trade shows
A Paperless Exhibit
By Barry Siskind
Within five years trade shows will be completely paperless is a prediction I heard at a recent conference.
I am not implying there is no need for literature, but the savvy marketer needs to find other methods of distribution that guarantees the most number of readers, and a trade show booth isn’t it. To address the cost of storage, try this experiment. Calculate the total cost of your exhibit and divide that number by the number of square feet or meters you have secured. What you quickly realize is that using precious exhibit space to store literature is very costly. When you equate this cost into your investment in creating the piece you see how difficult it becomes to justify the investment.
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hen I passed this idea along to some of my clients, they balked, saying,
“How will we get our information to our customers if we don’t have literature at the booth?” “Visitors want to take away literature. ” What impression am I making by not having literature to hand-out?”
If this is starting to sound familiar then perhaps its time to re-think the purpose of your exhibition and look at a different strategy for execution. Firstly, an exhibit at a trade show is not simply a means to disseminate literature. A trade show display is a physical environment where you, your customers and prospective customers get together to find solutions. As your customer base gets younger (Gen X’s), the need to talk about the fea-
tures of your products and services at the booth decreases. This audience is comfortable receiving their information on-line. They belong to social groups where they discuss products and services. They have likely already seen your information when they visited your web-site and most likely saved, bookmarked or downloaded what they need. It is futile to give out further printed information at your booth. Secondly, there is the cost consideration of excess literature at your booth. This can be measured two ways: the fiscal cost to create and print the piece and the space it takes for storage. The fiscal cost can be a major investment ranging from a few cents to many dollars. In order to get the maximum R.O.I. on your literature investment you need readership. Yet, studies have proven that nearly ninety-five percent of all literature taken from a trade show booth goes unread. This lack of readership makes the investment incredibly difficult to justify.
One last consideration is the cost to the environment. Studies have proven that people are more prone to do business with companies who have taken positive steps towards environmental stewardship. Excess paper in your booth sends the wrong message. The solution is to rethink your strategy for presenting information. In a world where nearly 70% of the population in developed countries is wired, electronic dissemination makes sense. At a trade show, reminding your visitors of the URL where they can get information rather than a hardcopy brochure makes a lot of sense. You can accomplish this by using a promotional product such as a pen, key-chain or memory stick. Now your booth staff can give visitors a gift which accomplishes two goals: it’s a positive reminder of their visit and a reinforcement of the value of the information that waits. Will trade shows become completely paperless in five years? I hope so. There are so many advantages to all of us if they do. 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 | October 2010 | ThePLANNER 3
in
Time Is on Your Side
this
issue
6 Celebrate
> It is so easy to neglect taking time out from our busy lives to get together and celebrate our successes, however small and few they might seem.
Mick Jagger sang, “Time Is on My Side” a song written by Jerry Ragovoy - and we try and do the same for you… put time on your side. Despite all the helpful advice that is available to manage one’s time there is no best way. Some people work best by tackling the major issues early in the day while others like to start with easy decisions. Whatever your habits, go with your flow, as long as you set and have goals with specific deadlines and you are meeting them, then the work is getting done. Whether it’s enough is another matter.
10 Videophones
> Technological prophets have forecast video calling ever since Expo 67. But a flurry of announcements from technology companies recently suggests that its time may have come at last.
17 Transport in Canada
> Do you feel squeezed by the accumulation of fees tacked onto your ticket fares when you fly?
In this issue, as always, we have the usual useful tidbits of information easily read - for these fast moving Twitter times. We also have a section on timesavers, from well known classics to planner insights. Our goal as always, being to provide you with useful information, at your finger tips, that you can use in your day to day work and life. So keep in touch, we appreciate your comments and suggestions. Don Murray, CMP
20 101 Ways to Save Time
> Time is elusive. Planners have sent us their tricks to help you save some.
26 Rants, Raves & Whoops, Blunders
> Occasionally we make mistakes... So here are some of the good, the bad, and quite possibly the ugly.
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The Planner is distributed to professional meeting and event planners across Canada E ditor Don Murray dmurray@theplanner.ca A ssociate E ditor Aurélie Thirion athirion@theplanner.ca G raphic A rtist Matt Riopel mriopel@theplanner.ca S ales info@theplanner.ca C irculation Patricia Lemus circulation@theplanner.ca C ontributors Barry Siskind, Marilyn Lazar, Sharon Worsley
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PLANNER | October 2010 | www.theplanner.ca
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Social Media, Blogs, Smartphones… What Buyers Really Think
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Limiting Services to In-House Does Not Pay During its most recent meeting, the board of directors of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) approved an update to its policy against in-house exclusive services, strengthening its stance against in-house services at convention centres and other meeting venues. “IAEE urges facility management to promote and maintain competition in the marketplace by restricting the adoption of exclusive inhouse services to only those functions that bear directly on the health, welfare and safety of the facility’s occupants”, reads the revised statement. Over time, IAEE argues, in-house exclusive services - such as audio/visual — tend to add cost and diminish quality, and also intrude upon customers’ freedom of choice when it comes to sourcing their own suppliers.
IMEX conducted its first-ever social media survey following the May 2010 show in Frankfurt
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witter and the iPhone may seem to dominate attention in the media lately, but for incentive industry buyers, LinkedIn is the No. 1 social media site of choice, edging out Facebook, while BlackBerry tops Apple and Nokia devices. Following its May 2010 show in Frankfurt, Germany, IMEX surveyed more than 1,000 hosted buyers for their views on increasingly popular social media tools, industry blogs, and smartphone usage, both as professional meetings and event management tools and as networking channels. At least 625 respondents answered the social media questions and confirmed their preference for LinkedIn (64 percent) as an online networking site, followed by
Facebook (60 percent), Twitter (27 percent), and YouTube (23 percent). While 46 percent of respondents also confirmed an increase in the use of social media for networking during the past six months, 32 percent felt it had remained about the same, while 44 percent agreed that “there are too many social media and networking sites to keep up-to-date with.” Eighty-three percent of respondents still do not regularly follow an industry blog. As for cell phone trends, 57 percent of respondents use a smartphone, and of those 47 percent carry a BlackBerry, followed by 31 percent on Apple iPhones, and 24 percent using Nokia devices.
“While IAEE recognizes that many of its member facilities are facing difficult economic circumstances, especially those that are funded by city and state entities, the fact remains that customers, both show organizers and exhibitors, prefer the option of choice when it comes to making service provider decisions,” IAEE President Steven Hacker said in a statement. “Many organizers and exhibitors have long-term contracts with service providers such as maintenance and cleaning, telecommunications, audio/ visual and many others types of event service. Arbitrary, exclusive in-house mandates intrude into these contractual relationships.” At least two other industry groups, the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) and the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO), have joined IAEE in support of its policy, which was originally created in 1995.
www.theplanner.ca | October 2010 | ThePLANNER 5
motivational
Celebrate Good Times, Come On… This song title by Kool & The Gang (1980) reminds me how important it is to celebrate. Looking back at the financial challenges we have faced over the last couple of years, it would be easy to dismiss the need to celebrate much, but in fact, celebrating how far we have come is a worthy cause.
