November 2009

Marketing optics can cloak reality

BY BARRY SISKIND

There is a process to face-to-face marketing hen I was young, my parents told me to study hard so I would sit at my desk with a pile of books on one side, an open workbook book in front of me. When my parents would peek into my room they would say “It’s nice to see you so busy.”

That’s optics.

Making decisions based on optics alone can catch up with you sooner or later resulting in bad grades, foiled campaigns and lost opportunities.

One of the concerns that many marketers face in these troubled times is a reduction in marketing budgets. The knee jerk reaction is to chop the number of shows and events. Other marketers are reluctant to reduce their face-to-face marketing exposure, continue their program, albeit with a reduced budget, for fear of creating a negative impression on potential buyers.

During the past few years, there has been much talk about the value of face-to-face marketing. Industry experts, including myself, have detailed the process that will help exhibitors calculate a return on investment and return on objectives. Yet surprisingly, few have adopted this basic business tenant and integrated the practice into their exhibit plans. Some opt out when they learn that their efforts have not been as good as they would have imagined, others stay because they are led by the mistaken idea that the calculation of results are only for those who sell products.

If more marketers would take the time to calculate their results, they would have the crucial answer on their return of their exhibiting investment. But the issue of optics involves one more criteria – you also have to look at the cost of not exhibiting. This may seem a more difficult number to calculate, but there is enough industry data around to help.

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For example the Centre for Exhibition Research (CEIR) revealed in the spring of 2009 that the cost of obtaining a high value lead at an exhibit was about half the cost of obtaining a similar lead without a trade show. The cost of an initial visit with a high-quality contact was about a fifth of the cost when compared to non-show activity.

Statistics like these, and many more that are available, point to a clear value for maintaining an exhibit program. However, what about those non-monetary values such as reinforcing a brand or gaining market share? Similar studies provide evidence that there are definite values in these non-monetary goals. In a recent CEIR census, a survey of exhibitors found the following: Exhibitions increase corporate and/or brand recognition 67% Agree or strongly agree Exhibitions assist in gaining/retaining market share 67% agree or strongly agree Source: CEIR, The cost effectiveness of exhibition participation, spring 2009

With these numbers in mind the issue of optics comes into play.

When you withdraw your support for your face-to-face program you run the risk of losing the direct advantage you sought by choosing to be there in the first place but of equal importance is that you also create a negative impression in your customer and industry’s eyes that can be irreparable. Even if you can’t justify your show participation by new contacts or orders written it is important to let the rest of the world know that you are not hurting. Stay visible even if you participate in a show with less space. However, don’t shortchange the overall look and feel of your display just to be there.

Stay visible in a smaller space but maintain the optics of success. At the end of the day, your investment is sure to reap rewards.

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

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In this Issue THE CANADIAN EDITION

6 Using the wrong word >

As you know... t’s easy to focus on the negative. At The Planner, we try to focus on the positive – life is too short to worry about the negative. Life is tough enough without letting negativity bring us down. Negative thoughts can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. If a supplier doesn’t perform, find a new one and move on.

However, when planners like you live positive service experiences it would be great if you could let us know. Yes it takes time, but we could then share it with all our readers. Tell us why a hotel impressed you: what made the AV Company so good or what was it about that caterer that wowed you. We want to share your positive experiences with other planners – what was it that that supplier did that will have a lasting impression on you?

In these tough times let’s help and encourage those that are actually doing more. It’s easy to get away with providing less in these budget-cutting times, but why are some companies actually providing more? If they are, then shouldn’t we be commending their efforts by spreading the word? Nothing, as you know is more encouraging than having our efforts recognized and applauded. So let’s give those suppliers that have earned it a pat on the back and let’s tell others – they deserve our encouragement. Send us a short email at info@theplanner.ca telling us why and we’ll print it. And you know what else? It will make you feel good. There is no better feeling than referring someone or a company that has made you feel good.

Here’s my little positive plug – thank you Mr. Weatherman for having made November such a great month so far.

8 The Yukon awaits

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LEO GERVAIS

When we’re trying to break old habits it’s difficult to accomplish this grueling task on our own because we’re unaware of our behavior. Chicago columnist Stacey Hanke tells us why words matter in this important change.

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The Yukon offers picturesque settings businesses can experience in retreats and team building seminars, utilizing dog sled teams, art workshops or orienteering with GPS mapping.

Plan outside the box and consider this northern destination.

10 Being creative >

The Christmas season reminds us a lot about creativity – who doesn’t struggle trying to think of that special gift?

Editor Leo Gervais got to thinking and provides a nine-point systematic approach to being a creative planner.

17 La Belle Province >

Quebec is definitely one of the most magnificent provinces during Canada’s harsh winter season. The Planner worked with several regional tourism bureaus to provide our readers with some insight into why planners should visit them.

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The Planner is distributed to professional meeting and event planners across Canada.

M ANAGING E DITOR

A SSOCIATE E DITOR G RAPHIC A RTIST S ALES C IRCULATION C ONTRIBUTERS

Leo Gervais lgervais@theplanner.ca Camille Lay clay@theplanner.ca Matt Riopel info@theplanner.ca Patricia Lemus circulation@theplanner.ca Stacey Hanke, Jeff Mowatt, Barry Siskind

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

The Planner uses 30% recycled post-consumer paper.

Colour Printer: Litho Express, (514) 816-3865, www.lithoexpress.ca PAP – Registration No. 111100 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage toward our mailing costs.

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November ’09

Words that minimize your credibility, knowledge and professionalism

BY STACEY HANKE

Be careful of using the following qualifiers:

e over-qualify what we want to say before we make our point.

Why don’t we just say what we mean? My client asked me to help him improve his communication with his team.

He wanted to be perceived as more confident and authoritative, yet professional. He had asked me to observe his staff meeting to identify his strengths and areas of improvement. As I’m observing his interaction with his team, I realized it was his choice of words that were minimizing his confidence, authority and professionalism. Before he’d make a point he’d say, “I’m probably way off base here …” He was shooting his credibility in the foot without realizing what he was doing. When a team member would ask him a question he’d begin his response with, “To be honest with you …” Does this mean he was lying to his team prior to this question?

When I shared with him what I was hearing, he looked at me as if I was kidding. He said, “I’m a leader of a high potential, progressive team who are responsible for the majority of this company’s profit. There’s no way I could be using these phrases.”

With his approval, I begin audio recording our conversation to assist me in providing him with constructive feedback. When we listened to his recording he was in shock. Without my feedback and the audio recording he would’ve never realized this is how he speaks. As a result, he would’ve continued to struggle with his team communication.

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GET TO THE POINT We fall into a trap of not getting to the point. Women frequently communicate to me they don’t want to come across as aggressive or too strong. Therefore they begin their statements with qualifiers. What are you thinking? These qualifiers make you sound less intelligent, credible and confident. Instead eliminate the qualifier and get to the point! Avoid wasting your listener’s time. Imagine how much time we could save in meetings if everyone would just get to the point. (Refer to my blog titled: “Endless Meetings; Easy Steps That Lead to Productive Meetings” http://staceyhanke.blogspot.com/2009/06/endless-meetingseasysteps-that-lead-to.html) Last week during my communication skills workshop, an executive opened his presentation with the following statement: “I want to ask you a question. What is the number one challenge in your role as a leader?” Just ask it! This executive’s message and presence would’ve been more powerful if he would’ve opened his presentation with: “What is the number one challenge in your role as a leader?” Do you hear the difference between these two examples?

