April 2006 by MERCI

A MONTHLY DIGEST TO INFORM, ENLIGHTEN AND HUMOUR MEETING PLANNERS VOL. 4 ISSUE 3

April 2006 Edition

Building a better BY LEO GERVAIS

was at a meeting once, a meeting like many so others where time expanded to fit the so-called leader’s goal of lecturing us on why we needed to get “up” about the company. Ours was a very large multinational with aspirations of getting much larger, with profits to match. The leader of the meeting, the president of the company, kept referring to our “group” as a “team” and vice-versa. My education and experience have taught me that these two words are not nearly as similar as some people, like this misguided president, would have you believe. A group can be described as a number of people who join together because they have something in common. What they share could be as mundane as a desire to wait in line for food at a fast food restaurant. A team, however, is a group of people who share a common set of objectives and goals, and are willing to work together to achieve them. The people at the aforementioned meeting were a group – they had to be there. We were a long ways off from being a team.

TEAM

The strategy that can help groups develop into real teams is called teambuilding. But the process to create and develop all aspects of a team so it performs as a cohesive unit is tricky business. For example, the team may have objectives, but individuals do as well. The hockey team wants to win, but perhaps the star center wants to score 50 goals. It is possible that the star player will subordinate the team goals for his own – this is not uncommon. So the question is, how can we get people to achieve and feel good about themselves while achieving the team goals at the same time ?

So what exactly is teambuilding ?

First, it should be pointed out that teambuilding will not fix dysfunctional teams. For a variety of reasons, some people do not work well together. Cohesiveness is the attractiveness of group membership – are all the members positively valued? Arizona State University researchers Darwyn Linder and Susan Ledlow break this into two categories: social cohesiveness (interpersonal attraction) and task cohesiveness (the way the skills and abilities of the group members mesh) to allow optimal performance. Team building exercises that are fun help develop social cohesiveness. Examples include: activities to discover characteristics that team members have in common, designing a team logo and sharing information about achievements. For task cohesiveness, activities that allow team members to assess one another’s talents, strengths and weaknesses are useful, according to the researchers.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

PLEASE SEE OUR STORY INDEX ON PAGE 4

Airline industry news Lufthansa profit drops

For all flights within Canada, the “recommended check-in time” is 60 minutes before departure, while the “check -in deadline” is 30 minutes. The “boarding gate deadline” is 20 minutes. For most international flights, not including the United States, the times are two hours, one hour and 30 minutes. Times for U.S. flights are 90 minutes, 45 minutes and 20 minutes respectively.

Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Europe’s second biggest airline, posted an 85-per cent drop in fourth quarter profit after fuel costs rose and travel demand slowed. Profit fell to US $52 million from US$170 million a year earlier, according to calculations based on full-year figures Lufthansa released recently. Back in January, Lufthansa said that its annual operating profit had risen 44 per cent on growing demand for air travel. Operating profit, or sales minus operating expenses excluding gains or costs from asset disposals, rose to US$774 billion.

Flying the friendly Web? Boeing, through its in-flight Internet service provider Connexion, is now providing access to live TV, including CNBC, MSNBC, BBC World, EuroNews and Eurosportnews. The Channels are available through the Connexion portal, which now also has Yahoo Web-search capabilities. The service is offered by nine airlines so far, including Lufthansa, Japan Airlines and China Airlines with Austrian Airlines joining later in the year. Meanwhile, U.S. carriers have elected to wait for wireless technology that uses air-ground airwaves rather than satellite – which Connexion uses – and the licenses won’t be up for auction by the Federal Communications Commission until May. It will be several months to get services up and running after that.

One hour check-in rule nixed A federal tribunal has ruled that Air Canada’s decision to cancel two passengers’ tickets because they didn’t check in one hour before departure was improper. The Canadian Transportation Agency ordered Air Canada to reimburse the two nearly $1,500 they spent on tickets for another flight. They also said the airline’s “recommended” check-in time of 60 minutes before the takeoff of domestic flights is unenforceable. The CTA reviewed the terms and conditions of Air Canada’s tickets and ruled that as long as passengers are at the boarding gate 25 minutes before the scheduled takeoff, the airline has no right to cancel a reservation. Air Canada has modified its website to clarify check-in times.

Domestic air fares drop, other travel costs rise according to Amex The annual Average Fare Paid for U.S. domestic airfares dropped to a six-year low at the close of 2005 while domestic (American) and international hotel, as well as international air, and car rental prices reached new six-year highs, according to Business Travel Monitor (BTM) released recently by American Express Business Travel. According to the BTM, which tracks 329 domestic city pairs, the annual U.S. air domestic Average Fare Paid for business travel has steadily declined since year-end 2000, and marked a six-year low of US$216 at year-end 2005. In the fourth quarter of 2005, the U.S. air domestic Average Fare Paid edged up three per cent to US$223 one-way compared to US$215 one-way for the same period in 2004. Over the course of 2005, the quarterly Average Fare Paid rose ten per cent. The Average Fare Paid reflects the price paid by American Express Business Travel clients and includes a variety of fare types actually booked by business travellers including first class, unrestricted and discount airfares. Based on the Monitor’s findings, Average Booked Rates increased for domestic hotels in the fourth quarter of 2005 when compared to the same period in 2004. The 2005 domestic Booked Rate increased six per cent to US$144 from US$136 the previous year. The Monitor also noted that the Average Daily Cost per car rental grew by three per cent to US$67 in the fourth quarter of 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. American Express operates the world’s largest travel agency network with more than 2,200 travel service locations in more than 140 countries and territories worldwide. On the Web: www.americanexpress.com 2

APRIL ’06

Teams need good communication CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Another important part of any team is the set of roles and norms they possess. These may or may not be explicitly discussed. Each team should develop ground rules and select the roles that are needed to accomplish the task at hand, and assign those roles to team members. Common goals are crucial for any team, and communicating early about individual goals is helpful to engage everyone on the team. A great teambuilding exercise is to have a group work together to produce a mission statement. In his wonderfully illuminating book The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, Stephen Covey cites interdependence as a crowning achievement. In terms of a team, each team member should derive success from the success of the others. Functioning independently or fostering competition between group members will lead to poor performance by the group. A great teambuilding exercise for interdependence is “Survival.” In this exercise, teammates individually rank the importance of items they will need to survive after a plane crash in the desert. The team then comes to a consensus on the ranking of the items. Team ranking, almost invariably, are more accurate than most individuals’ ranking. Finally, fostering communication is vital to an effective team. Building an environment where people can ask questions and support one another is crucial to the team concept. Exercises like active listening, giving and receiving feedback, and testing comprehension of verbal messages are all good ways to foster superior communication.

APRIL ’06

Need to change your address? info@theplanner.ca

In this issue

ED. NOTE

Growing all the time

ue to the incredible response and popularity of The Planner, more than 15,000 planners received a copy of last month’s issue. Because of this interest, we have decided to add a tenth issue. And have no fears; this extra issue will be full of the same great information, tips and humour we always provide. The Planner is designed and written with planners in mind, and many ideas and articles come from you, our readers. We strive for editorial independence and are not beholden to anyone but our readers. We will continue to provide superior content for the busy, working meeting planner to peruse. One area which we are always striving to improve upon is advertising. Some advertisers still say that perception is more important than information, that a colour picture says more than black and white facts. Since we all have less and less time, what we need is the steak not the sizzle, the cake not the icing. Convincing some people that substance really matters is a surprisingly tough uphill battle. But that’s where our readers are making a difference. Many large advertisers can no longer ignore a simple truth: The people they want to attract read us – each and every every issue. And we have your testimonials to prove that you like what we’re doing in the current format. In other news, the long-awaited Planner website upgrade we have been promising will be completed by the end of April. Just like The Planner you receive every month, the Website will have lots of useful information, including back issues in PDF format and a litany of the most popular articles from the archives chosen by yours truly. We hope you take the time to check us out at www.theplanner.ca starting May 1.

Recognizing employees can be difficult. Bob Urichuck explains how to do it properly so everybody benefits.

The Planner is a monthly publication distributed to professional meeting planners across Canada and the U.S. Poste-publication No. 40934013

The first steps to organizing a golf tournament Trying to get people out for your event on the links? Our Mike Auctor gets you out of the rough with some timely tips.

Book reviews This month, we offer two interesting books, one about how women are the best salesmen and the other on how to reconnect with your purpose and passion.

MPI Foundation Canada VP Marketing Mitchell Beer explains the foundation’s goals and how to contribute to the cause.

Calgary call-out Leo Gervais gives the lowdown on one of Canada’s finest cities that is an excellent destination for meetings and events.

Published by:

Editor: Leo Gervais – lgervais@theplanner.ca Associate Editor: Camille Lay – clay@theplanner.ca Associate Editor: Jyl Ashton Cunningham – jashton@theplanner.ca Sales: James Paulson – jpaulson@theplanner.ca Administration: Patrick Galvin, Julie Boisvert, Tania Joanis, Patricia Lemus Proofreader: G. Keith Motton Contributors: Mike Auctor, Mitchell Beer, Anne Biarritz, Marc Levasseur, Allison Martens, Matt Riopel, Don Quarles, Barry Siskind, Bob Urichuck

Vancouver eateries Looking for a great place to eat in Vancouver? The Marriott’s Diana Reid offers some excellent suggestions.

