centre which makes accommodating group dinners a simple task. Some of my favourites within walking distance include: Jacobs and Co. Steakhouse which is a high end steak restaurant that ages all of their meat on site. There is a piano bar in the lower level with live entertainment Thursday through Saturday. The Fifth is located on the fifth floor of a building in the entertainment district. Guests enter through an alleyway and are escorted to a freight elevator furnished with a Persian rug and warm, decorative touches. When you arrive at the fifth floor, the elevator doors open to the most beautiful, warm dining room in the city. With a fire place, wooden floors, a chandelier and touches of white fabric, this is definitely the most romantic restaurant in the city. There is also a year-round heated patio connected to the dining room. Brassaii is a contemporary restaurant with inspired Mediterranean fare. It is a large restaurant with many possibilities for different table configurations and even private rooms. Q: What nightlife do you recommend in your city?

A: The concierge team has numerous connections with many of the nightclubs in the area. We love to make sure our guests are expected when they arrive so we will ensure the club is expecting them. Some of our favorites are: Century Room located on West King West is a chic nightclub whose history is evident in the floors, walls and ceiling. It attracts a trendy, sophisticated crowd. The Reservoir Lounge is a fantastic venue for live Swing-Blues, Jump and Boogie-woogie. It is a few steps below street level in the St. Lawrence Market district. There is live music every night. If you decide to have dinner there, it will guarantee you a table for the night. 6

PLANNER | August 2010 |www.theplanner.ca

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A: I love to inform my guests about the many different cultural neighbourhoods to visit in Toronto. The Danforth, as locals refer to it, is our Greektown which is one of my favorite neighbourhoods as this is where I grew up and still live. There are hundreds of restaurants and patios and some fabulous shopping. Interestingly, you will find Indian, Scottish, Thai, Japanese and even Cuban fare on The Danforth, in addition to the finest Greek food around. The taramousalata at Christina’s is to die for and the spanakopita at Athens is the best you can find. The Toronto Islands are a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city during a convention. The ferries run regularly to three different points of the Toronto islands. There is a restaurant called The Rectory Cafe near Ward’s Island and you will feel as if you are a million miles from any car or building or email begging for your attention......turn off that Blackberry - this a place to relax!

Q: What are your not-to-be-missed places or things to see?

A: The Distillery District is the largest collection of Victorian industrial buildings in North America. It was once a whiskey distillery but has been transformed into a lovely, pedestrian only area for shopping and dining. It houses many unique boutiques and restaurants, a chocolate factory and my favourite coffee shop, Balzac’s. The Case Goods building is open from Wednesday to Sunday and has many lovely boutiques which are owned by the artists themselves who are at work in the stores. This is the place to get that one-of-a-kind Toronto souvenir to bring back home. Q: What jogging/walking routes do you recommend?

A: The Martin Goodman Trail runs along the waterfront and promises gorgeous views and hopefully a nice breeze on hotter days. It is well marked and very safe for runners, cyclists and inline skaters. Toronto is also renowned for its extensive ravines which can seem complicated to access but the concierge team has maps to assist with exploring these areas. Q: How much does a cab ride cost from the airport to the downtown core?

A: If one were to take a waiting taxi from the airport, it should cost between $50 and $60. There is also an Airport Express bus that services a number of downtown hotels and is significantly cheaper. www.torontoairportexpress.com The concierge could also arrange to have a car waiting specifically for a guest for the approximate cost of $75.

requests.

A: I once had a guest who had an hour and a half between the end of his meeting and the time that he needed to leave the hotel for the airport. He wanted to fly in a Cessna over Niagara Falls before returning back home to Europe. Because this is not an everyday request, and the desk was incredibly busy with the end of a large convention, I was instantly nervous about how I could make this happen. It was one of those magical days when the first phone call made was the right one and the person on the other end kept saying yes to my requests. Within a half hour, my guest was flying over Niagara Falls and then back to Toronto circle the CN Tower a few times. Upon his return, he looked like a new person. He confessed that it was one of the highlights of his life and thanked me for helping to make one of his dreams come true.

QUIZ QUESTION OF THE MONTH Copyright: Do you copy it right ? Copyright is a property right just like the right to own real estate. TRUE OR FALSE? ANSWER: TRUE. Although copyright applies to property that is more intangible than other ownership rights, it is still a private property right.

Q: Tell us about some of your most outrageous guest

For any questions regarding copyrights, please contact: Genevieve Archibald is Chef Concierge for the Intercontinental Toronto Centre and a member of Les Clefs d’Or Canada. She can be reached at tel: 416-597-8115, fax: 416-597-8128, or by email: genevieve.archibald@ihg.com.

Companies/organizations located in Quebec: Copibec, the Quebec copyright licensing agency at info@copybec.qc.ca. Companies/organizations located in Canada (outside Quebec): Access Copyright, the Canada copyright licensing agency at info@accesscopyright.ca / www.accesscopyright.ca

THE GOLDEN KEY Are survival and service mutually exclusive? Read the lapel. By Marilyn Lazar

otels are part of the hospitality industry and as such, service is a primary focus. Concierge floors and other “frequent flyer” perks are examples. However, the hotel business is not immune to our volatile economy. The unfortunate reality is that hotels have become somewhat of a game of real estate. In the struggle to stay in the black on this virtual Monopoly board, one position, if not eliminated, has been sub-contracted to the point where the real estate term of “net-net” overrides the concept of service.

Whereas an authentic Clefs d’or Concierge, readily identifiable by the golden keys pinned to their lapels, cannot accept money in return for referrals.

In many instances, hotels sub-contract the concierge service. This enables them to save face and salary. The concierge desk is manned but is actually a source of revenue rather than an expense. What does this mean for guests and more importantly, why should we care?

