Meetings + Incentive Travel 2012 - May.June

EDUCATION IN BUSINESS EVENTS+TECHNOLOGY+PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT+DESTINATIONS+REWARDS+

Are you making one?

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Royal DECaMERoN BaRu BEaCh REsoRt, spa & CoNvENtIoN CENtER HHHH Not only does this resort offer state-of-the art convention facilities, it also provides personalized services to meet your needs and budget. Conference rooms are spacious and air-conditioned, and services include an event coordinator, sound and lighting systems, and on-site technicians. Catering and beverages are also part of the package, and audiovisual equipment consists of a podium, microphones, a TV with DVD player, flip charts, an overhead projector and a projection screen. Once the meetings are over, business travellers are free to enjoy the hotel amenities, inclusions and great beaches.

hall CapaCIty:

• Isla Grande Gran Salon: 700 persons • Salon Baru: 100 persons • Salon Santana: 100 persons • Salon Ararca: 100 persons • Salon Cholon: 100 persons

oCCIDENtal GRaND CaRtaGENa HHHH

las aMERICas REsoRt & CoNvENtIoN CENtRE HHHH

Boasting superior facilities, lush gardens and contemporary decor, this elegant resort caters to the discerning business traveller. Its meeting rooms offer a variety of layouts and customized services to ensure a successful conference. On their free time, guests can indulge in spa treatments, visit the historic part of town or tee up at the nearby 18-hole Karibana golf course!

Ideally located near the historic town centre and just 15 minutes from the airport, this beachfront property boasts modern, airconditioned and well-lit meeting facilities amidst beautiful tropical surroundings. Clients can expect attentive service, catering and all the necessary equipment when hosting their event. The versatile design and layout mean that even the most spacious rooms can be transformed into a more intimate setting for smaller groups. With a spa, fitness centre and shops, this resort is the ideal playground for business travellers.

hall CapaCIty:

• Estelar A: 60 persons • Estelar B: 130 persons • Estelar: 200 persons • Plazoleta: 250 persons • Restaurante Nativo: 140 persons • Junior Suite: 15 persons

hall CapaCIty:

• Salon Nueva Granada: 80-800 persons • Portal: 40-260 persons • Salon La Proa: 80 persons • Nuevo Horizonte: 30 persons • Plaza de la Independencia: 2,500 persons

For details, contact a Nolitours Group travel representative at 1-888-256-9259 or yyzgroup@transat.com

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At Nolitours Prices,

we cAN All

weAr shorts to work Book your Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events at these Nolitours hotels in a unique Caribbean setting!

Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, the colourful city of Cartagena is an important economic centre and popular holiday destination. Historical monuments, colonial architecture, an impressive skyline, numerous World Heritage sites and an array of golden-sand beaches make this irresistible destination a feast for the eyes!

F

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GREAT WOLF MEETINGS

FOCUS. FOOD. FUN.

From the moment you arrive at the Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls, expect to be amazed and amused. Whether you’re hosting an office meeting or a national conference, the Great Wolf Lodge can accommodate all your corporate needs. Featuring unique team-building activities, spa escapes, and diverse meeting and banquet space, complete with our very own themed waterpark!

2012 Meeting & Conference Group Rates Starting at

79.99*

$

• Complimentary Team-Building • All Suite Accommodations • Versatile Meeting Space • Professional Atmosphere with a Splash of Fun For more information, contact Group Sales at 905.354.4888 ext. 5701, or email sales@greatwolfniagara.com or visit greatwolf.com/meetings

*Offer valid for meetings booked by June 30, 2012. May not be valid during holiday or blackout periods. Rates are valid Sunday–Thursday and based on single occupancy. Rates subject to applicable taxes. Offer may end at any time without notice and is based on availability. Terms and conditions apply.

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AS I SEE IT

14 features 25

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BIG INFLUENCE, HUGE IMPACT CSR is a hot topic in our industry; namely because we have the ability to make a huge impact.

In this section, you’ll find stories that range from selling CSR up the line, to the importance of the right CSR fit. See what our industry is doing to give back.

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BY ALLAN LYNCH, ADAM PLETSCH, DON DOULOFF AND MARIELA MCILWRAITH

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COULD YOU BE MORE GREEN? In our green meetings package, check out one planner’s personal account of the journey to sustainability, a roundup of eco-friendly hotels and venues, a sampling of green meeting tips and products, and lessons learned from the GMIC Sustainability Conference.