2105 rue de la Montagne, suite 100 • Montreal, Quebec • H3G 1Z8 Telephone: (514) 849-6841 ext. 333 • Fax: (514) 284-2282 WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS: info@theplanner.ca

Environment and motivation

Musical magic Don Quarles explains the intricacies of artist riders, and gives the straight skinny on how to deal with artists.

Invitations that work Veteran columnist and consumer show expert Barry Siskind explains why inviting people to your trade show booth is not enough.

Spas: Finding harmony Associate Editor Camille Lay had the arduous task of trying out several spas. Re-engerized, she reports on her findings.

Environment is a key to motivation You are the leader and you must set the example by demonstrating the appropriate behaviour. The appropriate behaviour that we are talking about here is recognition and praise.

BY BOB URICHUCK Ed. Note: This is the second in a two-part series on how to motivate employees.

Use indirect recognition and praise

e live in a society that has influenced us more to look for the things people do wrong, instead of the things they do right. This is a problem. How do you think it impacts someone’s self-esteem if they are always recognized for the things they do wrong? Can you see them looking for the good in others and praising them accordingly? More likely, they will find something to criticize in others. We, as society, are to blame for this sort of behaviour. It is up to each of us to change, from the inside out. The same influences have had an impact in our self-talk too. We tend to criticize ourselves for the things we do wrong. But how often do we praise ourselves for the things we do right? Let’s pat ourselves on the back for the good that we do. The more we do it to ourselves, the more our self-esteem grows – and the more our self-esteem grows, the more confident we feel, which in turn helps us to give more confidence – and praise – to others. This sort of self-recognition goes a long way, just as long as it doesn’t get out of hand. Self-talk has a lot to do with our self-esteem and the way we treat others. If we continuously doubt ourselves, we doubt others. If we like ourselves and recognize ourselves for the right things that we do, it becomes easier to like others and recognize them for the right things they do. If you feel you need more recognition and praise, start by giving more. But you can’t give something you don’t have. In other words, if you can’t recognize yourself for the good you do, how could you recognize that in someone else? Now you know where you have to start. You cannot motivate another person to do anything. We all know we can only accomplish so much on our own and that everyone is a product of their environment. You have the opportunity to create this environment. You can only provide the means and the atmosphere in which others motivate themselves. The rest is up to them.

You may also want to use indirect recognition and praise. For example, when someone compliments you on your area of responsibility, don’t take credit for it; pass it on and say “My team is doing an outstanding job, aren’t they?” In other words, pass the buck to where it belongs. Over time, the staff will hear about it and will feel good that you have recognized their efforts. Let’s go back to the end-of-period staff meeting to the second key factor employees indicated that affected their morale: the feeling of being in on things, being included. By sharing the results of the period with them and asking them what went well and what areas could use some improvement, you are obtaining a wealth of information and including them in the overall success of your operation. This will help them take ownership in implementing your ideas beyond your expectations. As the leader, the best way to hold this meeting is to open it up yourself. And be on time! Remember, you are setting an example here and demonstrating the performance you expect from your team. Be as upbeat and positive as possible, no matter what. After a brief welcome, review the objectives from the beginning of the period, your level of expectations and finally the results. Congratulate everyone, as a team, and then introduce and recognize your management team. Always follow through with a round of applause for each of them. As you introduce a manager recognize their unique contribution to the period. Have each manager or supervisor introduce their team and each members’ unique contributions to the full team. Have them report on their respective areas as to what their objectives for the period were and what they accomplished. Also, have them ask all employees for their input as to what they noticed went well and areas for improvement.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

APRIL ’06

GREAT

EATERIES ABOUND IN VANCOUVER O

ne of the things planners consistently ask us about are good restaurants to go to with their clients. Diana Reid, the Senior Sales Manager for Residence Inn by Marriott in in Downtown Vancouver, kindly provided her list of recommended restaurants in Canada’s most western metropolis. For more info, you can go to www.vancouver.com. RESTO VENUES WITH A VIEW: 1. Salmon House on the Hill 2. Grouse Nest ...at the top of Grouse Mountain 3. Five Sails Restaurant ...at the Pan Pacific Hotel 4. Horizons Restaurant ....at Burnaby Mountain Park 5. Season Hilltop Bistro ....at Queen Elizabeth Park

APRIL ’06

The waterfront in downtown Vancouver.

6. Cloud 9 Revolving Restaurant...on Robson St 7. Tantra Waterfront Grill and Lounge SEAFOOD 1. The Fish House 2. Joe Fortes 3. The Cannery 4. The Sandbar 5. C Restaurant 6. Blue Water Café 7. Monk McQueen’s FRENCH 1. Saveur 2. Le Crocodile 3. Bacchus 4. Elixir 5. The Hermitage 6. Cassis Bistro

ITALIAN 1. Café de Medici 2. Circolo 3. Café Il Nido 4. Il Giardino East Indian 1. Vij’s 2. Tamarind Bistro 3. Star Anise CHINESE 1. Imperial China Restaurant 2. The Red Door 3. Wild Rice STEAKHOUSE 1. Gothams Steakhouse 2. The Keg 3. The Rex Rotisserie & Grill

T.O.’s National Trade Centre gets renamed as the Direct Energy Centre

The newly-named Direct Energy Centre looks to build on the NTC’s respected reputation.

BY THE PLANNER STAFF

he one million square foot facility formerly known as The National Trade Centre will be re-named as the Direct Energy Centre – an exhibition and convention centre. The ten-year agreement includes title sponsorship of the centre, creation of a new logo, exterior signage and a public education space featuring an interactive

energy education exhibit. Details of the arrangement and Direct Energy Centre’s re-branding launch will be made public in spring 2006 during a special event. “We are pleased to announce that our facility will be referred to as Direct Energy Centre as of summer 2006,” said Exhibition Place Chair and Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone. “This relationship with Direct Energy will be another major step toward energy self-sufficiency for

Exhibition Place. With the support of Direct Energy, the Direct Energy Centre will be a showplace of cutting-edge conservation practices as well as North America’s best exhibition and convention destination.” The naming rights fees will be used to invest in energy conservation at Exhibition Place. Direct Energy will also work with Exhibition Place to develop a unique solution to help it achieve its goals of energy efficiency and self-sufficiency and environmental excellence. Ultimately the facility will be a showcase that demonstrates commitment to conservation. The National Trade Centre is an award-winning exhibition and convention centre which hosts more than 180 exhibitions, meetings, conventions and special events each year. Some prominent shows include the Toronto International Boat Show, The National Home Show and Canadian National Exhibition. Owned by the City of Toronto, the 192-acre Exhibition Place is Canada’s largest urban park and attracts more than 5.2 million visitors annually. Exhibition Place hosts in excess of 300 trade and consumer shows plus special events every year. On the Web: www.ntc.on.ca

There comes a point when you must stop collecting data and make that decision.

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APRIL ’06

Give people recognition CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 Have a mini-brainstorming session. A flip chart of all comments should be captured. At the end of the session, you should conduct a summary of actions that will be considered for the next period. You will want to end the meeting on a high note, recognizing particularly those who have made the biggest contribution throughout the period. You could end the session by presenting recognition awards, or do it over dinner with spouses in attendance. Present a plaque and a letter, or something along those lines. You should have a least one award per team. You may even consider having each team nominate their own team employee of the period through a ballot process and presenting the award to that employee for their contributions. Make it a big affair by having a photographer present. Each team could prepare for this meeting in advance and build in fun activities. The objective is to get everyone involved, have fun and pay recognition to the full team and to those who made the biggest contributions to their team. From this point on you will notice that employees will go out of their way to do a great job, because you took the time to thank them. Actions that get recognized or rewarded get repeated.

Take time for all things: great haste makes great waste. Benjamin Franklin

••• Bob Urichuck is a renowned professional speaker, trainer and author of three best-selling books. Visit www.bobu.com and sign up for free weekly e-minutes. Bob can be reached via e-mail at: bob@bobu.com or toll free at 1-877-658-8224.

APRIL ’06

Organizing your first golf tourney THIS MONTH Picking the right course for your event

Okay, so that’s a lot of questions. Here are a few points to think about when doing the site inspection: 1. Distance. How long did it take you to drive to the golf course? 2. Staffing. Does the course provide a staff dedicated to running a tournament? Will you need volunteers or does the course have enough staff to set up the course, load clubs onto carts, greet attendees, update the scoreboard and monitor the contests. What service is included, what is extra? 3. Facilities. Does the course have a practice range for players to warm up prior to the tournament? Will both men and women enjoy the course (check the locker rooms)? Also, check out the pro shop. Do they rent out men’s and women’s clubs? 4. Plan ahead. Check dates, make sure the course is not scheduled for fairway or green maintenance. These are the most important points to consider at the beginning. Next month, we will look at giving them what they want – the power of gifting.