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• “I was wondering if we might consider …”

• “I think …”

• “I’m probably way off base here …”

• “This might be a stupid idea, but …”

• “To be honest with you …”

• “I’m going to tell you a story.”

When we’re trying to break old habits it’s difficult to accomplish this grueling task on our own because we’re unaware of our behavior. The key to changing old habits into new habits is to receive the feedback immediately when you’re practicing the behavior you want to change.

Without immediate feedback you’ll: • Continue to be in denial.

• Choose to use these qualifiers.

• Annoy your listeners because you never get to the point.

• Be perceived with a lack of knowledge, confidence, trust and credibility.

How can you avoid using qualifiers?

1. Give yourself permission to think on your feet. You may be using these qualifiers to buy yourself time. In reality, they don’t help you think on your feet. Instead, they throw you off. PAUSE to give yourself the time you need to collect your thoughts so that you sound confident, credible and knowledgeable.

2. Pre-plan. Prior to a meeting, conference call, sales call or presentation, take the time to think through your words and choose words that will tap into what’s important to your listeners.

••• Stacey Hanke is an executive consultant, author, coach and speaker with 1st Impression Consulting, Inc. in Chicago, Ill. E-mail her at: stacey.hanke@1stimpressionconsulting.com or call (773) 209-5970.

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I DON’T SEEK...

I FIND. PABLO PICASSO ARTIST November ’09

Top bosses shun social media for networking, but workers use them

E. Coli in the… sand?

You might want to think twice about building your next sandcastle with the kids while eating sandwiches next summer – a recent American study found that just a few grains of sand on your finger tips could lead to cases of illness, such as diarrhea.

The U.S. Geological Survey conducted experiments with sand collected from a beach near the shore of lake Michigan near Chicago. Four test subjects sanitized their hands, dug through bags of sand for one minute, and then immersed their hands in sterilized water. The water was then tested for E. Coli levels (strains of bacterium that can cause serious food poisoning in humans). Results suggested that if 1,000 people played with sand for just one minute and ingested what as on their fingertips, 11 of them would develop a gastro-intestinal illness. If that same group ingested what was on their entire hand, 33 would fall ill.

The good news is that when subjects washed their hands with water just once, the level of E. Coli dropped by more than 90 percent. The researchers said the E. Coli could have been from birds, algae or sewage-laden water, but could not be sure. They also noted that on average, beach sand contains E.Coli levels 10 to 100 times higher than beach water. The highest concentration of E. Coli is one metre back from the shoreline.

It should be noted that government health officials in the U.S. and Canada regularly test water for E. Coli and report the level detected to the public, but they do not test sand.

The gift that might stop giving

If you’re an average Canadian over the age of 15, you gave $437 to a charity in 2007 and it was likely a religious organization. You also donated 166 hours of you time, about a month of full-time work. The average age was 53.

These figures were part of the recently-released 91-page Canada Survey of Giving Volunteering and Participating. Total giving in this country now tops $8-billion annually and volunteers put in more than two billion hours annually in unpaid labour, according to the study from Statistics Canada. Almost 12.5 million people volunteered in 2007, about 46 percent of the population aged 15 and over.

However, some organizations like Imagine Canada, a group that promotes philanthropy and volunteerism, say that the recession has left the future of giving uncertain, despite modest growth in the last 20 years. Paradoxically, when the economy is in trouble, the demand for charitable services soars.

Another potential cause for alarm: The top ten percent of donors contribute 62 percent of the total dollars given to charity, and the top 25 percent of volunteers contribute 52 percent of all volunteer hours. This core group tends to be older, educated and religious and it begs the question: who will replace them when they are gone?

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You might think social networking online is a great way to interact socially but it’s likely the top managers at your company couldn’t care less.

A research study by UberCEO.com looked at Fortune magazine’s 2009 list of the top chief executives to determine how many were using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and found they were mostly absent from the rapidly growing social media community.

The study found only two CEOs had Twitter accounts and 81 percent of CEOs did not have a personal Facebook page.

Only 13 had profiles on the professional networking site LinkedIn. Three stood out with more than 80 connections, but they were all from technology companies. Three quarters of the executives did have some kind of Wikipedia entry, but nearly one-third of those had limited or outdated information.

Not one Fortune 100 CEO had a blog.

Sharon Barclay, editor at UberCEO.com, said it was shocking that the top CEOs can appear to be so disconnected from the way their customers are communicating.

Nielsen Online has reported that time spent on social networking sites in the United States is booming, and doubled in the last year.

Interestingly, few small U.S. businesses are drawn to these social media outlets for business uses, according to another survey.

Three quarters of American small businesses say they have not found the sites useful for generating business leads or expanding their business in the past year, according to a survey conducted for Citibank Small Business of 500 American businesses with fewer than 100 employees.

Eighty-six percent said they haven’t used social networking sites for information or business advice. Only 10 percent said they have sought business advice or information from expert blogs. A spokesperson for Citibank’s small business segment said the survey indicates small businesses are very focused on running their business, generating sales and managing their cash flow – basically doing the things that are really important in these tough economic times.

The survey also found 42 percent of small businesses have made greater use of their company websites to generate business leads and sales.

HERE IN CANADA Canuck workers beware – most Canadian companies frown upon using social networking sites during business hours. Nearly 83 percent of 270 Canadian chief information officers said their companies do not allow employees to visit social networking sites for any reason while at work.

The survey done for staffing service Robert Half Technology found 58 percent of employers have an outright prohibition on social networking, 22 percent permit its use for business purposes, 16 percent allow limited personal use and the other 4 percent have no objection to any kind of personal use.

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Yukon: A northern treasure awaits If you are a planner, you should consider taking your group to the Yukon as it is a delight of mostly unknown attractions.

The Yukon is a delightful surprise for meeting planners and delegates alike, and is more sophisticated and convenient than some would anticipate. Whitehorse is only a 2 1/2 hour flight from Vancouver, Edmonton or Calgary, with group rates for air travel – and its very own airline. The Yukon also offers great value – no provincial/territorial sales tax which means a saving of up to 10 percent on all costs. With Yukon’s colorful history, there are a number of exceptional attractions and activities, making for a unique destination and for many delegates it will be a a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Planner discussed the potential Northern destination with the Yukon Convention Bureau.

How do you view your geographic location as an advantage?

Yukon’s vast landscape makes for picturesque settings, breath taking to first time visitors and delegates alike. Yukon’s cities are surrounded by gorgeous mountain views and iconic rivers that offer a number of outdoor opportunities all within close proximity to Whitehorse. The midnight sun in the summer, allows for a 10:30 pm Tee off for an 18-hole round of golf or you can dog mush or soak in natural hot springs under the aurora borealis in the winter.