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BY SANDRA WOOD, HAILEY EISEN AND DON DOULOFF

25 columns 14

MOTIVATING FACTORS The Ultimate Reward

BY RANDY THORSTEINSON

PHOTOS Thinkstock, Costa Rica Tourism, Getty Images, iStockphoto, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

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PERSPECTIVES Sharing Secrets

72 DEPARTMENTS 7 9 10 12 19 21 76 80 82

Contributors My Two Cents What’s New On MeetingsCanada.com Agenda Power Points Association Voice Pro Picks Snapped!

Trending

AS TOLD TO CHRISTINE OTSUKA

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destinations 72

HARD WIRED Google Gold

BY SCOTT WILSON

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THE PROVOCATEUR

CHARLEVOIX

Reinvent and Revolutionize!

Quebec’s rustic riviera is a sophisticated rural destination.

BY SUSAN RADOJEVIC

BY ALLAN LYNCH

23

GOOD FOR YOU Mental Detox

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COSTA RICA This Central American gem is an authentic expression of beauty and natural diversity.

BY CHRISTINE OTSUKA

BY CHRISTINE OTSUKA

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CUISCENE Local Heroes

BY DON DOULOFF MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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“I’ve mostly gone on relaxing beach vacations, so not much extreme adventure, but I did climb Dunns River Falls, in Jamaica.”

We asked everyone this month: WHAT’S THE MOST ‘EXTREME’ OR ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITY YOU’VE EVER UNDERTAKEN WHILE TRAVELLING?

VOLUME 41, NUMBER 3 MAY.JUNE 2012

Publisher 416.510.5226

SO N JA CHILCOT T

SChilcott@MeetingsCanada.com

EDITORIAL D O N D O U LO FF

Managing Editor 416.442.5600 x3254

“Ziplining on Jamaica’s south coast.

Almost opted out, because of my vertigo, but took a chance, and loved it!

Can’t wait to do it again.”

Assistant Editor 416.442.5600 x3255

“Ziplining alongside the Arenal Volcano, in Costa Rica.”

DDouloff@MeetingsCanada.com

CHR IST IN E OTS U KA COtsuka@MeetingsCanada.com

“Buying fireworks at a bar in Mexico and setting them off right there on the balcony. Security was not happy with my friends and I.”

ART KE LS E Y B R E ME R

Art Director 416.442.5600 x3257

KBremer@MeetingsCanada.com

SALES CO R I-A N N CA N U E L

“Hiking up Montserrat, in Spain.”

Account Manager 416.510.6819

Account Manager, International 416.510.5144 Sales + Marketing Associate 416.442.5600 x3213

“Ziplining through the mountains, in Cabo San Lucas.”

CCanuel@MeetingsCanada.com

A LA N N A MCQ UA ID AMcquaid@MeetingsCanada.com

ME LISSA SCOT T MScott@MeetingsCanada.com

INCENTIVEWORKS R O B IN PA IS LE Y

General Manager 416.510.5141

“Worked Friday, took a night flight to Amsterdam and spent Saturday shopping and walking, then took an evening flight home. Great story to tell about my weekend, but I was exhausted Monday at work, and it took 10 years off my life.”

RPaisley@MeetingsCanada.com

“Spa!”

“Driving the Autobahn at a ridiculously high speed in a Volvo station wagon; in hindsight, it should have been a Porsche 911 Turbo.”

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS IYNA BORT CARUSO, HAILEY EISEN, GAL E G I N G R I C H , C AA P, C M P, A L LA N LY N C H , M A R I E LA M C I LW RA I T H , C M P, CM M , ADAM PLETSC H , DAVID PYE, S U SA N RA D OJE V IC, RA N DY T HO R ST E IN SO N , SA N D RA WO O D, C M P 2012 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD V I TO CU RALLI, STEVE D EMPSEY, RICC A R DA G A LIOTO, JOA N N E KE AT IN G , KE LLY MACD O N A LD, R OSE M ARY NACCARATO, C MP, C MM, C LAIRE SMIT H, JE N N IFE R ST RAT H, A LE XA N D R E T E SS IE R , HE ID I W E L K E R

