Dec 2007 - Jan 2008

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F.Y.I.

More work equals more stress Contrary to popular belief, it is not the litany of “home” problems such as aging parents, children and household chores that are causing Canadians stress, it’s actually their paid jobs, according to a new Canadian study.

The type of work, timing of shifts or holding down more than one job isn’t as important to “time-crunch” pressure as the sheer number of hours on the job.

The good news is this stress declines as people age, the authors say.

“We work more than most countries already. There is no indication the number of hours is going to drop,” said Robert Andersen, a sociology professor at the University of Toronto and co-author of the study, published in the Canadian Journal of Sociology.

Among the highlights of the study: • Paid work is seven times more stressful for men than “unpaid work” such as care of children and housework.

• Women are five times more stressed by their day jobs than by their household duties, but they report higher levels of “time crunch” from both sources than men.

• The traditional “breadwinner” model, in which the man does most of the paid work and the woman looks after things at home, is actually the most stressful for everyone involved.

Dec. ’07 – Jan. 08

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This represents close to half of couples and it is a model in decline according to co-author Roderic Beaujot, a sociology professor at the University of Western Ontario.

• Men are least stressed by the “gender reversed” arrangement whereby the woman brings home the bacon and he does the laundry.

The study is based on responses from almost 6,000 Canadians age 30 to 59.

How long will you live?

Have you ever wondered when you will die? Many people do if the number of online “life calculators” is any indication. Longevity experts say that although no one has a crystal ball that can predict when anyone will give up the ghost, we now know enough about what makes people healthy or ill that we can make some pretty good guesses about how long someone will live.

One of the most popular of these life expectancy sights is www.livingto100.com. More than a million people worldwide have answered the site’s roughly 50 questions in return for a question of their life expectancy.

The site’s main purpose is to get people thinking about the steps they can take to lead a longer, healthier life and recognizes that genes play a major role in life expectancy.

About 30 percent of our health is influenced by genes, and about 70 percent is under our control, say experts.

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THE SUPPLANNER EDITION

Ed. Note

Time sure does fly A

nother year has gone by, and despite the regular challenges I am sure most of us can say it was a successful year. We sometimes forget how well off we are in Canada, and we need to do whatever we can to help keep Canada strong and gear up for an exciting 2008.

As planners, we can certainly help the environment by making efforts when planning events and encouraging hotels to do the same. The other thing we can do is encourage Canadian suppliers.

For example, you can encourage local Canadian beer and wine producers at your next social event, encourage local Canadian audio-visual companies, and so on. By encouraging local businesses you help reduce transport costs, emissions and help stimulate our economy – all worthy endeavours, no doubt.

We’ve all heard the saying, “Out with the old and in with the new.” It’s a crystallization of a time-honoured thought that basically states that we need to discard our old way of thinking to begin the necessary process of renewal.

And we’ve all heard the story of the woodsman who was busy chopping wood. As his axe dulled, the amount of wood he could chop decreased significantly. When his friend suggested that he should stop and sharpen his axe, the woodsman replied, “I can’t – I’m too busy chopping wood.” We all need to stop and take stock from time to time.

So as 2007 comes to a close and 2008 begins, let’s sharpen our axes and reflect on what we can do to help Canada continue being the greatest country in the world.

Seasons Greetings to you all.

—Leo Gervais

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A SSOCIATE E DITORS G RAPHIC A RTIST S ALES C IRCULATION C ONTRIBUTORS

Leo Gervais lgervais@theplanner.ca Nathalie Caron ncaron@theplanner.ca Jyl Ashton Cunningham jashton@theplanner.ca Matt Riopel James Paulson jpaulson@theplanner.ca Tania Joanis, Patricia Lemus Mike Auctor, Anne Biarritz, Adrianna Concilio, Jim Clemmer, Marie-Eve Laganière, The Quebec City Tourism Office

2105 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 The Planner is a monthly publication distributed to professional meeting and event planners across Canada.

The Planner uses 30% recycled post-consumer paper.

Poste-publication No. 40934013 4

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PLANNER

In this Issue 8 Cool ice > Canadians are pretty cool, and part of it is because we embrace winter. Consider the Ice Hotel and ice sculptures, two things that are intrinsically connected to winter but that can bring out the spirit of adventure.

10 Flying trends in 2008 > Well-travelled Associate Editor Jyl Ashton Cunningham discusses everything from luggage to on-board meals to redeeming frequent flyer miles in this funny and informative article that should help planners fly right in the New Year.

13 Vancouver and CSPEP > Canada’s third largest city has a mix of Asian and Canadian influences as well as impressive infrastructure. And on Page 22, we review the most recent CSPEP event held in Whistler, B.C.

14 Software overview > The current business world cannot exist without computers, and the event planning business has plenty of software supporting it. We take a look at some of the most popular software and some tips about how to make a good buying choice.

17 A winter favourite > Long associated as the key ingredient of the classic Screwdriver, vodka has an interesting history as a popular drink from eastern Europe.

It is classified as a neutral spirit, making it perfect for blending with other flavours.

18 What change means > Jim Clemmer is an expert when it comes to training people. In this interesting piece, Jim explains why we always have to look at change as an opportunity and not just a potential crisis that is affecting us.

24 Quebec City inspires > One of North America’s great historic cities, Quebec City is also an incredibly fun-filled winter destination, replete with plenty of cold-weather activities including skiing and the famous Quebec City Carnival.

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

New column in The Planner

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Tentative title: Ask the AV Expert The Planner is introducing a new regular column: Ask the AV Expert: Philippe Kwon. We invite event planners to email us your audiovisual questions.

Philippe Kwon from Inland AV will answer your questions in upcoming editions of The Planner. Phil’s AV career spans over 20 years and he is currently the only InfoComm International approved AV instructor. As a CSAE board member and an MPI committee member, Phil is also involved in event planning.

Originally from England, Philippe Kwon currently resides and works in Winnipeg, Manitoba for Inland Audio Visual’s rental division.

Philippe started with Inland in 1991 as an audio visual technician and has been an audio visual rental consultant for the company since 1999.

He assists clients with their audio visual needs for meetings, conferences, conventions, annual general meetings, trade shows, fashion shows and other events across Canada.

For more information: info@theplanner.ca.

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Industry News

Cineplex aims to change entertainment landscape in southern Ontario Looking to provide more entertainment-related amenities and services to its clients in Southern Ontario, Cineplex Entertainment has announced several new offerings at its 12-screen, 45,000 square foot SilverCity Oakville Cinemas that could be of interest to meeting planners. Here’s some of the new features: • Six bowling lanes, two party rooms and a games room with the latest interactive video games and billiards • VIP Experience (for ages 19 and over only) with three auditoriums featuring reserved seating, in-seat service and a licensed lounge with appetizer menu offerings, private box office, concession stand and premium seats • Canada’s largest digital cinema system with nine cutting-edge projectors Some events planners can hold at the complex: private functions for any special occasion, product launches, sales presentations, team meetings, training seminars, business planning off-sites, holiday parties, conferences, tradeshows, AGMs and private screenings (for staff and client appreciation).

On the Web: www.cineplex.com/silvercityoakville.

PLANNER

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

Industry News Heathrow to get direct train service from London >

Passengers will have direct train services from central London when Terminal 5 opens at Heathrow in March 2008. Heathrow Express will leave Paddington Station every 15 minutes, stopping first at Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and then going on to Terminal 5. The journey to Terminal 5 from Paddington is said to be only 23 minutes. Heathrow Connect, a stopping service that currently links Paddington Station with Terminals 1, 2 and 3, will be extended to Terminal 4 from March 2008. The Connect service leaves every 30 minutes and calls en route at Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, Hanwell, Southall and Hayes. It will offer a connection with Heathrow Express at Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The journey time is only 25 minutes to the first 3 terminals and a total of 33 minutes to Terminal 4. The new trains are air-conditioned with interiors designed to accommodate luggage.

