tourism
BOOSTING
TOURISM From Arctic adventure to urban cool, uniquely Canadian experiences are being marketed to promote our country as a destination of choice for international travellers. The theory is that highquality tourism will keep Canada competitive as a top destination for international visitors and The Signature Experiences Collection® is a highlight of the Government of Canada’s Federal Tourism Strategy (FTS).
T
he Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) is pleased to confirm that 67 more tourism experiences have qualified for the Signature Experiences Collection® (SEC)—an innovative marketing program with the goal of inspiring more international travellers to book their next vacation in Canada – bringing their dollars with them. This brings the total to 115 members this year with another opportunity to apply just around the corner. The SEC, first launched in July, showcases highquality Canadian tourism enterprises from coast to coast that deliver the authentic experiences CTC research says its international customers look for when they choose a vacation. As ambassadors of Canada’s tourism brand, “Canada. Keep Exploring”, these memorable experiences have met rigorous criteria to ensure they will stand out in a crowded and competitive marketplace. Members of the SEC will become the priority pool of high-quality tourism experiences from which the CTC chooses content for its marketing campaigns in the 11 countries where it invests. Minister of State Maxime Bernier (Small Business and Tourism) says, “Canadian tourism businesses create jobs in every region of the country
and drive our economy forward. The Signature Experiences Collection® will continue to play a key role in helping our tourism businesses attract new visitors, seize new opportunities, and become more competitive by promoting unique Canadian tourism experiences to the world.” International travellers will be able to find the exceptional adventures they seek, book them and enjoy them in a way they will remember for the rest of their lives. At the same time, it will be easier for buyers to acquire and sell these tourism experiences to the travel trade, which will be encouraged to include them in their promotional materials and itineraries. CTC President & CEO Michele McKenzie says, “The power of the program is that it will inspire Canadians to create, develop, and enhance tourism products to become truly experiential and competitive—connecting international travellers to Canada in unique ways. The criteria have been set so that we find new Signature Experience members that match what international customers want to buy now. We encourage tourism businesses across the country to take advantage of the many tools we offer to help them meet the program’s criteria.” And we say BRAVO!
www.theplanner.ca | October - November 2011 | ThePLANNER 3
The Canadian
in
publication
for meeting and event planners
* A Mari Usque Ad Mare
Greater Influence
When was the last time you made a change in how you communicate? Stacey Hanke shows us how important “change” can be.
8 Conference Cool, Maritime Warmth
Marilyn Lazar gives us a first-hand look at The Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax.
You will have noted on the cover of this month’s issue the results of our word contest, which challenged you to describe the attributes which planners need to succeed in this industry. For me, in these rapidly changing times, one word best summarizes the quality which we as planners need in order to succeed: Flexibility!
10 Destination Marketing Organizations
temper is a significant skill in the struggle towards success. Flexibility can mean that your own mental attitude toward a situation determines if it is a disaster or a boon. Flexibility also
Jyl Ashton Cunningham outlines some of the major changes taking place, as well as offering insight in how planners may best use the services of a DMO.
18 Destination Laval
A detailed look into the growth, attractions, and destinations in this booming city.
The ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and unexpected emergencies without panicking or losing your
issue
6 Change Your Communication for
Publisher’s Note
The Good Word (s)
this
20 Cruising your way to success! Audrey
Esar brings participants together with her ideas on holding events on a cruise ship .
means that in every negotiation, you understand that the other party’s needs and demands are clues to help you improve the
PLANNER
service you are offering in exchange.
THE
They say that real power comes from flexibility - not rigidity. No matter who you are, you’ll face many challenges. Your responses and the results will vary. After all, the only constant in life is change. So setting goals is important, but constantly
The Planner is distributed to professional meeting and event planners across Canada with the goal of providing reliable and timely information to make better decisions. P ublisher Michel Geoffroy, CMM mg@theplanner.ca E ditor Don Murray, CMP dmurray@theplanner.ca
trying to force your will is not only exhausting, but futile.
A ssociate E ditor Alice Dawlat adawlat@theplanner.ca
So remember, if you focus on results, you will never change. If
G raphic A rtist Matthew Riopel mriopel@theplanner.ca
you focus on change, you will get results.
S ales info@theplanner.ca
B usiness D evelopment M anager
Valerie Petit vpetit@theplanner.ca
C irculation Patricia Lemus circulation@theplanner.ca C ontributors Jyl Ashton Cunningham, Audrey Esar, Stacey Hanke,
if you can’t find it, let us know
or E-mail us at info@theplanner.ca
A ddress
Amber Jackson, Marilyn Lazar, Barry Siskind 2105, de la Montagne, suite 100, Montreal, Québec H3G 1Z8 Telephone: (514) 849-6841 poste 315 Fax: (514) 284-2282 Your comments are appreciated: info@theplanner.ca
The Planner is published ten times a year. Poste-publication No. 40934013 The Planner uses FSC certified paper, made from responsible sources.
*Canadian Coat of Arms motto “From sea to sea” We acknowledge the financial support of the
Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
4
PLANNER | October - November 2011 | www.theplanner.ca
The
hotel news
A Unique Global And Digital Experience As individual as an autograph, Marriott International’s new Autograph Collection is custom tailored for travellers with specific interests, desires and standards. But there is absolutely nothing standard about these hotels. The only problem foreseen is getting all the way to a city like Venice or Prague and never wanting to walk out the front door of the magnificent Boscolo hotel.
L
aunched last year, the Autograph Collection is a group of exceptional independent hotels, each handselected for their originality, character and uncommon details. To date, Autograph Collection portfolio includes more than 24 properties in the United States, Europe, and the British Virgin Islands, with projections to double by the end of the year. Autograph Collection ranks as one of Marriott International’s most exciting business ventures. With this venture, Marriott certainly raises the bar on the hotel experience they offer. The Autograph concept reflects the essence of a global collection with more than 20 independent hotels. Their stated manifesto? To make every journey a discovery. Autograph Collection also launched autographhotels.com to accompany. The standalone website engages “individualistic” travellers seeking an online experience as unique as they are. The site certainly suits the subject. It offers content and functionality that extends beyond basic hotel information, catering to the inquisitive nature of the discerning traveller. It is inspired by the collection’s uniquely independent positioning and highlights the more eclectic features of individual hotels. Are you urban…indulgent…historic…sporting? Define yourself to navigate the site most effectively. Or enjoy the journey and explore all the tabs before limiting your options. Vivid interactive elements invite potential travellers to discover the variety of properties within the collection. The site design allow visitors to browse by
experience type, destination or property name; click through to Historic Exploration, Sporting Adventure, Indulgent Escape, Artistic Getaway, and Family Fun, among others, to discover the range of unique experiences Autograph Collection hotels offer. Each category will then guide users to property-specific sites for additional details, as well as an invitation to book via the existing Marriott International booking engine for online reservations. Post-launch, autographhotels.com will also be supported by a mobile application that focuses on usergenerated content and hotel-stay management. “Autograph Collection is thrilled to debut an online destination that is a true digital representation of what we offer within the collection,” said Amanda Altree, senior director of marketing for Autograph Collection. “The site has a look and feel that is the embodiment of the Autograph Collection, and engages customers in a unique and hands on way. We believe it will help create further interest and engagement among our guests, specifically with those audiences who crave something a bit different.”
f
.y.i.
INVOLVING THE PUBLIC IN SECURITY The Department of Homeland Security is putting hotel guests in New York and around the country on the lookout for terror. The agency’s snappy “See Something, Say Something” public service announcements, which encourage viewers to speak up when they see suspicious activity, started airing this week on hotel room welcome channels at more than 5,000 sites around the country. The Homeland Security Department licenses the slogan from its originator, the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority. Set at a train station, the 15-second spots show travellers alerting authorities about an unattended bag and a squirrely cabbie prepping a bomb in the trunk of his taxi. The hotel campaign, coordinated through the American Hotel & Lodging Association, will reach 1.2 million rooms operated by major chains including Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt. Last year alone, more than 48 million visitors travelled to the city. Hotel patrons not only have millions of eyes often used for sight-seeing, they are targets themselves.