The real concierge, the Clefs d’Or, must be a hotel employee and cannot be a sub-contractor. They adhere to a strict code of ethics. Look for them. Ask about them. Be aware of the difference. (See clef’s d’or website at www.lesclefsdorcanada.org for further information.)

Sub-contractors are likely to refer guests to a finite list of their own client base. They receive a fee in return for these referrals. Some people might even view this as a kick back.

In the luxury lobby as much as on the grocery aisle, educated consumers need to read the label. After all, service is… key.

A walk through the lobbies of hotels in the downtown core of Toronto – or any metropolis – tells the story. Freshfaced ingénues behind the concierge desk at most hotels do not wear the golden keys, but upon questioning, reveal knowledge of what they are. “You’ll find Clefs d’Or at some of the five stars,” one young man explains helpfully.

www.theplanner.ca | August 2010 | thePLANNER

Preventing Broken Telephone: Proper conference call etiquette must also observe timing etiquette in getting others on the line. The first person should be called within five minutes before the designated time; the last person should be added approximately one minute before the meeting is scheduled to begin.

es, there certainly is proper etiquette to observe when conducting or participating in a conference call. As in any situation that involves other people, common courtesy and consideration for others goes a long way. The primary responsibility for a conference call lies with the organizer. Firstly, people invited to participate should be consulted regarding the timing if possible, or at least be given sufficient advance notice. The organizer should then follow up to confirm the day and time and to provide a complete list of participants to everybody involved. When announcing the time of the conference call, the time zone should be included. If an out-of-country participant will be involved, the call should be arranged with the time difference in mind. In addition to a general announcement, an agenda should be sent to each person prior to the date of the call. The agenda should list the goals of the telephone meeting and highlight what each individual’s contribution will be. The call will usually fall into one of two categories. Either you will call all involved parties and connect them via your own phone system, or they will be required to call a number in order to connect. In the latter category, the organizer must ensure that the memo providing instructions clearly explains how to connect to the call. As with any meeting, punctuality is key. Whether you are the organizer or a participant, you should be at your phone by the appointed hour. If you have organized the call, you

t ips to help balance work and life

reate a regular midweek date night with your sigC nificant other.

eet a friend at the gym. You’re less likely to skip the M workout if you know someone’s waiting there for you.

olunteer to help at a charity event or serve on a V board.

ake a night class in something completely unreT lated to your job. Try ceramics, French, or yoga.

PLANNER | August 2010 |www.theplanner.ca

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Those who are “lowest on the totem pole” should be connected first; the most senior executive or client should be connected last. If the meeting requires that participants call in themselves to be connected, you should ensure that all involved parties are on the line before commencing the meeting. Once everyone is connected, the conference call host should greet the group as a whole and introduce all participants, who should then acknowledge their presence with a short greeting. Once the basic courtesies are out of the way, the meeting should commence and follow the agenda that was distributed. One major difficulty with conference calls is the inability to see your fellow callers. This prevents you from tuning into the body language that may indicate when another person wants to speak. In addition, people who talk out of turn may interrupt or drown out the caller who “has the floor”. It can be disconcerting and confusing to have several people talking at the same time. Calls tend to run most smoothly when one person determines whose turn it is to talk next – and when others refrain from speaking until they are asked for input. At the conclusion of the call, the host should briefly summarize what was discussed. Afterward, the host or person designated to take minutes should promptly follow up in writing to each member of the group, to confirm any action plan that was discussed and to outline the responsibilities of each individual.

et home by six, eat dinner with your family, put G the kids to bed and THEN tend to your E-mail.

uy season tickets to the symphony or theatre. You B would feel so guilty if you wasted the money that you’re sure not to miss a performance.

ick two nights a week to leave by 6 pm. Stay as late P as you need to the other three nights. And try not to work on weekends.

lan lots of weekend getaways and a variety of social P and cultural activities.

www.theplanner.ca | August 2010 | thePLANNER

Is the Role of the Hotel Concierge Going Obsolete? By Daniel Edward Craig I can see dignified concierges everywhere clutching their golden keys and gasping in indignation at the title of this article. But hear me out. Technology has placed a world of resources at the fingertips of travelers. Mobile applications allow us to walk out of our hotel, point our phone into the street, and find local restaurants and entertainment, peruse reviews, consult maps and make reservations. In a PhoCusWright survey last year, 67% of travelers reported having used a mobile device to find local services. Almost daily, hotels and travel companies are releasing mobile apps and mobile-compatible websites packed with information normally dispensed by the capable hotel concierge. her desk, she’s busy reorganizing round-the-world itineraries for a guest with a heavy foreign accent and his entourage of eighteen.

Where does that leave the concierge? Parking cars? Slinging drinks in the lounge? Let’s hope not. As a traveler, I love having the services of a concierge. But I’ve noticed an alarming trend of late: the empty concierge desk. During the economic downturn, hotel managers were forced to find ways to cut costs, and many set their sights on the concierge. There he sat, primly at his desk, occupying prime lobby real estate and yet taking in no revenue. Compared to the back-breaking work of housekeeping and the frenetic work of the kitchen, the role of the concierge seemed a bit frivolous in such lean times. Out came the schedule, and concierge hours were slashed. In some hotels, a permanent “Off Duty” sign was placed on the desk. Did service levels nosedive? Did guests post scathing reviews on TripAdvisor because they couldn’t get front row seats to Hairspray? Perhaps. But many travelers simply turned to our mobile phones. There we found a portable, pocket-sized concierge who never recommends restaurants we can’t afford or purses his lips when asked for directions to the nearest Taco Bell. Can a service that is so often unavailable be considered essential? I find that the more urgently I need a concierge, the higher the likelihood her desk will be empty. Concierges operate under mysterious hours, seeming to open and close at random, like shops in Spain at siesta time. They’re always out running errands for needier guests; at the post office mailing a left-behind artificial limb; conducting cultural tours of Chinatown; shopping for that perfect ascot to match a guest’s leopard-skin jumpsuit. If she is at 10