Did you know...

that according to a recent study by psychologist George Gallup, the firmer the handshake the more socially dominant a man is supposed to be? But males with firm grips reported more aggressive behaviour and were about 10% more promiscuous.

CSAE Ottawa-Gatineau Tête-à-Tête tradeshow to be held February 13 at the Ottawa Congress Centre Dr. Brian Little will be the keynote speaker for the 2008 Tête-à-Tête to be held on Feb. 13 at the Ottawa Congress Centre. Dr. Little is an awardwinning psychologist and university professor whose area of expertise is personality types. His presentations are a wonderful exploration of how specific types of personalities react to certain situations, how different personalities work together and how a better understanding of these issues can improve and enrich all of the important relationships in our lives. With 60 booths, 60 mini-booths and 80 tabletops, the 2008 Tête-àTête will be the largest one to date. It is an excellent opportunity to meet new and existing suppliers — meet The Planner team at booth #506.

On the Web: www.csaeteteatete.ca

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

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The Ice Hotel and ice sculptures – part of Quebec’s winter charm

BY LEO GERVAIS s we watch the many inches of snow fall this winter, we usually only think of the months until spring. As Canadians, weather is important to us because we have such extremes of it, and the winter in most parts of Canada can be very unforgiving and trying. But perhaps we need to have a new outlook and embrace the chilly climes that Mother Nature brings our way every December, and along with it snow and, of course, ice. With that in mind, please read on about the importance of ice in ways you probably have never considered.

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So is it cold or just cool sleeping in the ice hotel?

QUEBEC’S ICE HOTEL From January 4 to April 1, 2008, the Ice Hotel will be in operation for its eighth winter. That may seem like a surprisingly long time, especially when we understand what it takes to construct this structure year after year and considering that it lasts only 88 days.

Situated on the Duschesnay tourist site, 30 minutes from Quebec City, the Ice Hotel begins its new cycle in midDecember. It is made entirely of ice and snow and stainless steel moulds are used in the making of the Ice Hotel. The walls are approximately four feet thick at the base and two feet thick at ceiling level. They are first put into place and then wooden walls are fixed at a certain distance from the steel moulds. Snow is blown between the moulds and the wooden walls, completely covering the steel moulds. Then they blow snow on the metal moulds in the form of a dome which becomes the structure of the hotel.

Depending on the temperature, it will take from three hours to ten days to set, then the moulds are taken off and re-installed in a new location where a new section will be made. It is a delicate operation to remove these moulds and it has to be done very gently. The moulds have skates at the bottom and this enables the crew to move them on the snow. The walls easily stop the wind and provide the hotel with an ambient temperature that varies between -2°C and -5°C no matter the temperature outside.

THE INTERIOR Ice blocks produced by Arctic Glacier are used for interior structures, such as columns, the bar counter, the ice glasses, the furniture, the rooms, the suites and the sculptures. Ice blocks are also placed at the extremities 8

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of the hallways in a brick-like fashion. With a renewed design every year, the Ice Hotel has its own artistic director who develops new concepts for the various rooms and supervises the team of crafters who develop the whole complex. Over the years, the Ice Hotel team has developed great expertise in ice and snow sculpture.

The artistic director counts on a professional team to be able to fabricate various ice décors.

The Ice Hotel is in its eighth season.

Since it was founded in 2001, the Ice Hotel has rapidly become a world-renowned tourist landmark. With an area of 3,000 m2, the only ice hotel in America features 36 guestrooms and thematic suites. The Ice Hotel also has a discotheque, the N’Ice Club and a café named Le Café Glacé (the ice coffee) where visitors can savour hot drinks, soups and aromatized coffee.

Besides the rooms, spas and a sauna, functioning fireplaces as well as a chapel – where couples from around the world come to say the famous ‘’I do’’ – can also be found at the Ice Hotel.

Information on the ice hotel was provided by Marie-Eve Laganière, Communications and Media Relations Consultant for The Ice Hotel.

She can be contacted at (418) 875-4522 or 1 (877) 505-0423 or visit their website: www.hoteldeglace.qc.ca.

PLANNER

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

Ice sculptures can take on a life of their own

Sculptures become memories

Some might be concerned that the art of ice sculpting is being lost as technology takes over much of the production of these ice components. In reality, what is likely to happen is that there will be renewed interest in ice sculptures as more and more people discover ice as a medium and realize what can be done with it.

Three feet of ice does not result from one day of cold weather.

– Chinese Proverb

Information on the ice sculptures was provided by Adrianna Concilio. She can be contacted at (450) 628-3013 or visit her website: www.sculpturesrain.com.

Ice sculpting is a successful industry in Canada but is still growing in Quebec. More and more, ice carvings are seen as valuable tools to enhance the attractiveness of corporate events and personal parties. Ice sculptures can do a lot more than simply look pretty – they can be corporate logos reproduced with 100 percent accuracy, food presentation pieces, liquor luges in a wide variety of custom designs and sizes and so on; in short, they can be designs that are fully functional.

In the last 20 years, we have seen ice sculptures move from an art involving a set of chisels and a chainsaw to an industry that takes advantage of the Clinebelle ice block machines which offer crystal clear ice (and make it possible to freeze items in the ice), exotic die grinder bits, constantly evolving computer software and high technology (and high cost) machinery such as the CNC machines and ice lathes.

Long gone are the swans and hearts in ice. In today’s ice carving industry, trends come and go frequently.

A year or so ago, it was the ice bar that became the hot item at events, then it was the ice shot glass, followed by the ice luges. And now we are heading in a new direction with ice lounges which include walls, bars, chairs, tables and décor – all made in ice.

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

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WINTER TERRACES...

Enjoy the winter climate by embracing it. Have you thought of organizing an event on a terrace between the months of December and March? It is possible to do so in a few places in Montreal and Toronto. Here are some interesting venues to consider: Rosalie: Two years ago, I rented some heating umbrellas; tables had been set with pine arrangements for decorations. Hors d’oeuvres and hot drinks were served. Tel: (514) 392-1970 Garçon has transformed its terrace in an ice bar for the last three winters. Will they renew the experience again? Time will tell. Tel: (514) 843-4000 The Winter Bar of the Quays of the Old Port is proposing a new concept offering an innovative bar under an illuminated canopy with carpet and floor surrounded by outdoor space open for private events from Monday to Wednesday until early March. More than 400 people can enjoy the outdoor and indoor space just a few meters from the skating rink.

Tel: (514) 582-8301 or www.quaysoftheoldport.com In Toronto, my colleagues suggest This Is London, Ki or C Lounge.

– Nathalie Caron

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Flying into 2008 – updates and trends

BY JYL ASHTON CUNNINGHAM, CMP

Not only was I required to fill out an extra form, I was also told by the customs officer to choose which document I was travelling with, or risk losing them both on the spot. Lesson learned.

Air travel to change in the coming year t doesn’t seem to matter what the airline industry throws in the path of the long suffering traveller – with no viable alternative to air travel, we just keep taking it and 2007 has been no exception. As a frequent flyer myself, I never cease to be amazed at how resilient and patient people can be when faced with all kinds of adversity, from strikes to weather delays to lost baggage and revolting airline food, that seems to be commonplace for the most part. Lose your temper though, however justified, and the options are few – be left behind and in some cases face prosecution!