“We are delighted to launch the Autograph Collection brand with a digital experience that allows visitors to express themselves through their unique perspectives and by doing so, help shape the brand itself,” said Andreas Combuechen, chairman & CEO, Atmosphere Proximity.
In November 2008, terrorists struck ten locations in Mumbai, India, including two hotels frequented by Westerners, killing 164 people. The 9/11 Commission recommended a nationwide system to track and analyze behaviour that -- while legal -- could foretell terrorist attacks.
For more information visit: www.autographhotels.com For The Marriott International information or reservations, visit: www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit: www.marriottnewscenter.com.
The result was the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative, with the “See Something” campaign as its public face.
www.theplanner.ca | October - November 2011 | ThePLANNER 5
management
Change Your Communication
for Greater Influence
By Stacey Hanke
K – What does my listener know about my topic and what is their experience? A Boomer will have a different perspective on how to build a relationship based on their experience compared to a Millennial. N – What does my listener need to know to take action in the amount of time I have to present the message? A Boomer may want more detail to make a decision when a X’er only needs the take-aways that will really impact them. O – What is my listener’s opinion on my subject? Everyone has their own opinion based on what they know and what they need to know.
When was the last time you made a change in HOW you communicate? What! You’ve never had a NEED to change? “I communicate all the time.” “I’ve been doing this for years and people tell me I’m a good communicator.”
W – Who are they? Let’s take this step a little further. For example, when identifying who, consider the following.
“The Boomers are old school and they need to learn how to communicate
What do I want them to know about the topic?
with me via text.” “The Xer’s, Y’s and Millennials just don’t understand
- What are their expectations?
how to communicate effectively.” Comments like these are even more
- How do I want them to feel about the topic?
reasons to read on.
W
ith change comes the unknown. Without change comes little to no improvement in our professional and personal lives. Most of us do not make changes because it’s not easy. When the changes you want to make are a must for you, you will fight tooth and nail to make it happen. How important is it to you to influence others through your communication? How bad do you want to be perceived as confident, credible and trustworthy? Making even a small change TODAY in how you communicate gets you closer to a whole new level of communicating with influence. You first need to reach a realization that says, “How I communicate with others is not OK with me. I know I’m better than this. I’m committed to do whatever it takes to make a change.” When you make the link to what you’re committed to and what you’re about, changes in your 6
communication behavior will happen. We live in a diverse workforce, from The Boomers to Xers, Y’s and Millennials. Therefore the change I’m referring to goes beyond just focusing on what works for you. The change I’m referring to requires you to click it; tap into what is important to your listener and communicate using their words, emotions and level of understanding. Click your idea to your listener’s problem by articulating your language in a way that provides them with solutions and opportunities. This is the moment in the conversation when you’ll begin to build trust and rapport. Position your ideas and message in a way your listener clicks in to act on what you have to say.
- What behavior do I want them to change as a result of my message? - What preconceived ideas do they have about my topic? - What impact will their decisions have on the decision-makers, clients or peers? - Why is this message being delivered now? - What are my listener’s goals? - Will my message have more information than my listeners need or want to hear? If so, how do I plan on prioritizing the key points and concepts?
A quick, easy yet effective method to use before and during a conversation to make sure you click it is the acronym K.N.O.W.
- Why should my listeners be interested in this particular topic?
Before a conversation, ask yourself:
- What are three challenging questions my listeners may ask?
PLANNER | October - November 2011 | www.theplanner.ca
The
- How will the action I want them to take benefit them?
management
Changing your communication behavior includes four steps: awareness, understanding, acceptance and taking action.
1. Awareness A prerequisite for making a change is that you’re aware of your communication strengths, weaknesses and impact on others. To truly be aware you need to ask others to give you constructive feedback. What you become aware of might be unexpected and surprising.
Websites of Interest
2. Understanding This is the stage where you say, “A-ha! I understand what needs to be done to make the change I want to make.” You’ve reached a stage where you stop denying this change is needed and are willing to accept it. When the pain is great enough or if you haven’t seen results in a while, MAKE A CHANGE!
3. Acceptance During this stage, you accept this can be the new and improved way you communicate. You’re more open-minded, more interested in making the change and focused to move forward.
4. Taking Action
The new way to backpack TV personality Kate Humble has set up a website called www.stuffyourrucksack.com which enables travellers to give direct help to small charities, schools or other organisations in the country they are visiting. Maybe a local school needs books or an orphanage needs clothes and toys - all things that you can stuff in your bag before departing. The website lists organizations and their needs. Add a new dimension to your next trip. Change a life.
This is where most people come to a HALT. What distinguishes a great communicator from an average communicator is this: Great communicators do what average communicators do not want to do. Take action today. Not tomorrow, not next week, but today to begin making changes so that one year from today you’re not stuck in the same spot.
Put your commitment to yourself in writing. 1. Make a list of the changes you’re encountering now. Your list should include changes you’ve chosen, changes imposed on you, changes you look forward to, changes you have some anxiety about and so on. 2. Which change listed above presents the most difficult challenge for you? 3. What do you need to do differently?
Measuring Performance or Lack Thereof Lazy meter is an online to-do list that allows you to not only add, reorganize and prioritize, but also keeps track of how well you are faring by providing an endof-day pie chart of your productivity and planning accuracy. Visit www.lazymeter.com
Stacey Hanke is an executive consultant, author, coach and speaker with 1st Impression Consulting, Inc. in Chicago, Ill. Contact her at: stacey.hanke@1stimpressionconsulting. com or (773) 209-5970.
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www.theplanner.ca | October - November 2011 | ThePLANNER 7
hotel review
By Marilyn Lazar
CONFERENCE COOL, MARITIME WARMTH First opened in 1930 as The Nova Scotia Hotel, this brick building stretches broadly along Halifax’s waterfront. It’s visible for many city blocks when driving or walking down South Street and still presents an imposing image today. Last renovated in 2008, it has boasted the Westin brand proudly since 1996.