BY MIKE AUCTOR here are many things to consider when organizing a golf tournament for the first time. The first place to start is with your group. Are they serious players, usually low handicappers or just casual, occasional players? Most times, you will be able to count on a combination. So, your choice of a golf course can either include elements that make the day challenging like narrow fairways flanked by woods, sand traps and tricky turns or the course can offers flat, generous fairways for novice players. Once you’ve determined the kind of players you are catering to, how many will there be? Do you want the event to be competitive or casual? How much time do you have? How far away can the golf course be? Does it have a clubhouse, men’s and ladies’ locker rooms and showers? Is food planned and what is the dining capacity? Most importantly, what is your budget?

APRIL ’06

BOOK REVIEWS

Women make the best salesmen by Marion Luna Brem REVIEWS BY LEO GERVAIS

roadSIGNS 2 I

ne of the benefits of reviewing a lot of books over the years is I get to read a lot of inspiring stories. But I’d be hard pressed to find a better story than Brem’s: a thirty-twoyear-old mother of two who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Not only did she beat that, but she found work as a car salesman, then became salesperson of the month and later salesperson of the year. She went on to buy several other dealerships and other businesses and later became a member of the International Automotive Hall of Fame and Inc. magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year. Everyone is a salesperson, insists Brem, and women are uniquely expert at selling. This is not just because women— who make most buying decisions today—know what buyers want, but because of so-called “natural” female traits. Brem seeks to galvanize women to apply the skills they already use in any relationship—negotiation, communication, intuition, attentiveness—to sales (she also encourages male readers to hone these skills as well). Brem also has a section ”For Men Only” congratulating them on looking outside the traditional to become better at sales.

n roadSIGNS 2: Travel Tips to Higher Ground, Betty Healey is a practical yet entertaining guide that takes readers to a place of selfdiscovery along life’s sometimes bumpy road. The book is based on her popular newsletter of the same name where she advises subscribers to show up and be more present in their lives. Her skills as a teacher and coach are in full view in this book as she helps guide people to reconnect with their sense of purpose and passion with inspirational stories and exercises to get back on track. I especially like the section on “Develop Your NO-How” which explains in a funny yet truthful way how many of us just cannot say “No” to others and describes how to develop the ability to say “No!” forcefully. Another gem was “Where Do I Show Up on My Priority List?” which addresses the seemingly neverending debate on life balance and finding ways to take time for ourselves everyday. Healey’s stated intention with the roadSIGNS books and her e-letter is to bring life into focus for her readers, encouraging them to understand the deeper purpose and meaning in their lives. By reading this book, you’ll start to experience “a life well lived.” Book: roadSIGNS 2: Travel Tips to Higher Ground Author: Betty Healey Publisher: Creative Bound, 2004 Pages: 204 ISBN: 1-894439-27-9 Price: $20.95 at www.chapters.ca

Book: Women Make the Best Salesmen Author: Marion Luna Brem Publisher: Doubleday, 2004 Pages: 208 ISBN: 0385511620 Price: $22 on www.chapters.ca

APRIL ’06

How to Sudoku Sudoku (which loosely means “single number” in Japanese) is a deceptively simple yet addictive game of logic that consists of a nine-by-nine square grid, broken into three-by-three square cells. The object: fill each square with a number from 1 to 9 so that every number appears only once in each row, column and cell.

Level:Easy

Level:Medium

Sudoku Solution, Page 21.

Sudoku solution, Page 21.

The Sudoku is a daily pleasure for millions S

ome do it on the subway, at the breakfast table or even at work. Others do it in class, on a park bench or in a crowded meeting room on a break. Wherever it is done, there is no denying the Sudoku number puzzle has resonated with people around the globe. In March, 85 contestants from 22 countries competed in the inaugural two-day world championships in Lucca, Italy. Some call it the crack cocaine of puzzles, a grid-based number game that attracts rabid followers with its combination of digits, logic and patience. To improve takes practice: Jana Tylova of the Czech Republic, the winner of the recent world championship, plays two hours per day. So, to encourage you puzzle fanatics even more, The Planner has added a second Sudoku puzzle every issue – one easy level game for beginners and one medium level game. But I caution all planners who dare to play: They’re very addictive.

– LEO GERVAIS

APRIL ’06

MPI update bers in Canada now have access to discounted event cancellation and professional liability insurance, commercial general liability and property coverage. “MPI is pleased to partner with LMS PROLINK to provide such valuable offerings to our Canadian membership,” said Colin Rorrie, Jr., PhD, CAE, President and CEO of MPI. “In light of events so prevalent in today’s society, the importance of having insurance coverage is becoming very necessary. We want to help our members be prepared for the unexpected, and through this new benefit, we are able to offer peace of mind and services that may not be readily accessible to our 1,200plus Canadian members.” LMS is an established company that represents 60 insurance companies in Canada and offers full-service broker and administrator functions. LMS is a founding firm in the PROLINK Insurance Group, currently rated as the fifth largest privately owned insurance brokerage firm in Canada. LMS has an impressive list of over 300 Canadian association affiliations including Independent Meeting Planners Association of Canada, Inc., the Canadian Association of Management Consultants, Society of Management Accountants and Association of Independent Consultants. The Launch of MPI Member Solutions: After more than two years of research, development and the largest technological, staffing and financial investment in the association’s history, MPI officially launched MPI Member Solutions, the global meetings industry’s first initiative to define meeting planning as a recognized profession and create personalized career paths for meeting professionals to evolve to positions of strategic influence in business. With the launch of MPI Member Solutions, there is a new look to the MPI homepage making it easier to navigate.

President Colin Rorrie stepping down Colin C. Rorrie Jr., PhD, CAE, announced on March 8 that he is stepping down as president and CEO of Meeting Professionals International. He indicated he has accomplished what he was hired to do which was to create the foundation for establishing meeting planning as a recognized profession. Chairwoman Christine Duffy has appointed a CEO search committee, to be chaired by Katie Callahan-Giobbi, senior vice president of sales for LA Inc., the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and an ex officio member of MPI’s executive committee. Rorrie assumed the position of MPI president and CEO in 2003.

Director of Communications Schulz heading to New Orleans for new post Kelly Schulz, MPI’s director of communications since 2002, has decided to leave her post for what she describes as a “once-in-a lifetime career opportunity in my hometown of New Orleans.” Effective April 10, she will be the Vice President of Public Relations, Communications and Advertising for the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, reporting to the bureau’s President, Stephen Perry.

LMS and Member Solutions MPI recently announced a partnership with Toronto-based LMS PROLINK (LMS) as the association’s new insurance broker/administrator for its Canadian membership. MPI mem-

• For more information on MPI, visit their website: www.mpiweb.org.

Cut your calories

THE 2006 MONTREAL VENUES GUIDE IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR $12.95. CALL (514) 849-6841 EXT. 331 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

NYC chef David Burke has come up with a line of flavour sprays that mimic the taste of high-cal foods but have no fat, calories or carbs. Burke, who delights diners at davidburke&donatella, has created 33 varieties such as Hot & Sour, pesto, and chocolate fudge. The sprays are concoctions of natural and artifical flavours. So the next time you feel the need for bacon or are craving for the taste of apple pie, use one of these sprays instead. Availability: On-line now. On the Web: www.flavorspraydiet.com 14

APRIL ’06

“The end of the beginning” MPI Foundation Canada campaign delivers practical results BY MITCHELL BEER, CMM

he new Canadian Foundation set up by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has just wrapped up its successful campaign to raise $1 million for front-line projects to elevate the strategic impact and influence of the Canadian meetings industry. And MPI Foundation Canada is already making a difference for meeting professionals, with a series of initial grants to support educational programming, new chapter development and industry research from coast to coast. “It’s very important to us to connect with our colleagues early and often, and we didn’t want to wait for the campaign to end before we began investing some of the dollars that had been entrusted to us,” said Foundation Chair Rita Plaskett, CMP, CMM. “But the conclusion of the Focus Canada 2006 campaign is just the end of the beginning. Now, our job is to fund practical programming that will make a day-to-day difference for our colleagues.” So far, the Foundation’s grants have included: • Support for strategic professional development content at the GO West educational conference in 2005 • Seed money to support the longawaited formation of an Atlantic Canada Chapter of MPI, based in Halifax

APRIL ’06

• Professional support for a series of co-ordinated workshops on the economic impact of meetings and events to mark National Meetings Industry Day April 6, leading to the production of an economic impact white paper that reflects presentations and discussions in seven communities across the country. The Foundation is also hard at work on a Request for Proposals for Canada’s first-ever economic impact study for the industry, to document the return on investment that meeting professionals deliver to their communities each day. “The economic impact study is truly the jewel in the crown,” Plaskett said. “As meeting professionals, we all have a sense of the value we bring to the local, regional and national economies. But we also know that the plural of ‘anecdote’ is not ‘evidence’. Demonstrating our economic impact will take us a giant step toward the influence and standing our industry deserves.” Although the Foundation’s capital campaign is over, it isn’t too late to donate – and it’s never been easier to make a difference. “We succeeded with Focus Canada 2006 by remembering that no donation is to big or too small,” said Campaign Director Ron Guitar, CMP, “and we’re happy to accept pledges that run three, four, or even five years into the future.” To contribute to the Foundation, and to the future of your own profession and industry, email Ron Guitar at rjguitar@rogers.com. And watch for further Foundation news and updates in the months ahead. ••• Mitchell Beer, CMM, is Vice President, Marketing for MPI Foundation Canada. He can be reached via e-mail at: mitchell@theconferencepublishers.com.