Having had a couple of personal rude awakenings this year, both from a top airline and a holiday charter service, this article is intended to help others from encountering similar situations and to ease the stress of an unavoidable experience by following some simple instructions, thus making the journey as pleasant as possible.

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PASSPORTS As always, forewarned is forearmed and the wise traveller will educate himself, sometimes to the point of mild insanity, in an effort not to get caught out by some new, rumoured, or possibly fictitious rule or regulation in the name of security, health and safety, etc.

A booklet produced by the Canadian Government entitled, “Bon Voyage, But” is an invaluable reference tool for all Canadians travelling abroad and is available for download online.

On the Web: www.voyage.gc.ca.

Planners who have dual citizenship and carry two passports to save time at points of entry might be interested in the following information from the booklet: “If you travel with two passports, you could be subject to increased scrutiny by immigration and security officials. You could be questioned about missing entry or exit stamps, as well as your reason for having two travel documents. In some countries, possession of a second passport could result in its confiscation or a fine. You may even be prevented from leaving the country.”

On a recent trip to the United States, just before passports became obligatory, I was travelling on a Canadian Citizenship card with an EEC passport as backup.

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BAGGAGE WEIGHT AND RESTRICTIONS There has been a great deal of press coverage on excess baggage charges over the last few months, as airlines seek to cash in on travellers who choose not to travel light.

The restrictions are not always easy to find, they are rarely in printed travel documents or e-ticket information. Travellers booking through an agent are not always given full details, and often forget to ask. Often, it is only when the bag is weighed at check in when the attendant looks up with a big grin and says, “You’re 10kg overweight madam,” (to which I always become pretty defensive as I am DOING something about it, okay!) Then the calculator comes out and the dollar signs roll in the attendant’s eyes to the tune of anywhere between $5 and $15 a kilogram for excess baggage weight.

I had a particularly unpleasant experience this fall, travelling with Globespan. I knew the weight restriction to be 20kg and had carefully weighed my luggage, packing all the papers and brochures collected on a journalist FAM to Scotland into my hand luggage. The suitcase weighed in at just under 20kg and I gave something of a smirk and a little cheer under my breath.

Then the attendant reached forward and said, “Now put your hand luggage on the scale please.”

Unknown to me, hand luggage was included in the total weight. I reasoned, argued and cajoled but to no avail – either pay $100 or don’t fly/leave something behind. I even threatened to do my sister’s trick (which is to unpack all the heavy items and put them on, giving her quite a strange profile), to which the reply was, “Go ahead, lots of people do that.” In the end, I left some items in the UK to retrieve at a later date.

When I questioned the practice of charging for excess baggage some days and not others, I was told it just “depends how we are feeling that day,” and “You should have read the Terms and Conditions on the website.” Quite right, I should have. Lesson learned, again.

Baggage weight can vary considerably between carriers and travelling charter flights (excluding private charters) can be up to half the allowance of scheduled airlines.

Westjet and Porter Airlines both offer very reasonable baggage allowance, as do American Airlines and Continental.

PLANNER

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

Flying on points is a challenge for most For an excellent reference tool to check on all information pertaining to flying with most carriers, check out www.seatguru.com. Here you will find details on restrictions, types of planes, seats, eligible frequent flyer programs and so much more, by simply doing a search on the airline name. Most major airlines are included on the site, making the planner’s job so much easier when relaying information to delegates.

The United Kingdom now only allows one piece of hand luggage on board, so purses, laptops, etc. all have to be carried in one bag. The liquids rule for hand luggage will continue to be enforced through 2008, with a maximum 100ml container (half-full 200 ml containers will be confiscated!) and all liquids are still to be packed in sealed baggies.

ON BOARD MEALS There is no doubt that the quality of food service on board most major airlines has deteriorated considerably in the last year. Where British Airways used to offer three choices, including a healthy option to World Travellers (economy class with a grand name), the choice is now limited to two.

Globespan offer sausages and mash on all their flights and the vegetarian option was sausages and mash without the sausage when I last flew. Charging for domestic flight meals is now commonplace, however the option is usually a sugary or starchy snack rather than a proper meal. Better to eat a healthy protein-rich meal before flying and decline on-board meals altogether.

FREQUENT FLYER REDEMPTION Anyone trying to fly on points these days has a story to tell. It seems that in some programs, the later the reservation is made, the more points are used or the waiting list can be months or even years to fly to certain places. A colleague planning to go to Australia, having saved the required number of points to travel business class most of the way, was greeted with hysterical laughter by the call centre operator when she gave her travel dates as being a year ahead. My advice is to use a program such as Avion, operated by the Royal Bank through Visa.

There are no blackout periods and as long as there is a seat on the plane, travel is guaranteed. The staff are incredibly helpful and courteous and once even got me on a flight on the same day of booking, in an emergency, although they generally require at least a week’s notice.

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

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CHARTER FLIGHTS Many corporate travel companies prefer to use scheduled or private charter flights for several reasons. Holiday charters, although generally cheaper, tend to go into incentive destinations on a weekly or ten-day basis, dropping passengers and turning round with the returning group.

Since the policy of large corporations is to separate their top people onto various flights, charters would not be practical. However, when families are included in an incentive program, delegates often select charters as they are generally cheaper. Charters may also make one or more stops en route to pick up additional passengers, which can add considerable time to an already long journey.

One advantage of some holiday charters is that they tend to use the smaller airports, which are much easier to navigate both in terms of distance between check-in and departure gate, as well as proximity to town centres. The only disadvantage noted by some travellers is the customs clearance wait time on arrival, usually due to staff shortages or training programs.

A 2004 Regional and Small Airports Study by Transport Canada shows that over 55 percent of the traffic at small airports is business related, with 50 percent of that movement being cargo. Small airports are the lifeblood of communities, for so many reasons including employment, accessibility and emergency services. The report also demonstrated that small airports play a vital role in the larger air network picture, providing essential feeder routes to international links.

2008 will likely see smaller airports providing more trans-continental links as in the case of Hamilton International, where several flights operate to up to five UK destinations on a daily basis. Don’t be misled into thinking that security is more lax in smaller airports than larger ones; if anything the opposite is true.

In 2008, let us all make a resolution to stand up for our collective rights as travellers, to demand impeccable customer service from reservation, ground and flight staff of all carriers. Virgin Atlantic service has been acclaimed as second to none and that which all airlines should strive to achieve. Westjet prides itself on first rate service, even if the advertisements are a little farfetched and the comedy routines a little wearing.

I predict great strides forward for Porter, and Air Canada will have some fierce competition to live up to.

Jyl Ashton Cunningham, CMP is an independent meeting and special event planner based in Oakville, Ontario, and Associate Editor of The Planner, Ontario. Jyl welcomes your comments and can be reached at jashton@theplanner.ca or info@jaacevents.com.

PLANNER

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Solution, page 21 Solution, page 21

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PLANNER

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

Vancouver: The City of Lights shines V a n c o u v e r estled on Canada’s International Airport has spectacular West consistently been rated Coast, Vancouver is a as one of North dynamic, multicultural America’s top airports. city set in a spectacular Meeting and convention natural environment. It facilities are leading edge consistently rates as one and hotel accommodaof the top 10 meeting tions — which include and convention destinatwo AAA Five-Diamond tions year after year, has rated properties in B.C. — been voted one of the range to suit every need. world’s most livable Vancouver’s hotels, cities and is the proud behind. restaurants and convenhost of the 2010 Olympic Vancouver boasts an impressive skyline with mountains Photo Thom Quine tion facilities offer out& Paralympic Winter standing levels of service and product quality. The Games.