PLANNER | August 2010 |www.theplanner.ca

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This obliges us to go to the front desk for assistance. Here the simplest questions, such as “Where is the nearest drugstore?” and “What street are we on?” can be met with blank stares. That’s because hotels recruit front desk staff from distant suburbs and lock them up during breaks. Or so goes my theory. Have you ever asked an agent who looks like she’s spent all of her fourteen years in a convent about the local club scene? Or a bellman who looks like he moonlights at a biker bar where to go antiquing? It’s no wonder we turn to our phones. In this era of death-match bargain-hunting, when travelers will book a hotel blind and forgo even the most basic of services if it means getting a deal, is a concierge with intimate knowledge of the finest restaurants in the city really that essential? Aren’t these travelers dining at Applebee’s? And yet some travelers are utterly dependent on the concierge; upon arriving at a hotel, they become incapable of performing even the simplest of tasks, like confirming a flight or placing a stamp on an envelope. These people aren’t likely to turn to their mobile phones for help. Some hotels have replaced concierges with touch-screen kiosks. That might work at airports, but hotel employees are still relatively pleasant to travelers – we like dealing with them. At a time when online travel agencies and price wars have virtually commoditized hotels, concierge services are a way for a hotel to distinguish itself. More than any employee, the concierge can turn a ho-hum stay into an unforgettable experience. In the age

of social media, that can have a direct impact on guest reviews and business. Can a hotel that doesn’t offer concierge services call itself luxury – or even upscale? The Four Seasons’ Isadore Sharp describes the concierge as “a combination of personal secretary, aide-de-camp, tour guide, travel agent, social director, best friend and flat-out miracle worker.” No wonder concierges are never at their desk. They’re out building orphanages. As a front desk agent, I used to have to cover the concierge desk during breaks. My typical reaction to guest requests was, “You want me to do what??” I was always relieved when the concierge returned. “Of course, sir,” she would say, with astonishing composure, “I’d be delighted to organize your daughter’s wedding.” Not everyone has a smart phone, nor is willing to use it. I love my iPhone, but the volume of information it dispenses can be overwhelming. Sometimes I simply want to be told where to go and pointed in that direction. And so far my iPhone hasn’t volunteered to call up the owner of a sold-out restaurant to secure a table, like my concierge in Barcelona did. As smart as our phones are, they simply can’t replace the personal contacts and insider knowledge of the seasoned concierge. The concierge will stay modern and relevant by embracing newly available tools. Concierge software enables hotels to cre-

ate mini-Yelp systems exclusively for clientele. Mobile apps and websites offer reviews and imagery to supplement the concierge’s advice. Some hotels, like Intercontinental, have begun to equip concierges with iPads to assist with directions, advice and reservations. By harnessing modern technology to enhance personalized service, the concierge will continue to play an integral role in the upscale hotel experience. And that’s great news for travelers. Let’s hope we see them back at their desks soon – and not up in rooms making beds.

What do you think about the future of the hotel concierge? Email me a dec@danieledwardcraig.com or post your comments at http://www.blog.danieledwardcraig.com.

Daniel Edward Craig is a former hotel general manager turned consultant and the author of the Murder at the Universe and other hotel-themed books and articles. His blog is considered essential reading for hoteliers, travelers and students alike. Visit www.danieledwardcraig.com or email dec@danieledwardcraig. com. Twitter: dcraig.

www.theplanner.ca | August 2010 | thePLANNER

Gordon Ramsay Plane Food When flying from Heathrow

No time to sit down?

A Plane Picnic is the perfect solution. Grab a delicious Gordon Ramsay picnic with everything you need in one small, carry-on bag.

Planning a business trip? Hate all the formalities of crossing international borders? The ATA Carnet may be your solution!

This exclusive service offering from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce simplifies most customs procedures, reduces business costs, and saves time and paperwork. The ATA Carnet, often referred to as a ‘Passport for Goods’ is currently accepted in 67 countries with more joining the Program soon. It is an indispensable tool in helping the business community to develop export markets by allowing easier cross-border access and limiting delays. Except for consumables (such as food, agricultural products, giveaways & postal traffic), most goods can be included on a Carnet, even animals! These may include commercial samples, computers, cameras/ video equipment, industrial machinery, automobiles/airplanes, gems and jewellery, wearing apparel, and display tools for participation in exhibitions and promotional events. 12

To take away 7.00am – 9.00pm

Starters To obtain an ATA Carnet, simply submit an application with a detailed list of your goods; pay the applicable issuance fee; and, submit the required security.

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To find out more about the Program’s benefits, log on to www.chamber.ca/carnet or contact one of the Carnet Services Representatives at 1-800-661-2930, or communicate your interest for more detailed information via our next webinar session (tentatively planned for September/ October 2010) via e-mail at carnet@chamber.ca.

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Other services offered by the Canadian Chamber

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An electronic platform is now available for Canadian exporters to obtain their Certificates of Origin from the comfort of their own office by logging on to www.tradecert.com/canada. All that is required is an internet connection and a colour printer. To register for a brief demonstration, send an email to certification@ chamber.ca.

PLANNER | August 2010 |www.theplanner.ca

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Plane Picnic 11.95 £ 3 courses

By The Canadian Chamber of Commerce n ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows for the temporary importation of goods worldwide, free of duties and taxes, providing the timely re-exportation of all goods from the countries visited.

Breakfast, all day and children’s menus available, seven days a week. Purchase your Plane Picnic at our counter.