I
’ve enjoyed Halifax both as a student and as the mother of a student and have stayed at the Westin on more than one occasion. Most recently, I did so with an eye to its conference facilities and to informing event planners. If a unique coastal setting and a warm Maritime population appeal to you, consider this geographical location. They had me at hello, as I was greeted by white-haired volunteers in tartan vests at the luggage carousel. Easy access by Air Canada or Porter. And one-stop conference planning at the AAA 4-diamond Westin Nova Scotian. The Westin Nova Scotian aspires to put a fresh perspective on events and conferences. At this it succeeds resoundingly. Some recent accolades include: Progress Magazine – Best Space for Special Events in Atlantic Canada, The Coast – Best Halifax Hotel – 2011 and Wine Spectator – Award of Excellence- 2011 Their Conference Services Managers and Executive Meeting Managers offer professional, personalized service. The versatile space can accommodate cocktails for 20 or breakfast for 500; social or corporate. There are 17 function rooms of various sizes totaling 23,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. All but one feature natural light. I saw the air wall getting pulled out and a great dance floor being laid down. 8
There was a buzz during my visit about the upcoming International Security Forum. This is the Westin’s third year hosting cabinet ministers and senior government officials, 4-star generals, justices of supreme courts, legislators, business leaders, journalists, writers, academics, leaders from prominent think tanks and NGOs. Specific name dropping? The likes of Israeli politician Ehud Barak and our own Minister of National Defense, the Honourable Peter Mackay. Glenn Bowie, area director of sales and marketing for Newcastle Hotels calls participants “the rock stars of the political world”. Rest assured that if the Westin draws this level of repeat customer, they can satisfy your clients, too. The Westin Nova Scotian is eco friendly down to green meetings. It has received a 4 leaf rating out of 5 with Green Key Global and with The Audubon Green Leaf Eco-Rating Program. Tree hugging planners will appreciate how visible their Eco Green Initiative Program is throughout the facilities, from CFL light bulbs to recycle containers alongside garbage cans. A cool Energy Management Dashboard not only shows energy saving targets for the month but also real-time electricity and natural gas demand. Check their website for a complete list of innovative details such as complimentary valet parking for guests driving a hybrid vehicle. By the way, there is free shuttle within the downtown core. Of course, the R & R element is key to inspiring productivity at meetings. To this end, the hotel offers 310 guest rooms of various sizes. Rooms are surprisingly spacious, furnished in the updated boutique mode contrasting dark wood against white linens - on Heavenly Beds®. The blackout drapes are the best I have experienced anywhere in the world. In-room entertainment includes first-run movies but be forewarned of the cost - $17.99 plus tax. Convenient WIFI in room comes with a price tag as it does at all high-caliber hotels. The business centre is an excellent alternative as it is conveniently located, free of charge and there were
PLANNER | October - November 2011 | www.theplanner.ca
The
computers available every time I visited. Recreation includes indoor pool and whirlpool, fitness centre, outdoor tennis court, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club, Sykea Salon & Spa, Wii/X-box lounge. Regarding groups, the spa can only perform one massage per time slot but it proved relatively easy to secure appointments. In the service and hospitality industry, it’s the staff on which reputation rides and the Westin is no exception. From the smiling faces behind the desk in the lobby to our server, Chris, who gave us not only croissants but the inside scoop every morning and housekeeping who repeatedly tried to fix my in-room safe, all were hospitable and helpful. I must single out the staff at Elements, where hotel guests enjoy a 25% discount. From reservation-taking through coffee-pouring, they excelled at service. They are familiar with and proud of their focus on local in both food and wine. On their recommendation, we enjoyed several bottles with a price tag of just $5 over cost! They also personally carried our unfinished bottle of wine and glasses from dinner into Yuk Yuk’s next door. For food & beverage, Eve’s is a practical alternative, offering Starbuck’s and pastries until 2 pm, bar nibbles thereafter and live music nightly. P.S. Upon arrival back home, I realized I had left some belongings behind. When I called the hotel to inquire, not only had the items been found, but the person who took the call remembered me personally and is mailing that package to me at no charge. That’s service with a smile – my smile, that is. *Please note: Nobody I encountered knew that I would be writing this article. Web: www.thewestinnovascotian.com Marilyn Lazar is a freelance writer and a regular contributor to The Planner. She graduated from Concordia University in Montreal with a degree in Communication Studies and has taken freelance and travel writing courses from Ryerson University in Toronto and through Mediabistro in New York. E-mail her at: marilyn@marilynlazar.com. Read her work: marilynlazar.com
hotel news
Consider an award winner that’s practically in your backyard.
Hilton to Recycle Used Soap
H
ilton Worldwide announced a partnership with the Global Soap Project, a non-profit organization that recovers and recycles soap from hotels that would otherwise end up in landfills. The Global Soap Project sorts, reprocesses and remoulds used soap into new bars and distributes them to vulnerable populations in developing countries who are at risk of sanitation and hygiene-related disease. In its first year of the partnership, Hilton Worldwide expects to donate more then one million new 4- ounce bars of soap to people in need. “At Hilton Worldwide, we are constantly meas-
Planning a ski meeting?
Stowe Mountain Lodge Named #9 for Top 100 Hotels in the U.S.
uring, analyzing and working to improve our sustainability performance,” said Christopher Corpuel, Vice President, Sustainability, Hilton Worldwide. Hand-washing with soap is among the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent diarrhoeal diseases and pneumonia, which together are responsible for more than 3.5 million child deaths each year. In contrast to North America, where more than two million partially used bars of soap are discarded at hotels every day, a lack of soap can be a barrier to hand-washing at schools, community health clinics and refugee camps in developing countries, which rarely have soap or appropriate washing facilities.
Stowe Mountain Lodge, located at the base of Stowe Mountain Resort, in Vermont, (about a 3 hour drive from Montreal) was recently named “9th Best in the World for the U.S” by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Stowe Mountain Lodge is recognized as the preeminent mountain lodge in New England, with ski-in/ski-out access to the best lift-accessed skiing and snowboarding in the East. The six-story, 312room lodge features rustic, grand architecture, luxuriously appointed guest rooms, a 21,000 square-foot spa, awardwinning-dining, a year-round heated indoor/outdoor pool and a two-story lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows and oversized wood-burning fireplaces. Stowe Mountain Lodge has over 56,000 square feet of meeting space, with the largest space being close to 6000 square feet, eco-friendly meeting offerings and unique indoor/outdoor venues on and around Stowe Mountain Resort. www.stowemountainlodge.com
Kudos To Laguna Beach
First City to Recycle Hotel Bath Products
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aguna Beach welcomes more than 6 million visitors annually to its sandy shores. Visitors who stay in the beachside city’s hotels and lodging establishments will be inadvertent participants in a citywide effort to recycle all the soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, lotion and bath gel that is left over after a night’s stay. Laguna Beach is the first city in the nation to have all of its hotel properties with more than 20 rooms participate in Clean the Worlda Florida-based non-profit that provides recycled hotel soaps and hygiene products to those in need.
Working with Clean the World, hygiene products are reclaimed by housekeeping staff and set aside in a separate receptacle to be shipped to a processing facility. The bars of soap are cleaned of hair and paper, sterilized, ground into pellets and pressed into new bars of soap that are distributed to non-governmental organizations in 45 countries that do not have ready access to soap. The bottled amenities are likewise reclaimed. If they’re full, the bottle exteriors are sterilized and redistributed to homeless shelters and soup kitchens inside the U.S. If the bottles are 25% empty, the plastic is recycled or potentially upcycled for use in other products.
www.theplanner.ca | October - November 2011 | ThePLANNER 9
management
By Jyl Ashton Cunningham, CMP
Destination
Marketing Organizations Destination Marketing Organizations or Destination Management Organizations (DMO’s), less commonly referred to as Convention Visitors’ Bureaus (CVB’s) are moving in leaps and bounds to improve their product and global outreach to planners and suppliers. Even the acronym accurately reflects the drive for business and the upbeat enthusiasm of members worldwide to increase their visibility in the market place. The following will outline some of the major changes taking place, as well as offering insight in how planners may best use the services of a DMO.