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t is so easy to neglect taking time out from our busy lives to get together and celebrate our successes, however small and few they might seem. There may be valid reasons to postpone the party until next year. However, the end of the year is a perfect time to gather our staff and thank them for the work and dedication they have shown over the last twelve months. December marks the end of the calendar year - a great time to reflect on what has happened over the past 12 months. Whether you observe Christmas or Chanukah or another religious festival, a “Holiday Party” is not only politically correct, but a great team-builder. Do the people you work with know how much you value their efforts? Often times they are unaware, as different people respond to different styles of acknowledgement. What about including spouses or partners at your celebration? This is also an opportunity to show appreciation for their support at home. If the budget does not allow a guest to attend free of charge, then offer the event at a nominal fee to cover costs. This way the employee has the option of inviting a guest. Remember, the party doesn’t have to be lavish, although that is OK, too! Why not 6
be creative and try something different this year; rent some lanes at a bowling alley or arrange limousines to take your staff on a dine-around where you start with cocktails in one location, first course at another and finally, finish the meal at another site. Whatever you decide, consider that in an economy where wages and benefits may remain constrained as a cost cutting measure, an evening out with staff could prove to be a great motivator in preparation for the next 12 months.
Sharon Worsley, The Life Solutions Expert™ assists her clients and audiences to identify & implement strategies to ‘up level’ their life or business. To learn more about how Sharon can assist you or your organization email info@sharonworsley.com.
PLANNER | October 2010 | www.theplanner.ca
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By Sharon Worsley
Star Trek Had it Right: “Live Long and Prosper”
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here are multiple benefits to being happy. Happier people tend to be healthier, live longer and earn more. They also tend to volunteer more, do better in relationships and smile more of what psychologists call “Duchenne” or genuine smiles. Less understood is why happiness is contagious. According to James Fowler and Nicholas Christakis, authors of the international bestseller “Connected”, people surrounded by many happy friends, family members and neighbours who are central to their social network become significantly happier themselves. More specifically, they say we will become 25 per cent happier with our life if a friend who lives within a mile of us becomes significantly happier with his or her life. Why is this the case? One reason may be that happy people share their good fortune with their friends and family (for example, by being pragmatically helpful or financially generous). Another reason could be that happy people tend to change their behaviour for the better by being nicer or less hostile to those close to them. Or it could be that positive emotions are simply contagious. Whatever the reason, happiness is not only desirable for personal reasons; its pay-off can also be of immeasurable value to society as a whole. Nick Powdthavee is a behavioural economist and author of ‘The Happiness Equation’, now available (Icon Books).
hotel
Sheraton Centre: SPACE AGE Not outer space like the stars, not inner space as in yoga, just fabulous space for the way we really live and work. That’s what’s happening at The Sheraton Centre in downtown Toronto. Guests entering the property will first notice the enhanced arrival court and the animated lobby. Inspired metaphorically by the great public parks of the world, the Sheraton Centre Toronto’s new lobby space provides guests with a sense of relaxation in an urban setting. A significant component and heart of the lobby re-design is the Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft®, a unique environment that meets the needs of Sheraton’s core guests, allowing them to work, relax and remain connected to family, friends and work colleagues. A large communal table in the centre adds to the social aspect of the new lobby design. The table allows several groups of guests to work in tandem or independently of one another. Game tables, oversized chairs and book cases encourage playful interaction, rest or relaxation. Guests are also surrounded by a distinct ambience created through new sensory elements, including Sheraton Hotels signature scent, ‘Open Skies’ and a customized music soundtrack, created in partnership with Sony BMG and DMX. Wicker rocking chairs and gliders with built in MP3 docking stations and pillow speakers are gracefully arranged to face the Sheraton Centre’s environmentally friendly outdoor waterfall. Guests, conference delegates and passersby naturally gravitate to the comfortable chairs for a welcome pause in their daily routine. Marketing Manager Stanton Singh says, “I am so proud of the design of the Sheraton Centre lobby. Most lobbies are just places that travelers walk through to check in or on their way out of the hotel. Our lobby inspires people to sit and mingle, to relax and enjoy their surroundings. There is an energy about our lobby that I have never seen before with any other hotel. And guests just love
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it. They sit there for hours at a time, reading a book or keeping in touch with their family back home. Our lobby truly communicates Sheraton’s core values perfectly. Warm. Connected. Community.” On the web : www.sheratontoronto.com
Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites Completes $15M Renovation The Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel, located directly across from Pearson International Airport, has announced the completion of a nearly two-year, $15 million project that modernized one of the airport’s biggest hotels. This top-to-bottom renovation has dramatically enhanced the hotel’s interior, guest rooms and meeting space with modern furnishings, contemporary colour schemes and rich textures. “We’ve received an overwhelmingly warm and positive response from our guests,” said Gordon Chow, general manager, Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites. “This renovation touched almost every corner of the hotel – from the lobby to our most luxurious suite – creating a stylish and comfortable respite from the hustle and bustle of Canada’s busiest airport and one of North America’s integral hubs. Our remodeled 23,000 square feet of meeting space also makes us a great destination for groups looking to host their next event. The hotel can accommodate groups as large as 960 people.” On the web : www.hilton.com
Hotel Turnover The Niagara, Ont.-based DiCienzo family has bought the 432 room Marrott Niagara Falls for $76 million and the 407 room Sheraton Fallsview Hotel for $70 million. In Edmonton the 307 room Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe was sold in August to an unnamed investor for $47.8 million.
www.theplanner.ca | October 2010 | ThePLANNER 7
travel
UK is number one vacation spot for Americans Top 4 Reasons to Visit Britain Now The UK is still the number one long-haul destination for Americans. This interest is consistent with the meteoric rise in popularity of all things British in the USA. However, what makes this news so fascinating is that it’s emerging during the worst downturn in decades.