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Selection of mini breakfast pastries Caesar salad with pancetta and soft boiled egg Antipasti, salami and buffalo mozzarella Tiger prawn salad with watercress and soy sesame dressing

Main Courses • • • •

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Scottish smoked salmon with an apple, celery and walnut salad Gruyère cheese, hen’s egg and new potato salad with gherkins Roasted rump of Hereford beef With green bean salad and mustard Cumbrian honey-roasted and parma ham With slow-roasted vine tomatoes

Desserts • • • •

Fruit salad with vanilla yoghurt Chocolate and pecan brownie with crème Chantilly Pear cheesecake tart with caramel English cheese selection with quince and biscuits

Designing your conferences and meetings

for strategic innovation By Ed Bernacki - The Idea Factory

he recessionary times prompted many corporations to cut back or cancel conferences as a way to reduce costs. This is understandable as for too long, the tangible value created by conferences what highly questionable. This is not the fault of conference and meeting planners of the organization. I believe we should look to the lack of executive insight invested to view conferences as important opportunities to advance an organization’s strategic objectives. As a speaker on innovative thinking at numerous conferences in numerous countries I continually notice the same issue. Few conferences have any learning, engagement or innovation objectives to shape the presentation of concepts and ideas. The anecdotal way that I measure the success of our meetings is to ask an audience: How many people come to conferences like this, take notes and never look at them again? Typically, 60 to 70 percent of people raise their hand – and then laugh when they realize how foolish this seems. There is a movement in the meeting industry toward being accountable from a return-on-investment

perspective yet this is limited in scope as few events link to company strategy. New thinking on conference design comes from Australia that offers insights for corporations and associations. The Government of Australian sees conferences as part of the nation’s innovation strategy. This is reflected by the Business Events Council of Australia recommendations: “Knowledge that is delivered via business events has the potential to enhance individual and organization performance. To maximise these outcomes, however, it is essential that clear objectives be set for business events and action be taken to follow up to ensure that the objectives are achieved.” These benefits, it suggests, can be grouped under the two categories of creating and disseminating innovation and enhancing individual and organizational performance. The specific strategies based on this insight can drive the design of your meetings to focus on the bottom line issues of your organization. To make meetings truly strategic, shape objectives around these themes:

Creating innovation – the raw materials of innovation are people, ideas and time to create new thinking that leads to new ideas. What needs to be created in your business?

Disseminating innovation – this may include communicating new technologies and approaches that are possible and those “innovations” which are created by people during the business event.

Enhancing individual performance – this requires a sophisticated review of problems with current performance, skills and tactics to achieve change.

Enhancing organizational performance – this also requires a sophisticated review of how the event can be used to deliver on performance objectives.

Continued page 19

www.theplanner.ca | August 2010 | thePLANNER

U.S. travel to Canada declined seven percent in 2009 The overall U.S. outbound market totaled 61.5 million in 2009, down three percent compared to 2008. Travel to overseas regions declined two percent, while travel to Mexico and Canada declined four percent and seven percent respectively.

and chief executive officer Barry Sherman, who had hoped to develop a casino on its grounds. It was bought in 1998 by Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLP, a Hartford Connecticutbased fund, for an estimated $21-million. Cornerstone has since spent an estimated $60-million on renovations. Deerhurst currently encompasses space for 1,000 guests, two golf courses, conference facilities, seven restaurants, a spa and salon, and a 3,000-foot airstrip. The owners said the decision to sell was made because of an improving commercial real estate market and not due to financial distress.

The top five countries for U.S. visitation in 2009, were: Mexico (19.5 million), Canada (11.7 million), the United Kingdom (2.7 million), France (1.9 million) and Italy (1.8 million).

www.deerhurstresort.com

In 2009, U.S. travelers set records for travel to the regions of Central America, Africa and the Middle East, and to the countries of Greece, The Dominican Republic, Israel and India.

Manhattan’s Newest

Spending by U.S. residents traveling abroad (imports) totaled $99.2 billion, down 12 percent from 2008. Spending within foreign countries (travel payments) amounted to $73.2 billion, down eight percent, and spending on air transportation, via foreign air carriers (passenger fare payments), totaled $26.0 billion in 2009, down 20 percent. Top countries for U.S. spending included Mexico ($9.6 billion), the United Kingdom ($7.8 billion), Canada ($6.2 billion), Japan ($4.8 billion) and Germany ($4.6 billion).

Renowned Deerhurst resort back on the market

The Muskoka region’s Deerhurst Resort is up for sale just weeks after playing host to the G8 summit, as its U.S. owners try to take advantage of the resort’s sudden high profile and the relative security of the Canadian real estate market. The deal’s ramifications extend far beyond Ontario cottage country. The recession has proven brutal on resorts across North America, so much so that industry insiders have no idea how much the 114-year-old property may fetch on the open market. Real estate consultant Colliers International said in its annual review that the number of hotel sales - including resorts - fell by 20 percent in 2009. Sales volume dropped 61 percent to $414-million, as buyers exited the market in anticipation of more hard times for the tourist-dependent sector. There was a slew of distressed sales among smaller players that couldn’t pay their bills. Industry giant Intrawest ULC, meanwhile, struggled under the weight of its debt and had to refinance in the midst of the Winter Olympics in order to hold on to its prized Whistler-Blackcomb resort in British Columbia. Deerhurst was founded in 1896 and run by the Waterhouse family until 1990, when it was sold to Apotex Corp. chairman