APRIL ’06

What you need to know about port wine

ort is a fortified red or white wine made with the grape varieties that grow specifically in the Douro River Valley in northern Portugal. The wine ferments at the farms where the grapes grow, called quintas. For the most part, port is blended and aged in the cellars at Vila Nova da Gaia, a city at the mouth of the Douro River, opposite the city of Porto. The taste of port ranges from fruity and sweet to complex and dry. A combination of five grape varieties go into port wine: Touriga Nacional,

Tinto Cão, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Francesa. Rarely are any other grapes used. Port is usually enjoyed before or after the entrée. A rich blue cheese, such as Stilton, is probably the best-known accompaniment to port wine but it is certainly not the only one. The taste of port combines nicely with dried fruit, nuts particularly walnuts, chocolate, paté de foie gras, and other foods. Port wine also adds a wonderful flavour as an ingredient in many dishes, both sweet and savoury.

Some types of port wine Ruby Ruby port is a blend from several harvests, different years and different quintas. It spends a minimum of two years in large vats before being bottled. The vats minimize the amount of air that comes in contact with the wine, which reduces oxidization so the wine retains its bright red hue. Ruby is ready to drink when it is bottled and has a rich red colour and a full fruity taste.

Tawny A Tawny port is also a blend from several harvests but is aged for two to seven years in wooden casks. The smaller storage vessels allow more oxidization than the vats used for Ruby ports. Tawny port has a deep mahogany colour, with a dry, nutty taste. It is ready to drink as soon as it is bottled.

White Port White ports have a lighter taste and vary from quite sweet to very dry. The sweetest are called lagrima. These wines are made from a blend of juice from white grapes from different vineyards and different quintas and may have a small amount of juice from red grapes. The wine spends two to three years in casks and is ready to drink when it is bottled. White port is usually served as an aperitif and makes a very tasty and refreshing drink called a “port splash.” SOURCE: WWW.PORTWINE.COM

APRIL ’06

Calgary: A western city with pride The highlights of this marvelous metropolis include: the Bow Valley Ranch in the south part of the city, a reconstituted property that is now a walking and nature park and moves from cultivated lawn to natural grasslands. There is also Fish Creek (the ranch is actually in Fish Creek National Park) and the historic Bow Valley Ranch House and its associated buildings, a bunkhouse and cookhouse, which add a touch of history to the place. I highly recommend a site visit here for any interested planners. Other attractions, including the Glenbow Museum, Calgary Tower and Eau Claire Market are other great places to visit year-round. And of course, the annual Calgary Stampede is not to be missed for anybody seriously thinking about wearing a stetson, watching chuck wagon races and riding horses. This year’s edition takes place from July 7-16, so don’t miss what is billed as the “greatest outdoor show on earth.” For many, a trip to Calgary is incomplete without a visit to nearby Banff, only 130 km west of Calgary. You may have heard this cliché: Japanese tourists like to visit Banff and take a lot of pictures. But the cliché belies a simple fact: The Japanese simply have the good taste to visit an absolutely superb Canadian destination replete with some of the greatest scenery the One ever offered up to us. Visit www.discovercalgary.com for information about visitor destinations in and around Calgary.

BY LEO GERVAIS

t may be most famous for the Calgary Stampede, but this western City nestled in the foothills of the majestic Canadian Rockies has a lot more to offer than cowboys, critters and canyons. This is a city where reminders of the 1988 Olympics and the ever-present oil business dot the landscape. Thanks to the recent oil boom, Alberta has no provincial tax, making them the envy of the rest of North America.

A great walking city Calgary is a wonderful city to walk in, and the growing population has created a demand for better restaurants and amenities, as well as a splendid system of bike trails and walking paths. It is a place of walkers, bladers, and cyclists – hordes of people go to work downtown or exercise at lunch on these wellkept paths many of which wind alongside the Bow River. New developments are springing up in several districts, jobs are plentiful, and the future seems bright for Canada's third-largest city well known for chinooks (warm winter winds) and Angus beef. But no one will ever dispute that this is cowboy country where on can still saddle up a horse and ride into the sunset.

APRIL ’06

LEDS: What are they used for? BY G. KEITH MOTTON "Let there be Light" and there was light. Genesis 1:3 The technological advances of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have fuelled a huge change in the flashlight market. Conventional light bulbs are a glass bottle under vacuum or charged with gas, and a wire filament heated electrically to white-hot. Wonderful in Thomas Edison’s time, but they are more efficient heaters than lights and only give a few hours' light from a battery. Physical shock can easily break the filament, they darken over time, and after a hundred hours, they burn out. LEDs use a completely different light source. Extremely efficient, they give several hundred hours’ life to the same battery and have a light element that lasts hundreds of thousands of hours. The Planner takes a look at a few of these new models to separate the gimmicks from useful tools. PRINCETON TEC PULSAR: This is a little squeeze light you put on your keychain or jacket zipper. Not much bigger than a couple of Loonies, it is great for when you need to find a keyhole in the dark, or something dropped on the floor. It requires a strong squeeze to turn it on, so finding that the coin battery has been drained flat in your pocket is rare. The Pulsar II has a three-position squeeze switch: Off, On and Flashing, which is ideal for cyclists.

long-trail hiking, it’s lightweight and tough as granite. This would be my desert island flashlight – small, bright, lightweight and versatile for reading or working. However, it is just a little bulky for those times you only need five seconds of light. ENERGIZER LED/FLUORESCENT: This gives the best of both worlds, with a slide switch to select either an LED flashlight or a mini fluorescent tube for work-area lighting. Four AA cells drive this one, and while it's a bit big to stuff in a pocket, it is perfect for a toolbox or briefcase. 1-WATT LUXEON LED: Luxeon doesn't make flashlights, but they make the most advanced LED elements on the market, 15 times more powerful than other LEDs. The two-position switch gives full or half-power. Full outs all other LEDs combined, but draws the lithium battery down in proportion, and it’s bulky for a pocket. For real photon addicts, a five-watt LED is also available. LEDs are a new, environmentally-friendly tool that save the grief of burnt-out bulbs and landfill problems of dead batteries. They are lightweight, efficient, durable, and can be tucked anywhere, giving you no way to lose things in the shadows, and no more straining your eyes when the house lights are down and you want to follow the script. •••

LEDLENSER: This is a pencil-size light that must be clipped in order to stand up, but from your breast pocket, you can twist the gooseneck to face your notes in a dark room. The three button-cell power supply is adequate for 20 hours' use, and the push-on, push-off button on the side is well enough protected that it won’t come on accidentally. NEXXTECH: A cap you put on the 9-volt battery you may have replaced in your smoke detector with the time change. (You did change the battery in your smoke detector, didn't you?). The square shape can stand upright on the table or lay on its back to get light on the job you're doing, and the slide switch is stiff enough that it doesn't click on until you want it. DORCY: this conventional flashlight has a twist base for a locking switch, as well as a pushbutton for intermittent lighting. Circuitry inside brings the power up to drive the LED hard - this is one bright little light, belying its small size. The twist base does risk draining the battery into your pocket, but once turned off, the battery will recover enough power to give you a few more minutes of light until you can replace the single AAA cell. PETZL ZIPKA HEADLAMP: A string holds this light on your forehead, so you never need to aim it – it shines where you’re looking. A special technique to remove it prevents the retractor from zipping your hair in along with the strings. Three LEDs on three AAA batteries give enormous amounts of light, considering its size. Designed to be thrown into backpacks for

APRIL ’06

Ears popping in airplane

BOOK EXCERPT

and makes it easier for the extra air to escape. This is why people suggest chewing gum. Sipping water or chewing on a snack can serve the same purpose. If that doesn’t work, Prevention magazine suggests swallowing while holding your nose. This creates a small vacuum that draws pressure from the middle ear. When you head back down, Prevention suggests gently blowing air into your nostrils while holding your nose. This technique has a name – the Valsalva maneuver. It forces air into the middle ear.

Ed. note: This excerpt is from The Pocket Encyclopedia of Aggravation by Laura Lee.

he airplane heads up into the clouds and suddenly you have the sensation of cotton being shoved into your ears – from your skull out. The pilot is giving a safety message, but to you it sounds like the adults in a “Peanuts” cartoon. If you have a cold, you’re treated to pain as well. Fast changes in altitude make your ears feel puffed up and blocked. Scientists have a name for this, they call it barotisis or aerotisis. At sea level, the air pressure in your middle ear is equal to the air pressure that surrounds your head. The higher you go, however, the lower the air pressure becomes. So air flows out of the ear through the eustachian tube and into the nose and throat. When the plane stops ascending and levels off, your body has a chance to put things back into balance by letting out enough air so your ear pressure matches cabin pressure. your ears feel fine again until it’s time to land. The whole process is reversed as the plane goes down and the air pressure in the cabin increases. Now there is a greater pressure outside than inside your middle ear. The air tries to force its way back into the ear through the eustachian tube. If it has trouble, say you have a head cold that irritates the tiny tube and keeps it shut, you may feel pain. The best way to keep barotisis at bay on the way up is to equalize ear pressure by swallowing. It opens the eustachian tube

••• Reprinted with permission from The Pocket Encyclopedia of Aggravation by Laura Lee, originally published by Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers. Price on www.amazon.com: US$10.36.