PRODUCTION + ONLINE + CIRCULATION C ATH Y LI

Market Production Associate 416.510.5150

IT Business Support Manager 416.510.6898 Circulation Manager 416.442.5600 x3543

CLi@bizinfogroup.ca

LAURA MOFFAT T LMoffatt@bizinfogroup.ca

BIG MAGAZINES LP A LE X PA PA NO U

Vice-President of Canadian Publishing

President of Business Information Group

B RU CE CR E IGH TO N

BEATA OLECHN OW ICZ BOlechnowicz@bizinfogroup.ca

Meetings + Incentive Travel (M+IT) magazine receives unsolicited features and materials (including letters to the editor) from time to time. M+IT, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, re-publish, distribute, store and archive such submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort. MAIL PREFERENCES: Occasionally we make our subscriber list available to reputable companies whose products or services may be of interest to you. If you do not wish your contact information to be made available, please contact us via one of the following methods: Phone: 1-800-668-2374, Fax: 416-442-2191, E-Mail: privacyofficer@businessinformationgroup.ca, SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: Canada $76.00 per year, Outside Canada $106.00 US per year, Single Copy Canada $13.00. Meetings + Incentive Travel is published 6 times per year except for occasional combined, expanded or premium issues, which count as two subscription issues. Meetings + Incentive Travel is indexed in the Canadian Business Index and is available online in the Canadian Business & Current Affairs Database. Contents Copyright BIG Magazines LP, a division of Glacier BIG Holdings Company Ltd. Canada Post — Canadian publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 40069240 ISSN No. 1915-1125. 80 Valleybrook Drive, North York, ON M3B 2S9. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

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contributors

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RA NDY THOR STEINSON Motivating Factors: The Ultimate Reward

SCOTT WILSO N Hard Wired: Google Gold

MA R IE LA MCILW RA IT H Huge Influence, Big Impact: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

HA ILE Y E IS E N Could You Be More Green?: A Green Meeting Primer

“An outdoor wilderness leadership experience, with an obstacle course of climbing trees and ziplining across a gorge with a river a few hundred feet below.

They told me I did it too fast and didn’t ‘experience’ the lesson, which was overcoming fear.”

“I stayed for several days in a Buddhist temple in the mountains of South Korea. Guests had to follow their lifestyle. This meant early mornings, traditional martial arts exercise similar to Tai Chi, picking roots on the mountainside, eating traditional meals and meditating.”

“This summer, I’m going to Kenya to help film a documentary on youth social entrepreneurs and their collaboration with University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business students.”

“Arriving in Fez, Morocco, in the middle of the night (after a four-hour cab ride with a driver who didn’t speak English and was blasting Arabic techno music), wandering through the Medina, trying to find our hostel, while being followed by strange men!”

Contact Randy at: randyt@cascadiamotivation.com

Contact Scott at: scottw@rankhigher.ca

Contact Mariela at: mariela@meetingchange.com

Contact Hailey at: haileyeisen.com

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AS I SEE IT

SUSTAIN. ABILITY.

COMING NEXT ISSUE Our July.August issue features a look at the future of incentive travel. Plus, our annual IncentiveWorks Showguide containing comprehensive trade show and conference information.

STAY IN THE KNOW Sign up for our newsletters, delivered right to your inbox.

Weekly The top five must-read stories of the week, plus industry blogs and important dates.

Monthly In case you missed it, we recap the most-read industry news of the month.

PHOTO DONNA SANTOS

meetingscanada.com/newsletters

This issue focuses on corporate social responsibility (CSR), explored in-depth, from a number of angles, in these pages.

But why CSR? The immediate benefits of adopting CSR initiatives, be it socially conscious projects or increasing ecofriendly business practices, are obvious: improving the community in which planners and suppliers do business.

Perhaps less obvious are the compelling business reasons to embrace CSR. Dig deeper, though, and they become evident.

Suppliers, for example, need to embrace CSR because it can improve their bottom line, contrary to an often widely held perception that going green is a cost.

Beyond the obvious cost savings from such environmentally sound practices as improved energy efficiencies, greening can actually increase revenues.

For instance, although green-certifying a hotel requires up-front costs, the competitive edge it brings, and the return on investment, can be substantial—and long-term.

How? Green certification will help a hotel or venue meet government and corporate clients’ environmental purchasing requirements, and find favour with ecominded planners, thus opening up potential new client streams.

Too, those business benefits are invaluable to sell sustainability to stakeholders. To that end, it’s crucial to evaluate,

calculate and articulate the benefits (for instance, positioning sustainability as a savings, rather than a cost) to stakeholders.

From a planner’s perspective, it’s key to keep the focus on attendees. If attendees don’t have a good experience, all the green initiatives and cost savings mean nothing.

The trick is to use sustainability to elevate the attendee experience. And THAT’s where the creativity comes in. Roll up your sleeves and have some fun.

We’re very pleased to announce that M+IT has, for the fourth year in a row, renewed our partnership with the Hotel Association of Canada to promote its Green Key Eco-Rating program. Under the partnership, Green Key will see its certified Canadian members highlighted in our annual M+IT Buyers’ Guide and online at MeetingsCanada.com. It’s our way of advancing a sustainable meetings industry.