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hief Executive Sandie Dawe of Visit Britain, the national tourist board, explains: “Similar to the resurgence of comfort foods like macaroni and cheese during tough economic times, hoteliers and tour operators are telling us that they’ve seen increased interest in classic destinations like Britain, where travelers are more certain that their hard earned money and limited holiday time will be guaranteed a great experience.” Research also shows that nearly 7 out of 10 visits by Americans are made by repeat visitors. Dawe points out that while travelers may initially choose Britain for the level of comfort and familiarity that it provides, what keeps them coming back is the huge variety that the country offers in terms of
i n d u s t ry
“We’re the home of Shakespeare, the Loch Ness Monster, Prince William, The Beatles, TopShop, Stella McCartney, James Bond, Harry Potter, Wimbledon and of course, the London 2012 Olympic Games. We’ve got some of the best theater in the world, most of our museums and art galleries are free and we’ve got a culinary offering to rival any other country in the world. It’s this mix of old and new, classic and contemporary, that keeps things fresh in Britain and keeps travelers coming back.” To help inspire other travelers to return to the UK, VisitBritain has pulled together this list of their top 4 reasons to visit in 2011:
2010 has without a doubt been a stronger year than 2009. In fact, London hoteliers have managed to show their best performance of the past decade – and this during a year of recovery. While the rest of the world’s hotels are struggling to rebound from the global economic downturn, London hotels have defied expectations as rates and occupancies continue to rise. July 2010 marked the highest achieved revenue per available room (RevPAR)
PLANNER | October 2010 | www.theplanner.ca
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. Bang for Buck: If there is one silver lining to the economic downturn, it’s that the UK exchange rate has never been better. The last two years have seen the pound plummeting against the dollar and average exchange rates these days are around 25% cheaper than they were two years ago!
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. Fab food and drink: Gordon Ramsay... Jamie Oliver... Nigella Lawson. Celebrity chefs have helped to raise the profile of British cuisine. Most recently, an English sparkling wine won the top spot in a major international competition – the first time the trophy has been awarded to a wine outside of the Champagne region in France!
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. Cutting edge culture: The UK is always on the cutting edge of cool. From the Burlesque Revival to the modern reincarnation of supper club.
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. Four in One: Where else can you visit four distinct nations that share the same language and currency but such distinct national identities and cultures? Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
news
What thrives in an economic downturn? 8
new experiences and developments.
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reported during the past 11 years in London. A weaker pound helped to attract tourists from mainland Europe, North America and the Middle East during July. But is there another element to their success that could apply to others in the hospitality and service industry at this time? __
“
I go to London, my favourite city in the world, and I feel at home. Boris Becker
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Face-to-Face Trumps Facebook Not simply based on opinions offered around the water cooler, a white paper issued by Cornell uses science to highlight the strategic value of actual meetings. Even as virtual meetings become increasingly common, a new study from the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research (CHR) focuses on the specific strategic advantages of face-to-face meetings for large groups. The analysis of when face-to-face works best, “The Future of Meetings: The Case for Face-to-Face,” was written by Christine Duffy, president and CEO of Maritz Travel Company, and Mary Beth McEuen, vice president and executive director of The Maritz Institute.
Sudoku 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. LEVEL: EASY
Solution, page 12
LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
Solution, page 12
“We know that face-to-face meetings are integral to driving growth and innovation for business in today’s challenging environment,” said Duffy. “We decided to focus on a science-based approach to identify decision criteria for when face-to- face meetings are the most effective way to drive results. The decision criteria are grounded in studies from the human sciences with a focus on neuroscience.” “As we wrote in our report, we identified three key reasons for faceto-face meetings: to capture attention, especially for new concepts; to inspire a positive emotional climate; and a related point, to build human networks and relationships,” added McEuen. “Face-to-face meetings possess the unique ability to spur action and drive business results through creating powerful, emotional ties to your business mission and message. The fact remains that there’s no substitute for meeting in person when you want to build emotional support and develop relationships.”
Holiday Celebrations Pay Katie Bennett wrote recently in The Globe and Mail that employers should not wait until the dust settles to let people know that they’re doing a great job. That’s one reason why an annual Christmas or year end party is such a good idea. It’s an opportunity to say thank you and to recognize everybody, especially your top performers, in a personal way. It’s also a perfect time to have fun and laugh together about the past year. Laughing about past stresses clears the air and enables colleagues to move forward. So think twice before canceling your company shindig. It’s not just about the holidays – it’s about acknowledging the past year’s 110 percent effort. If you want to have a stellar year going forward, be sure to thank employees for the one just past.
Some Sudoku resources on the Web: • www.websudoku.com •www.sudoweb.com •www.dailysudoku.com •www.sudokupuzz.com
www.theplanner.ca | October 2010 | ThePLANNER 9
technology
Videophones – out of sci-fi and into daily life Technological prophets have forecast video calling ever since Expo 67. But a flurry of announcements from technology companies recently suggests that its time may have come at last. this year. Cisco has sold only about 900 telepresence rooms so far. This is of note, considering that such systems cost up to $350,000 a pop and often entail expensive network upgrades (from which the firm makes most of its money). Vendors of cheaper systems, such as Polycom, are not faring badly either.
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isco unveiled a video-calling system for the living room called “umi telepresence”. Logitech launched a television set-top box that doubles as a videophone. Microsoft’s new Kinect Xbox game console, due in November, offers video conferencing, and Polycom has introduced the first business media phone that combines advanced telephony and one-touch video. The market for professional video gear is also in flux. Skype, a service that allows users to make calls from personal computers, is moving into corporate territory by offering video conferencing, among other bells and whistles. PCs from HP will soon come w i t h video software from start-up Vidyo. And in April Cisco bought Tandberg, another manufacturer of video gear, for $3.3 billion. 10
Cisco and Logitech want to build on this momentum, particularly in the home. Cisco’s gear is the more daring because it is a dedicated video-calling system. The package includes a camera and a console, which together cost $599 and requires a high-definition television set as well as a fast internet connection for optimum results. Will this allow companies to keep more employees at their desks, saving 2.1m airline journeys per year by 2012 and cutting car and hotel costs?
Video communication is becoming more popular, in part because the technology has improved and due to faster internet connections. Video calls accounted for about 40% of the 95 billion minutes that people spent on Skype in the first half of
PLANNER | October 2010 | www.theplanner.ca
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At their end, consumers are coming up with new ways to use the technology. Already some families host “Skype dinners”, with relatives calling in. Others never hang up, thus turning a display in the kitchen into a window on somebody else’s home. Similarly, some firms have started to experiment with “virtual water-coolers”, connecting their office kitchens by means of a permanent video link. Whether this improves productivity or simply encourages long-distance debates about hockey and “American Idol” is unknown.
management
hotel
LET’S MAKE A DEAL: The new win-win economy
Hotels Testing Two-Tier Wi-Fi Fees – Pay for the speed you need
Remember the good old schoolyard days when you could trade what you had for what you needed? Whether it was a better sandwich or coveted baseball card, the logic
For those who get irked paying for Wi-Fi in hotels, it appears that some properties are experimenting with a two-tier system that would reduce charges - at least for some guests.
was simple and the economics of it fair. Ever pore over your finances and wonder what it would be like to do that in business today? No need to wonder any longer. Visit
Sixteen luxury Four Seasons properties are already offering travelers who don’t need much bandwidth the option of paying for basic Wi-Fi, rather than being charged for a faster connection.