Send us a story about what aggravates you as a Planner and we will select two people to receive a complimentary copy of The Pocket Encyclopedia of Aggravation, courtesy of Maureen Winter at Black Dog and Leventhal Publishers. E-mail us at: info@theplanner.ca

It is possible to fail in many ways... while to succeed is possible only in one way. Aristotle 20

APRIL ’06

Letters... Dear Editor, As far as I am concerned The Planner is in the same category as my Canadian Living magazine – I love to read it. The articles are extremely interesting and helpful in my position as co-ordinator for a provincial association. A few months ago, after reading “Websites of Interest” (July, 2005), I logged on to www.concierge.com, which then brought me to another Website called Luxury Link (www.luxurylink.com). The Website hosts an auction where people can bid for luxury accommodation at a number of hotels, inns, resorts, etc. around the world. I placed a bid on two luxury inns in Vermont, each with three nights accommodation and won both bids. I am looking forward to my six nights’ vacation in Vermont. Frances McAllister Ontario Real Estate Association FOLLOW-UP TO THE “WHAT TO THE WEAR” ARTICLE: Dear Editor, Loved Jyl's article in the most recent issue of The Planner about home-based meeting professionals’ attire. I took the advice of a friend who works from home when I started my business -that was to NEVER go to work in the office in your pajamas, but rather dress to go to the office. It was good advice and I do feel that my mindset is much more attuned to business by doing so. That isn’t to say that I wear formal business attire... my slippers are very comfortable...

APRIL ’06

ANSWER EASY SUDOKU FROM PAGE 13

but I can certainly slip away to the nearest store at a moment's notice and appear quite presentable! As someone who services the non-profit sector (religious and non-profit organizations), I find that I walk a fine line in business attire, even when I meet with clients face-to-face. The majority of the people with whom I work dress in casual business attire on a regular basis. So, when I first meet them, I ensure that I am dressed in slightly more formal business attire, but when I go to planning meetings with them, I tend to dress in smart casual business attire, so that I don’t come across as intimidating or too formal. Dressing in the same level of attire is all part of building the comfortable business relationship with your clients. When it is appropriate for me to dress in a more formal way, I certainly do so. However, I feel that certain barriers come down automatically when my dress ‘fits in’ with theirs. Ah, it is a psychological aspect to our business, isn’t it? Heidi Wilker, CMP Blessed Events Brampton, Ont. Ed. Note: There is an Illinois-based Website, www.webmomz.com, that encourages home-office workers to proudly wear bathrobes while working. Ipsos-Reid reported in 2005 that 42 per cent of workers said they could be retained at one job or lured to another if offered the chance to work from home at least one day a week.

ANSWER MEDIUM SUDOKU FROM PAGE 13

When in doubt, mumble; when in trouble, delegate; when in charge, ponder. James H. Boren

How to deal with artists for events This list of requirements also usually includes all technical specifications as well (staging, lighting, audiovisual and so forth. Yes, there are great stories of items that famous rock bands have insisted on including in their riders which have included (but certainly not been limited to) red coloured smarties (or M&Ms), Russian caviar, a bottle of Moët et Chandon or simply a special wine or beer that can’t possibly be purchased in this country. These are the items I refer to as the ‘want to have’ items, sometimes the agent’s or promoter’s items. More often than not, these item can be substituted with simpler, more readily-available products.

BY DON QUARLES

s the planner of an upcoming meeting or event, you have been given the task of including a live entertainment component into the schedule. Uh-oh, now what do you do? Understanding how artists are booked and how important their role is in the big scheme of things can be crucial to the success of your event. The complexities of dealing with artists can vary but every detail of their needs should be looked after. Remember this part of your event planning can be as important as ensuring that you are selecting the right menu or caterer. The artist(s) you select to perform at your client’s event may well be the hook that your client remembers long after the event is over! Before you get knee-deep in some backstage politics, take the time to learn how artists are booked and how their contracts might differ from one another.

Here are some more common items that you will often find on backstage catering riders: • Beverages and water for the artist, band members and crew • Meals for the artist, band members and crew • Beverages – throughout performance or event – in a backstage common area (or Green room, as it is called) • Dressing room requirements, including items like: mirrors and lighting, private washroom with shower, towels, soap, and other toiletries

Agents and promoters The first thing to know is that agents and promoters are more often the people that you will be dealing with, unless the artist represents themself. First off, let me warn you that not all agents and promoters are alike. For your benefit, I have noted some similarities below: • They always are looking out for their best interests (as well as those of their artist) • They will always provide you with an extensive list of requirements (riders) in order to satisfy the contract • They usually expect to negotiate terms

Most contracts come with a list of requirements that the artist needs to do a performance.

Other items that event planners are sometimes asked to provide that are often in artist riders:

• Travel / Accommodations expenses • Special staging set-up • Grand piano • Sound equipment and lighting • Sound engineer and lighting technician • Security • Any required show permits • Opportunities to sell artist merchandise (CDs,T-shirts and the like)

As the event producer or meeting planner for this upcoming event, remember that YOU are in the driver’s seat, as the deal with the artist has not been negotiated yet. You have control because the agents and promoters know that you can always ask another artist to do the gig. This negotiating position doesn’t hold true if you have been asked to find a specific celebrity artist such as Michael Bublé or Diana Krall. In this case, you run the challenge of having to play on their terms.

Some artists will be able to adapt and allow for a simpler set-up when the budget cannot cover the usual ‘big show’ set-up. Remember that ensuring good lighting and sound for an artist is one of the most important features of their performance. So if your client’s budget is tight, make sure you spend the dollars in this area – the performer will appreciate it. Alexandre Vovan is a Montreal piano performer who has experienced both the corporate event side of the music business and the club and restaurant side. When asked about performing at corporate events, he says “you usually meet nice people and the event is much more predictable than at bars or clubs.” He adds that his corporate clients are always “very courteous and respect my choices of music.” He adds that “flexibility may be asked of the musician, but on-the-spot requests should be left to our discretion.”

Artists’ Riders Most artist contracts come with a list of requirements that the artist needs to do a performance. These requirements are called riders, are built into the contract and always set out the conditions of their performance. Riders can be as simple as a few bottles of water on the stage during the performance, or as elaborate as a backstage catering buffet complete with special food stations, special dietary requests and exotic beverages.

☛

APRIL ’06

Backstage challenges

Cruises, Pt. II:

If things are not going so well backstage before the show, you might need to do some diplomatic smoothing over. If the artist is not having a great experience before they go on stage, chances are it won’t be the performance of a lifetime for your clients: And you’ll probably hear about it later. Before the artist arrives at the event location, make sure that you have their dressing room (if they have one) set up with all the required food and Photo by Pierre Roussel beverages. If you put a nice Musician Guy Wells flower arrangement in there as well, you are guaranteed to get bonus points. Make sure they are comfortable with the set-up on stage, the timing of the event and make sure you take the time to let them know who their audience will be. Some event and meeting planners even suggest paying artists before the event as a sign of good faith. What about an artist like Alexandre’s expectations from an event and meeting planner? “The scene and instruments have to be ready (piano tuned, amplification, lighting, and so on) and the musician should be given some kind of scenario for the event,” he said. Performers always like to play to the audience. Knowing a bit about them will make their interaction with your client’s guests that much more personalized. Final thoughts from Alexandre: “Make sure they (artists) have something to eat or drink” and “go to see them once in a while to give them feedback.” Remember, happy artists make for great performances, which makes for very happy guests and happy clients. •••

Some important things to remember BY LEO GERVAIS

e received great feedback from readers on our first cruise article last month. Cynthia Paquette, a human resources manager for Integrated Research and a cruise veteran, had some excellent suggestions when considering a cruise: • Using a travel agent who has actually cruised can be beneficial if this is your first time planning one • Find out information regarding what is and is not included. For example, all pop and alcoholic beverages are free (or do they include these for groups as well) • Freestyle cruising as opposed to preset dinner times • Dresscode…you don’t really need that ball gown! • And last, but definitely not least, tipping suggestions and expectations For personal cruising, it is easy if you pick up the extra tab for all of the above. If you are planning on making it a corporate meeting who would be responsible for extra costs and tips? OTHER CRUISE NEWS: Royal Caribbean International ordered the world’s largest and most expensive cruise ship in February, a US$1.24 billion vessel that will hold up to 6,400 passengers. This is the latest in a trend to supersize ships which thrills some passengers and which makes others think they are too crowded... The London-based Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2006 gave top marks to Vancouver for user-friendliness and luggage handling, followed by Houston and Seattle. Montreal ranked seventh in North America. Miami scored the worst, with New York, Honolulu and Fort Lauderdale among the least user-friendly ports... The US$15 billion cruise industry has seen a lot of growth in the Caribbean of late, making some visitors to islands like Cozumel and Grand Cayman complain about all these new “boat people” invading their island tranquility.