Home to approximately two million residents, Metro Vancouver’s Service Edge commitment ensures you will Vancouver ranks as the third most populous city in experience the very best in customer sales, service and destination marketing support. Catering to any interest Canada after Toronto and Montreal.

The outdoor lifestyle is prized here and the city throughout all four seasons, your delegates can enjoy boasts an impressive array of parks and beaches within world class shopping to outdoor adventures, gourmet the city limits. Any visit to Vancouver would not be meals to live entertainment, and outstanding sights and attractions. On the Web: www.nxtbook.com/ complete without a tour of these popular getaways. nxtbooks/weaver/vcmpg107/ On the Web: www.vancouver.com

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Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

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Software is essential for planners Ed. Note: Long gone are the days when people would use a manual list to keep track of attendees and a wordprocessor for planning. Today, we all need to keep abreast of technology. The trouble is, there is a myriad of hardware and software we can use to presumably work more effeciently. On the next two pages are some software products on the market with some information supplied by the vendors themselves.

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Name: Vivien Software Company: Cast software Description: Vivien is an intuitive, 3D event design and sales software for the full spectrum of event professionals.

Using Vivien’s visually stunning 3D images, event planners, designers, venue sales teams, caterers, furniture rental specialists — all can design winning proposals, customize and brand to sell more spaces, quickly respond to RFPs, generate faster turnaround… do and sell more. Vivien will make you more professional, more productive, more profitable.

Easy to use, Vivien is based on familiar Windows functionality, with the same drag and drop, cut, copy and paste functions such as programs like Microsoft Word.

Great Feature: Layouts: Create custom proposals containing 2D/3D/Virtual View images, renderings, spreadsheet details, company logos, etc.

On the Web: www.viviendesign.com

Name: MeetMax Company: The Wall Street Transcript Description: A lot of registration tools look like they were designed by engineers, for use by engineers.

MeetMax has intentionally stayed easy-to-use, without giving up functionality. This might sound unremarkable, but complex systems get mis-used, and more sophisticated features get ignored. The key points of the software are its usability, powerful features, and flexibility and customizability. In terms of support, most of our clients are corporate – doing high value corporate meetings or large financial conferences. They are busy people, who may want to share the job of managing the registration site.

MeetMax does a great job of making a registration system that is exactly what our client needs.

Great Feature: Private 1-on-1 meetings. MeetMax is a world leader in managing private scheduled meetings within an overall event.

On the Web: www.meetmax.com

Name: Caterease Catering and Event Management Software Company: Caterease Description: Caterease Catering and Event Management Software is a leader of the event management software industry. With a user-friendly design and state-of-the-art tools, Caterease is the most popular catering program on the market today.

Features like the revolutionary Event Wizard allow you to book a new event in less than ten seconds, walking you through the process from selecting a client to printing a finished contract. The program’s remarkable Print Designer gives you complete control over your company’s image, letting you create and modify limitless custom event prints.

Great Feature: Book events in seconds, generate any number of custom prints and eliminate mundane, repetitive tasks entirely – all in an environment that’s easy and fun to use.

On the Web: www.caterease.com

Name: Exposoft Solutions (various software) Company: Exposoft Solutions Description: Exposoft Solutions provides tailored webbased solutions to create powerful event experiences.

Conference organizers constantly strive to create better experiences for their delegates while meeting their business objectives. At Exposoft our role is simple: • Empower our clients by giving them the tools to stop “doing time” to making the most of it • Improve access to information commonly required at events (for both the attendees and event management). Our Internet application is a low cost solution allowing our clients to control the entire registration process via the Internet. We incorporate their specific registration criteria and business rules into user-friendly on-line registration forms Great Feature: Conference organizers have password-protected access to their event database 24/7 via the internet.

On the Web: www.exposoft.com

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Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

Software: Always try it first, then buy There are many things to consider when buying software. Here are a few: 1. Price. Be sure to check if it is multi-user or not. 2. Support. Is there adequate support for the product. 3. Is there a satisfaction guarantee?

Can you get a refund if you are not satisfied? This is the most overlooked aspect of buying. 4. How often is the software updated/do they fix bugs? Don’t be shy to contact users to see a company’s track record.

Name: MarketingPilot Meeting and Event Planning Software Company: MarketingPilot Description: MarketingPilot is designed for event, conference, meeting and trade show planners.

MarketingPilot is a complete event management solution that helps users deliver superior results in addition to streamlining operations and improving productivity and profitability.

Registration MarketingPilot provides completely integrated web registration for your events. Unlike stand-alone registration systems, MarketingPilot provides a complete integrated solution for event management, planning and registration. It is quick to implement and highly customizable and is able to integrate event planning and registration Great Feature: It is browser-based, Mac and PC-compatible and accessible via the Internet.

On the Web: www.marketingpilot.com

Name: Experient Inc. Company: Experient EventXL Description: Solve all the registration and housing needs for your event with a single, integrated solution created by Experient. Our innovative, proprietary, .NET-based Experient EventXL™ software platform offers a truly integrated, one-step process for registration and housing. Everyone wins with this fully configurable registration and housing solution. With one log-on, attendees register to attend, select any special events or education sessions, reserve a hotel room, and pay for everything in one easy transaction. This intuitive system progresses attendees to the next logical step based upon their decisions, ultimately resulting in a single confirmation of the entire process. Secure financial management and advance and onsite registration.

Great Feature: Real-time integration of your database and electronic confirmations.

On the Web: www.experient-inc.com/ad/irah

Name: ePly Online Event Registration Company: ePly Description: You can save valuable hours every day by utilizing a professional online event registration like ePly. Marrying the best in technology, service and human factors – ePly online event registration services allow you to focus on the event, rather than ensuring everyone gets registered, pays and has the event information. ePly’s highly trained staff utilizes proprietary software that allows for a customized and branded form that is exactly right for your event based on your input and criteria. They take care of all of the testing and provide you with as much or as little support you need while you work to plan your event using the real time registration reporting and tracking. The end result is you have complete control over the set up of your registration form and you get to focus on the actual event.

Great Feature: Download a FREE copy of the “Event Planners Guide” from ePly’s website.

On the Web: www.eply.com Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

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D AT E B O O K Upcoming Events January 11-13, 2008 Association for Convention Operations Management, Annual Conference, The Westin Seattle. Contact: (609) 799-3712, www.acomonline.org.

January 13-16, 2008 Professional Convention Management Association, Annual Meeting, Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Seattle, Wash. Contact: (877) 827-7262, www.pcma.org.

February 2-5, 2008 Meeting Professionals International, Professional Education Conference-North America, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Tex. Contact: (972) 7023000, www.mpiweb.org.

February 5-8, 2008 Religious Conference Management Association, World Conference, Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, Orlando, Fla. Contact: (317) 632-1888, www.rcmaweb.org.

February 20-24, 2008 Association of Destination Management Executives, Annual Meeting, Sheraton New Orleans. Contact: (937) 586-3727, www.adme.org.

March 9-12, 2008 Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International, Annual Conference, Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. Contact: (877) 502-2233, www.acced-i.org

Have an event? E-mail us at info@theplanner.ca.

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Websites of

interest

A help desk application with a difference www.zendesk.com Your company’s IT staff and everyone who uses a computer in the office will love Zendesk. People log on to Zendesk when there is a problem which generates a trouble ticket which can be integrated with email, complete with attachments tracked via RSS or tracked on the Zendesk site in a browser. All tickets can be edited or annotated with comments and organized in a variety of ways for easy tracking.

All ticket activity is tracked and easily audited. There is also a variety of report tools that allow you to track your help desk efficiency. There is a free version of Zendesk for personal use, but most companies will have to sign up for one of the paid packages offered by the company.