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The InterContinental New York Times Square began checking guests into its newly- opened 607-room hotel. Rising 36 stories above the New York skyline, the property is the largest new-build hotel to open in Manhattan since 2002 and will be the largest hotel in New York to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, providing guests with not only a full service luxury hotel experience but one that is also environmentally responsible. Located on 44th Street, just west of Times Square, the hotel is in the heart of the Broadway Theatre District, a short stroll from Fifth Avenue shopping and world-class museums, making it an ideal location from which to explore the city. “We’re confident that our location in the heart of midtown along with the InterContinental brand will attract guests from all over the world. The hotel has so much to offer, from its design features and the stunning views of the city to our restaurant, “Ça va”, the French bistro-inspired restaurant created and operated by Todd English” said Drew Schlesinger, general manager, InterContinental New York Times Square. Wrapped with floor-to-ceiling windows, the InterContinental New York Times Square’s guestrooms average 350 square feet in size and include an oversized, spa-inspired bathroom complete with walk-in rain showers. The hotel boasts 25 Panoramic Avenue Suites with stunning views of the city that allow guests to sightsee without leaving their rooms. Additionally, the hotel’s three-bedroom, 2700 square foot bi-level Penthouse Suite showcases dramatic panoramic views of Times Square, Broadway, the New York City skyline and the Hudson River. The property boasts 10 meeting rooms totaling 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, including a 4,000 square foot ballroom. There are also 25 flexible suites available that can be utilized as event space. www.interconny.com

Designing your conferences and meetings for strategic innovation - Continued from page 17 To accomplish these objectives, it suggests that elements of our meeting and conference design should include the following innovation tactics: •

Collaborating on new product or service ideas

•

Problem-solving to focus on the key challenges of the organization or industry

•

Corporate planning in terms of developing these strategies and plans

•

Team building to focus on team effectiveness

•

Work skills training on skills for creating thinking

•

Improving organizational performance

•

Improving mance

individual

perfor-

Instead of looking to individual speakers to satisfy these goals, often a better result is to use the collective creativity of the audience to brainstorm solutions or ideas to important challenges. For example, I was asked to be the fifth innovation speaker of five at a conference for 300 people. Instead, I proposed a one-hour idea factory. I opened with a brief overview of a framework of 10 factors for shaping a more innovative business. People sat at round tables of 8 people. Then, each table was given one of the ten factors and a challenge to conceive four or five useful ideas to bring that factor to life in the business. Each table was asked to submit one or two pages.

At the end of one hour, about 40 pages of ideas were collected and then distilled into a booklet for all participants. Many of these were then reviewed and developed. The benefit of this approach is obvious. You may not only save the fees of a professional speaker, you also engage the creativity of the experts in the room – your staff who know the business best – on the strategic challenges of the business. Ed Bernacki created the Idea Factory to help people and organizations develop their capacity to innovate. He wrote Seven Rules for Designing More Innovative Conference as a reference for designing more effective conferences and a series of books under the title of I am an Idea Factory!

www.InnovativeConferences.

com www.WowGreatIdea.com

Sound therapy A number of studies show that listening to music, especially classical, may help you unwind. Add more soothing symphonies to your music library with selections by composers like Chopin, Bach, Beethoven, and Handel – whose music Borysenko calls a “balm for a soul.” Though less melodic, therapeutic CDs of “binaural beats” also show promise as a means of calming the mind and body, according to several studies. These recordings work by projecting two tones of similar frequencies into each ear. Proponents believe that this creates a “beat” at a certain frequency in the mind which your brain falls into sync with. Different frequencies elicit different moods. Web sites such as hemi-sync.com or appliedmusic.com offer relaxation inducing binaural-beat recordings.

In the Mood for Love... Background music enters the foreground If you’re a man and you’re having trouble getting a date, play some romantic music. New research has shown that women are more receptive to men’s advances after hearing love songs. For the study, carried out at the universities of Southern Brittany and Southern Paris, one group of young female volunteers heard a

romantic ballad called Je l’aime à mourrir (I love her to death), while another heard a song deemed to be “neutral” L’heure du tea (Tea time). Each then had a conversation which they were told was part of a marketing exercise (for example, food products). The exchange was conducted by a man named Antoine who had been judged “average-looking”. At the end of each exchange, he used the same line: “My name is Antoine, as you know. I think you are very nice and I was wondering if you would give me your phone number.” More than half the women who had heard the romantic song complied, compared with just 28% of those who hadn’t. So next time you want to score well, consider the musical score. Continued page 26 www.theplanner.ca | August 2010 | thePLANNER

The Meeting Planner, The Banana Slug and Carbon Offsetting By Sandra Wood, CMP

o you like the title of this article? I was inspired by a book I just finished reading called “The Human, The Orchid and the Octopus” by Jacques Cousteau, an amazing read that I highly recommend. In early September 2009 I took a holiday to the Pacific Rim National Park on the west coast of Vancouver Island. There I spent nine magnificent days hiking rocks, ridges and beaches that lay at the very edge of Canada. It was a magnificent place, filled with giant trees, banana slugs, whales, sea lions, seals and fungi in magnificent shades of red and orange. I think I saw every shade of green imaginable and the trees were so tall that I almost toppled backwards when I gazed up. This was eco-tourism at its finest. The experience was humbling, challenging and moving and I returned relaxed and grateful to Mother Nature for allowing me a peek at this special place. While hiking over those nine days, I had time to reflect on the environment and what our industry is doing to respond to climate change. What troubled me about my trip was my carbon footprint getting there. No matter how careful we were to stay on the trails, not leave any garbage behind nor step on any banana slugs. The harsh truth was that my footprint would have been significantly less had I not gone to Vancouver Island in the first place. But, to not travel and see such magnificent places seems so restrictive just like the discussion around not having face-to-face meetings. The optimist in me remains very hopeful that flying in the future will utilize some type of sustainable fuel technology and my footprint will be reduced significantly. But while airlines such as Virgin Airlines continue to experiment with new types of fuel to alleviate the carbon problem, the environmental impact from flying still remains. Whether you are contemplating personal holidays or are organizing an event, here are your choices right now when it comes to travel: 1) Stop traveling, travel less often or not as far 2) Continue to travel and hope new technologies will arrive sooner than later 3) Travel using lower emission options (i.e. train, bus, bike, walk) 4) Mitigate through a carbon offset program. You could choose one or more of the options above. The decision is yours to make. If you are considering carbon offsets but are unsure of what they are and how they work, you will find plenty of literature to help you. One document I recommend reading is by Zero Footprint (the offset provider that Air Canada uses) who published “Everything you wanted to know about carbon offsetting but were afraid to ask”. It’s a quick read (takes about two hours) and really helps explain how offsets work.