The Barter Network (www.barternetwork. ca) and find 2500 businesses offering goods and services on trade.
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lready imagining the complications? What if the company that has what you need doesn’t need what you have? It doesn’t have to be a direct trade. BNL revolutionizes the traditional barter concept by facilitating «indirect» trade between parties. Think savings account with Barter Network Limited’s unique currency called BNL Trade Dollars. Inventory ranges from medical and dental packages to fine restaurants and the latest technology. How to navigate an economic platform that trades 5 – 6 million dollars each month? Think team of qualified brokers to guide you. The system operates on a «back to back» deal basis. The member client calls their broker when they are in need of any products or services and based on their purchase they sell credit or gift certificates for the equivalent value of their purchase. Brokers are poised to inform specific clients about relevant additions to the roster with personal phone calls in addition to regular communications.
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For many businesses, the media directory of advertising and promotional opportunities is most effective as it guarantees future sales. Do you have excess inventory or downtime? Trade it. Barter Network Ltd. is a Business-toBusiness trading company, allowing members to conserve their cash flow, increase their bottom line and their market share. By far the largest and fastest growing barter exchange in Canada, Barter Network traded over $58 million dollars in goods and service last year alone. Clients in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, range in size from individual entrepreneurs to multi-national corporations to Crown corporations. They also deal with over 70 barter exchanges in over 15 different countries. With the holidays around the corner, your thoughts may be turning to office parties, gift baskets and travel. Or 2011 projects such as renovation. Maybe it’s time to turn to barter. Why? Barter network creates a currency environment where you may get even more than you bargained for.
And USA Today reports InterContinental properties in New York, San Francisco and Chicago are testing a similar concept. InterContinental says about 30 percent of users in the pilot hotels are opting for the higher bandwidth. Guests can pay $10 for enough bandwidth to check e-mail and Facebook, or $15 for a faster connection. One hotel technology analyst, Jon Ing, says the two-tier system may actually be the beginning of the end for Wi-Fi fees at hotels. He predicts it’s only a matter of time before basic service is offered to everyone free of charge. Travelers recently ranked Wi-Fi fees as the charge they most resent in a poll by Hotels. com, with three in four travelers saying Wi-Fi access at hotels should be free.
www.theplanner.ca | October 2010 | ThePLANNER 11
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The scoop on serious
October 27-31, 2010 Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP). Annual Conference.
food allergies
November 7-9, 2010 Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) Canada Education Conference. Learn, Link, Lead. Westin Calgary.
One in every 13 Canadian suffers from a significant food allergy, according to a first-ever nationwide study.
November 8, 2010 International Special Events Society (ISES Toronto). The Great ISES Gala. Grand Banking Hall, One King West Hotel & Residence, Toronto.
The research, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, found that about 7.5 per cent of children and adults have at least one food allergy. “ It’ s a significant number,” said Ann Clarke, an allergist at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal and co-author of the study. That is why AllerGen NCE Inc., a network of researchers, is trying to establish a national anaphylaxis registry to track cases and ensure Canadians with severe allergies get proper treatment and follow-up. The findings are based on a survey of 3,613 Canadians who were asked a series of detailed questions about allergic reactions and symptoms. According to the research, about 2.5 million Canadians suffer from food allergies, or about 7.5 per cent of the population.
November 18, 2010 Meeting Professionals International (MPI) B.C. Chapter. A-Ha Event. November 21, 2010 Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Montreal Chapter. Convivium 2010. Chateau Cartier, Gatineau, Que. November 22, 2010 Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Trillium Chapter. PDX Event. Toronto.
They include: • 1.93 per cent with peanut allergy; • 2.36 per cent with tree nut allergy; • 0.99 per cent with fish allergy • 3.02 per cent with shellfish allergy; and • 0.19 per cent with sesame allergy. (The total exceeds 7.5 per cent because some people reported more than one serious food allergy.) Researchers found that peanut and nut allergies were much more common in children than adults and the opposite was true with fish and shellfish allergy.
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ANSWER - EASY
ANSWER - MEDIUM
SUDOKU PAGE 9
SUDOKU PAGE 9
industry news
TRANSPORTATION: THE PICTURE IN CANADA
traffic, including more customers for the airport’s shops and restaurants, said Tony Gugliotta, senior vice-president of marketing and business at the Vancouver Airport Authority.
Do you feel squeezed by the accumulation of fees tacked onto your ticket fares when you fly? No wonder. That relentless list of charges can increase consumers’ cost of flying by up to 70 per cent.
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ake a flight from Toronto to Montreal with a one-way base fare is $159. Taxes and fees on that fare totaled $77.31 in July. This brought the actual Air Canada ticket price to $236.41. No wonder a new study places Toronto’s Pearson International Airport a poor 34th among the world’s busiest airports. But airlines are feeling the squeeze, too, and are freezing fees to lure carriers and protect profits. There have been increases across the country in the Air Travelers Security Charge levied by Ottawa, while the harmonized sales tax was implemented on domestic base fares in Ontario and B.C. In a recent speech, Air Canada CEO Calin Rovinescu lamented that Canadians often opt to drive to nearby U.S. airports (such as Seattle and Bellingham, Washington), to benefit from lower taxes on American airfares In Ontario and British Columbia, taxes and fees on domestic airfares are at an alltime high. This threatens a fragile rebound in the travel sector and Canada’s position in the competitive global airline industry. Is it possible that one hand doesn’t know what the other is doing? «Each decision to impose or increase or expand the scope of a tax or fee is usually made independent of all other such decisions. Therefore, while each is viewed on its own as small and benign, the combined result is anything but benign,» says Fred Lazar, a professor at York University’s Schulich School of Business in a report prepared for the National Airlines Council of Canada, which represents Air Canada, WestJet Airlines Ltd., Jazz Air and Air Transat.