And now presenting... www.presentationzen.com As a general rule, most of us could use a little work in improving our presentation skills. And we know when we are watching a good presentation: It is entertaining, informative and a pleasure to sit through. Now there’s a site that is dedicated to helping people elevate their own presentation style to a higher level. The site is a companion to a soon-to-be-published book of the same name by Garr Reynolds. He discusses the creation of the book and points out examples of sample presentations online that he singles out as being exemplary. he provides analyses of what makes these speeches work.

The style and content differ for the presentations, so not only do you get to study how the various presenters perform but you also learn something as well.

If you have a Website you think fellow planners might find useful, send us a note at: info@theplanner.ca.

PLANNER

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

Vodka: A winter favourite ou may have had it chilled or seen James Bond drink his famous martini, shaken not stirred. In any case, vodka is one of the world’s most popular spirits.

Vodka is a clear liquid containing water and ethanol purified by distillation from a fermented substance such as potatoes, grain, sugar beet molasses or even hemp seeds and an insignificant amount of other substances such as impurities and possibly flavorings. Except for various types of flavorings, vodka is a colorless liquid.

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WHAT IT’S MADE OF Vodka usually has an alcohol content of 35 percent to 50 percent by volume. The classic Russian, Lithuanian and Polish vodka is 40 percent (USA 80 proof). This can be attributed to the Russian standards for vodka production introduced in 1894 by Alexander III from research undertaken by the Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev. According to the Vodka Museum in Moscow, Mendeleev found the perfect percentage to be 38. However, since spirits in his time were taxed on their strength, the percentage was rounded up to 40 to simplify the tax computation. The European Union sets a minimum of 37.5% alcohol by volume.

The word is a diminutive of “water” (voda, woda) in some Slavic languages (such as Upper Sorbian), although it is not clear whether this is related to wódka.

Flavored vodkas have been produced from the start, originally to mask the flavor of the first primitive vodkas, but later as a mark of the distiller’s skill. The Russians and Poles in particular still market dozens of flavors. Some of the better known types are: Kubanskaya – Vodka flavored with an infusion of dried lemon and orange peels.

Limonnaya – Lemon-flavored vodka, usually with a touch of sugar added.

Okhotnichya – “Hunters” Vodka is flavored with a mix of ginger, cloves, lemon peel, coffee, anise and other herbs and spices. It is then blended with sugar and a touch of a wine similar to white port.

Vodka suits any occasion, goes with any food, and (if you believe certain advertisements) gives you less of a hangover than any other liquor. It’s no wonder that in America, vodka outsells gin, rum, and tequila, as well as scotch, bourbon, and Canadian whiskey, according to Slate magazine.

On the Web: www.absolut.com www.smirnoff.com www.icebergvodka.com www.tastings.com/spirits/vodka.html

WHERE VODKA ORIGINATED The origins of wódka (and of its name) cannot be traced definitively, but it is believed to have originated in the grain-growing region that now embraces Poland, Belarus, Lithuania, Ukraine. It also has a long tradition in Scandinavia. Although vodka is traditionally drunk neat in Eastern European and Nordic countries of the “Vodka Belt,” its popularity elsewhere owes much to its usefulness in cocktails and other mixed drinks, such as the Bloody Mary, the Screwdriver, the vodka tonic and the aforementioned vodka martini of 007 fame.

TYPES OF VODKA Since vodka tends to be a neutral spirit, it lends itself to blending with flavors and fortifying other beverages.

In the 19th century, high-proof “Russian spirit” was held in high esteem by Sherry producers in Spain, who imported it to fortify their wines.

Neutral spirits are still used to fortify Port, Sherry, and other types of fortified wines, although the source of alcohol for such purposes these days tends to be the vast “wine lake” that has been created by European Union agricultural practices.

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

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Change can mean crisis or opportunity

BY JIM CLEMMER “Weep not that the world changes. Did it keep a stable, changeless state, it were cause indeed to weep.”

— William Cullen Bryant, 19th century American poet, critic, and editor “I hate all this change. Why can’t things just stay the same?” Dirk shouted angrily at the TV news anchor. He threw a pillow at the TV screen and clicked it off with a snort. Suddenly a hissing noise arose from the corner of the room and green, shimmering mist filled the air.

Dirk stood in shock as a one-foot tall, wrinkled old man emerged from the glowing cloud. The tiny, grizzled fellow had a long flowing white beard and was dressed from head to toe in green. His eyes twinkled with mischief as he flashed a gap-toothed grin. “Hi, I am Mike.

I can take you to a place where people don’t have to deal with change and things stay the same all the time.”

Before Dirk could say a word, the little elf drew a handful of sparkling green dust from his vest pocket.

With an impish smirk and a big wink, he threw the powder at Dirk. With the hissing sound filling his ears Dirk was engulfed in the green, twinkling fog. Still unable to see through the emerald haze, he heard Mike say, “Here we are. Here’s a place where things stay the same and people don’t have to deal with change.” The elf blew away the mist. They were standing on the lush green grass of a well-trimmed graveyard. Neat, polished gravestones stretched far out to the horizon.

“Life is change,” the aged elf said with a chuckle as he leapt to the top of a headstone. “It’s one of nature’s mighty laws. Eons ago, I had this conversation with my old buddy, Heraclitus, and told him that change is the only thing that's permanent. Of course, he took the credit for saying that,” the elf playfully grimaced. “It’s a timeless principle. People who aren’t changing and growing aren’t living. Growth is one of nature’s vital signs. It shows you’re alive. Once you stop changing and growing, you’d better check your pulse.”

We can’t manage change. The single biggest “change management” failure of the 20th century was the old Soviet Union. With highly centralized planning, the politburo tried to tightly control the lives of an entire block of nations. There were to be few surprises and activities that weren't in the official plan. Bureaucratic organizations often try to do the same thing. So do many static, low growth individuals. We need to be on guard against our own rigid thinking and “hardening of the attitudes.”

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CHANGE FORCES CHOICES The faster the world changes around us, the further behind we fall by just standing still. If the rate of external change exceeds our rate of internal growth, just as the day follows night, we will surely be changed. To the change-blind with stunted growth, it will happen suddenly and seemingly “out of the blue.”

Change forces choices. If we’re on the grow, we’ll embrace many changes and find the positive in them.

It’s all in where we choose to put our focus. Even change that hits us in the side of the head as a major crisis can be full of growth opportunities — if we choose to look for them.

We don’t always get to choose the changes that come into our lives. But we do get to choose how to respond.

In my workshops and speaking engagements, when working with people who feel under siege by negative, unwanted change, I often show the Chinese symbol for crisis. It is a stark example of the timeless wisdom of choices. Apparently, the top character in the two-part symbol reads as darkness, disaster, and danger (it could be a lot of swearing for all I know. But I have had this interpretation confirmed by a few people who can read Chinese).

The bottom character reads as opportunity, renewal, and rebirth. Many people or organizations — who didn’t give in to the dark forces of despair and Victimitis — and successfully weathered a serious crisis, look back years later and say that was a significant turning point. Most would rather not go through that pain again, but it was a key part of their growth. Crisis can be a danger that weakens or destroys us. Or crisis can be a growth opportunity. The choice is ours. Whichever we choose — we’re right about that crisis. We make it our reality.

Change is life. Successfully dealing with change means choosing to continuously grow and develop.

Failing to grow is failing to live.