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http://zerofootprint.net/about/publications If you are interested in how the carbon offset industry is selfregulating since there are currently no government regulations, there’s a good website to visit: http://www.v-c-s.org/about.html Wikipedia does a great job of explaining the issues around CO2 and climate change - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_ dioxide. Check out the middle section called «In the earth’s atmosphere», where it displays charts of how CO2 levels are on the rise (CO2 being the greenhouse gas which is contributing to the heating up of planet earth). David Suzuki Foundation also has great information at: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Climate_Change/ What_You_Can_Do/carbon_offsets.asp The decision to carbon offset is met with enthusiasm and skepticism. Environment Canada does not yet have a formal policy on carbon offsetting and has not embraced it for their meetings/events. They are investigating all their options and proceeding with some caution. The Green Meeting Industry Council does embrace carbon offsetting, although they do not offer a formal statement on it. They do provide a «voluntary» offset program with their event, but are not prepared to mandate offsets. If you do choose to carbon offset, here are a list of questions you should consider asking. The list is not exhaustive, but use it as a starting point and add to it as you learn more about carbon offsetting. Also, talk to your colleagues who have offset to learn about their experiences, and their successes and challenges. One of my colleagues told me they arranged to plant trees to offset their event. Everything seemed in order until they found out they would have to pay extra to have «deer protection» collars placed around the base of the baby trees to protect them and ensure their growth. This ended up costing quite a lot of additional money but is a necessity to ensure the sustainability of the offset. There is no one perfect solution to addressing our carbon footprint. Be open-minded and inquisitive and know that whatever steps you take - small or large - it does make a difference. After all, face-to-face meetings are important and so are banana slugs!

Questions to the carbon offset provider: 1. Are they a Canadian company (you may or may not want to work with a Canadian company)? 2. Are they for profit or not-for profit? 3. How long have they been in business? 4. What is the carbon offset provider’s environmental performance (are they carbon neutral)? 5. What range of offset programs do they provide? 6. Are they the actual offsetter (will they plant the trees, i.e. Tree Canada Foundation) or do they broker the services

(coordinate and hire companies, like Tree Canada, to do the planting of trees for them)? 7. How much money do they charge in administration fees (average is around 10 – 20 per cent)? If they charge more, ask why (note that when they charge on the high end of around 20 per cent, it may be because they are the ones planting trees and their costs to perform this task are higher than the broker whose overhead costs would be less). 8. Are they third-party audited for their activities on a yearly basis and if so, can you see the results of their last audit? In other words, how transparent are they? 9. What standards or certification/credentials do they have? 10. What calculation methods do they use and do they align with the GHG Protocol? http://www.ghgprotocol.org/ 11. Ask for references and learn who are some of their clients are.

Sudoku

Sponsored by La Taverne Magnan Sudoku is simple enough that anyone can play, yet difficult enough that anyone can improve at it. Each Sudoku puzzle has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 square contains the digits 1 through 9.

Questions about the carbon offset program you choose: 1. Where in the world is the offset program taking place? (You may or may not want to specifically support a program in Canada; it depends on the culture of your company/organization and the nature of your meeting/event) 2. How much do they charge to administer the offset? (10-20 per cent average) 3. How long will it take for the offset to take effect (planting trees can take years to offset completely)? 4. Are they working on Gold Standard offsets? 5. Is there additionality with the offset (would the project create a measurable decrease in carbon emissions that would not otherwise have taken place)? 6. Is the program truly sustainable in the long run (how sincere is the program)? 7. If the organization emphasizes tree programs, how does it verify that the trees will survive long enough to offset the expected/claimed volume of carbon? 8. Is the offset subject to third-party verification? Are audit reports available to prospective investors? 9. If you purchase sufficient offset, will they provide you with a certification that says your event is carbon neutral (meaning you have completely offset your carbon contribution)? 10. How do they price the offset and what happens if there are unexpected additional costs (like deer protection collars on baby trees!)? 11. Does the offset provider deliberately shop for “cheaper” offsets where they get more bang for their buck (i.e. it might be cheaper to offset in a country where labour charges are less, versus offsetting closer to home)? Ask them how they address this scenario.

Sandra Wood, CMP, Annual Meeting Manger, Canadian Medical Association; Sandra.wood@cma.ca

Level: Easy

Level: Intermediate

Solution page 26

Some Sudoku resources on the Web: www.websudoku.com | www.sudoweb.com www.dailysudoku.com | www.sudokupuzz.com www.theplanner.ca | August 2010 | thePLANNER

KPMG held its exclusive Alumni Reception in a tent erected in the heart of downtown Toronto, June 3rd.

Creativity: Sows the Seeds of Success By Camille Lay Although we are barely emerging from a financial crisis, with project budgets chopped left and right, the world of events only grows bigger and brighter. A gala here, an annual meeting there . . . In addition to your contributions as an attentive and meticulous organizer, a tad of creativity goes farther than ever before in event planning. How can you best harness your imagination to ensure that each new event surpasses the last? With vast sources of inspiration to draw on, you must select the right ideas and fit them to your budget. Two savvy industry members answered our questions and proved that anything is possible . . . if you are working with the right people! Each month, we try to bring a bit of fresh air to the planning profession, so we talked “creativity” with Connie Tinney, CMP, Director, Event Management and Brenda Carter, CMP, Event Manager, Event Management at KPMG. Our two planners had just wrapped an exclusive event that highlighted Toronto’s June activities: KPMG Alumni Reception. For many 22

of you, a get-together with past and current employees is a recurring event that makes annual demands on imagination and innovation. Our discussion with these two experts focused on how to turn a habitual occurrence into a spectacular celebration that guests will remember for years. Today’s planners must consider this issue in planning any event.