P
opular buzzwords in the industry are Partnerships and Global Alliances. With the exception of countries deemed unsafe to travel to, either for health or civil unrest reasons, the world really is wide open to the meeting and incentive business. Consequently it makes perfect sense for neighbouring cities (Dallas Fort Worth) regions (Atlantic Canada, Québec) or even countries (Visit Britain encompasses Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) to join forces for the best possible marketing opportunities without losing the identity of the individual destination. Visit Scotland has a marketing campaign which complements and encompasses that of Visit Britain, yet retains the individuality essential to such a unique country. Tourism budgets are also a huge consideration when forming partnerships, as promotional costs such as trade shows, brochures, web sites etc can all be shared between each participant. Budgets have to come from somewhere though and some interesting developments have taken place over the last few years within DMO’s. Some are opting to offer free membership, using funds from sponsorship, grants and levies imposed on hotels as a percentage of the room rate, to cover operating costs. However many DMO’s do not agree with this practice, arguing that not all members are hotels, and therefore do not collect the equivalent revenues, whilst reaping the benefits. Whilst free membership is an attractive proposition, most DMO’s polled did not feel it would become the norm. Many DMO’s in small or developing markets rely heavily on government funding and addi-
10
tional fees can be garnered from members through sales trips and specialized marketing campaigns. Whilst it goes without saying that connecting with the buyers is key for DMO’s, the same goes for planners seeking a new destination. Trade shows such as those held at MPI conferences, or IncentiveWorks in Toronto, are important for planners to attend, in order to make preliminary or educated decisions on where to take their next meeting or incentive, at little or no cost to the planner and very reasonable expenses for the DMO. As well, familiarization trips may not always be feasible, especially if a few overseas destinations are being considered, so trade shows are an attractive and efficient alternative for planners to test the market. A welcome development to DMO’s worldwide is their commitment to continuing education. At Tourism Toronto for example, staff members are all encouraged to attain the CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) designation as it is internationally recognized as the benchmark of industry certification. By “talking the talk”, DMO staff prove themselves to be have the level of knowledge that planners have come to expect when site selecting and negotiating on behalf of their clients. Planners often ask why they should use a DMO. The answer comes back as the question, why would they not? There is absolutely no downside to approaching a DMO as the first step in any destinating planning process, or by partnering with one as the program develops. DMO’s have more knowledge than any other
PLANNER | October - November 2011 | www.theplanner.ca
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avenue in terms of available hotel and conference space, as well as free marketing tools to help promote any event. They have access to almost unlimited information on air and ground travel, on peak times to visit, weather patterns and health issues. They can advise on local customs, laws and practices, areas of the destination to avoid and any restrictions on goods entering or leaving the country. Most DMO’s offer a Request for Proposal facility where the planner submits one detailed RFP to the DMO and the responses are returned to the DMO to assess, rather than having the planner receive potentially numerous responses and solicitations. Once on site (and usually for an additional fee), the DMO can provide a manned hospitality desk to offer expert advice to delegates and guests, on the destination. In short, the resources and services DMO’s offer to planners, provide essential support to any event. From a planner perspective, it is important to remember that a DMO is most effective when given timely, accurate and concise information. The more lead time given on major inbound group bookings, the better the chance of receiving favourable rates and extended marketing opportunities. That being said however, should an unforeseen emergency arise and sudden destination changes have to be made to a program, the DMO would undoubtedly be the first place to contact as they have access to any last minute space availability. In conclusion, working with a DMO should always be considered as a partnership, or at the least, a team effort. Independent planners especially will find a DMO to be their most valuable resource and ally, both in terms of financial savings and information sharing. Large meeting planning houses will typically forge strategic partnerships with DMO’s and may often be members themselves. Whatever the relationship level, everybody benefits! It’s easy to find a Destination Marketing Organization on the web. Simply put the word Tourism in front of the destination name in the search field, and it’s almost guaranteed that the site will be on the first page. Jyl Ashton Cunningham, CMP is a conference and event planner based in Toronto. Jyl welcomes your comments and can be reached at info@jaacevents.com
for your info
For something different! Exhibit lets visitors swim naked or ride down a 3-story slide Museums often house collections of things that are old. But at the New Museum in New York, visitors can ride a three-story slide that winds through the building, or jump into a salty pool – in the buff! Well – not totally nude. Participants are given helmets and elbow pads for the slide. The “Experience” exhibit, which opened recently and runs until January 15, features the creations of German artist Carsten Höller. It allows visitors to explore different sensations through Mr. Höller’s unusual interactive works of art. Visitors are asked to sign a waiver If you’re a planner who’s always looking for new ideas, here’s a novel option for teambuilding!
Too much TV? Watch your viewing habits
For every two hours of TV daily, death rates rise by 13 percent, according to a recent analysis in the Journal of American Medical Association, which pooled data from eight large studies. That works out to about one extra death each year per 1 000 adults who watch TV two hours a day. And the risk rises with longer viewing hours. The study also found a 20 percent increased risk of diabetes for every two hours watched daily. That’s not surprising, since heavy TV often leads to heavy television viewers.
12
Weary in the airport Transit passengers at London Heathrow’s Terminal 3 can now escape the waiting areas by booking a private room. Yes, twelve bedrooms – or, more specifically, soundproof cabins – are available for an hourly rental fee of £20 (app $35) per single and £30 ($50) per double. The airside rooms come with bed, shower, TV, mini-bar and free Wi-Fi and are available between 4:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. The minimum rental period is two hours. On the web: no1traveller.com
Up in the air There is little demand from air passengers for in-flight mobile and Internet services, according to a Fly.com survey of 1 300 British frequent fliers. Fewer than 5% of respondents wanted such amenities and more than 30% said they would avoid travelling on any airline offering them. Most passengers preferred peace and quiet – free from the disruption of e-mail, social media and other people’s loud phone conversations.
Overfishing threatens global supply The international supply of bluefin tuna is being threatened by operators in the Mediterranean who are illegally overharvesting this endangered and valuable fish. The American-based Pew Environment Group recently released a study showing that the amount of Atlantic bluefin tuna traded on the global market in 2010 exceeded the official international quota by 141 per cent and the gap is widening. The main culprits in the overharvesting of the fish, which travel from one side of the Atlantic Ocean to the other, are Spain, Italy, Malta and France, Prew says. Bluefin that is harvested in excess of yearly quotas set by the International Commission for the Conservative of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) is sold on the European market using false or non-existent documents. It is an illegal venture made more enticing by the fact that a single fish can fetch more than $450 000.
PLANNER | October - November 2011 | www.theplanner.ca
The
industry news
Following Montreal, Paris Ritz Hotel to close for major overhaul
Paris’s Hotel Ritz,
famed for generations as the city’s highest-profile luxury hotel, announced Tuesday it will close for more than two years beginning next summer for an “unprecedented” renovation. The move comes after the five-star hotel in central Paris failed earlier this year to win France’s coveted “palace” designation marking a top luxury
destination. The hotel has not had a major renovation since 1979. The hotel said the “unprecedented renovation project’ would start in the summer of 2012 and take 27 months. Financial details were not disclosed. In Montreal, The Ritz is slated to re-open by spring of 2012.
Longer work hours, less time off, the new way of the world You’re not imaging it; workloads have increased. Employees have been working more hours than ever over the past three years, according to a new survey. The survey of more than 200 U.S. companies and nearly 100 Canadian companies was conducted by global professional services company Towers Watson. Sixty-five per cent of respondents reported that employees have been working longer hours since the 2008 recession, and more than half said they expect the trend to continue over the next three years. Also, 31 per cent of the companies reported that their employees had taken less vacation and personal time over the past three years. This economic climate makes saying thank-you more important than ever. Whether it’s a full blown gala event or a simple pizza party - showing appreciation is a must. This is a concept for planners to be aware of for themselves and to promote to clients.
TRUST AND THE INTERNET: Important follow-up for Planners In our last issue of The Planner, we published important information concerning TripAdvisor. This month, we offer news about Expedia. TripAdvisor and Expedia are part of the same company.
Expedia Fined for Duping Clients Expedia, the Internet-based travel website with localized sites for 20 countries, has been ordered to pay €427,000 to French hoteliers after being found guilty of a series of ‘false price reductions’, ‘false prices for hotels’ and ‘false information on hotel availability’. The world’s No1 Internet travel agency - which also includes travel advice site Tripadvisor.fr and hotel booking site Hotels.com - was condemned by the Tribunal de Commerce de Paris for misleading customers and ordered to pay the money as damages. It must pay €305,000 to the hoteliers federation Synhorcat and the rest to two hotels which sparked the initial complaint: €79,000 to the Hôtel de la Place du Louvre in Paris, and €43,000 to the Château Guilguiffin, in Landudec, Finistère. Expedia was investigated by the anti-fraud agency DGCCRF
who found that Internet bargain-hunters had been misled by the American-based sites. Buyers were given information that certain hotels were full and were directed towards other hotels with whom Expedia and Hotels.com had commercial links. Tourism minister Frédéric Lefebvre, who launched the DGCCRF investigation in May, said: “Nearly 60% of French Internet users exclusively use the web for preparing and buying their travel needs. The accuracy of the information provided by these sites is, therefore, vital.” Synhorcat greeted the tribunal’s decision as a “victory for consumers and hotel professionals” and hoped it would lead to a new morality in the e-commerce sector. It also denounced the Expedia sites for their confusion of marketing tactics with TripAdvisor seeming to be an advice site while it was also directing bargain-hunters to its own sister companies. Synhorcat president Didier Chenet has called on the companies to meet to straighten out the situation and what he called “abuses” in contracts. If not, he said, the federation would again take Expedia to the tribunal.
www.theplanner.ca | October - November 2011 | ThePLANNER 13
food
&
beverage
Why Champagne is Unique? The ‘methode champenoise’ has been copied by other wine producers throughout the world. While there are many very good sparkling wines - and a few superb ones - they are not champagne and there are two main reasons for this.