••• Excerpted from Jim's fourth international best-seller, Growing the Distance: Timeless Principles for Personal, Career, and Family Success. Jim Clemmer’s practical leadership books, keynote presentations, workshops, and team retreats have helped hundreds of thousands of people worldwide improve personal, team, and organizational leadership. Visit his web site, www.clemmer.net, for a huge selection of free practical resources including nearly 300 articles, dozens of video clips, team assessments, leadership newsletter, Improvement Points service, and popular leadership blog.

PLANNER

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

>

Carnaval de Québec ramps up

Industry News

Canadians love Mexico Bring on the tacos and tequila... Canadians took more trips abroad than ever before last year and made Mexico their favourite foreign destination after the United States, according to Statistics Canada.

The federal agency reported that Canadians made an estimated 842,000 overnight visits to Mexico last year. It was part of a surge in outbound travel that saw Canadians take 22.7 million overnight trips, spending $20.1 billion in the process. The United Kingdom, France Cuba and the Dominican Republic also ranked high as popular international destination choices for Canadians.

London named destination of the year London has capped an amazing 2007 by being named Destination of the Year at the World Travel Awards.

Facing competition from city destinations including New York and Sydney as well as the island destinations of Barbados and the Maldives, London beat 12 others to be named Destination of the Year at a glittering celebration last night.

2007 has been an exciting year for London, with a host of openings and events including: • Wembley Stadium (March) • London Zoo’s Gorilla Kingdom (March) • The O2 (June) • Royal Festival Hall (June) • The Tour de France Grand Départ (July) • India Now! (July) • China’s Terracotta Army at the British Museum (September) • American National Football League (October) • St Pancras International (November) • Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs (November) • London Transport Museum (November)

For Quebec City’s 400th anniversary, the Carnaval has created a totally new, zany and original concept for its 2008 Parades… all-new and exciting allegorical elements, interactive lighting, a unique sound track, numerous multimedia projections and 1,200 new costumes for the extras!

Presented next February 9 and 16, the 2008 Mr. Christie’s Night Parade will surprise and awe spectators – fresh and exciting allegorical elements, such as two 24-foot tall marionettes with moving joints and a common theme throughout the sequences.

GROUP PASSES For groups of 25 persons and more, you can have the 2008 Effigy for only 9,40$ / person by ordering it on the Carnival Virtual Boutique.

On the Web: www.carnaval.qc.ca.

Green thought of the month If you think leaving your computer on saves more energy than shutting down and restarting that’s... bull.

Computers use about two seconds’ worth of power to start up, according to the U.S. Office for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

The World Travel Awards are the most comprehensive and prestigious awards program in the travel industry. They recognize excellence in the world’s travel and tourism industry and are voted for by travel professionals from 167,000 travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organizations across the globe.

Visit London is the official visitor organization for London. Its role is to promote London as the world’s most exciting city, targeting domestic and overseas leisure and business visitors as well as Londoners.

On the Web: www.visitlondon.com.

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

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Hotel News

IPOD TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES

Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa ranks as one of North America’s exceptional accommodations.

Photo courtesy of Hilton

AAA FOUR DIAMOND AWARD FOR HILTON WHISTLER RESORT & SPA The American Automobile Association (AAA) has awarded the Four Diamond Award to the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa for 2008. After undergoing a $52 million refurbishment in 2006, the resort joins the ranks of North America’s exceptional accommodations offering upscale facilities, attentive service, and a high standard of hospitality.

According to a recent press release from Hilton, AAA recognizes a Four Diamond property as being upscale and refined in all areas. Accommodations are progressively more refined and stylish. The physical attributes reflect an obvious enhanced level of quality throughout.

The fundamental hallmarks at this level include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail.

The Diamond Rating Requirements reflect the basic expectations of AAA/CAA members as established through surveys and continuous feedback.

On the Web: www.hiltonwhistler.com

Homewood Suites by Hilton, the national brand of upscale, all-suite, residential-style hotels is proud to announce that all 204 properties across the United States and Canada have been outfitted with video iPods for use with the brand’s new Mobile Training program. Mobile Training with video iPods is the latest evolution at Homewood Suites and is an innovative method used to reinforce training content as a culture and allow the brand’s 5,000 to 6,000 employees to be empowered in their own learning.

One goal of Homewood Suites’ iPod Mobile Training is to offer employees the opportunity to train directly in their own work environment as training content is organized efficiently into playlists to allow for stronger information retention. The on-demand functionality of iPods supports the spontaneity of a unique style of on-the-job coaching and guidance, empowering team members to take charge of their own learning styles.

Homewood Suites recognized the need for a pioneering, new training technique when the brand was deciding how best to train its team members regarding different aspects of new brand-wide F&B standards. The Mobile Training iPods were acknowledged as a great supplement to Homewood’s already-existing training curriculum due to the flexibility and adaptability of the device itself, which allows the brand to update each phase of training on a continuous basis.

On the Web: www.homewoodsuites.com

STARWOOD TOP OPEN HOTEL IN ALBANY, NY UPSCALE HOTELS MAINTAIN HIGH NET FEES The importance of the Internet has pushed hotels to provide in-room access for business travellers on a per-room basis. Interestingly, most midprice hotels and extended stay properties include Internet access in the overall rate.

A study last year by the American Hotel & Lodging Association indicated that 82 percent of all hotel rooms had wireless capabilities, a growth from 35 percent in 2004, and more than 95 percent of hotels in the mid-price tier and higher had some form of high-speed Internet access.

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers hospitality and leisure group, it’s largely low-tier and independent properties that lack the amenity, and it’s nearly ubiquitous among branded hotels.

The proliferation of personal digital assistants also is changing the idea of internet service at hotels. It might still be a necessity for those constantly working on the road, but most PDAs let executives stay connected, respond and give direction via email.

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The Albany, NY Convention Center Authority has announced the developers for the city’s $325 million hotel and convention center project. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide will operate the 400-room hotel under the Sheraton brand, while convention center management company SMG will operate the 244,000-square-foot convention facility.

Ground will be broken on the project next summer, with the opening scheduled for late 2010 and the project is planned for the vicinity of Broadway, South Pearl Street, Hudson Street and Madison Avenue.

On the Web: www.starwoodhotels.com

DID YOU KNOW ...

WHISTLER RECEIVES MORE THAN 33 FEET FOR ITS AVERAGE SNOWFALL? BOTH BLACKCOMB AND WHISTLER MOUNTAINS HAVE MORE THAN 100 RUNS.

PLANNER

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

Hotel News

GERMAIN IN QUEBEC CITY

BERMUDA RAMPS UP DEVELOPMENT Scout Real Estate Capital, with political support from the island’s premier, Dr. the Honourable Ewart F. Brown, has launched an initiative to build a 150-room, five-star property called the Southampton Beach Resort, on the site of the existing Wyndham, which is being demolished. The hotel, set to open in 2010, will have a spa, a gym, restaurants, shops and more.

On the Web: http://bermuda-guide.info/accommodations

NEW HYATT IN MISSISSAUGA Hyatt will manage a new 500-room hotel being built next to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Ground will be broken on the project in 2008 and the property will open in 2010. The project will include office and retail space, as well as convention facilities. The Hyatt Regency Toronto Airport is the final element in the airport’s $4.4 billion redevelopment.

On the Web: www.hyatt.com

After the opening of the first ALT Hôtel in Quartier DIX30, this chain owned by the Germain Group will also be installed in Quebec City at the current Germaindes-Prés hotel. This establishment will soon change its name and be reorganized to offer the same services as the Brossard branch, with the same rate of $129 or $169, depending on room category, in 2008.

Info: (418) 658-1224 or (514) 790-1245.