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What are the traditionally low and high seasons and what are the advantages with each season.

Winter is low season, allowing for more affordable rooms rates, increased availability and a number of unique winter experiences. Summer is high season, with longer daylight hours and additional attractions, festivals and tourist services.

What are some of the seasonal activities and attractions?

In the winter, you can enjoy viewing the Aurora Borealis while sitting in the Takhini Hot Springs or countless snow related activities from snowmobile to dogsled excursions, and a number of winter festivals and events. Highlights of January and February are the Yukon Quest International dog sled race, Frostbite Music Festival and the Rendezvous Sourdough Festival. Summer offers outdoor adventures and wilderness activities for all levels and a number of music and art festivals. In June, Yukon’s tourist season moves into full swing, with city tours, museums, art galleries, waterfront trolley trains and several nearby historic attractions.

What are some of the activities a group could participate in, Teambuilding or otherwise.

Yukon offers a number of businesses experienced in retreats and team building seminars, utilizing dog sled teams or art workshops or orienteering with GPS mapping.

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November ’09

The Yukon Arts Centre offers a 428-seat proscenium theatre and is located in downtown Whitehorse. (Photo courtesy of The Yukon Convention Bureau)

A trip to the Yukon requires outside-the box-planning City, adventure and wildlife tours, fishing and golfing, or the historic White Pass & Yukon Route railway tours can be offered in group packages for your delegates or as spousal programs.

Experience the rush of Miles Canyon by boat, canoe or raft or take to the sky with helicopter and float plane tours over the north’s picturesque landscape.

Can you provide some facts for planners, number of hotel rooms, number of meeting rooms, conference and or convention centre info.

The Yukon Convention Centre offers over 21,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. It is located downtown adjacent to one of three main hotel & conference centers in Whitehorse. There are over 1,000 hotel rooms in the city that are all located within 10 minutes of the Whitehorse International Airport. Newly renovated properties offer comparatively lower hotel rates, making Yukon an affordable North American destination. Yukon boasts several engaging museums and attractions, experienced in hosting events of up to 400 people. From the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to the Yukon Transportation Museum, or to a state-of-the-art sports facility; the Canada Games Centre, the Yukon offers a host of meeting, reception or venue options.

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If you had to briefly describe what makes the Yukon different, what would you say it is?

The close proximity of amenities allow delegates to readily experience unique meeting spaces, attractions or activities, in addition to maximizing their social networking time. For many, it is a once in a life time opportunity to visit the Yukon, often increasing delegate and spousal attendance. Hosting a conference or event in an uncommon venue such as a museum, art gallery or paddle-wheeler, amidst Yukon’s natural beauty, creates a memorable experience.

A combination of its vast landscapes, exciting history and colorful people create a rush which is the ultimate allure of the Yukon.

If planners are interested in holding their activities in the Yukon, who should they contact?

The Yukon Convention Bureau: Alida Munro Sales & Marketing Manager alida@ycb.ca 1 (867) 393-8284 On the Web: www.meetingsyukon.com

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Improve your creative process by being systematic in your approach Use these 9 points to get going on your holiday planning projects

BY LEO GERVAIS

hristmas is, as we all know, a widely celebrated festival all across the world at this time of year. Despite its obvious connection to the birth of Jesus Christ, many nonChristians take part in the related decorating, exchange of cards, parties and general good sentiments long associated with the Yuletide tradition.

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But where do the new ideas come from? Each year, department stores and display houses come up with new things like sequined polar bears, dancing angels or talking reindeer. Now, one can argue some of these ideas have very little to do with Christmas, but the point is ideas need to be generated and the best way to do that is letting those mental muscles do some heavy lifting and get some “braincercise.”

Here then are “The Planner’s Nine Points for Getting Your Creative Juices Flowing” when planning events: 1. Look back. Examining what has gone on in the past is a good way to start being creative. Former ideas will likely spur those creative neurons, perhaps helping you find a new way to incorporate used materials e.g. re-use those Christmas tree decorations to make a snappy banister display.

2. Stay positive. Try to eliminate negative thoughts such as, “My boss/client will hate this” and make the best of what you have. As the famous Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson 10

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wrote, “Life is not a matter of having good cards, but of playing a poor hand well.”

3. Compartmentalize. Think of your creative process like an isolation tank: There’s only room for you and your thoughts.

So when you are creating a new theme, gala evening or company party it is necessary to block out time and analyze every detail that will ultimately comprise the whole event.

4. Hunt and gather. Go back to your inner caveman or cavewoman and leave no stone unturned in researching. Use magazines (like The Planner), books and of course the Internet.

In addition, perhaps a visit to the local library is in order and don’t hesitate to speak with a librarian – they are the most underused and helpful creatures on earth.

5. Brainstorm. Get out your lined notepad and jot down every and any thing that comes to mind. No filter. This inception stage needs to be massaged by ideas from any source, so consider having a meeting with trusted colleagues, sit them down with a paper and pen with the subject written at the top of the page. Give five minutes without speaking and in point form only, jot down the thoughts that arise. Then, allow each person to tell the others – you may end up with 40-50 points. Then, use the tried and true D & E Formula (the discard and embrace method). Discard ideas that are unworkable and embrace the half dozen that will work and build a full concept from a base of ideas that can be used.

6. Site inspection. No planner worth their salt would ever plan an event without visiting the venue first to learn about its positives and negatives. A few of the many points to consider: length and width of the venue, ceiling height, as well as the lowest ceiling point, check on power as well as entrances, exits, ramps and parking access and facilities, inspect the kitchen and equipment. Fail to plan? Then plan to fail. So do your homework and you’ll be ahead of the game.

7. Measurements. Knowing the size of the room and height of the ceiling will determine the scale of props, decor and audiovisual. Share information with technicians, and so on.

8. Get attention. The room will need a few key elements to make it impressive, and it is just as important to know what to leave out. Therefore, one or two props will likely be heavily featured throughout the decor rather than have a mismatch of individual units.

9. Themed decor. Colour and mood are two important components of themed decor, so take the time to choose wisely.

Whatever creative path you choose to run down, remember these nine ideas when constructing that plan and you will no doubt reach your destination and, best of all, probably have some fun along the way.

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November ’09

Chiros in question Down Under

A recent Aussie study found that visiting a chiropractor for a bad back is a waste of time and money as spinal manipulation will not cure aches and pains. The researchers Down Under looked at the difference in recovery from lower back pain after a variety of treatments, including painkillers and manipulation.

They used 240 volunteers who had seen their doctor with lower back pain and gave them anti-inflammatories and spinal manipulation or a fake treatment. The results showed no difference in recovery times and in all cases the symptoms lasted for about nine days. The study’s main author, Mark Hancock of the Back Pain Research Group at the University of Sydney, said there is no need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or a chiropractor if patients receive good advice and take ordinary painkillers.

Quick… I smell gas!

Some Chicago researchers recently won an Ig Nobel award from Harvard University for their unique patent – a bra that can be turned into two protective face masks, one for the wearer and one for whoever else may need one.