Don Quarles has been producing events for close to 20 years and is an accomplished composer and songwriter. He is currently an event producer at the Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto. Don can be reached at: dquarles@istar.ca. To contact Alexandre Vovan for your events, please visit http://piano.vovan.ca

APRIL ’06

Websites of interest

DATEBOOK

Zagat Survey, a guide for the food critic in you www.zagat.com

Upcoming Events

Did you really enjoy that Fettuccine Alfredo at the local Italian restaurant? Zagat is a guide that lets everybody be a critic. They are currently holding a voting drive for restaurants in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. All you have to do is log in to zagat.com and rate all the restos you want. Zagat Editors are looking for “witty, descriptive, pithy comments.”

APRIL 6 National Meetings Industry Day across Canada, various locations. Meeting Professionals International developed this to help build awareness in the industry. www.mpiweb.org or your local Canadian MPI chapter.

Women-centered newsletter with killer content www.divine.ca This is a great looking free monthly newsletter and website that is chock full of tips and info tailored especially for Canadian women. Some of the great sections on this site include: The Karma Korner, Spa Directory, Exercise Finder and the naughty Erogenous Zone map. It’s a fun bilingual site that is a great diversion from the work that always piles up anyway.

☛ April 16 is Easter Sunday. MAY 7-9 Association of Corporate Travel Executives. Global Conference, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Atlanta, Ga. www.acte.org, (703) 683-5322. MAY 8-14 Association of Black Meeting Planners. Spring Conference, Hyatt Regency, Louisville, Ky. www.ncbmp.com, (202) 628-3952.

A very useful library www.ipl.org Before Google, there was the Internet Public Library. This decade-old site gives you instant access to all sorts of books, reference materials, and more.

MAY 30-JUNE 1 IMEX (Worldwide Exhibition for Incentive Travel, Meetings & Events), Messe Franfurt, Germany. (011) 44 1273-227311, www.imex-frankfurt.com.

Be a wine expert www.poppingcorks.com This site gathers independent reviews from newspapers, magazines and blogs from around the world to navigate you through chardonnays and chiantis. Good bookmark feature.

JULY 9-11 Meeting Planners International, World Education Congress, Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Tex. (972) 702-3000, www.mpiweb.org FOR HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD, VISIT WWW.EARTHCALENDAR.NET

Jargon Buster Techno babble demystified sponsored by Avtec Professional A/V Services

What is googling?

Googling: The verb to google means “to perform a Web search, that returns a greatly defined list of results... pertaining to your search topic, tremendously beating the competition, such as MSN, Yahoo, AskJeeves, Lycos, etc.,” usually with the Google search engine. “Mary googled for Wikipedia references.” This new word arose from the tremendous popularity of the Google search engine. The American Dialect Society chose the verb to google as the “most useful word of 2002.” Another use of the word is to say that some brand or concept “does (or doesn't) google,” which indicates whether or not useful information can be found on it using a quick Internet search (commonly with the Google engine). For instance, a person named David Jones, or a computer program named “Click”, doesn't google, since using either as a query would return hundreds of links unrelated to the individual or program in question. Source: Wikipedia

APRIL ’06

Hotel News from around the world Hilton reaches 50th hotel milestone in Canada

Seek and ye shall find… a great hotel Want to use the Internet to find a good hotel but don’t want to search all day? Then try a metasearch site, like www.kayak.com, www.sidestep.com or www.farechase.com. These sites search the Internet for the cheapest prices for hotels, airlines and car rentals as well as well as deals at some online travel agencies. But unlike agency sites like Expedia.com or Travelocity.com, which require consumers to book with them in order to access their online rates, metasearch sites take consumers directly to the vendor’s website to make a purchase. Booking with hotels directly helps travelers avoid any agency fees and take advantage of best-rate guarantees. The HAC is the national organization representing the lodging industry in Canada. On the Web: www.hotelassociation.ca.

The Hilton Family of Hotels has topped 50 hotels in Canada with the opening of three new hotel properties in Ontario. The Homewood Suites Burlington, Hampton Inn OakvilleMississauga, and Homewood Suites Oakville all opened within days of each other recently. “This milestone marks a significant achievement in the continued expansion of the Hilton Family in Canada. Our hotel portfolio is now 50-plus hotels strong, with four more hotels slated for opening in 2006, and many more in the development pipeline,” said William Fortier, senior vice president – franchise development for Hilton Hotels in a recent release. New Hampton, Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites hotels will open in Ajax, Guelph, Kitchener and Vaughan, Ontario later in 2006. Hilton Hotels Corporation is a leading global hospitality company, with nearly 2,700 hotels and 475,000 rooms in more than 80 countries. On the Web: www.hiltonfamily.com.

It’s easy being green at the Fairmont Fairmont Hotels & Resorts see a future written on the wind – literally. Guests arriving at the brand’s destinations across North America will soon be welcomed at check-in by agents using wind-powered front desk computers. Fairmont’s purchase of Eco-Logo certified wind power for 249 check-in computers will result in a greenhouse gas reduction of almost 100 tonnes a year. After evaluating a number of ways to incorporate wind power into its operations, Fairmont made the decision to purchase wind power through the Alberta-based Pembina Institute, a non-profit environmental organization whose mandate is encouraging sustainable energy solutions. Fairmont has agreed to purchase the equivalent of 116 MwH of wind power for an initial term of one year. Fairmont has been a supporter of green power since 1999 when the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise began purchasing green power through an agreement with the Canadian EcoLogo certified Canadian Hydro Developers. Currently, 40 per cent of the property’s electricity needs are met by a blend of wind and run-of-river electricity generation.

Canadian lodging industry generated revenues of $12.6 billion in 2004 The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) recently released its annual Economic Impact Analysis summarizing the state of the Canadian Lodging Industry. Besides the $12.6 billion in revenues, the “value-added” generated was $11.4 billion. Approximately 270,000 people were employed directly or indirectly in the lodging industry on a full-time, part-time or seasonal basis with total salaries and wages estimated at $6 billion. The revenues generated for all levels of government were estimated at $4.9 billion. The survey was undertaken by PKF Consulting for the HAC. For 2005, PKF forecasts that by year-end 2005 Canadian hotels would average 64 per cent in occupancy, $119 in average daily rate and $76 in revenue per available room. For 2006, PKF projects 65 per cent in occupancy, $122 in average daily rate and $79 in revenue per available room.

357 guestrooms and suites 18 meeting and function rooms that can accommodate up to 350 people Connected to the Montreal Convention Centre

Inquire about Meeting Options™ reward program... extras that you deserve. 360 St-Antoine Street West Montreal, Quebec H2Y 3X4 514-987-9900 www.montreal.intercontinental.com 26

APRIL ’06

Hotel News Green power, derived from sources including wind, run-ofriver and biomass, a renewable energy resource derived from numerous sources, including the by-products from the timber industry, agricultural crops, raw material from the forest, major parts of household waste and wood. Green power has minimal impacts on the environment and produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to the traditional generation methods. On the Web: www.fairmont.com and www.pembina.org.

Hotel of the Month

any people, mostly from hotels, ask us how we pick our hotel of the month. The answer is simple: it must be a hotel that offers something different, new or above average. While in Toronto a few weeks ago, I stayed in such a Hotel – The Hilton Toronto. I must confess that when I’m in Europe I have a soft spot for Hiltons, but here in North America I've never stayed at them much. This will certainly change in future when I go to Toronto. I’m a big fan of executive floors and the one on the 32nd floor of this hotel is outstanding, but more about that in a moment. Friendly staff at the front desk is always important since it is the first and last impression you will have of the hotel, so time and attention should be taken by management to make this process an easy and pleasant one. The Hilton Toronto staff were great. Once I had checked in, I got on one of the hotel’s windowed elevators providing a neat view of the city. As luck would have it, my room was near the top and as a few other people got on the elevator with me it provided me with a few extra stops giving me even more time to admire the view. Speaking of the view, that was one of the many nice features of the executive floor. I use executive floors often and I have to say this was one of the best. The view, the layout, the food and the personnel were all above average. The executive lounge is open from 6h30 to 23h00 during the week and 7h00 to 23h00 on weekends with personnel on sight from opening to closing. Full breakfast is served from 6h30 to 10h30 (11h00 on weekends) and canapes and cocktails 17h00 to 19h00 daily. The bedroom was above average, well laid out with everything I needed. However, another feature that made this hotel special was their restaurant, Tundra. Excellent Canadian cuisine is an apt description. Set in a relaxing setting inspired by the rugged northern landscape, the superior food prepared by Chef John Cirillo was not something I would have expected in a hotel of this size. So now that the European and American divisions of Hilton have merged I can only anticipate that both will benefit from each other’s strengths and offer an even better product that should be outstanding! I guarantee you won’t be disappointed with this Hilton, located at 145 Richmond St. W. To make a reservation, call (416) 869-3456. If you have a hotel to suggest please let us know, as when a hotel does it right it’s nice to talk about it and share it with others as we are sure quick to spread the word when we’re not happy!