VIVA 5 STARS IN CUBA! The first 5-star hotel in Cuba, the Hotel Saratoga, has opened after a total reconstruction behind its listed façade. The Saratoga faces the Capitolio and is a short walk from the historic Opera House. It occupies a colonial-style building on one of the grandest streets in Havana. It was famous in the 1930s as the haunt of artists and socialites from all over the world. The hotel has been recreated to combine style and sense of place as well as state-of-the-art technology. There are five floors of 96 rooms, including seven suites. It was recently given positon 24 in Condé Nast’s Hot List 2006, among 60 best hotels worldwide, based on how hotels care about their guests rather than how the hotel looks.

ANSWER EASY SUDOKU FROM PAGE 12

MONTREAL HOTELS TO CLOSE

ANSWER MEDIUM SUDOKU FROM PAGE 12

The Ritz-Carlton Montreal, the oldest luxury hotel in the city, will be closed for 18 to 24 months to complete the addition of 35 luxury condos, 15 condo suites and major $100 million redevelopment previously mentioned in the Planner (October, 2007). In other news, another unnamed Montreal hotel has apparently been sold to a downtown university. The school plans to convert the hotel into student residences.

On the Web: www.ritzcarlton.com

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

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CSPEP scaled the heights in Whistler

BY JYL ASHTON CUNNINGHAM, CMP he 11th CSPEP Annual Conference was held in the beautiful resort village of Whistler Blackcomb, BC November 15 – 18.

As one would expect of a conference run by professional meeting planners, the event was voted a great success by all attendees.

The 2007 Conference theme focused on Greening Your Meetings and on the industry technology available to planners to assist in accomplishing the goal of going green. Networking played a very important part in the weekend’s activities, more so than in previous years.

A pre-conference familiarization session in Vancouver enabled delegates to network with colleagues and suppliers from across Canada, share ideas and build new friendships in a fun and exciting city before heading through the mountains to Whistler.

Unfortunately no-one from The Planner was able to attend the Conference, and this article has been compiled with significant input from Rose Timmerman-Gitzi, Sandy Biback, CMP, CMM and Karen Eluck, CSEP, CMP with thanks.

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WELCOME AT THE FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER The welcome event was held at Fairmont Chateau Whistler, a 550-room property located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Delegates were treated to a spectacular evening sponsored by Quebec City Tourism, with a wonderful menu served family style, comprising a myriad of locally-themed savoury and sweet dishes.

Included in the selection were West Coast Salish Bouillabaise, Roast Turkey with Sage and Black Walnut Bread Pudding, Cedar Roasted Birken Quails with Wild Rice Pilaft and Sun-Dried Cranberries. Desserts sounded as good as they tasted, with Cloudberry and Peach Pie and Saskatoonberry Crumble being just two of the items on offer. Entertainment was provided by The Eagle Song Dancers and Drummers from the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations Spo7ez Cultural Centre and Community Society, to enthusiastic applause. CSPEP donated $1,500 to the Society’s fundraising efforts to establish the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to preserve and protect the culture and traditions of their respective nations.

As a token of appreciation, a bench with the CSPEP logo will be installed at the Centre.

Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald, CMP CMM, of TAP Resources, gave a traditional gift of tobacco as thanks to the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations performers.

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FIRST NATIONS PERFORMERS DURING OPENING DINNER The following morning, the opening session began with a warm welcome from Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed. Green and Sustainable practices were topics for discussion and the VANOC (2010 Vancouver Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee) team also spoke about the housing challenges for 2010 and what plans are in place to resolve those issues. David Crawford, VANOC’s Director, Accommodations and Cleaning & Waste, and his team, explained that sustainability was a major focus in the planning stages of the Games. Sharon Fugman and John Rae of the Municipality of Whistler were also on the discussion panel.

Olympic committee panel of speakers David Crawford, Sharon Fugman, John Rae and Ken Melamed, Mayor of Whistler ROUNDTABLES A supplier specific roundtable session was facilitated

by Laura Holliwell of the Carlson Group of Companies, Christine Taylor of Tourism Whistler and Barb EastmanLewin of Tourism Hamilton. Topics included ways of obtaining business leads, emergency preparedness and the right questions to ask when working with the independent planner. Questions arising from this roundtable were brought forward for discussion at the Planner/ Supplier Risk Management session that followed.

Collaboration and team work was evident during an energetic roundtable discussion on Risk Management, highlighting how planners and suppliers can work together to build logical, well-thought-out Risk Management plans for targeted events. The session, expertly facilitated by CSPEP senior planner member Sandy Biback, CMP CMM Imagination+ Meeting Planners Inc, was praised as a great opportunity to engage fellow planners and suppliers, foster relationships and provide a sense of inclusion in the Society.

Heidi Wilker, CMP of Blessed Events, Hélène Moberg of Destination Halifax and Catherine Paull, CMP of Catherine Paull Meeting Management, facilitated a valuable session on ethics. Using various scenarios presenting ethical dilemmas, the audience provided anonymous responses to often controversial questions with the use of an Audience Response System.

The session, open to both planners and suppliers, lead to several important satellite discussions including contract negotiations with fellow planners and vendors, accepting commissions and other points of ethical behaviour within the industry.

PLANNER

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

Hamilton to host next year’s conference CLOSING DAY AND “BONDING” Closing day was highlighted by two phenomenal and highly informative learning sessions, The World Café and Greening Your Meetings. The World Café was facilitated by Gale Gingrich CAAP, CMP of The Gingrich Group Inc and Carol J. Sutton, Cert. ConRes, APR of CJS Managing Conflict Positively. An open discussion and analysis took place on how independent planners run meetings; how future meetings may look and what can be done to prepare for changes in the industry.

The session was well managed, culminating in a story wall of thoughts and ideas on priorities and future plans for individual entrepreneurs and as a Society as a whole.

In the closing keynote session, Shawna MacKinley, CMP shared how simple strategies can be implemented to make meetings “greener.” Points of note included what to look for in a host city and property when planning a green meeting. MacKinley also provided useful tips and resources in assisting planners to move closer to greening meetings and conferences. She also gave a report card on how green the CSPEP conference was and the results were very impressive.

Closing day session on Greening your meetings with Shawna MacKinley, CMP, Meeting Strategies Worldwide and Sandy Biback, CMP CMM Imagination+ Meeting Planners Inc. On a lighter note, a fun filled evening of ‘Bond’ and bonding was the theme for a Dine Around event sponsored by Pan Pacific and Hilton Hotels. Teams were formed to compete in the MI6 search for the next 007.

Delegates were hosted in various local restaurants as they discovered and deciphered each important clue in their mission to become a 00 agent.

through with flowering colours as opposed to flying colours. Each delegate was given five packets of seeds, and asked to plant them in the spring, then take a photograph of the blooms at their best. Photographs will then be submitted to the 2008 Conference Committee who will have them judged by the staff of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton. The winner will be announced at the conference and the prize is to be determined.

Laura Holliwell of the Carlson Group of Companies, summed the CSPEP conference up perfectly: “Attending the CSPEP Conference in Whistler provided an excellent opportunity to mix, mingle and learn with a most welcoming “supplier friendly” group of planner entrepeneurs! The sessions were very interesting, the meals just great, however I always benefit from and enjoy the most, just being immersed in great conversation with colleagues, both planners and suppliers about our industry, away from our everyday jobs.

Thanks to the committee and we hope to participate again next year in Hamilton!”

Jyl Ashton Cunningham, CMP is an independent meeting and special event planner based in Oakville, Ontario, and Associate Editor of The Planner, Ontario. Jyl welcomes your comments and can be reached at jashton@theplanner.ca or info@jaacevents.com.