Each of the bra’s sections is fitted with a filter device, meaning the wearer can whip it off and detach each section to fit it over the face.

The Ig Nobels are a parody of the prestigious Scandinavian awards and were announced just before the real Nobel Prizes in early October.

On the Web: http://improbable.com/ig

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Tired of the rat race?

Check into the Hamster Hotel

In 2004, Time Magazine called Nantes, France “...the most livable city in Europe.” Now, Nantes is appealing to both people and, apparently, “hamsters.” Well, actually, the Villa Hamster offers guests the very unique opportunity to leave humankind behind and live the life of a rodent. Its website asks the those who have a fondness for woodchippings and fur costumes, “Is it possible to put myself in the place of my hamster?”

Apparently, it is. Tucked away in a centuries-old building is a compact space of 18m2 that has been designed to warm the heart of any large “rodent.” Authentic facilities include containers of grain, a water tube which guests can sip and a double bed accessible only by a step ladder and a quick climb on all fours. The highlight is a 2-metre wide metal wheel in which residents (maximum two) can take turns, side by side if they so desire.

Since opening in early November, the Villa has been deluged with requests for visits. So far, most people seem to be hamstering it up on one-night stays, often as a present from a friend. Business is so good they will be raising the rate from the current 99 Euros ($157 CDN) to 150 Euros (CDN $238) and owners Yann Falquerho and Fréderic Tabary plan to open one in London, England. In addition, the Nantais duo are considering another bold creation: an apartment which aims to take occupants “back to their origins” by using lights and sounds to make you feel as though you are in a uterus.

On the Web: www.uncoinchezsoi.net/#/villes/nantes/la_villa_hamster/

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Special tree for Claridge’s

edVentures Fredericton named Innovator of the Year

edVentures Fredericton, developed by Fredericton Tourism, recently won the Innovator of the Year award at the National Tourism Excellence Awards hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).

“This national award will get the attention of tourism operators, meeting planners, and travel media across North America. edVentures Fredericton will hopefully encourage conference delegates to come early or stay longer in Fredericton. It’s also a fantastic companion program idea,” said Wendy Bradley of RendezVous Fredericton.

David Seabrook, manager of Fredericton Tourism is pleased at the development of the innovative program.

“When we set out to develop edVentures Fredericton, Fredericton Tourism had the goal of creating a national class program. This recognition from our peers in the national tourism industry is validation of our efforts and proof that we’ve created something truly innovative and unique,” he said. edVentures Fredericton is an innovative approach to the fastdeveloping experiential tourism trend. This program of weekend and week-long learning vacations in craft and culture, launched the summer of 2008, is the largest in Atlantic Canada and the second largest in Canada.

The idea is a partnership between Fredericton Tourism and the cultural sector of Fredericton. It leverages numerous resources and is telling a story of Fredericton as a culturally dynamic space for planners and the world to experience. edVentures Fredericton’s principle partner is the New Brunswick College of Craft & Design (NBCCD) and also includes partnerships with the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, UNB College of Extended Learning, and Kings Landing Historical Settlement.

“The New Brunswick College of Craft and Design is thrilled that edVentures Fredericton has received national recognition! edVentures Fredericton’s success reinforces the stature of Fredericton as one of Canada's leading cultural capitals, and supports the College's vision to become a centre of excellence in post-secondary visual arts education, and a key resource within the provincial culture sector,” said NBCCD Principal Michael Maynard. edVentures Fredericton is entering its third year of operation with over 120 workshops offered as five weekdays, and one or two-day weekend formats ( July 5 – Aug 20, 2010) by more than 60 of New Brunswick’s finest artists as instructors. Class sizes are small and intimate, giving students a one-on-one personal experience with an instructor. Most workshops are designed for adults but several children’s workshops are available.

On the Web: www.edVentures.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/edVenturesFredericton

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When you are special, you need someone special to design your Christmas Tree. And so Claridge’s, London’s iconic Mayfair hotel, will have their Christmas tree designed by John Galliano for Dior. The tree will feature sparkling leaves and orchids in silver, white and blue, as well as crystal, making the tree look frozen. Galliano’s creation will be unveiled in the lobby of the art deco-designed hotel on December 1.

It is the first time in the 112-year history of Claridge’s that it has worked with a famed fashion designer on its Christmas tree.

On the Web: www.claridges.co.uk

Canada Eats

The Globe & Mail say, “Don’t leave home without it.” No, it’s not your Amex card, it’s Where to Eat in Canada, a guide to Canadian restaurants by Anne Hardy. This independent guide covers restaurants from coast to coast and reviews and rates more than 500 eateries in more than 200 cities, towns and villages across the country. All reporters were incognito so as not to curry favour or special treatment from the restaurant staff or owners, and no payment was taken for the listings. As the book proudly claims: “Nobody can buy his way into this guide and nobody can buy his way out.” It is published by Oberon Press, a company operated and owned by Canadians that publishes only books by Canadian writers.

On the Web: www.oberonpress.ca

Something to wine about?

Ontario is changing the game when it comes to producing Canadian wine. Through a series of regulatory and tax changes, local producers are now being encouraged to make their wine entirely from domestic grapes.

The change is geared to affect wines branded “cellared in Canada” which, despite their name, are required to include only 30 percent local grapes. Ontario will reduce the tax cuts currently afforded to those CIC wines as early as 2010 and will increase its support for Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wines, which are made entirely of Ontario grapes and are produced by the 108 wineries in the province.

Ontario will also raise the minimum requirement for Ontario grapes in CIC wines from 30 percent to 40 percent for five years, the length of time it takes for new wines to mature. After five years, the requirement will be done away with. Interestingly, producers could make CIC branded wines with 100 percent foreign grapes if they chose, but they would pay a higher tax rate.

The Ontario government will work with local winemakers to improve labelling on both the bottles and in Liquor Control Board of Ontario stores to help push VQA wines as the lone local option.

The Ontario push for more local wine comes after the recent move by Canada’s other major wine-producing province, British Columbia, where it vowed to move CIC wines off shelves dedicated to local products in its liquor stores.

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November ’09

Quebec has a lot to offer in the winter Quebec is one of the most invigorating provinces in Canada in winter with its breathtaking views and landscapes covered with immaculate snow. It is as dynamic as it is beautiful with all the activities groups can benefit from while being there for a meeting or an event. Planners can have easy access to La Belle Province by plane, train or automobile. The regions of Quebec are full of great resources and they deserve to be introduced to planners as winter approaches. Regional Tourism and Convention Bureaus contributed to this month’s edition of The Planner to inform you about what great winter activities their region has to offer to your groups and how easily you can do business there.

Why go to Charlevoix?

Q: Why should Planners select this region for their meetings this winter and what makes it special and/or differentiates it from other regions?

Besides finding oneself in a unique location here in Eastern North America – a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, no less – planners visiting Charlevoix are welcomed to an area where over the centuries hospitality and fine dining have become a longstanding tradition. Tourism-related service providers possess the very latest in communication technologies. And while some are able to accommodate larger conventions, others definitely can meet the special requirements of smaller groups.