F
irstly, the land. The designated area in which grapes for Champagne can be grown is all lime-stone, which imparts its own special flavor to the grapes and controls the way they develop. The cellars in which the wine is made and matured are carved out of the chalk deep in the ground and this keeps them naturally cool. Secondly, the climate. Other than the vineyards of England, this is the most northerly area in Europe in which grapes are grown, so the grapes do not have a good deal of sunshine to ripen them in a normal summer. Frosts occur suddenly and sharply in November and December and this kills the yeasts which cause fermentation so it ceases to ferment before all the sugar has been converted into alcohol. In April, when the weather is warmer, fermentation recommences, at which moment the wine is bottled.
Kir Royale Named after Abbé Kir, the mayor of Dijon who was a Resistance fighter during the German occupation of France in the Second World War. Crème de cassis is produced mainly in the area around Dijon and the combination of the liqueur with white wine (Kir) or Champagne (Kir Royale) has been enjoyed in the region for many years. Recipe: 6 x 5 ml spoons/6 tsp crème de cassis 1 bottle chilled Champagne or sparkling white wine* Makes 6 glasses Put 5 ml/1 tsp of the crème de cassis in the base of each of the six chilled wine glasses, top up with the Champagne or sparkling white wine and stir once or twice to mix. Serve at once. *This is a good way of improving the flavor of slightly inferior Champagne or a good sparkling white wine.
14
PLANNER | October - November 2011 | www.theplanner.ca
The
Buck’s Fizz Considered by many to be one of the finest ways to start the day - although equally welcome at more conventional drinking times – this masterpiece was the invention of Colonel Buckmaster, who founded Buck’s Club in London. It certainly has the royal seal of approval. H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is on record as saying, “Champagne and orange juice is a great drink. The orange improves the Champagne. The Champagne definitely improves the orange.”
To make a good Buck’s Fizz, it is imperative to use freshly squeezed orange juice. Anything else is a waste of good Champagne. Recipe: Freshly squeezed orange juice Chilled Champagne Fill a tulip glass with orange juice to the quarter mark, then top up with chilled Champagne.
Storing Champagne Champagnes are sensitive beverages. Excessive heat, exposure to sunlight or UV rays, or the hot atmosphere in a car can destroy the true taste and quality of good champagne. Champagne retains its best qualities when stored in temperatures between 7o and 12o in a horizontal storage position. Even the storage of champagne in refrigerators is likely to affect the quality of champagne due to the shaking created by the compressor. Basement climate cabinets are the best places to store champagne.
d e s t i n at i o n o f t h e m o n t h
Destination LAVAL Hotels The hotel industry in Laval continues its re-birth. A new generation Holiday Inn in Laval - a 4-star, “New Generation” facility representing an investment of more than $4 million - is planned. The Holiday Inn Laval Montreal - formerly the Radisson Hotel Laval - now allows business customers and families to take advantage of this new contemporary and warm concept at affordable prices. Quality Suites Laval is being renovated to provide better service to its business and tourism customers. Quality Suites Laval has invested nearly $300,000 to modernize and improve the comfort level of 35 suites including dining rooms and meeting rooms. Renovation work in the $4 million range was completed recently at Sheraton Laval. The program: renovation of all spaces, adoption of an approach to eco-responsibly reduce energy consumption and waste management; and the opening of the Link@Sheraton, a unique and friendly lounge equipped with the latest technologies to allow customers to stay connected to the Internet at any time. The Palace convention and reception centre has invested $1 million this year for revitalization. Enhanced with new décor and renewal of technological equipment, the Palace offers a warm environment with five meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 2,600 people. The Parc Centre de Congrès changed its name and look. Rechristened Le Mont Blanc, this convention and meeting centre has been transformed following renovation work. Its new look is modern and clean. Black and white themes abound. The ground floor was remodeled into small rooms for meetings of up to 50 people.
Activities The Cosmodôme which was already an excellent special events venue, has undergone major renovations with an investment of over $10 million and will be reopening its doors in mid December. At that time the venue will be
offering 3 new interactive missions and many enhanced features. Skyventure is a free-fall simulator that allows groups to experience a parachute jump without risk. This is an ideal focal point for your program which event participants will talk about long after the event is over. Take up the challenge of surfing on the Flowrider at Maeva Surf, an indoor artificial wave which is unique in the country. Be creative! Link the activity to a theme, offer a demonstration, and then invite your participants to get wet.
Accessibility Laval is at the center of the business community and at the epicenter of the greater Montréal area. Within a radius of 40 km around the Centropolis, the new downtown Laval is connected to a population of more than 3.5 million residents. With the recent opening of the A25 highway bridge, even residents of the South Shore can quickly travel to Laval. Served by three Metro stations and a regional bus terminal, it is also an easily accessible destination by public transport.
Of note for planners Laval is a destination that simplifies life for event planners. What particularly distinguishes Laval is the great spirit of cooperation and synergy between members of industry. Tourisme Laval, the body responsible for the promotion of the region, is developing pertinent tools and taking concrete action to foster this cooperation and to simplify the lives of event organizers. Its web site, www.tourismelaval.com, provides tools to help in the planning and marketing of meetings, conventions and events in the region. It also publishes a series of practical guides, highly valued by event organizers and containing a wealth of tips. In particular, Laval has recently published its “Eco-responsible Event Guide”, available as a free download and its Simplifier guide and Team Building guide which are also very popular.
Laval by the Numbers: Population: 399,400 Tourism: 1 million visitors and $146,528,742 in tourism revenue. Number of hotels: 14 Number of hotel rooms: 1,600 Number of meeting rooms: 111 Number of multi-functional halls: 4 Number of square feet for conventions, exhibitions and meetings: 415,000 Number of golf courses: 7 Number of restaurants: more than 450 Average number of yearly conventions: more than 166 conventions and events
www.theplanner.ca | October - November 2011 | ThePLANNER 19
cruising
Cruising your
way to success!
By Audrey Esar
With all the options out there for incentive programs, meetings and retreats, the idea comes up again and again for holding events on a cruise ship.
W
ith the plethora of ships that are now out there, from small yacht type vessels, to large mega ships, it can be confusing to decide what is best for your particular program. As well, there are certain things to remember in order to ensure a smooth running process, prior to and while on board. Having organized many cruise ship incentives from 50 to over 500 participants, the experiences have taught me the main points to consider when putting together these highly complex programs. Evaluate your group’s objectives. Smaller groups can get lost on a ship that holds thousands of people. If your goal is to be able to interact with your participants throughout the day and evening, a yacht type experience is perfect, since the maximum size is usually between 175 and 600 guests, depending on the cruise line and 20
ship chosen. These ships tend to have less glitz in terms of entertainment, casino and multiple restaurant options, however they often offer incredible activities that are perfect for groups, and the relaxed, casually elegant atmospheres lend themselves to mingling and socializing within an intimate atmosphere. Larger ships of course, can offer everything from ice skating to zip lining, and promote an exciting and option filled agenda to guests. They often have more alternatives for meeting venues and a large variety of restaurants and dining options. Choosing the appropriate ship goes a long way in ensuring the satisfaction of those participating. Dining options for larger groups can be tricky if you wish to all eat together. It is imperative that you research and book, the table seating options within the dining room as early as possible in the planning process. Often there will
PLANNER | October - November 2011 | www.theplanner.ca
The
be pushback from the cruise line to make commitments 6 months out, but it is important that you remain firm on having your space held – in writing of course. Ask your cruise coordinator to forward you the dining room layout once your contract is signed, and discuss with your client how they would like to arrange their seating. This will eliminate a lot of needless frustration as you get closer to your program. In addition, be sure to guarantee your dining time as per your client’s request – often times the cruise line chooses the dining time for you if you don’t request one, and you can end up with a 6:00 p.m. dinner time which is not the best if your group is out on activities throughout the day. Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions are often an important part of an event. After researching all the possible options for your group, be sure to book your venues at the
cruising
time of contract. Don’t be shy to request value added amenities to be included, i.e. live music for an hour, hot and cold hors d`oeuvres or a signature cocktail upon arrival.