Where does creativity start? For KPMG’s Event Management team, the challenge began in May 2009, when corporate management decided to organize a party in 2010 that would bring together KPMG’s old and new employees for a total of some 1,300 guests. The planned venue was the Bay Adelaide Centre, in the very heart of Toronto, the 46 th floor of which was to become KPMG’s new home. As inspirational and innovative as this massive structure looked, wrapped in its ultramodern glass prism, it also posed

PLANNER | August 2010 |www.theplanner.ca

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certain logistical dilemmas. This biannual event had to be flawless. Aware that space at KPMG’s offices was limited, Connie Tinney and Brenda Carter suggested holding the affair outdoors in a tent. Not only did the spanking new plaza adjacent to the building fit this occasion to a T, but it was the largest space in downtown Toronto that could hold a big top of the necessary size. Our two planners described the tent as “the most creative element of the concept: a public park facing a glass-walled building.” The idea was to stay as “green” as possible, while preserving the urban character of the company’s new facilities.

Teamwork remains critical While the announced location had already proved a hit in terms of its novelty, the event’s theme and logistics had to be on a par with this exceptional site. With their great experience in event coordination, Connie and Brenda knew that the key to success lay in solid relations with their production partners. “Team spirit was crucial and served to solve problems whenever they arose.” For Brenda, receiving her CMP (Certified Meeting Planner) certificate made it easier for her to address KPMG’s goals for the occasion and lay strong foundations for the creative concept to follow. While Connie, Brenda and their team took responsibility for overall logistics and all of the factors involved in this kind of deployment (street closures, weight restrictions on the site, building access, power and water in the tent, security insurance, etc.), they hired Décor & More to do the decorating. Out of this joint effort emerged the “Four Seasons” concept, which dovetailed neatly with the architecture of the tent, and met KPMG’s objectives. Each corner of the venue not only represented one of the four seasons, but also a

specific decade to which KPMG’s past and present employees could relate. Capable suppliers that fully understood the operation’s purpose were able to turn a creative concept into a reality. Brainstorming sessions, production meetings and idea sharing produced a huge hit with a vast event that exceeded KPMG management’s expectations and was greatly appreciated by its amazed guests.

Make your event the apex of creativity and team up with the best to meet your goals.

Camille Lay is Director of Events at CL Eventive Inc., specialized in corporate and special events conceptualization and production. You can reach her at camille@cleventive.com

5 tips for fuelling your imagination eek inspiration: you can find it just about S anywhere and everywhere; in your environment, in professional but also lifestyle magazines, the Internet, on the street, etc. are to be great: your biggest risk is not taking D chances!

Don’t forget details; they make all the difference.

o far with a small budget. Focus attention by conG centrating on a key aspect of your concept and on one portion of the room.

timulate the senses: the Four Seasons theme is S a fine example of this principle, providing a wide variety of increasingly exciting options in terms of tastes, sounds, smells, etc.

Plan your next meeting or event at Hotel des Seigneurs and GET A 10% REBATE off your final bill*! 1200 Johnson Street Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7K7

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www.theplanner.ca | August 2010 | thePLANNER

Keep your Display Simple; Really Simple By Barry Siskind

dilemma many exhibitors face is how much information to include in their trade show display. For small exhibitors with one or two product offerings the answer can be difficult. For larger exhibitors with a multitude of products and services which might also include several departments, the answer can become a nightmare. There is often so much to tell and the exhibitor wants to make sure the visitors get the right message. The solution starts by taking a step back and looking at the display from the visitor’s perspective. Show visitors begin with the best of intentions. They have walked the show and seen dozens of exhibitors displaying a myriad of products. If there is a technical program at the conference or event, they will have also sat through a number of seminars and workshops. These visitors are only human. There is only so much information the human mind can absorb. So, the lesson to be learned is that creating a display that tells too much is self-defeating. The last thing these attendees want is more information. Another consideration is that in many cases, visitors already know the details about your product or service. They learned about it on the internet. They visited your web-site, read reviews in trade magazines and heard from their community through social media. Once again a display that attempts to tell people what they already know is futile. The solution is to ensure that the attraction efficiency is maximized when you are creating your display. This means that a good display will grab your visitor’s interest quickly without adding to the confusion they may already be experiencing. This simple lesson may be easier stated than implemented. The trick is to look at the world of marketing. We are inundated with marketing messages everywhere: billboards, radio, television, newspapers, magazines, the back of ticket stubs, across the outside (and sometimes inside) of subways and buses, elevator doors, the computer you are using at this very moment, sidewalks, movie theatres, you name it. It seems that there isn’t a blank space that hasn’t been touched by a marketer. Your visitors have experienced the same. Marketing clutter is unavoidable. So, the most productive method of creating an attractive display is through simplicity. It’s not a matter of what more you can say, but how you can say it with less. This starts with a clear focus for your 24

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display and two crucial criteria – what is the message and who is it designed for? What is the message? If I were to ask you to identify your brand message in one or two sentences and you hesitated, that should be a clear clue that homework is needed. Trade show industry guru Bob Dallmeyer says, “If you can’t write your idea on the back of a business card, it’s not an idea.” How true this statement is. What about those exhibitors with multiple products or those who share the costs of the display with their departments. How do you handle the conflicts in messaging? The answer highlights the need to create one overall message rather than trying to broadcast many. Then once you have the attendee’s attention, you can direct them to specific areas in your display where their needs will be met.

It’s not a matter of what more you can say, but how you can say it with less.

Who is the message designed for? Assuming that everyone who is attending the event is interested in your message or will buy your product is a fallacy. Albeit there may be some situations in well targeted regional shows where you are looking to reach a very specific market. But in most cases trying to reach the entire audience may not be productive. The solution is to ask, which candidate will respond most favorable to my message (or product offering)? Create a profile ahead of time of who this person is then when you are designing your display keep the profile in mind. Next time you are developing a display let simplicity guide your decisions. You will find you results significantly better.