The survey shows taxes, airport improvement fees and other charges easily increase the base fare advertised by airlines, often by at least one-third and sometimes up to 70 per cent, depending on the base fare, route flown and province of departure. In Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa and Edmonton air terminals are being held back by the federal government’s aviation policies that siphon money out of the airline and airport sectors, Professor Lazar said. Canada’s major airports paid $257.3-million in rent to the federal government last year. In its rent formula, the government effectively takes 12 per cent of airport improvement fees levied by the largest air terminals. In April, Ottawa raised the Air Travelers Security Charge by 53 per cent to $7.48 for each one-way domestic ticket, and continues to place excise taxes on jet fuel at 4 cents a litre. «Without the right policies, Canada risks losing the economic and social benefits of an increasingly integrated global marketplace,» the report said. «The starting point for the new policy direction is the termination of the ground rents, the Air Travelers Security Charge and the excise tax on jet fuel.» Vancouver International Airport is positioning itself for growth by freezing landing and terminal fees charged to expansion-minded airlines. Meanwhile, the B.C. government plans to scrap its aviation fuel tax on overseas and transborder flights. Canada’s second-largest air terminal is willing to forgo extra revenue from landing and terminal fees because it still gains from the economic spin-off benefits of increased
Mr. Gugliotta stated that the “aggressive” plan calls for the Vancouver airport to hold the line on the fees, starting next year and lasting through 2015, for carriers that add seat capacity. Air Canada and WestJet Airlines Ltd. praised the new program for keeping the airport charges at 2010 levels. Industry observers say the Vancouver airport’s announcement goes beyond Toronto’s Pearson International Airport’s recent moves to boost traffic. Canada’s largest air terminal offers a 60-per-cent cut in firstyear landing fees in an incentive program targeted at carriers that launch new routes into underserved or overlooked destinations. Pearson also offers a 50-per-cent, first-year discount to airlines that introduce additional flights or seat capacity along their existing network. The two airports’ efforts to bolster traffic are necessary because aviation executives are frustrated by a regime of government fees and taxes contributing to higher airfares, observers say. David Goldstein, president of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, called on Ontario to cut its tax of 2.7 cents a litre on jet fuel. Officials at the World Routes 2010 aviation conference in Vancouver estimate that carriers will save from $2,000 to $3,000 for a long-haul flight, once B.C. cancels its aviation fuel tax in 2012. Competing U.S. jurisdictions do not charge fuel taxes on international flights. Mr. Gugliotta and Vancouver airport president Larry Berg said they’re pleased with B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell’s pledge to eliminate the province’s tax on jet fuel of 2 cents a litre on international and transborder flights into the US, effective April 1, 2012. More flights through the Vancouver airport, “particularly with our new approved destination status with China, means substantial economic benefits for B.C. through increased tourism revenues and job creation,” the Premier said in a statement Monday.
www.theplanner.ca | October 2010 | ThePLANNER 17
etiquette
Wine Pronunciation: Gewurztraminer must be a piece of cake It’s the moment many people dread - when they are asked to choose the wine. Not only do they not know what to pick, they don’t even know how to pronounce it, according to a poll undertaken for Chef and Brewer, a British pub chain. Here is, a list of the Top 10 most mispronounced wines, according to the survey. 1. SEMILLON
5. CABERNET SAUVIGNON 9. SHIRAZ
Mispronunciation: Semi-lon Correct pronunciation: Seh-mee-yhon
Mispronunciation: Cabinet soo-vig-non Correct pronunciation: Cab-er-nay sawvee-nyon
2. VIOGNIER Mispronunciation: Vog-ner Correct pronunciation: Vee-oh-nee-aye
3. SYRAH Mispronunciation: Sarah Correct pronunciation: See-rah
6. ZINFANDEL Mispronunciation: Zinf-un-dul Correct pronunciation: Zin-fan-del
7. GRENACHE Mispronunciation: Grench Correct pronunciation: Gree-nash
4. PINOT NOIR
8. RIESLING
Mispronunciation: Pea-not noi-er Correct pronunciation: Pee-noh nwahr
Mispronunciation: Rise-ling Correct pronunciation: Reece-ling
i n d u s t ry
Airlines will blur the distinction between business class and coach in coming years as they offer a greater variety of ticket options to boost sales and exploit new communications technology, and changes will result in the creation of “virtual classes” based on optional extras, the report from Oxford Economics and Amadeus IT Holding SA says. “The future of the aircraft cabin is set to go through significant changes as customers are able to share their preferences
PLANNER | October 2010 | www.theplanner.ca
The
10. SAUVIGNON BLANC Mispronunciation: So-vig-non blank Correct pronunciation: Saw vee nyon blohnk Oh by the way it’s pronounced ge.wurz.tra. miner, g-vurt-stra-m-nr. If you’re still not sure go to www.merriam-webster.com and listen as they pronounce the word.
In vino veritas “In wine there is the truth”
news
Distinction between business class and coach may narrow as personalization broadens 18
Mispronunciation: Sher-raze Correct pronunciation: Sheer-raz
with airlines,” the report states. “Business class will most likely survive but classes in general are likely to become increasingly fragmented.” The introduction of premium-economy seats with more space than coach at significantly less cost than business berths began the trend toward more personalized flights, according to the study.
industry
n e w s
Carriers to earn $8.9B: IATA hikes forecast again
Boosting our own Economy: Canadian tourism spending rises in Q2
For the second time in three months, the International Air Transport Association has declared its previous forecast inoperative. The world’s airlines, IATA said recently, will now enjoy far greater profits than it had predicted. Air carriers stand to earn $8.9 billion U.S. this year, IATA’s latest forecast estimates, but it warned in the same breath that the trend may well be unsustainable.
Canadians who chose to vacation in their own country helped boost tourism spending in the second quarter of 2010, Statistics Canada said recently. Tourism spending jumped 1.5% in the second quarter and the federal agency said Canadian based spending was the main contributor, having shown a 2.2% increase. The home-based increase helped balance out a dip in spending in Canada by international visitors, which fell by 1.4% during the same period.
The improved outlook is due to a number of factors, including higher ticket prices, better fleet management and stable costs. Air traffic is about three or four per cent higher than before the 2008 economic crisis, and demand is expected to jump by 11 per cent this year. But yields - the revenues and profits made on a flight - are still eight per cent less than in 2008.
Toronto: least risky city for… employers Toronto has long enjoyed the reputation as being a “safe” city, but a here’s a new and interesting dimension to consider: Toronto is the least risky city in the world to recruit, employ and relocate employees, according to a study by Aon Consulting, a global risk management firm. Aon’s study measured the risk involved to organizations in 90 cities worldwide by analyzing demographics, education, employment practices and government regulations. Toronto led the index and Montreal made it into the Top 10 in fifth place. Vancouver ranked 13th overall on the Aon index. «Montreal and Toronto are among the five lowest risk cities primarily due to Canada’s low level of corruption; strict enforcement of equal opportunity laws; health and retirement benefits; and high quality and broad availability of training facilities. The main difference between the two is due to Toronto’s larger population as well as quality and broader availability of training resources,» according to the study.
QUIZ QUESTION OF THE MONTH
The Canadian Copyright Act was first introduced in 1950.
TRUE OR FALSE?
ANSWER : FALSE. The Canadian Copyright Act was adopted in 1921 and came into effect in 1924. It was subsequently amended several times, including in 1988 and 1997.
In March, the Montreal-based organization, which represents 230 airlines and 93 per cent of passenger air traffic, predicted a 2010 loss of $2.8 billion U.S. for its members. But in June, it revised that upwards to a modest profit of $2.5 billion U.S. The latest estimate of $8.9 billion U.S. is due to an «industry recovery (that) has been stronger and faster than anyone predicted,» IATA director-general Giovanni Bisignani said in a statement.