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Q: What are your region’s statistics e.g. number of rooms and meeting rooms, alpine & cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog-sled activities, and so on?

Charlevoix’s lodging includes 2,700 rooms tucked away in country and small town settings, with something for every budget and every level of comfort. From its mountainous back country to the shores of the mighty St. Lawrence River, tourism-related product and service suppliers offer a strong line-up of four season activities. Snow sports enthusiasts appreciate the proximity of several ski areas, including Le Massif de Charlevoix and Mont Grand-Fonds. The region also boasts the largest snowmobile trail networks and is generously blanketed under 600+ cms of snow every year! As well, visitors can enjoy winter sea kayaking, dog-sledding, ice climbing… to name but a few of the leisure activities. For those who prefer warmer pastimes, numerous art galleries and boutiques, a casino, clubs and spas are all attractive options in Charlevoix.

Q: Logistics and transportation: How do we get there, what modes of transportation are planners offered?

Located only an hour’s drive from Jean-Lesage International Airport in Quebec City, Charlevoix is increasingly more accessible from North America and Europe’s larger urban centres in winter or summer. From Quebec City, planners may opt to travel by coach or choose the freedom of driving their own rental cars.

On the Web: www.tourisme-charlevoix.com

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The Outaouais: where everything is possible • • • • • •

The Fairmont Château Montebello is a favourite hotel in the Outaouais. vent organizers looking for the complete package have found the destination for their next event in the Outaouais region.

Whether you would like your delegates to commune with nature in a tranquil setting or you would prefer a more urban getaway without the big city headaches, the ideal location for your next gathering is definitely the Outaouais region!

Located just a few minutes from Ottawa, the Nation’s Capital, the Outaouais region is a mesmerizing blend of urban lifestyle and countryside escapes. You can combine cultural events and the great outdoors in any season, and top it off by sumptuous regional cuisine for the most discerning palates! The Outaouais region, with its endless activities, will easily fulfill any client’s desires!

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WHY CHOOSE THE OUTAOUAIS REGION? The Outaouais’ meetings and conference industry has always seamlessly adapted to the changing demands of the market. Since it can offer a wide range of products (hotels, restaurants, meeting or conference rooms of all sizes, etc.), the destination can satisfy every requirement that group organizers may have: from the smallest to the largest event budgets, from intimate locations to ballrooms, from countryside serenity to urban rhythms, their team of dedicated specialists proudly caters to everyone.

Because there’s more to events than meeting rooms, they also suggest numerous activities including team building, and help you discover our scenic destination.

Planning an event in the Outaouais region also means to humanize it. What other destination features a waterfront hotel right in the city, a variety of cultural and historical establishments, all just a stone’s throw from Ottawa? Their first-rate infrastructure gives you the opportunity to host your meeting in the downtown core early morning, complete with a moonlit outing in renowned Gatineau Park. Their extensive offerings are crowned by legendary hospitality and bilingual hosts.

NUMBERS IN THE OUTAOUAIS REGION: • Over 20 fine dining establishments, including one CAA-AAA rated Five Diamond 18

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212 meeting rooms, totalling 406,653 sq. ft.

Eight national museums More than 30 hotels, including two 5-star hotels 500 kms of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails 2,527 km of groomed snowmobile trails Over 560 members of the tourism industry eager to welcome you

AN IDEALLY LOCATED DESTINATION Planning a trip to the Outaouais region is always simple, since all the major modes of transportation lead to the destination: • By car or by bus, only two hours from Montreal • By plane, through Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, or through the Executive Gatineau-Ottawa Airport (for smaller planes only) • By train on the VIA rail network from most major Canadian cities Furthermore, the meeting specialists at Outaouais Tourism propose many additional services to assist you in the successful planning of your special event. Lean on them to simplify your life.

Among other services, they can analyze your overall needs, assist in getting various quotes from local businesses, help you with ideas and organization of your theme night, provide references for your suppliers and suggest pre- and post-event activity and spousal programs.

Summer or winter, there are thousands of reasons to choose the Outaouais region. Visit their website for more information on a unique and special destination for planners.

On the Web: www.outaouaismeeting.com.

You can relax in the Eastern Townships The Eastern Townships is an ideal venue for business meetings. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a convention with hundreds of attendees, you’ll enjoy the invigorating ambience of the region - just the thing to fire up those neurons!

Situated less than an hour south of Montreal, the Eastern Townships offers a wide range of accommodation and activities. Nature and culture combine to create a unique experience in a breathtaking setting.

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The mountains will win your heart! The lofty peaks (they average 1,000 metres above sea level) and majestic, glacial lakes, are among the most iconic images of Quebec.

The accommodation ranges from country inns to full-service hotels, comprising a total of around 3,800 rooms and some 200 meeting spaces, tailor made to your requirements.

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November ’09

This winter, enjoy the air in Lanaudière! ome discover the region of Lanaudière, a vast winter playground in a stunning natural setting. Situated just north of Montreal, between the Laurentian and Mauricie regions, Lanaudière is quickly and easily accessible via Autoroutes 40 and 25. Bordered in the south by the St. Lawrence River, Lanaudière extends in the north to the Laurentian Shield, covering a total area of 13,537 sq. km. Often called “the green region,” Lanaudière feels like Quebec in miniature with its great variety of towns and landscapes.

This magnificent region gives you access to some magical winter scenery of forests and mountains cloaked in a deep mantle of snow. Here, daily life goes on in peaceful harmony with the well-preserved environment. There is so much for the visitor to do and enjoy, and a welcoming smile is never far away. The climate is ideal for winter sports and other activities, with an abundant snow covering that never disappoints.

Winter in Lanaudière is a place of endless fun. Enjoy skating on the longest river rink in Quebec, or snowshoeing, crosscountry skiing, downhill skiing, sliding on tubes, snowmobiling, ATV driving, dogsledding or simply cutting your own Christmas tree… there’s something to please everyone.

The Lanaudière region is indisputably snowmobiling country with its 2,300 kms of safe, well-groomed trails. Annual snow coverage is truly outstanding, guaranteeing

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A spectacular view of the Lanaudière region. (Photo by Christian Rouleau, Tourisme Lanaudière) visitors endless days of trail-riding pleasure in superb conditions.

The Lanaudière snowmobiling map has 10 recommended circuits that span the region: 4 itineraries of less than 200 km 6 itineraries of more than 200 km Lanaudière offers more circular snowmobiling itineraries – local, regional and inter-regional – than any other part of Quebec. And something else snowmobilers appreciate is the ease of access to services such as gasoline, restaurants, lodging, etc.

Consult their website www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en. Here you can plan your personalized itinerary using our interactive map, find out where to get the material you’ll need or order a copy of their regional snowmobiling map.

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Numerous scenic trails criss-cross Lanaudière, some outstanding ones being in Mont-Tremblant National Park and at Montagne Noire in Saint-Donat. Trails are groomed daily, ensuring top-quality riding in all of nature’s splendour.