Barry Siskind is North America’ foremost trade and consumer show expert. Visit his Web site: www.siskindtraining.com or e-mail him at: barry@siskindtraining.com.

More greenbacks for green initiatives

The 100-Mile Diet and other Green Ideas The food you’ve eaten today travelled on average 1500 miles to your plate, clocking up significant carbon emissions en route. You can reduce your gastro footprint by choosing locally produced, seasonal food whenever possible. You could even grow your own food, thereby trimming food miles down to food feet. Gardening not only reduces carbon emissions, it’s also good exercise and relaxing - a great hobby. If you do start a garden, try to coordinate with like-minded neighbors so that you don’t all grow the same crops. That way, you’ll be able to share a variety of produce, rather than having a glut of one or two veggies. Become a “locavore”. This is a growing movement of people who restrict their diet to foods sourced from within a certain range - for example, a radius of 100 miles. Why not join them? If you find this too restrictive, apply the concept primarily to everyday foodstuffs. That way, you can allow yourself occasional treats from farther afield, such as tropical fruit. When shopping locally, make sure you’re not adding to your grocery carbon footprint by driving to out-of-town shopping centres. Try shopping close to home. Buy in season and enjoy a constantly changing parade of produce that is locally grown and at its peak throughout the year. Eating local and seasonal could cut your carbon footprint by as much as 1,500 lbs. a year.

According to a recent survey commissioned by Ernst & Young, 82% of Canadian executives said that responding to climate change is “imperative”. Accordingly, these executives plan to increase spending on climate-change initiatives. The Canadian responses were part of a wider global survey of 300 corporate executives from 16 countries. More than 90% of respondents indicated a belief that it is up to senior executives and corporate boards to take charge of the climate-change file, but that “government policies will strongly influence climate change strategies”. 94% said clear national regulation are important. The survey found 71% of Canadian firms already have climate-change initiatives in place.

E-sense: Don’t mix e-business with e-pleasure Keeping your personal e-mail messages out of the workplace can make the difference between keeping your job or not. When you’re at work, you should be working. Reconnecting with a long-lost school chum or making social arrangements is not what you’re paid to do. Keep your personal and professional correspondence separate. Using the office e-mail system to circulate jokes, pass along gossip, or conduct other private correspondence is inappropriate, unethical and can usually be tracked – even if you press “delete” after sending your message. All the “Powers That Be” have to do is go back to the master tape. So think before you key! If you wouldn’t want the message to be posted on your company bulletin board, don’t send it via e-mail. Conduct only work-related e-mail correspondence at work. You may also enjoy an unexpected bonus. If you are disciplined about not spending time on personal email at the office, you may even find that you get home earlier and have more time to spend on personal email there – or better yet, socializing in person!

Bring new meaning to jam session. Enjoy your favorite foods all year round without flying them in from the other side of the world when they’re out of season. Buy seasonal items in bulk and make delicious relishes, jellies, and jams with them. Great at home and much appreciated as a personal host or hostess gift. Spread the word: invite friends to a locally sourced dinner to show them how well you can eat using just local, seasonal ingredients. And remember to enjoy your meals with local mineral water, wine and beer.

www.theplanner.ca | August 2010 | thePLANNER

Continued from page 19

Music is a fun tonic. Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that when workers listen to music of their choice, their productivity improves, whether they are engaged in administative tasks or more complex analytical work. What’s more, tuned-in employees report feeling more enthusiastic and relaxed.

September 6, 2010 - Labour Day September 9, 2010 Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE). Ottawa-Gatineau Chapter. 50th Anniversary Celebration. Lone Star Ranch, Ottawa.

September 10, 2010

Thank you for the music I’m nothing special, in fact I’m a bit of a bore If I tell a joke, you’ve probably heard it before But I have a talent, a wonderful thing ‘Cause everyone listens when I start to sing I’m so grateful and proud All I want is to sing it out loud So I say Thank you for the music, the song I’m singing Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty What would life be? Without a song or a dance what are we? So I say thank you for the music For giving it to me Mother says I was a dancer before I could walk She says I began to sing long before I could talk And I’ve often wondered, how did it all start? Who found out nothing can capture a heart Like a melody can? Well, whoever it was, I’m a fan So I say Thank you for the music, the songs I’m singing Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty What would life be? Without a song or a dance what are we? So I say thank you for the music For giving it to me I’ve been so lucky, I am the girl with golden hair I wanna sing it out to everybody What a joy, what a life, what a chance! So I say Thank you for the music, the songs I’m singing Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty What would life be? Without a song or a dance what are we? So I say thank you for the music For giving it to me - László Zoltán 26

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Meeting Professionals International (MPI). B.C. Chapter. September Shmooze.

September 13, 2010 National Business Travel Association Canada (NBTA) Calgary Travel Executive Symposium. Marriott Calgary Hotel, Calgary.

September 14, 2010 MPI Montreal’s cocktail season opening Annual General Assembly (AGM) Espace Cormier – Le Loft Hotel September 14, 2010 Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE). Trillium Chapter. 2010 Annual General Meeting & Awards & Recognition Dinner. EX-CEL: An Evening of Excellence and Celebration. Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto.

September 23, 2010 Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). International Summit. Toronto.

September 23-25, 2010 Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE). 2010 Conference & Showcase. Quebec City Convention Centre, Quebec City.

October 11, 2010 - Thanksgiving October 28-31, 2010 CanSPEP Annual Conference “Camp CanSPEP: Connections and Meaningful Partnerships” The Rosseau, Muskoka Contact: Carol Ford, 905 868-8008 Answer Easy Sudoku page 21

Answer medium sudoku page 21