For any questions regarding copyrights, please contact: 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
Rounding out the Top 10 were New York in second place and Singapore tied with London in third. Zurich and Stockholm tied for sixth; Copenhagen and Amsterdam shared eighth place and Los Angeles was tenth. «Unlike many of the low risk cities in other countries, the Canadian ratings were based on consistently good ratings across the board, rather than in a few areas that are very low and others that are average or worse,» Aon said.
www.theplanner.ca | October 2010 | ThePLANNER 19
t i me
s av e r By The Planner
101 ways to save time
W
hile bad habits are hard to break, good habits may be harder to form. Keep this list handy and implement one at a time. As Bertrand Russel said: “The central problem of our age is how to act decisively in the absence of certainty”.
20
1. It’s easier to increase your speed when 3. you know where you’re going. If you’re going in the wrong direction however, speed still won’t help. “Plan your next day 10 minutes before you leave. Mornings go much more smoother and faster.” Sandra Sylburne, In Vitro Fertilization Canada
2. It takes less time to fix a problem before it happens.
“Plan, plan, plan and prioritize tasks in order of importance! If you’re working to a deadline, like most people, know where you’re going and a do necessary errands at locations that will be on your route. Try to avoid back-tracking.” Louise Brisbois Sales & Marketing Coordinator Eclipse Shutters Canada
PLANNER | October 2010 | www.theplanner.ca
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Whenever a job seems to be too big, break it down into manageable pieces. “To save time I maintain the following motto: “work smarter not harder” - when you remember this, it is easy to find faster and shorter ways of accomplishing your workload and yet coming up with the same result.” Sylvia Filadelfi Clinical Trial Assistant Bioniche Life Sciences Inc.
“Whenever my desk is piled to the ceiling with paper, I deal with each piece as I pick it up. It saves hours of sifting through each pile.” Gale Gingrich, CAAP, CMP The Gingrich Group Inc.
4.
Finding ways of becoming less rigid might help you to discover the key to solving problems. Small changes can make big differences.
5. The best way to expand your customer base is one satisfied customer at a time.
t i me
saver
6. You may be able to do anything, but not 11. Prepare your to-do list for tomorrow 15. A strategy without a commitment is everything.
“One of the best timesavers are… templates!! Any functions that are repetitive, whether it is expense reports, to-do lists, contracts, RFP’s, etc. a generic template can be created, and then at the time of a request, you simply need to modify it, if necessary. You would not believe the countless times Planners redo forms and spreadsheets for each new project. Think of the hours you can save!” Audrey Esar “Thank you for the opportunity. Here is a tip that works well for me: learn to delegate, Let go; give others an opportunity to grow. Show someone how to do it to free up some time for you. Do not always want to take credit for something - focus on getting it done..” Memorable Occasions
this evening. It gives your unconscious a chance to work on the items overnight. “I write (or update) my to-do-list before I leave work for the day. This way, the next day, I just need to refresh my memory and get right to work, I don’t spend time trying to remember where I left off, or what I forgot to add to my list that I know needs doing.” J J L Events Inc. “My timesaving tip is…write it down immediately. I usually have 50 things going on at once, if I put it on paper, it’s out of my head as a visual reminder and I can let the stress of remembering the task go!” Heather Idt, Prince Edward Island Council of the Arts
12.
The right answer tomorrow is not necessarily the same answer as yesterday. Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.
7. People with a positive attitude are those 13. A few moments of solitude can earn you want to spend most of your time with.
8.
Working smarter is more important than working longer. “When I have a number of errands to run, I plan my route in advance and write the errands on my task list according to the most efficient route. I also figure out what stops I can make from one parking job, so I park once and do several stops in one area.” Jan Fullerton Executive Director Skills Canada NWT
9. Judging others usually takes more time than accepting them.
10. Sometimes, trusting your instincts is the best and quickest way to proceed.
not a strategy.
16. The internet can be a wonderful timesaver, but also a maze to get lost in. Monitor your time on it.
17. The first step in achieving any goal is to write it down.
“Develop a to-do list and/or critical path so that no details get forgotten and no longer clog the brain” Janice Fendley, CMP Business Development/ Conference Management Absolute Conferences & Events Inc.
18.
When you’re really not sure, let it incubate overnight.
19. Only work out of your home if you are the most disciplined person you know. If you must work at home, become the most disciplined person you know.
20.
Sometimes five 10 minute meetings can be more productive than one 50 minute meeting.
interest on your time.
21. Simplicity increases speed.
14. Concentrate on right now.
22.
“If you are taking the time to read an email, take the time to respond immediately. This way you don’t have to go through your inbox again, find the email and look/read it twice!” Karyn Bremer Doerksen Sales Director Oceanside Tourism Parksville,Qualicum Beach “When I’ve got lots to get done, I close my outlook completely and focus on the task at hand. You’d be amazed at how much work gets done and how quickly it gets done when new email alerts aren’t distracting you!” Taylor Kormann Television Bureau of Canada Events Planner
Sometimes we should live by island time instead of internet-time.
23. Develop an exit strategy anytime you
are in a situation which has the potential to drag.
24.
The most flexible trees survive the greatest storms.
25.
Don’t criticize the suggestion unless you have a better way.
26. If it has to be done…do it. Found that most times when we try to reach someone by phone we almost always get the voice-mail so instead of calling, I start with an email. Silvana Bahouth, Citi Financial
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27.
When everyone on the team feels important, the team is more efficient.
mate rather than underestimate how much time you need to complete a project.
. Cut your losses 28. Attention to details makes the biggest 34 full-blown problems. difference.
Build in exercise and other forms of healthy recreation every day, such as listening to music. This will increase concentration and reduce stress, saving you time in the long run. Melanie Hudson Manager, Branch Services FSNA/ANRF “The National Association of Federal Retirees”
29. In completing any task the single most important word is: “ACTION”.
I handle each email, one at a time, deal with it and file it in a folder instead of leaving it sitting in my inbox to rob me of precious momentum and motivation. Misty McLaughlin, UNB
30. Empower others around you. For a special project, I surround myself with a great team and clearly identify everyone’s role so that not two people work on the same thing. Annabelle Dubé Liaison Officer INTERPOL Ottawa International Policing
Don’t be afraid to delegate!......you’ll see, you and your team will accomplish more... Michelle Walker, BBM Manager, Conference Services Nipissing University
31.
Give your customers the best experience possible.
32. If you don’t like the way you managed yesterday, then change your approach today.
33. It generally works better to overesti22
45.
If you don’t have the time to experience it now, then eternity will be too late.