U.S. Hotels to spend $5 billion on amenities The American lodging industry will spend a record amount of money this year on things like wireless Internet access and making lobbies and other gathering spaces more appealing, a new survey reveals. A strong recovery from the post 9/11 years has left hotel companies with available cash for upgrades and renovations, and they will spend US$5 billion in 2006 to try and separate themselves from competitors, according to an estimate by Bjorn Hanson, the former head of PricewaterhouseCoopers’s hospitality and leisure practice. That would top last year’s record of US$4.8 billion. Travelers can expect to see more comfortable beds, higher quality furnishings and better technology. Those amenities are now trickling down from upscale hotels into more moderately priced ones. And hoteliers are looking to entice younger customers. Generation X – people, born between 1965 and 1980 – account for more than 40 per cent of hotel stays, Hanson said, and they travel more per capita than baby boomers, even though they make less money. To appeal to these younger travelers, hotel companies are redoing lobbies to make them more conducive as gathering spaces, upgrading their in-house restaurant concepts and using more branded items that lend cachet, such as Holiday Inn Select’s iPod clock radios and Wolfgang Puck coffee.

Marriott opens 50th hotel in Halifax The 352-room Halifax Marriott Harbourfront in Halifax, Nova Scotia opened March 20. The hotel, Canada’s 50th Marriott, has 17,000 square feet of meeting space, two restaurants and a spa. The property is next to a casino.

Niagara Falls welcomes a new hotel The 604-room, $200 million Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel has been opening in stages and should be finished next month. The venue has a 150,000-square-foot casino as well as 35,000 square feet of meeting space. There is also a spa.

Virginia welcomes a new Westin The US$75 million, 336-room Westin Arlington Gateway has opened as part of a new mixed-use development in Arlington, Va. It has 10,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 6,800-square-foot ballroom.

APRIL ’06

– Mike Auctor

Employee evaluations can be tricky... check out some of these The following are quotes allegedly taken from United States Government employee performance evaluations. The really bad ones have been stricken from the list. :)

1. “Since my last report, this employee has reached rock-bottom and has started to dig.”

15. “He's been working with glue too much.” 16. “The wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead.” 17. “He brings a lot of joy whenever he leaves the room.” 18. “When his IQ reaches 50, he should sell.”

2. “I would not allow this employee to breed.” 3. "This employee is really not so much of a has-been, but more of a definite won't be.”

19. “If you see two people talking and one looks bored, he's the other one.” 20. “A photographic memory but with the lens cover glued on.”

4. “Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap.”

21. “A prime candidate for natural deselection.”

5. “When she opens her mouth, it seems that it is only to change feet.”

22. “Donated his brain to science before he was done using it.”

7. “This young lady has delusions of adequacy.”

23. “Gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn’t coming.”

8. “He sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them.”

24. “He's got two brain cells, one is lost and the other is out looking for it.”

9. “This employee is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.”

25. “If he were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week.”

10. “This employee should go far, and the sooner he starts, the better.”

26. “If you give him a penny for his thoughts, you’d get change.”

11. “Has a full six-pack, but lacks the plastic thingy to hold it all together.”

27. “If you stand close enough to him, you can hear the ocean.”

12. “A gross ignoramus – 144 times worse than an ordinary ignoramus.”

28. “It’s hard to believe he beat out a million other sperm.”

13. “He doesn't have ulcers, but he's a carrier.”

29. “It takes him two hours to watch 60 Minutes.”

14. “I would like to go hunting with him sometime.”

30. “Some drink from the fountain of knowledge; he only gargled.”

Just Quote Me Room Service? Send up a larger room. – Groucho Marx How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night? – Anonymous It is not the strongest that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. – Charles Darwin Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without. – Anonymous Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. Was it worth it? – Gandhi Yes, be creative, but remember consumers are battling option fatigue, as they fumble with too many remotes and buttons and choices. Strip things to the basics and make products intuitive. – Anonymous That would be a very good thing for them to cut on my tombstone: Wherever she went, including here, it was against her better judgment. – Dorothy Parker One of the effects of living with electric information is that we live habitually in a state of information overload. There’s always more than you can cope with. – Marshall McLuhan

APRIL ’06

Freezer bags a The mayonnaise good idea for travel jar and two cups Y of coffee FOR THE FRIDGE

hen things in life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the two cups of coffee. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous “yes.” The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. “Now,” said the professor as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things – your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions – and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else – the small stuff. “If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. “Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.” One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. “I'm glad you asked,” he replied. “It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”

APRIL ’06

ou might think that freezer bags are only good for kitchen mavens or people who have an incessant need to collect their belongings in an organized fashion. But they can also be used by meeting planners in a variety of useful ways when traveling. Smaller freezer bags are useful for keeping different currencies separate on a multi-nation voyage. Bigger ones are excellent for squeezables and oozables like shampoo and toothpaste, helping prevent those annoying squishy messes that involve clothing and souvenirs. However, perhaps the most useful are the perforated variety used to keep vegetables fresh in the fridge. They’re great for keeping that semi-used bar of soap from messing up your suitcase or that damp cloth from wetting your new suit. Finally, it is always advisable to keep a list of all your bag’s contents and your contact info in a separate freezer bag in case it becomes lost and its finder needs to contact you.

Need sleep? Perhaps it is time for a Savoir Bed Ed. Note: This article is a follow-up to our recent article on beds (“What could be bed-ter?” February, 2006).

BY LEO GERVAIS

e spend a third of our lives asleep. If we get the required amount of sleep our waking life –the vital two-thirds of our lifetime – can be physically active and mentally energetic. But if we miss sleep, it’s very difficult to catch up with the day. Many hotels make note of the fact that they are upgrading their bedding to the high standards expected from today’s consumer. But they simpy following an old trend. Savoir Beds are made in the United Kingdom just as they were more than a century ago: same craft skills, same natural materials, same refusal to cut corners. The Savoir tradition began in 1905 when their No. 2 model, which became known as the Savoy Bed, was commissioned by the world-famous London Hotel. Many North American clients first discovered the Savoir Bed while visiting one of the British hotels that use them, including The Savoy, The Capital, and The Berkeley, all located in London. As individual as a hand-made suit, and as long lasting, every Savoir bed is made to order – a tribute to the skill of their craftsmen. But they’re not cheap: They start at US $8,000. On the Web: www.savoirbeds.co.uk

APRIL ’06

Invitations that will work Plan to send the first invitation two weeks before your show, a reminder one week before and then another two or three days prior to the event you can send an e-mail. There are other methods of sending invitations that should also be considered. Ensure your field representatives are delivering invitations while making sales calls. Your customer service representatives should be talking about the show as part of every telephone conversation. Anytime you or your staff come in contact with the customer is an opportunity to reinforce your invitation.

BY BARRY SISKIND

ears ago, if you took the time to invite customers to visit your booth at a trade show, they showed up. Now, these same customers are inundated with show invitations and deciding which exhibit to visit has become a challenge. Invitations do work for the exhibitors who take the time to prepare a pre-show promotion campaign. Here are some strategies that will give more impact to your show invitations:

5. Set appointments Another great addition to your campaign is to use the invitation as an opportunity to set show appointments. This is a benefit to both you and your customers. No one wants to wait around to have a few minutes of your time. But by prearranging meetings at your display you can increase your overall booth traffic.

1. Make the promise The look and feel of your invitation is crucial. Think back to an invitation you received for some social event. Perhaps a wedding, confirmation or just a family get-together. The invitation not only gave you the essentials – time, place and dress code – but the look and feel of the invitation let you know what the overall experience was going to be. Was the affair formal or casual? Was it filled with adventure or a more traditional approach? The invitation sets the tone and makes a promise of things to come. You can excite your visitors and whet their appetite or be just another show invitation they receive and ignore.

6. Measure effectiveness Like all good marketers, you need to measure the effectiveness of your preshow promotion campaign. If you are using ballots, then those you send ahead of time are coded to identify then as part of your pre-show campaign. You can ask customers to bring the invitation with them to redeem a prize or simply ask visitors for their reaction to the campaign. The more information you gather the better position you are in when it comes time to decide on future campaigns.

Successful exhibiting is a careful orchestration of all the vital

components of your exhibit plan.

2. Be creative In order to keep your name and exhibit “top of mind” you must capture the attention of those you are inviting. Here’s where your creativity comes into play. You can add animation, clever graphics, catchy slogans, scratch and sniff features or holograms. The list of possibilities is endless. Using your creativity means taking a risk, but that’s what marketing is all about. Trying new ideas gets you a lot more attention than sticking with the tried and true.