At the end of a day filled with action and magnificent sights, it’s time to relax the way you want – perhaps in front of a log fire in a cozy country inn, where you can enjoy a delectable meal in a friendly setting. You may even like to sample a spa experience and a good massage or other relaxing health treatment.

For more information on the Lanaudière region, call 450 834-2535 or 1 800 363-2788, or visit their website at www.lanaudiere.ca. This winter, with the family or in a group, come enjoy the air in Lanaudière!

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Boost your team spirit in The Laurentians It’s a wonderful place to do teambuilding activities

A dogsled ride is an incredble experience in the Laurentians. (Photo he Laurentian region offers more than 3,200 rooms plus 205 meeting rooms from a number of diversified and well-known establishments: holiday resorts, hotel chains, inns with fine dining, and outfitters. More than half of these places are classified 4 or 5 stars.

From standard rooms to luxurious suites, not to mention up-market condos, the Laurentians has the variety you need to ensure your comfort.

Located to the north of Montréal, not far from Pierre-Trudeau Airport via major highways, the region abounds in magnificent landscapes full of natural charm and lively villages. The personnel is attentive, welcoming and bilingual. There are 1,374 restaurants, from gastronomic tables to continental cuisine, with menus offering fine regional produce or internationallyinspired meals, there’s a dazzling variety of flavours to choose from.

The region is also remarkable for the grand variety of activities on offer in both winter and summer. And that’s just as well, since teambuilding and group activities are an important part of the planning done by those planning a sales, team or strategic planning meeting.

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courtesy of Laurentians Tourism)

The Laurentians offer a variety of amenities to guarantee the comfort of delelgates at a convention or meeting.

For some it’s even a decisive factor when choosing a destination or facility.

That’s why establishments in the Laurentians provide not only restaurant, lodging and conference services but lots of activities as well. Here are some examples: Manoir Saint-Sauveur works in partnership with Mont Saint-Sauveur International, which is literally able to

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rent an entire mountain in exclusivity to corporate groups, either on the ski slopes or the tube slides.

At the Tremblant resort, it’s not only snow sports that are featured; you can also vault from one tree to the next with Acrobranche. Try this at night wearing a headlamp.

Wyndham Cap Tremblant has more than 200 acres of land on which you can go dogsledding.

After a day of meetings, Le Grand Lodge Mont-Tremblant invites you to a friendly game of broomball followed by a campfire. At the Château Beauvallon, as you sit around the bonfire, they’ll prepare their special coffee and a “smore.” As for the Auberge du Lac Morency, it’s a torchlit parade equipped with snowshoes as you head out for a forest campfire.

For less adventurous groups, Hôtel Le Chantecler in Sainte-Adèle invites you to take a sleigh ride from the hotel into the nearby forest, with a stopover by a nice bonfire with a cup of hot chocolate or glühwein in hand.

L’Hôtel-Spa-Restaurant L’Eau à Bouche, renowned for the quality of its fine cuisine, created a new facility three years ago by opening a Nordic Spa. The Spa can be reserved by groups in exclusivity.

The success of a business meeting also depends on the type of activities offered.

For more suggestions, contact Tourisme Laurentides at 1 800 611-8532 ext. 233 or by e-mail at: helene.prudhomme @laurentides.com The Laurentians: Their decor, your meeting!

On the Web: www.laurentides.com

NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST. J.R. TOLKIEN

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These establishments provide business travellers all sorts of modern facilities – fitness centres, swimming pools, spas and meeting rooms (of every size) equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

There’s a choice of very different locations. Choose between the bustling heart of downtown, the bucolic calm of the countryside or a beautiful, peaceful lake. After the work is done, earn brownie points from your clients and colleagues by encouraging them to discover the many charms of the Eastern Townships!

Few activities are more relaxing than chilling out at one of our spas. Whether you like being pampered in the luxury setting of a hotel, or prefer the more invigorating experience of a Nordic spa, you’ll discover the perfect formula to cope with the daily grind.

Another way for giving your meeting a unique touch, is to organize an activity in the outdoors – something that will energize participants, boost their brain cells and enhance their creativity! Whether you opt for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, alpine skiing, dog sledding or equine activities (sleigh ride anyone?), you’re sure to find something that will please the participants.

And if you really want to impress your colleagues, clients and guests, why not offer them a special gift from the Eastern Townships? Surprise them with a product from one of the region’s wineries, a whiff of lavender, a honey-flavored treat or a

Website

An impressive ski run at Owl’s Head in the Eastern Townships.

(Photo courtesy of Tourisme Cantons de l’Est)

sweet confection whipped up by a local chocolatier.

The region’s proximity to Montreal, the diversity of accommodation, the peace and quiet, excellent value for money, a relaxing ambience - not to mention a great choice of activities, no traffic jams and free parking - are just some of the many reasons to hold a business meeting in the Eastern Townships. Get away from it all and enjoy working in a stress-free environment.

To learn more about the Eastern Townships and the wide variety of hotels and activities that are geared to a business clientele, please visit their website: www.easterntownships.org, then click on Meeting Planners and download the PDF factsheet.

You can also complete and send a Request for Proposal (RFP) online to various establishments around the Eastern Townships.

This will generate a personal response so can you can discuss the specifics of your next meeting or conference.

of interest

Need a Lifeline?

The Happiness Project www.happiness-project.com Gretchen Rubin wanted to be happy, but she realized she never thought about happiness. So she decided to do a happiness project and the result is this interesting website that tests happiness tips and formulas and lets its readers know the scoop on them. It may sound cheesy, but 35,000 people subscribe to the blog and 26,000 get the monthly newsletter, so obviously someone is paying attention.

Every Wednesday, Rubin posts a list of tips about how to be happier, and this former lawyer is certainly in a unique position to postulate about needing more happiness in the world.

November ’09

WE’VE GOT IT... a totally customized on-line system designed by a Certified Meeting Professional who understands that today’s meeting planners need more than a template solution!

We’re YOUR lifeline when it comes to on-line registration.

Try our demo @ www.leafsolutions.ca

(867) 633-5269

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- Commentary -

Spam 200, Editor 1 came to work today and did what I do most other days; I said hello to a few of my colleagues, hung up my jacket and started using my computer. Years ago, I automated my Mac so it turns on at 8:30 a.m. so that when I arrive it is ready to use without wasting time booting up – time is money our publisher always says and he is certainly right about that.

Like most of the civilized business world, I check my e-mail first thing, in case there are any challenges or revelations there that need to be dealt with first. And there it was. The number… 200.

No, it wasn’t a monetary amount. Nor was it the number of ads The Planner has sold this month. It was just the exact number of spam – junk e-mail messages – I had received since the day before.

You might have the attitude of “Who cares? Everybody gets spammed.” And this is precisely the point. According to spamlaws.com, spam accounts for 14.5 billion messages globally per day, or approximately 45 percent of all e-mails. Some research companies estimate that junk e-mail makes up an even greater portion of global e-mails, some 73% in fact. The United States is the number one generator of junk e-mail, with Korea at number two. Just think of the time wasted simply deleting those spam messages – no wonder global productivity is down!