35. Basic survival favours those who are 46. Let the web work for you. flexible and adapt.
36. Every once in a while, close your eyes and visualize the final result.
37. Preparation is the master timesaver. I keep it all in a binder with a tab for each major area I need to deal with. Quick and organized. James Wright, Ontario Construction
38. Once a year, list all birthdays, anniversaries, etc., on a master calendar.
39. The pace at which you start your day generally stays with you throughout the day.
I really limit the time spent on email, when reviewing my emails I try to handle it only once – read it, respond and then file it. Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald, JP Ressources & Associates
47.
Consider the potential positive and negative consequences of any action before you take it.
48. Avoid too many “ifs” and “buts”. 49. If you don’t like what you see in the future, then create your own.
50. Think big, but start small.
40. If you travel frequently, keep a set of 51. When in doubt concentrate on visuaessentials (i.e. toiletries, underwear, socks, extra batteries, etc.) in a suitcase or drawer, ready to go.
41.
If you learn best by example, then research the example you want to learn from.
42. What you eat often reflects your level of self-discipline.
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. Sandy Dunn, Professional Photographers Association of BC
43. Generally, it takes less time to do a job today then it does to postpone it until tomorrow. Too much time is spent shifting piles of papers and “To Do” items from one side of the desk to another. If you pick up a piece of paper do something with it. Make the call, file the paper, or email the response. Don’t continue to be a paper shuffler. Joan Moyer AIC Meetings
PLANNER | October 2010 | www.theplanner.ca
The
before they become
44. Always be early.
lizing the end result you want to achieve.
52. Inflexible goals are often best achieved by a flexible process.
Don’t check your email until you get into the office. It’s a time sucker that could have you racing around the house. Plan what you’re going to wear the night before. Planning just doesn’t mean think about it – it means finding it, ironing it, and getting the matching accessories ready too! Rachel Mangal National Event Manager Strategy Institute
53. Never use two words when one will do.
54. For many people, time management at
home may need more attention than time management at work.
55. Sometimes you need to surrender in order to win.
56. Your mind is either your best friend, or your worst enemy.
t i me
Make a list of things to do ~ never rely on memory! Carole Ambridge, 1 Health Services Executives
69. Be specific when you are planning. 70. Keep your words and thoughts consisfor the survival of any organization.
87. Verifying the small details of any task
58. If you travel often as a part of your job, 59. Whatever has been nagging you, get it
73. Keep changing your actions until you
60. Financial worries will eat up your time.
74. Do it right the first time, it takes less
61. What would you attempt to do if you
75. Maintenance is preferable to repair.
done immediately.
Don’t spend what you don’t have. knew you could not fail?
62.
The undisputable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.
63. Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
64. People adapt, but the process is easier if you don’t allow yourself to get in the way. 1. Send yourself reminders in Outlook for things you can’t afford to forget. 2. Make a list of things to do and update it at the end of each day (rewarding to check things off and prioritize in advance for the next day). Diane Moser Executive Assistant Pepsico Canada Breuvages
65. Avoid formal meetings whenever possible.
ment is to concentrate on self-management. get the desired response.
time to do it right than to do it over.
Keep up-to-date and complete files/ records. Why re-invent the wheel? Wendy Steele Communications & Conference Coordinator Alberta College of Family Physicians
76. Before you begin any project, arrange all the required materials in front of you.
77. An unrealistic goal can result in a realistic failure.
78.
Manuals and maps are only useful when opened and asking questions all save time in the long run.
79. Letting someone else make decisions for you generally costs you time.
80.
The only appropriate excuse is that there are no excuses.
81.
Goals should be clearly defined, measurable, recorded and read several times each day.
66. Return your telephone calls when it is 82. convenient for you.
Lack of direction is often the real reason for lack of time.
67. The more challenging the conditions - 83. the more marvelous the opportunities. 68.
Nothing would ever get done if you had to first overcome every possible obstacle.
Promoting your successes takes less time than defending your shortcomings.
86. Sometimes, it is the things we didn’t
72. The key to successful time manage-
avoid checking any luggage if possible.
85.
tent with what you want to achieve.
57. If warp speed is the norm in your work 71. Cooperation may be the greatest asset environment, it doesn’t have to be the norm in your home environment.
saver
Limits are what you accept in your mind.
84. Long term goals should have a step you can work on every day.
do that we regret the most.
can prove to be a big timesaver.
88. Wanting to do something needs to be replaced by actually doing it.
89. Remember that as you plan for tomorrow you must live in today.
90. Even the largest mountain can be scaled one step at a time.
91. Appreciating and thanking takes less time than criticizing.
92.
Our mind adjusts the scale in the direction that we provide.
93. Being busy and being productive are not necessarily the same thing. Place time limits on any task that you are working on.
94. Consider all possible solutions for any problem before you take action.
95. Use different colours to represent different tasks on your daily calendar.
96. Change is the basic function of being alive.
97. Regardless of what kind of day you’ve had, the sun will still set, so why not enjoy the sunset?
98. What you are doing at any moment
determines whether you will have enough time.
99. Generally, the same old ways achieve the same old results.
100.
A shortcut is not necessarily the fastest route.
101. And finally, when in doubt ask an expert!
www.theplanner.ca | October 2010 | ThePLANNER 23
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What if saving time made you win a prize? All participants to our
‘Saving Time’ contest were eligible to enter a draw to win a $50 gift certificate redeemable at Chapters Indigo.
And the winner is...
Taylor Kormann Television Bureau of Canada
H
ere are some more tips from planners to better help you save time:
Take the time to understand the tools you work with. Most of the applications you use on a daily basis have many more features than you’ll ever completely learn. However, it is well worth your time to try to understand what they are capable of so you can learn how to use new features when they are appropriate. Tools like Microsoft Office come with significant collaboration functionality built in, but many people simply don’t know about it. For example, Word will let you send a document to multiple people, allow them to add comments and make changes, then merge everything back into one document and let you select the changes you want to keep. For some people, this can be a huge time saver and it is just one of many similar features that can save significant time. Elizabeth Santos Senior Sales Manager, Associations Hotel Omni Mont-Royal
Whenever I have an offsite meeting, I make up an Emergency Meeting Kit to take with me onsite to make the event as stress free as possible. Much like a 24
PLANNER | October 2010 | www.theplanner.ca
The
First aid, Emergency Medical Kit, my Emergency Meeting Kit contains replacement batteries for presentation pointers; AC Adapter for additional Laptop power; USB Memory Stick to transfer files back and forth; Flip Chart Markers; Masking Tape; Tack it for self-sticking on the walls; return address labels and pre-printed waybills to ship stuff back to the office; scissors, sticky notes pads, Bandaids for little boo-boos that may happen and of course a mirror to ensure our presenter looks fab. It reduces all of that last minute running around necessary. Cheryl Codrington Pfizer Canada Inc.