CLOSING DINNER The closing dinner was titled Denims and Diamonds, however it had more of a celtic accent, being sponsored

by Destination Halifax. Everyone rose to the spirit of the occasion in both fashion and voice. Present at the event were Jeremy Tyrrell of the new Caesar’s Palace in Windsor, scheduled to open in 2008 (watch this space for more information), Michael Welsh of Atlific Hotels & Resorts, Régis Fleury of Quebec Tourism, Rob Mingay of Rocky Mountain Production Services and Elizabeth Murphy of Vancouver Island Conference Centre, to name a few.

Andrew Walker and Gail Gingrich tied for first place in the fancy dress competition, with the prize going to Andrew.

The closing breakfast traditionally is hosted by the next year’s conference city and Hamilton, Ontario came Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

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Quebec City: You inspire me

BY THE QUEBEC CITY TOURISM OFFICE

uebec City offers conference-goers and business people all of the advantages of a choice destination: state-of-the-art conference centres and meeting facilities, first class hotels, well-organized transportation network, access to professional services, combined with the authentic charm of one of the highest-rated and most popular tourist destinations in North America.

Vieux-Québec (Old City) exudes old world charm with its narrow, winding streets and profusion of shops, museums and attractions. This sector alone boasts over 100 coffee shops, bistros and gourmet restaurants, where visitors love to relax at the end of a fun-filled day. The city’s 12,000 lodging units, including 2,000 or so worldclass rooms, are mainly located in or near the old city.

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THE WARMEST WINTER DESTINATION Quebec City is worthy of its reputation as the “warmest winter destination.” As soon as the first snow falls, the city and its surrounding area turn into an immense playground with something for everyone: Snow rafting, carriage rides, ice climbing and more.

There are countless unforgettable winter activities to choose from.

From Vieux-Québec you can glimpse ski slopes located less than 30 minutes away. If you are a snowshoe or cross-country skiing enthusiast, the region rolls out its 2,000 kms of trails when the snow arrives. The U.S. cross-country ski team named the internationally acclaimed Mont-Sainte-Anne cross-country ski centre the second most beautiful in North America in the 2006 issue of the prestigious Forbes Traveler magazine.

Those who prefer downhill skiing and snowboarding are invited to discover international-calibre ski resorts,

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hitting the slopes of Mont-Sainte-Anne, Stoneham and Le Relais.

The Quebec City area is also one of the largest snowmobiling destinations in North America. This activity, as well as dog sledding and tubing, is a wonderful way to spend time together and make lasting memories.

Looking for something a little different? The Ice Hotel, the only one of its kind in Canada, and the Quebec City Winter Carnival are definitely worth seeing.

Finally, in the heart of the city, at Place D’Youville, the Dufferin Terrace or the Plains of Abraham, skating rinks, sledding hills and cross-country ski trails will entice you to enjoy the great outdoors.

History is omnipresent in Quebec City. Visitors are fascinated by the fortifications, the cannons lined up on the ramparts, the old city’s architectural treasures and the careful way the past has been preserved. Business travelers can enjoy the city at their leisure, knowing that it is quite safe. You can stroll the streets as you wish without taking any special precautions.

If you prefer to stay indoors, there are a number of cultural activities to explore, from museum exhibits to plays and various shows. Explore the new Saint-Roch district, featuring rue Saint-Joseph with its trendy stores and restaurants. Winter is jam-packed with events.

In the end, visitors love Quebec City because it is different. A true French-speaking oasis in North America, it is celebrated for much more than the language of Molière. Its friendly and approachable population is known for its warm welcome, greeting you with open arms and a smile on their lips.

PLANNER

On the Web: www.theplanner.ca

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

City gears up for 400th anniversary 2008: CELEBRATING 400 YEARS OF HISTORY! In 2008, Québec City will be hosting the ultimate yearlong party in celebration of its 400th anniversary. The city is looking its best and its citizens are beaming with pride and bursting with joy, eager to start the festivities. Trips to the city will be enlivened by shows, exhibitions and astounding surprises you will remember for years to come. Best of all, you will have a front row seat!

THE HEART OF THE PARTY: ESPACE 400E Espace 400e will offer an original combination of artistic creation, science and technology. Intimate shows and once-in-a-lifetime encounters under the covered site, animation on the docks, official or informal conferences and gatherings will take place throughout the winter season. Visitors can relax, enjoy a light meal or take a tour of the Louise basin thanks to the new promenade. They can also admire the artistic gardens, which will complement the newly revitalized site.

“PASSENGERS” EXHIBITION A remarkable interactive exhibition will be presented in the themed pavilion. Using codes and mechanisms unique to places of transit (such as airports), visitors will discover 400 years of history and much more: a magical universe of human movement in which individuals and families cross paths and destinies.

A UNIQUE CREATION: THE IMAGE MILL Espace 400e will also present the Image Mill (Le Moulin à images), an outdoor multimedia show. From June 20 to July 29, 2008, this uncommon portrayal of the city will be projected on a giant 600-metre tall screen. Drawing inspiration from its site, in the heart of port activities, the show will illustrate the city’s

Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08

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evolution and its ever-changing relationship with the world, in larger-than-life images.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, QUEBEC CITY! To properly commemorate July 3, the anniversary of Quebec City’s founding by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, a jam-packed four-day celebration is planned.

On July 3, the day will begin with a solemn mass followed by a traditional salute to Champlain and the freedom of the city ceremony. In the afternoon, a special show will celebrate 400 years of history through projections, dances and songs produced by the most imaginative minds. In the evening, the party will continue with a show to kick off the Quebec City Summer Festival, whose theme this year is the 400th anniversary, of course!

On July 4, the summer festival will put on another memorable show in the spirit of the 400th anniversary.

On July 5, an urban opera featuring hundreds of artists and extras will get the city moving. The “artistic population” will join up with large street art companies and stars of the performing arts in an unforgettable event. It will be a novel display of talent that is sure to be a treat for both the spectators and participants.

Finally, the four-day celebration will end with a bang on July 6 with a massive gathering on the Plains of Abraham. Aerial photographs will be taken of this huge family get-together to create a “portrait” of the city that will be offered to the committee in charge of organizing Quebec City’s 400th anniversary.

For details about the city’s 400th anniversary celebrations in 2008, visit www.myquebec2008.com.

QUEBEC CITY TOURISM Visit www.quebecregion.com to discover customized getaways and package deals.

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Holiday Parties Survey Did your company have a Christmas Party this year?

Yes: 82% No: 18% If not, has anything replaced it?

Yes: 63% No: 37%

At the party, are gifts exchanged or given?

Yes: 44% No: 56% Comments from planners: “Only to employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 years of service – milestones.”

Comments from planners: “(We had a) food pairing/wine tasting workshop.”

“Instead of exchanging gifts, we support a local charity and purchase gifts for charity.”

“One large party (about 1,000 people) replaced by three smaller parties of about 400 each.”

“There are gifts for everyone and names are selected from a hat.”

“We do a company lunch, we’re a small association.”

“We do a dollar value (pre-determined) gift exchange.”

Does your company pay a hotel for employees or transport to and from the party venue?

Yes room: 10% Yes transport: 46% No to both: 44%

Has your company already reserved a venue for next year?

Yes: 22% No: 78%

Comments from planners: “Will pay for taxis if needed for drive home.” “(Room paid) if cab ride is over $100. Transport paid there and back.”

“Taxi coupons provided at the end of the evening.”

Comments from planners: We only do that in: The New Year: 11% January: 11% February: 8% March: 0% April: 1% May: 3% June: 2%

July: 6% August: 11% September: 19% October: 12% November: 13% December: 3%

“Yes, transport only.”

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Dec. ’07 – Jan. ’08