“
cruise line all the excursions which are available, and then decide which ones would be most appealing to your group. Depending on the size of the group, you might need to offer vari-
Excursions are a great way to bring your participants together
”
Meeting and conference rooms book up quickly on ships, and they must be confirmed early in the process. It is easier to reserve meeting space on days when the ship is at port, but how effective will your meeting be if they are in a session, while everyone else on the ship is basking on the beach in St. Thomas? As a result, space is at a premium on the days at sea, so book early and be flexible. A nightclub or restaurant can often work well for what you are trying to achieve.
ous options each day, therefore ensure that you have a great database and registration program to organize all this data as it will change daily, right up to the actual day of the excursion. Work closely with the shore excursion manager to confirm that all is organized as per your requests, including bilingual guides, length of tours, inclusions i.e. bottled water, all admission costs, etc.). Make sure that participants are aware of the level of fitness required for tours, clothing requirements, etc. prior to signing up for a tour.
Excursions are a great way to bring your participants together, and organizing private, specialized day trips at the different ports of call can be an enlightening experience. Request from your
While you are in the process of organizing your cruise event, it is important to understand the complexities of how many of the cruise lines work. Often, you are teamed up with a cruise
coordinator who works out of a land based office. The information and details that you confirm throughout the planning process is then transmitted to an on-board coordinator a short time prior to your group boarding the ship. I strongly recommend a pre-conference meeting with your on-board coordinator prior to mass arrival of your group on the ship to go through all the details of your program. It is not uncommon that not all the information gets conveyed in the manner you would have liked, and it is at this time that you have the opportunity to catch any issues that might occur. Creating a close relationship with your on-board coordinator, shore excursion manager and Maitre’D will make certain that your program flows smoothly. Navigating your way through the waters of a cruising program can be eventful and very detail oriented, but the payoff of a successful and memorable experience is great! Happy sailing! Wth over 20 years experience, Audrey Esar is a Solutions Consultant specializing in event management, customer service, training and coaching as well as site selection. To learn more about how Audrey can help you, she can be contacted via e-mail at AudreyEsar@videotron.ca
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www.theplanner.ca | October - November 2011 | ThePLANNER 21
fitness
By Marilyn Lazar
PLANNERS & PEDOMETERS New fitness guidelines and how they apply to you Planners don’t need to wear pedometers to know they take 1000 steps a day. Running from client meetings to supplier warehouses, and on to conferences, events and venue openings has worn out many a designer shoe. However, new research suggests that some people may not be as active as they believe and that sedentary lifestyles can compromise our health. 22
R
on DeAngelo, director of sports performance training at UPMC’s Center for Sports Medicine, called the new guidelines a “wakeup call” for some people. “A lot of times people think they are accomplishing a lot more than they really are.” Furthermore, “no matter how long or how briskly you walk, walking alone cannot meet all your fitness needs,” according to the American College of Sports Medicine. The professional association of personal trainers and other exercise professionals warns that hitting the gym once a week does not constitute a balanced fitness program. In fact, ACSM has published new guidelines in its latest journal, Medicine & Science in Sports Exercise, about how much of what kinds of exercise is “enough.” Multiple studies are cited in the heavily footnoted journal article that indicates how much exercise is required to produce significant health benefits. For instance, the recommendations concerning cardio-respiratory fitness are based in large part on the amount of exercise a study indicated can lower mortality rates by 60 percent compared to sedentary people. It’s not just quantity but quality. “Pedometers are popular and effective for promoting physical activity and modest weight loss,” the ACSM acknowledged, “but they provide an inexact index of exercise volume. They are limited in that the ‘quality’ (e.g., speed, grade, duration) of steps often cannot be determined. Health risks incurred by spending hours sitting at a desk or in front of the television can’t be offset with daily visits to the gym, no matter
PLANNER | October - November 2011 | www.theplanner.ca
The
how hard you work out. “Sedentariness is detrimental even among individuals who meet current physical activity recommendations,” ACSM says. “The evidence suggests it is not enough to consider whether an individual engages in adequate physical activity to attain health benefits, but also that health and fitness professionals should be concerned about the amount of time clients spend in activities such as television watching and sitting at a desk.” To reduce the harm associated with prolonged periods of sitting, change positions every hour or so, stretch and take a short walk around the office. If there’s no time for that, just stand up for a minute or two. The same applies when you’re at home, get up and stretch during TV commercials, and take a short walk around the house. “Reducing total time spent in sedentary activities and interspersing short bouts of physical activity and standing between periods of sedentary activity should be a goal for all adults, irrespective of exercise habits,” ACSM says. We require four types of exercise each week -- cardiovascular, resistance, flexibility, and neuromotor (exercises to improve balance, agility, coordination and gait), according to the ACSM. Specific recommendations include: - A minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity cardio exercise five days a week, or at least 20 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise three days a week. If necessary, it’s acceptable to meet this requirement through multiple shorter
fitness
sessions throughout the day. - Resistance training two to three times a week. This should entail two to four sets of 8-12 repetitions (to increase strength and power) or 15-20 repetitions (for muscular endurance). Weight workouts increase metabolism and help ward off osteoporosis. - Stretch and other flexibility exercises two or three times a week. Each stretch should be held for 10 to 30 seconds and should be repeated two to four times, for a minimum of 60 seconds per stretch. Stretching is most effective when muscles are warm, so it’s best done after a sufficient warm-up. - Neuromotor exercises .-- also called functional fitness - are increasingly important as we age because they help prevent falls. Pilates, Tai Chi and yoga are good examples. Other neuromotor exercises are conducted in rhythm to music. These exercises should be performed two or three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes per session. “The functional standpoint is one of the best parts of these guidelines,” said Moira Davenport, who practices sports medicine
and emergency medicine at Allegheny General Hospital. “This new emphasis on functional training is going to be very helpful, especially for the aging. It can limit the number of falls and keep them independent for much longer.” If you add up the ACSM’s recommendations -- 150 minutes a week for cardio, 40 minutes a week for neuromotor exercises and assume 40 minutes a week for two resistance workouts and 20 minutes for stretching -- that comes out to 4 hours and 10 minutes of exercise a week to meet the minimum guidelines. The minimum goals can be met by exercising for 45 minutes a day, six days a week. But many of us find that hard to achieve. If your fitness reality falls short of your goals, the lead writer offers practical advice. Carol Garber, director of the graduate program in applied physiology at Columbia University, admits, “We don’t really expect that everyone is going to do all the exercises,” she said. “That would be the absolute optimum.” The guidelines are the minimum necessary to produce major health and fitness benefits, Ms.