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According to the spam entry in Wikipedia, e-mail spam has steadily, even exponentially, grown since the early 1990s to several billion messages a day. The total volume of spam (over 100 billion emails per day as of April 2008) has leveled off slightly in recent years, and is no longer growing exponentially.

The amount received by most e-mail users has decreased, mostly because of better filtering. About 80% of all spam is sent by fewer than 200 spammers (Coincidence? I think not!).

Botnets – networks of virus-infected computers – are used to send about 80% of all spam. Since the cost of the spam is borne mostly by the recipient, it is effectively postage due advertising. That’s the best way to eliminate spam – make the senders pay more to send it.

I believe planners should join in the fight to eliminate spam.

So, consider lobbying your association or company to petition companies using spammers for their organ growing or erectile dysfunction products and the like. Planners have a voice in this Internet wilderness, but we need to shout, “No more spam!”

In this way, I will at least have sent ONE glancing blow back to the people who perpetuate the costly spamming madness.

Spam 200, Editor 1.

Leo Gervais

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November ’09

Tea and the secrets of staff training

BY JEFF MOWATT taff retention a concern? Consider this scenario: Imagine you’re a front-line employee working at a mundane job. It’s so boring you simply go through the motions. You’re on autopilot, counting the hours and minutes until your shift is over and you can go home and do something you enjoy. Or you stick with the job only until something that's more interesting or pays more comes along. Then you’re gone. In that dismal scenario, managers resign themselves to the belief that there’s always going to be high front-line turnover. They don’t bother training employees because they’re just going to quit anyway. Continuing with that line of thinking, these managers and supervisors assume that the only thing that’s going to motivate employees to stick around is to pay them more. Unfortunately, customers dealing with bored employees feel absolutely no loyalty to the company.

Consequently, revenues are down and wages keep costs high.

Not exactly a formula for success.

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THE CUP THAT SATISFIES Today’s employees do indeed want something more – and it isn’t just money. According to the landmark studies in employee motivation spearheaded by Dr. Kenneth Kovach at George Mason University, the number one motivator for employees is interesting work. The question is how to turn a potentially boring job into something interesting. I think the answer lies in the tea ceremony.

Serving tea becomes an art when served with an attitude of quality, mindfulness, and service. Practitioners of the tea ceremony don’t just read a manual and then get certified; they train for years under the guidance of a master. They immerse themselves in the art, so much so that it becomes a form of moving meditation or Do-Zen. Like a good martial artist, they have the attitude of humility. They know that no matter how advanced they may become, they can always improve. What it all boils down to (bad pun) is that the most effective way to motivate employees is through on-going training.

Interesting tidbit: Fortune magazine did a survey of the “100 Best Companies to Work For.” The number-one factor that people considered when choosing a company? Professional training.

CHANGE IT TO SPICE TEA The kind of front-line training I’m referring to is not the standard approach where managers dictate policies: list the things employees can’t do, and then teach them the technical aspects of the job: how to do the paperwork, run the cash register, make the deliveries, etc. Oh, yeah, and be nice to people (which often, by the way, means that employees address customers as Sir or Ma’am, a practice that’s guaranteed to offend rather than flatter some customers). That’s not the kind of training that motivates employees.

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I’m talking instead about providing training with spice – equipping them with communication skills that lead to stronger customer loyalty and increased spending per customer. It makes the job of interacting with customers a craft, requiring focus, quality, and attention to detail. In other words, the right kind of training makes even the most mundane work interesting.

THE CONSISTENCY OF TEA TIME One workout in a lifetime is going to do more harm then good because there is a high risk of injury and the overall improvement in performance will be negligible. Similarly, a one-time training session for employees is likely to just raise their expectations and eventually annoy them-especially when, without reinforcement and support, everything reverts back to the way it was before the one-time training. We need to convert training from being an event into an ongoing process.

That’s why I recommend that managers look at customer service training as a two-phased approach. Phase one is professional training that equips employees with the subtleties of service that make work more interesting. Once that new foundation of knowledge is established, then in phase two managers conduct their own monthly 90 Minute CAST™ (Customer Service Team) Meetings. The learning, therefore, shifts from being a one-time event to an ongoing process. The fascinating and sometimes frustrating art of enhancing customer perception is that there’s always room for improvement. That makes even the most seemingly mundane jobs much more interesting. From the moment our clients conduct their first CAST™ Meeting, they notice the emergence of a much more motivated and engaged workforce.

So do their customers!

The irony when it comes to training employees is that a lot of managers believe they can’t afford to train employees because they have high turnover. The truth is they have high turnover because they aren’t providing ongoing education or growth for their employees. Employees don’t quit jobs when they’re overworked. They quit jobs when they’re bored - or worse; when they are being paid enough to physically show up but have mentally moved on. Everyone loses. As a business leader, you have the opportunity to elevate your enterprise from merely being a place where employees go to earn a living, to a place where employees satisfy their innate need to learn and grow. That’s a learning organization where the flavour of work is like well brewed tea... richer and more satisfying for everyone.

••• This article is based on the critically acclaimed book Becoming a Service Icon in 90 Minutes a Month, by customer service strategist and professional speaker Jeff Mowatt.

To obtain your own copy of his book or to inquire about engaging Jeff for your team, visit www.jeffmowatt.com or call 1.800.JMowatt (566.9288).

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Montréal’s culture is good for business Ed. Note: All dollars figures in Canadian currency unless otherwise stated.

Here’s a new twist on luggage

United Airlines is offering a new subscription service called Premier Baggage which will allow United passengers to pay an introductory price of US$249 a year for the right to check two standard bags on any United Flight, including United Express.

UA’s current domestic checked baggage fees are US$15-$20 for the first checked bag and US$25-$30 for the second. The service also covers baggage fees for up to eight companions who are traveling under the same confirmation number as the subscriber.

On the Web: www.united.com

Questex seeks bankruptcy protection

Questex Media Group Holdings has filed for Chapter 11 in the U.S., a chapter of the United States Bankruptcy Code, which permits reorganization under the bankruptcy laws of the United States and is used most prominently used by corporate entities.

Questex owns 28 trade shows and conferences, including International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference Las Vegas, International Beauty Show New York, Luxury Travel Expo and Incentive Travel Exchange. The company also owns 23 publications and 150 websites.

On the Web: www.questex.com

Demotivation Show?

Total exhibit space at this year’s recent Motivation Show in Chicago, Ill. was down by one-third, according to Pete Erickson, president of Hall-Erickson, the show’s organizer. Attendee registration totaled 9,131, a 13 percent decline from 2008. Erickson said he was pleased with the decline in that “…most trade shows have been down significantly more.” The final attendance numbers for the show should be available in November.

On the Web: www.motivationshow.com

Pearson forced to chop landing fees

In a move sure to please its longtime critics, Toronto’s Pearson International Airport is cutting its landing and terminal fees charged to airlines by 10 percent. Even with this significant slashing of fees, it remains the most expensive airport in the world to land at for an airplane. The Greater Toronto Airports Authority recently said the $58.4 million in annual savings for airlines will take effect Jan.1, 2010. Fees were also trimmed in 2008 and 2009, but now a Boeing 737 arriving at Pearson will pay $2,100 in landing fees and $1,000 in terminal fees, down from $2,400 and $1,200 respectively, for 2007.