7. Walk the talk Remember that the pre-show campaign sets the tone and promise. If your overall display doesn’t live up to that promise, all is lost. Successful exhibiting is a careful orchestration of all the vital components of your exhibit plan. Pre-show promotion is one crucial step. •••

3. Include an incentive The incentive is an added motivator to ensure that your prospects visit your display. This can take the form of a ballot that is deposited in a draw box at your booth, a key that opens a door to win prizes or the promise of a gift that awaits them at the booth. These added incentives often spell the difference between exhibitors that the customer wants to visit versus those they must visit.

Reprinted with kind permission from the author. Barry Siskind is North America’s foremost trade and consumer show expert, president of the International Training and Management Company, and the author of several books. Visit his website: www.siskindtraining.com or e-mail him at: barry@siskindtraining.com.

God is not dead but alive and well and working on a much less ambitious project. Anonymous

4. Send it more than once A one-off invitation puts you in a class with most of the other exhibitors. Multiple contacts keep you top of mind.

APRIL ’06

Yin and Yang, a question of balance How do you find harmony between your professional and your personal life?

soldiers would soothe their tired bodies in hot-water baths. Known as “Salus Per Aquam,” or “Health by Water,” the term “spa” has remained, and has grown throughout the world. Various treatments have been developed that not only soothe but relax, pamper and to reenergize. Spas have been in Canada for barely 30 years, and the industry has seen an incredible growth recently. According to the International Spa Association, visits to spas increased by 49 per cent between 1999 and 2003. This accentuates the rivalry within the industry, numbering 1,300 businesses in Canada in 2003, with revenues of $610 million, according to the ISA. In spite of the similarities we find on the menus, certain trends at spas that could have a positive effect in the meeting planning industry are appearing.

n an era when every worker is hard-pressed to remain competitive in the marketplace, it is up to each of us to find a balance which allows us to remain productive while maintaining our spiritual and physical health. For event planners in particular, it is often difficult to co-ordinate all that is on your shoulders without neglecting your health. Your life is split between optimizing meetings and reunions with your clients and within your business, while maintaining your own well-being. To fulfill your need and growing desire for relaxation in this pressure-cooker, The Planner has taken a look at today's trends for mixing business and pleasure. As we look at the services of spas, we will show you the essential points to help keep you grounded and to help your business. Contrary to popular belief, a spa is not just the whirlpool bath one soaks in to relax. If we look at its origins, the spa concept dates from the Roman Empire, where wounded

Going to the spa in a group: Considered a new way to build community, organizing visits to a spa amongst colleagues, business associates or others is happening more and more. For those new to the concept, going in a group can facilitate the comfort of each person and bring people together by sharing a beautiful moment.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

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The mobile spa

THE PARTICIPANTS

NEGOCIATION AND RESERVATION

CHOOSING A SPA

Spas are becoming an important part of the organizing of events and conferences for some planners. Here's what to look for when selecting an establishment:

According to Ghyslain Chabot, director of Tonic Spa in Montreal, Quebec, the mobile spa gives meeting planners the benefits of a spa on the meeting site, by providing a team of technicians equipped with massage tables, chairs and products to take good care of you.

Many factors must be considered in order to avoid having a last-minute surprise. 1. How many people are participating in the conference, and how many will want to experience the spa? 2. How many treatment rooms are available? 3. What treatments are available for groups? 4. Are package deals available? 5. What products are used? 6. How much will be allowed per person? 7. Should I reserve the space for several hours? A half-day? A full day? 8. How many spa employees will be available during the reserved time? 9. Are the spa rooms clean? Private? 10. How large a group can the spa accommodate? 11. Is there a spa in the hotel the participants are staying in, or is there a spa nearby?

Men like spas While this is not a revelation for some, it is for others, and may revolutionize their planning of meetings! “The spa is no longer for women only,” said Chabot. “Men are becoming regulars once they accept the idea, and they are even more apt to make appointments than women are.”

Partners like them Spas have become a completely separate activity from the regular course of business travel. Like golf and hiking, or any other hobby activity, being pampered is greatly appreciated by seminar participants; Moreso when their partners are part of the experience.

An exotic rendez-vous

Spas are open to negotiation, particularly when it comes to a group, provided it is done in advance. 1. Ask either the hotel representative or the spa itself if the spa is an independent operation. 2. What is included in the rates offered by the spa? 3. What advantages can you obtain in bringing a group - discounts, unlimited access to services (baths, saunas, showers) during the reserved period? 4. What are the best times to get the best rates: days of the week, season? 5. How far in advance do I have to make reservations at the spa: three months, six months or one year, depending on the size of the event?

After doing extensive research with his clientele, Chabot said that “to offer true escapist treatments, the services must have a certain exotic quality.” Thus, more esoteric therapeutic treatments like Shiatsu, Thai massage, Ayurvedic therapy and allnatural products are becoming very popular.

And your balance? In response to the the great pressures faced by event planners, more and more establishments are offering services tailored to their needs to help them relax, revitalize and rejuvenate in record time. Certain hotels offer massages reserved for event co-ordinators, (usually in hotels which include a spa), with manicures, pedicures, facials and express half-hour massages which quickly rub out the signs of hard work and fatigue. With less and less time for rest and relaxation, many people are looking for places that give a personal metamorphosis and help them recover from their hectic schedule. Knowing that the spa experience revitalizes body, mind and spirit, each person can find spiritual harmony which they carry forth to their daily life. With a touch of modernity, spas can give you the energy necessary to give your best to your client. Why not share the feeling and offer them this experience at your next event? – CAMILLE LAY

Participants should be informed of the available services and of the flexibility of choices in order to avoid disappointment or complaints during the event. 1. Which treatments are participants most likely to receive: massages, facials, group training, etc? A list can be compiled and submitted to participants one to two months in advance. 2. Would they prefer a male or female therapist? 3. In advance, each participant should receive a list of guidelines and procedures from the spa (arrival time for a treatment, health forms to be filled out, etc) 4. Inform participants of what is included in the package, and what expenses they will incur individually (extra treatments, tips and so on).

APRIL ’06

When a man tells you that he got rich through hard work, ask him: 'Whose?' Don Marquis

We have tried them for you Rainspa

Le Spa Sans Sabots

www.rainspa.ca - (514) 282-2727 Montreal

www.hotelquintessence.com - (866) 425-3400 Mont-Tremblant

Recently associated with the hotel Place d’Armes in Old Montreal, this urban oasis is ideal for both business travelers and local residents. The wall of rain at the spa’s entrance welcomes you to the serenity, and the warm reception inspires confidence, giving a glimpse of the professionalism of the establishment. A medium-size spa, it offers six private rooms with shower and a haammam, the only ones available in the city (see the picture above). Their adjacent large steam room is strongly recommended before or after a treatment to help prepare or extend body relaxation. The facial massages, reinforced by the benefits of hydrotherapy (the room is equipped with advanced technological equipment.), are a trip through a rainspa where you will forget accumulated stresses from work or traveling and rid yourself of negative toxins. Not to be missed: Exfoliation with hammam is divine, always changing with the seasons. Bonus: Alone or with company, intimacy and privacy are guaranteed, especially upon request.

Le Spa Sans Sabots, where the discretion of the staff is paramount, is a luxurious and relaxing environment. The massages are offered with access to a whirlpool bath or steam room, the exercise room and sauna are reserved exclusively for hotel guests and all the smallest details are taken care of, making you feel truly pampered. Accustomed to small- and medium-size groups, the main room is an ideal activity for businessmen and their spouses. The layout of suites allows the hotel to offer its guests personalized care with complete respect for their intimacy, whether it be a cozy fire in the winter or a summer terrace. The hotel places great importance on the training of its staff, uses products unique to the region, including the internationallyrenowned French brand, Carita. Not to be missed: Pamper your feet, including a massage and paraffin treatment, perfect for the most shy of guests. Bonus: The incredible views of Lac Tremblant during your treatments, never more appreciated than during the winter frosts.

The Shizen Spa

Le 1000 de la Gauchetière

www.shizenspa.com - (416) 350-2424 Toronto

www.le1000.com - (514) 395-4800 Montreal

In the heart of downtown Toronto the Shizen spa, which is part of the Cosmopolitan Hotel & Spa, offers business travellers and meeting planners a great way to escape, rejuvenate and find a life balance. Located on the fourth floor of the boutique hotel, the hotel guests and visitors can enjoy two private and tranquil suites, combining the latest techniques and out-of-the-ordinary treatments. Not to be missed: The Express manicure and pedicure services are ideal to become quickly impeccable and services specially designed for gentlemen allow all guests to enjoy the benefits of spa treatments. Bonus: Coming soon, a 1,500 sq. ft. solarium with floor-to-ceiling windows and wood flooring that will make the spa a real urban oasis.

Here’s a great site also designed for groups: the physical fitness centre attached to the Centre VIP Le 1000 offers many specials, including massages – excellent after a heavy workout – and for group courses in aerobics or yoga to reinforce the relationships between participants. Better yet, a variety of machines will train your endurance in a multitude of ways. This is an excellent experience to use for teambuilding so put it in your agenda, but it could be also be a way to reward your employees for a job well done. Not to be missed: The massages were some of the best we tried. Bonus : The proximity to the meeting rooms at Centre VIP and the variety of on-site services allow everyone to participate.

APRIL ’06