Garber said, but research makes it clear that any exercise is beneficial. “A little bit is good,” she said. “But a little bit more is even better.” If you don’t do as much as ACSM recommends, try to work the combination of all four types of exercise into your routine. And if you want to work up to the ACSM minimums, increase gradually, Ms. Garber said. “Each has somewhat different effects,” Ms. Garber explained. Tai Chi, yoga and Pilates are very good exercises to do because “they have multiple effects. They improve core strength, flexibility and balance.” There are added benefits to these types of “mind-body” activities, such as increased relaxation and better concentration when you do get back to...sitting at your desk. While at your desk or on your smart phone, why not plug some exercise time into your calendar? Nobody knows better than you that, like an event, an exercise program will more likely be successful when you plan it!
book review
THE TIPPING POINTS A global guide to gratuity and etiquette Bradt’s Tips on Tipping encompasses the do’s and don’ts of tipping etiquette in over 130 countries. This pocket-sized book offers insight not only on the cultural differences when tipping and the appropriate monetary amounts, but has a section dedicated to cruises, notes on currency exchange and tasteful gift giving. There are points on giving a gratuity on top of the service charge in a Parisian restaurant and proper tipping of a snake charmer in Casablanca if you want to photograph him. Everyone who travels has suffered the embarrassment caused by not knowing when or how much to tip. For example, Bradt’s tips on Mexico say that the standard rate of tipping in restaurants
and hotels is 10-15%. A popular phrase written in menus is ‘Propina no incluida’ translation- ‘tips not included’. Mexico also has a high number of all-inclusive resorts where tipping, while not required, is perfectly appropriate for favoured servers or chambermaids. Tip in Pesos. The book also features light-hearted personal anecdotes and tips drawn from several contributing authors’ travels. Paperback: 224 pages Bradt Travel Guides February 2011 ISBN: 978-1841622101
www.theplanner.ca | October - November 2011 | ThePLANNER 23
team building
for your info
Canada’s M e e t i n g P l a c e G e t s “ c r EAT i v e ”
Art of Worldly Wisdom 300 years ago, one of Spain’s greatest writers, Baltasar Gracián wrote “The Art of Wordly Wisdom”. Here are a few of his thoughts:
New product offering sets Ottawa Convention Centre apart
C
anada’s newest meeting place, The Ottawa Convention Centre (OCC), is already known for its exceptional food and the creative team at OCC isn’t resting on their laurels. OCC is trying to give its customers what they want, sometimes even before they know they want it. Case in point: OCC’s new state of the art kitchen studio, “crEATe”. This space is located at the south end of the Colonel By Foyer on Level 1, facing the Rideau Canal and in full view of passers-by on Colonel By Drive. Appointed with the latest in culinary equipment, technological capabilities and sleek modern décor, crEATe will offer interactive packages to groups willing to abandon their jackets and ties, don an apron and roll up their sleeves while a member of OCC’s culinary team takes them through food preparation step-by-step; afterwards they‘ll enjoy the fruits of their labour! “We’re particularly excited about the interactive team-building events that will be led by Executive Chef Geoffrey Morden’s talented 24
culinary crew,” enthused OCC general manager Jennifer McCrary. “You can form your own kitchen brigade and cook as a team, or sit back and watch as our Chef demonstrates the latest techniques using fresh, local ingredients and products. Either way, your group will be treated to an exceptional culinary experience.” “We are confident that crEATe will soon become a “must do” experience in Ottawa” said OCC president Pat Kelly. Wine and food pairings and tastings, will also take place in crEATe, which offers an exclusive cellar wine list, and accommodates groups of 15 guests seated or 25 reception- style. “We are not aware of any other Canadian convention centre with a product like crEATe,” said Pat Kelly. Ottawa Convention Centre is an agency of the government of Ontario. For further information, contact: Peggy Nieghorn, Ottawa Convention Centre, 613-688-8213, pnieghorn@ottawaconventioncentre.com Url: crEATekitchen.ca
PLANNER | October - November 2011 | www.theplanner.ca
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Think ahead: today for tomorrow – even many days ahead. The best providence is to have hours of it. To those forewarned, there are no strokes of bad luck; no tight spots for those who are prepared. Don’t save your reason for difficult situations; use it to anticipate them. Difficult points require mature rethinking. The pillow is a tongueless sibyl, and it is better to sleep on something than to lie awake when things are on top of you. Some act and think later: this is to look for excuses rather than consequences. Others think neither before nor after. Your whole life should be a matter of thinking out your destination. Rethinking and foresight are a good way to live in advance. Know how to appreciate. There is no one who cannot better someone else at something, and there will always be someone who can conquer even him. It is useful to know exactly how to enjoy each person. The wise person esteems everyone, for he recognizes the good in each, and he realizes how hard it is to do things well. The fool despises others, partly out of ignorance and partly because he always prefers what is worst. Undertake the easy as though it were difficult, and the difficult as though it were easy, so as not to grow overconfident or discouraged. To avoid doing something, you need only consider it done. But diligence conquers impossibility. In moments of great danger, don’t even think, simply act. Don’t dwell on the difficulties.
management
BOOSTING BRAINPOWER:
Canadians Retain Information Better with Handwriting! Planners need to keep track of so much detail - try using pen and paper!
I
n this digital age, leading research reveals that writing information by hand, on paper, enhances comprehension and retention better than typing on a keyboard. “When we write, even before we write, we are putting thought into evaluating the information that we are receiving,” says Dr. Steve Graham, a published author and the Curry Ingram Professor of Education at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. “That process of putting pen to paper helps retain ideas more firmly in our minds, leading to greater recall at a later time.” A recent national study of adults conducted by Canadian Omnibus for BIC Inc. Canada, confirms that when Canadians take notes in a meeting, class or elsewhere, they tend to remember
the information better with handwritten notes (83%). The survey also revealed that 62% of Canadians actually prefer to write with pen and paper when studying for school, preparing notes for a presentation at work, or just jotting down thoughts or making lists.
Handwriting is Good for the Brain “Writing by hand engages the brain and is a building block to learning that can actually help improve idea composition, expression and aids fine motor-skill development,” says Dr. Steve Graham. “Keyboards are not the most logical tools for memory-oriented communication, whereas handwriting is the second way we learn to communicate at a young age after we learn how to talk. From helping children to learn letters and shapes to baby boomers working to
keep their minds sharp as they age, handwriting is food for the brain.”
Presentation Matters — make it count! The survey also indicates that 65% of Canadians feel that people judge the quality of a note or ideas based on the handwriting. Handwriting should be smooth and polished. A good quality writing instrument is key!
** On April 15, 2011, Canadian Omnibus conducted an online survey among 1,011 randomly selected Canadians. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure samples are representative of the Canadian adult population.
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www.theplanner.ca | October - November 2011 | ThePLANNER 25
trade shows
A Back-up Objective for the B to C Exhibitor
By Barry Siskind
The secret to exhibit success lies in your ability to focus all your resources on a single, achievable and measurable goal. But there are situations where focusing on one goal may mean lost opportunities, particularly when you are exhibiting at B to C (Business to Consumer) shows.
T
ypically exhibitors who participate in shows that attract the end user, focus on selling products, setting appointments or writing orders. None of these are bad and for many companies provide an immediate method of gauging success. The opportunities that may be slipping through your fingers are with those attendees who are not ready to buy your product or commit to the appointment and need more time before placing an order. To address this challenge we need to go back to the beginning and look at your marketing plan. When you developed your plan to bring your products and services to the market , surely you weighted the pros and cons of each marketing tool. Some of these tools include; print, e-marketing, social media, direct mail, brochures, trade shows and events. In addition you had undoubtedly considered adding special events to your rostrum of activities. These might have included: open houses, seminars, newsletters and special discounts. Now, the next step is to integrate all your marketing tools to support the events you are planning. For example if you are planning an open house you may be printing invitations and mailing them to a pre-qualified list. If you are 26
offering a special discounted price you may be considering an e-mail blast. You can tie these marketing activities into your exhibit planning when you include as a secondary objective, attracting visitors to attend one of your other marketing events. For example if a visitor at your booth is not prepared to buy now and you have assessed that there may be long term potential, why not invite them to a tour of your facilities or an educational session? Your secondary objective could be as simple as building a data base of interested people who will receive your newsletter. In order to realize this additional benefit of participating in a trade show you need to carefully plan your approach. Here are the steps you need to take. 1. Plan a post show event within 20 – 30 days after the show. This way you can promote the events and they will stay fresh in your visitor’s mind. 2. Promote the event at your booth. This could take the form of a poster or sign-up sheet. 3. Create a profile of the people who will get the biggest benefit of attending this event and train your booth staff on how to identify these people and qualify them.