On the Web: www.gtaa.com 24

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Montréal’s famous culture is paying off: A new economic impact study by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montréal revealed the city’s cultural sector generates spinoffs totalling $12 billion, including $8 billion in direct spinoffs. In 2008, there were more than 96,000 direct jobs created in the cultural sector.

WestJet and Air France-KLM strike a deal

In what is being called an “important strategic move,” Canada’s second largest carrier WestJet has struck a deal with Air-FranceKLM that lets passengers board the European carriers’ planes and travel to a final destination in WestJet’s Canadian network with a single ticket.

The interline agreement could lead to a full code-share deal, in which the airlines sell seats on each other’s flights and provide participating carriers cheaper and easier access to new customers.

Connections will be made through WestJet’s Calgary and Vancouver gateways and the airline plans to expand the arrangement to its entire Canadian network.

On the Web: www.westjet.com

Caribbean ferry looks to operate daily in under-served market

Want to cruise de islands, mon? Take de ferry.

A new ferry that aims to serve Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad, Grenada and St. Vincent is expected to start operating daily by late October, according to Grenada-based BEDY Ocean Line.

Prices will range from US$120-$140 and the longest trip will last up to four hours. Between 260 and 300 seats will be available on each ferry and passengers will be allowed to carry two 60-pound suitcases without charge, and alcohol will be prohibited on board.

The announcement came as travelers face pricier airline tickets, increased baggage restrictions and canceled flights by regional carrier LIAT due to wage disputes.

Americans came north in September

U.S. residents increased their travel to Canada in September, while Canucks took less trips down south compared to August.

Statistics Canada reported that the overall number of trips to Canada from abroad increased 1.6 percent to two million while the number of trips by Canadian residents abroad decreased 1.7 percent to just less than four million.

Travel by American residents increased 2.1 percent in September to nearly 1.7 million trips.

Although overall travel from residents of overseas countries was down 1.3 percent in September compared with August, trips

by Italian residents increased 6.2 percent.

The 1.7 percent decrease in travel abroad by Canadian residents was primarily the result of 2,1 percent fewer trips to the United States.

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November ’09

Sudoku Sponsored by Magnan’s

Fill each square with a number from 1 to 9 so that every number appears only once in each row, column and cell.

SOME SUDOKU RESOURCES ON THE WEB:

December 3 MPI Toronto Chapter 20th Annual Holiday Gala. Conference Centre at the International Centre, Mississauga, Ont. Contact: www.mpitoronto.org or (905) 567-9591

• www.websudoku.com •www.sudoweb.com •www.dailysudoku.com •www.sudokupuzz.com

December 17 CanSPEP CanSPEP Holiday Party. Hotel Novotel Toronto Centre, Toronto, Ont. Contact: www.canspep.ca or (905) 868-8008 December 25 - Christmas Day January 1 - New Year’s Day

LEVEL: EASY

Solution, page 26

LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

Solution, page 26

January 13 2010 The Planner Conference and Business Speed Dating – Trends 2010, Centre Mont-Royal, Montréal, Que. Contact : www.theplanner.ca, (514) 849-6841 ext. 331

January 28 2010 (Day) CSAE Ottawa-Gatineau Tête-à-Tête, the premier event for association leaders, Westin Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont. Free.

Contact : www.csaeteteatete.ca

January 28 2010 (Evening) MPI Ottawa/CSAE Ottawa-Gatineau Annual Charity Auction and Dinner, Canadian Museum of Civilization,Gatineau, Que. Contact : www.mpiottawa.com or (613) 254-5653

February 20-23 2010 MPI international Meet Different, Cancun, Mexico.

Contact : www.mpiweb.org/events/md2010/home.aspx •••

Do you want to publicize your event? Please send us an e-mail message at: info@theplanner.ca

November ’09

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The $100-million makeover at the Ritz-Carlton Montréal is going to take a little longer than expected.

General Manager Andrew Torriani said recently an unforeseen problem has pushed back the completion date to December 2010. The 97-year-old structure was originally slated to reuse its inside walls in reducing the 229 former guest rooms and suites to 130. That plan has now changed to include taking out all the walls from the ninth floor down.

In September 2007, it was announced that the grand lady of Montréal hotels would construct an eleventh floor, a new wing and 35 condo-residences and 15 apartment suites. The project was supposed to take 15 months to complete after the hotel closed in the summer of 2008. Then this past January, Torriani set a new March 2010 reopening for the change in wall demolition that he said, “… means more time rather than more money.”

The new luxury condos, selling for a cool $1 million each, have sales that, “…are outstripping the pace for that market,” according to Torriani, although he declined to say how many have been sold. But he did add that 2011 bookings were solid.

On the Web: www.ritzmontreal.com

YOU KNOW IT’S TOUGH WHEN… The renowned Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has extended its Meetings with More package, with the promotion now available at all Four Seasons properties for new meetings booked before March 31, 2010 and held by Oct. 31, 2010. The package includes complimentary daily continental breakfast, a 10 percent banquet meal discount, free Internet access in guest rooms and general meeting rooms, one free guest room for every 30 room nights, no penalty for up to 25 percent attrition up to seven days before arrival and a 10 percent credit on the next group program booked at any Four Seasons.

On the Web: www.fourseasons.com

EXHIBITION PLACE AND HK HOTELS MAKE A DEAL

QUIZ QUESTION OF THE MONTH Copyright: Do you copy it right?

1. Since newspapers are in the public domain, it is not necessary to pay licence fees when photocopying articles in order to produce press reviews.

True or false?

1. FALSE. In Canada, a published work is protected by copyright until the end of the 50th year following the death of its author or last remaining contributor (for collaborative works). After that period ends, the work is considered to be in the public domain. Like all works that are “fixed in any material form”, newspapers are published works that are protected by copyright. It is therefore necessary to obtain permission and pay licence fees (royalties) before producing a press review.

MONTRÉAL’S RITZ OPTS FOR TOTAL INTERIOR DEMOLITION

Some key design elements of the project: • Hotel to be a year-round attraction, with resort-style amenities • Extensive green areas • Parking will be accommodated underground for 400 cars with two access ramps • Committed to Toronto Green Standard for New Construction and LEED Silver rating On the Web: www.hkhotels.com On the Web: www.explace.on.ca

For any question regarding copyrights, please contact: Companies/organizations located in Quebec: Copibec, the Quebec copyright licensing agency at info@copibec.qc.ca / www.copibec.qc.ca.

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

ANSWER EASY SUDOKU PAGE 25

ANSWER MEDIUM SUDOKU PAGE 25

If you work in Toronto, watch for a new hotel on the city’s fabled skyline.

An agreement with HK Hotels for a 320 room, 26-storey glass tower located south of Direct Energy Centre and adjacent to the new Allstream Centre was recently unanimously approved by the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place.

The two centres comprise the largest exhibition and convention complex in Canada.

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November ’09