Keeping organized is the biggest timesaver. Always put things back where they belong (tape, scissors etc. ) so that if you need it again you know exactly where to look, saving you your valuable time hunting around for things. Also if you walk into a big mess (kitchen, bedroom etc.) and you don’t know where to start cleaning, always start at the left side of the counter or room and inch your wall along until finished ! Cindy Weir Marketing & Sales Administrator/ Travel & Meeting Coordinator
technology
Gadgets Galore
f
adjoining an airport lounge. You can often pick up wi-fi signals intended for elite flyers on the other side.
Program numbers into your phone before departure for: airline, hotel, travel insurance provider, embassy and emergency service. If you intend to buy a SIM card abroad, make sure you save the numbers to your phone’s memory, not your local SIM card.
One is sometimes not enough. Rather than packing several adaptors, try packing a power strip for all your gadgets. Plugged into one converter in one room, this will get you up and running most quickly.
Cables can be just as important as chargers and adaptors. Not all hotels have wireless internet, so Ethernet cable
y
.i.
Annual Chapter Multi-City Service In Sync Event Food Bank Volunteer Day
From smart phones to ipads, gadgets are now an essential part of travel and life for most planners. The expectation to stay in touch means that our suitcase may contain more electronics than clothing. Some items are indispensable, while others may be more trouble than they’re worth. Knowing the difference can save you time and money. Try for free wi-fi at airports by finding a wall
.
can be a lifesaver. Various sizes of USB cable are another must if you’re using a camera and laptop combination.
When packing,
lay out your chargers and adaptors next to the relevant gadget. This will prevent leaving essentials at home and being on the road with a useless, heavy piece of equipment that’s run out of juice.
Some items require a voltage converter, not just a plug adaptor, for use abroad – particularly irons, hair curlers and blow dryers. Travel models should have this function built in.
Technology should work for you, not the other way around. Don’t feel pressured to blog every day or maintain your Facebook profile for an entire trip. Keep it short and tweet!
Join PCMA members on November 4th in Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax or Charlottetown for their Annual Service In Sync Day. They will have a volunteer team in each city all on the same day to “give back” to those in need within our communities. Volunteers are needed to sort and pack donated food items. In addition, why not also raise donations for your local Food Bank and help make every effort count? Let’s all help to make a positive difference! Volunteer locations and Information: Daily Bread Food Bank Feed Nova Scotia 191 New Toronto Street, 213 Bedford Hwy, Halifax Toronto Time: 9am - Noon Time: 9am - 1pm Upper Room Food Bank The Ottawa Food Bank 22 Belmont Street, 1317B rue Michael Street, Charlottetown Ottawa Time: 9am - Noon Time: 9am - Noon Call: 902 892-7092 Donation Forms: We encourage you to collect donations! Perhaps your company will match funds you raise! To Volunteer: Email your PCMA Canada East Chaptor Administrator, Julie Siedel at PCMACdaEast@sympatico.ca and indicate which Food Bank you are volunteering for. Deadline to volunteer is Friday October 29th. Come out and lend a hand!
Giving Pays: If you do it, flaunt it Canadians believe companies should flaunt their philanthropic efforts, according to a new study. The research from the Canadian Marketing Association and LoyaltyOne found that 78% of consumers surveyed said companies supporting social causes should talk up those initiatives through their advertising and marketing communications. “If companies need any further incentive to act responsibly, this research demonstrates that their customers not only want to know about their efforts but that it could be very good for business,” said Andrew Souvaliotis, chief impact officer at Air Miles for Social Change. It found 59% of respondents were willing to pay more for products to support a cause and of those who said they were willing to pay more, 18% said they were already paying a premium to support their favourite causes.
www.theplanner.ca | October 2010 | ThePLANNER 25
Rants, Raves
&
Whoops, Blunders The Planner
Here is an Email sent to us from Dr. Pierre Geoffroy, who occasionally writes for The Planner. This is what he had say about a venue he recently visited: “I went to the BMO Institute of Learning recently to give a talk. It is a sensational conference venue. Best I’ve seen. It is on Pharmacy Avenue at Steeles. Do you know of it? I think every Meeting Organizer ought to know about it and I think they should advertise in the Planner! How’s that for being unequivocal! Have a nice weekend.’’ Pierre Geoffroy, MD, CM, MSc, FCTP
Whoops A reader pointed out, and rightly so, that we made a mistake in crediting the poem Thank you for the music on page 26 of the August Planner. It was in fact written by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and recorded in 1977 on The Album by ABBA.
This is what one planner had to say recently about, The Planner. ”I have worked in the planning of meeting and events casually for many years and with larger events in the last 2 years. The Planner is a great Canadian resource – thoughtful, helpful ideas all in the context of a Canadian perspective.” Laurie Harder Doctors Eyecare Network.
Here is what one planner had to say following our June-July Editor’s Note Hi Leo, I read your editorial comments in the June-July issue with some concern as I think you oversimplified the issue of where suppliers are based. What you have forgotten in this age of globalization is that the same companies you mentioned as being based outside Canada hire hundreds of Canadian workers (who do pay Canadian taxes), run a business in Canada and pay corporate taxes, spend money in the local markets maintaining offices and facilities, and help drive the success of the local provincial and federal economy. It is true that most of the companies are still privately owned so the Profits are going to the owners outside of the country, but as we all know profits are a small part of each of these companies’ overall budget. Except for a five year stint at Bombardier Aerospace and my time with my current employer, Carlson Marketing, most of my working life has been spent in the employment of Canadian divisions of US based companies. These “foreign” companies have allowed me and thousands of other Canadians to enjoy a successful life in this country. If you encouraged your readers only to make their selections based on the location of the international head office, you’d better be prepared to pay a lot more in employment insurance as you’ll be supporting a lot of good Canadians who may not be “prisoners” but will certainly be numbered among the collateral damage. Regards, Les Selby, CMP CMM Manager, Strategic Delivery Meetings & Events | Carlson Marketing
Thank you, Laurie! 26
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9 – 5: Where do office hours and productivity intersect? Whether it’s caffeine lag, internet distraction or constant interruptions, the work day may not be all that it’s cracked up to be. The two most often cited peak-productivity times are before and after traditional work hours, with all top choices falling outside the traditional hours. As the official workday starts at 9:00 a.m., productivity begins to drop. Businesspeople say they are most productive before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Over half (61 percent) of executives and managers are most productive between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. 18 percent are most productive before 7:00 a.m. The second-highest productivity times are after 5:00 p.m., with thirty-three percent most productive between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and 12 percent most productive after 8:00 p.m. Thirty-five percent are productive between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., before personal productivity plummets. Only nine percent say they feel productive in terms of work completed between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and only 11 percent are productive between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
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