PLANNER | October - November 2011 | www.theplanner.ca
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4. Develop a lead sheet, so that your staff can record the visitor’s information as well as additional bits of information that will help you target your post-show marketing. 5. Ask for the commitment. If they have agreed to purchase your product, after the sale is completed invite them to a post-show event. If they are qualified but are reluctant to finalize the sale immediately, you can invite them to your post-show event. If you don’t ask, they won’t volunteer. 6. Follow-up with these people immediately after the show to remind them of the upcoming event or the date of the release of your newsletter. When you look at your marketing plan as a holistic component of your business success and you move away from focusing on one show at a time, you will achieve better results. Studies have proven that when you add this secondary objective to your exhibit plans, your ultimate show related return on investment could grow as much as 50 – 60% and that’s well-worth the effort. Barry Siskind is North America’s foremost trade and consumer show expert. Visit his Web site: www.siskindtraining.com or e-mail him at: barry@siskindtraining.com.
p o o l s i d e d e s t i n at i o n s
WET & WONDERFUL Las Vegas is famed for its grand hotels and casinos, also holds a reputation for its surreal range of luxurious hotel swimming pools. According to DialAFlight, one of the UK’s leading travel operators, rated these hotel swimming pools.. Here are the top five best hotel swimming pools in the city - as voted by DialAFlight’s own customers.
Mandalay Bay Beach Laden with 3000 tonnes of authentic sand, Manadaly Bay Beach has certainly been created to resemble a real seaside. The pools themselves cover a massive eleven acres and are equipped with wave machines and rapids to keep swimmers occupied. Beach villas on the ‘shore’ allow extra privacy and even private service.
The Garden of the Gods Located at Caesar’s Palace, these pools echo the hotel itself - decorated with GrecoRoman statuary and palatial splendour. The most unusual pool here is the newly opened «Chocolate Pool,» officially dubbed the Sokolati Pool, which features a chocolate waterfall and three acres of literally sweet swimming. A must for Charlie and the chocolate factory fans!
The Flamingo The pool complex at the Flamingo is a tropical paradise squeezed into 15 acres along the main Strip. Lagoons and a waterfall connect the various pools together, and a seasonal waterslide is certain to amuse both the young and the young at heart. Lifeguards keep watch over the swimmers here and pool attendants roam the grounds seeing to the refreshment needs of guests.
The Monte Carlo The lazy river at this pool complex is hundreds of feet long, and there are four pools in total, including one equipped with realistic wave action to mimic the seashore. On weekends, the complex adopts a «beach party» theme complete with a sand volleyball competition and live DJs playing a variety of music from the golden oldies to the most recent hits.
The Tropicana This casino is themed as a Polynesian resort, with the pool completing the image of a South Pacific paradise. The main pool features a central island complete with foliage, a perfect place to stretch out and relax after an invigorating swim through cool crystal waters.
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PLANNER | October - November 2011 | www.theplanner.ca
The
trends
Appetizers Eating and drinking have gone hand-in-hand as long as we can remember. water into wine to enliven the proceedings at a wedding feast.
D
rinking (in moderation) has generally been considered as healthy a pursuit as eating. In the Bible, we are told in Psalms that ‘Wine maketh glad the heart of man’, while in Timothy, we are admonished to ‘Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake’. And one should not forget that Christ himself turned
At a meal, the drink is selected to accompany the food and, on the whole, wine is usually considered to be the most suitable drink to serve with dinner. There are exceptions, however, such as serving lager with curry or vodka with caviar. No matter the menu, care should be exercised in choosing drinks that complement rather than dominate – the food. The same should apply in reverse, when making appetizers to serve with drinks. For example, while sweet dishes are rapidly gaining social ascendancy and are a superb accompaniment to Champagne, white wine or fruit-based cocktails, they are anathema to a dry martini, a Bloody Mary, or even to a gin and tonic.
A twentieth-century invention for serving at cocktail parties, at one time, appetizers were just that: little tidbits to keep hunger at bay and whet the appetite prior to lunch or dinner. Increasingly however, they are becoming a guest’s hors d’oeuvre, if not their main course, in addition to acting as ‘blotting paper’ to ward off inebriation. So a few slightly more substantial items are often appreciated. Above all, they must be easy to eat. This was especially true during the recent visit by Prince William and his wife Katherine. One or two mouthfuls – no sticky fingers. If serving sauces or dips, do not make them too runny. No matter how good they taste, nobody is going to thank you when it drips down the front of their new designer number!
for your info
Quickie Trend at Spas Forget a spa day—business travellers are lucky to get a spa minute.
#1
We are for business…
ago, according to SpaFinder, an online spa directory that named express treatments as one of 10 top trends for 2011.
Fortunately it’s easier than ever to get a small dose of spa TLC, particularly at spas in business city centres and hotels. Spas have re-engineered their menus to offer 30-minute-or-less treatment options to attract business travellers, according to the international SPA Association. About 75% of the spas surveyed by ISPA last year said they offer express treatments of 30 minutes or less. That’s up from about 40% a decade
Express treatments go against the spa tradition of being pampered for several hours to achieve refreshment and renewal. But spa experts say it doesn’t mean the culture is changing for good. Instead, they are exposing more people to the benefits of holistic healing and wellness. “Studies have shown that even an affordable 15- minute massage can reduce tension headaches, stress and anxiety,” says Susie Ellis SpaFinder’s President. Spas everywhere—from small, independent resorts to large, upscale hotels around the world— have caught on, accommodating new and repeat customers looking for quick fixes.
Canada is the top global destination for business, according to a new Forbes ranking that touts this country’s economic resilience. The top ranking marks a jump for Canada from fourth place in the ranking last year. Canada was among the top tier of countries when it came to protecting investors and dealing with red tape, with the report saying it is relatively easy to start a new business in Canada. The Forbes ranking described Canada as “an affluent, high-tech industrial society”.
www.theplanner.ca | October - November 2011 | ThePLANNER 29
for your info
We asked you: What are the words which best represent the planner profession to you?
Planning a Golf Tournament? In the coming issues of The Planner, we will keep you posted on the time line of what should be done by when if you’re planning a golf tournament for the Spring or Summer of 2012. Planning a Golf Tournament - 7 to 8 months prior to the event You should have • • • • • • • •
Selected a Tournament Director Chosen Committee Chairpersons Held initial planning meetings with Tournament Director and committees Visited, inspected and selected a course, tournament date and time Selected a theme Agreed on tournament format Selected contests, events and peripheral activities Discussed pre-tournament events
Golf Q & A Question: What is a ‘’par-3 course’’ ?
Based on your answers, we were able to visualize and produce The Planner’s cover. More than half of your responses specified organizational skills and the capacity to work under pressure. These were followed by creativity, meticulous attention to detail, listening, coordination and finally, positive personality skills. The winner of the draw is Carol Rochefort from the Canadian Society of Physician Executives who won a two night stay for two including a full meal package at The Briars, in Jackson’s Point, ON (value $1100) Web: www.briars.ca
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Answer: A “par-3 course” is a golf course that consists of nothing but par-3 holes and is usually only nine holes in length. Par-3 courses are particularly good for beginners, but are often played by skilled players with time constraints. It is sometimes incorrectly called an executive course, but an executive course has par-4 holes in addition to par-3s. So planners, if time is in short supply, this may be an appealing option for an end of day activity.
Congratulations to the Sheraton on the Falls The 4-Diamond Sheraton on the Falls in Niagara Falls Ontario has been awarded the highest score of all Starwood Hotel & Resorts in Canada on the Meeting Planners Satisfaction Index (MPSI) for the third consecutive quarter. The score honours the Niagara Falls hotel’s commitment to meeting and conference service excellence. The Index, which is used by meeting professionals as a barometer of service, is based on scores provided by meeting planners and collected via email survey after an event at the hotel. The
PLANNER | October - November 2011 | www.theplanner.ca
The
survey contains the evaluation of several categories including food & beverage, overall experience, overall service, comparison to similar hotels, and brand consistency.