DON DOULOFF, MANAGING EDITOR DDOULOFF@MEETINGSCANADA.COM

M+IT EDITORIAL MANDATE Meetings industry and travel publications are often offered free FAM trips, accommodations and gifts.

M+IT magazine only accepts those that will be featured in the magazine or online through editorial content. Destinations are chosen through reader surveys and market research.

MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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what's new on

WESTIN PLANS 200 NEW HOTELS

+ bit.ly/newwestin

From Les Selby’s INDUSTRY INSIDER

“Why is it that so many professionals often fail to talk about what our events achieve in business terms? Do we think costs and revenue are not as sexy as the great destinations we want to use for our next meeting or incentive?” +bit.ly/lesselby

DIGITAL EDITIONS Want to view the entire magazine online?

Now you can with M+IT’s free digital editions.

“We’ll really understand our relevance and raison d’etre as meeting and event specialists when we learn how to value what we do through our clients’ eyes, rather than (or, at least, in addition to) our own.”

MITCHELL BEER, CMM, PRESIDENT, THE CONFERENCE PUBLISHERS INC. (Comment on Susan Radojevic’s Why Do We Exist?)

+ meetingscanada.com/digital-edition

MONTREAL A LA CARTE

+ bit.ly/whydowe

SPA/DINNER CRUISE

+ bit.ly/mtlfood

Listen in on the conversation or better yet, join in! Follow us on Twitter for the latest breaking industry news and updates @MeetingsCanada 10

View and share event photos, ask for advice from other planners and suppliers or react to industry headlines on our Facebook page (facebook.com/MeetingsCanada)

+ bit.ly/spagroup

MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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Feeding the

Through Innovation

Through Experience

Through Communication

We are committed to bringing a world of energy and ideas together.

Meet with energy! calgary-convention.com 1.800.822.2697 | T 403.261.8500 | sales@calgary-convention.com

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wrap-ups

GMIC SUSTAINABILITY MEETINGS CONFERENCE 2012 Just over 200 attendees turned out to take in the GMIC Sustainability Meetings Conference 2012, April 22-25, hosted by the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure. Breaking

down as 45 per cent suppliers; 30 per cent planners; 10 per cent sustainability consultants and 15 per cent divided among academics, students and media, attendees

FUEL YOUR INSPIRATION

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onferenc Inspired C

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were treated to stellar sessions over the conference’s three days. Conference highlights included: Setting the tone for the conference, on day one, with his remarks in the opening session, was Paul Salinger, vice-president, marketing, Oracle (and Green Meetings Industry Council president).

A fervent proponent of green, Salinger exhorted the room on the need to commit fully to sustainability.

Keynote John Picard gave an impassioned and energetic presentation on cutting-edge green practices.

Having served as sustainability director for Live Earth, the largest multi-city concert in history to focus on climate change, Picard has conceptualized and built hundreds of the world’s smartest homes, workplaces and communities.

To that end, he demonstrated some cutting-edge technology by changing the temperature on his home thermostat using his smart phone.

At a breakout session, Julie Baylor, of Julie Baylor Hospitality Consulting, discussed the value of green certification for hotels and venues.

Measuring green certification’s ROI may be more difficult to calculate than, say, energy cost reductions, but there are still concrete benefits. Baylor outlined a number of the pros of green certification, beyond environmental, including social (increased public awareness; plus, green certification reduces the risk of greenwashing accusations).

As was noted in her session, “the role of business in society is to change it.”

On a lighter note, the conference offered a number of bl!nk sessions, a model based on short (two- to five-minute) presentations, usually of a humorous (and, let it be said, highly entertainining) bent, where speakers managed to get their point across while keeping the audiences in stitches.

In one such bl!nk session, Adrian Segar, president/founder, Conferences that Work, took as his theme ‘torn on tech.’

The gist of his highly opinionated presentation? New technology isn’t the only way to improve meetings and events.

— DON DOULOFF

MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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event spotlight july Keep on top of professional development and networking opportunities in the business events community.

june CAEM Annual Conference CAEM’s annual conference promises to be the best opportunity to network, learn and exchange ideas in the exposition and events industry. The 2012 theme is about connecting and sharing ideas, knowledge transfer and creating resources. The educational and networking opportunities will focus on the present and future of the industry’s landscape with top-notch seminars and speakers to help attendees manage the challenges and opportunities that we face in a rapidly changing business climate. Located at The Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax. caem.ca

AS I SEE IT

CSAE 7th Annual Summer Summit The CSAE Summer Summit is a great opportunity for association leaders to gain valuable education and network in a relaxed resort atmosphere. It is an ideal learning opportunity for senior association and emerging leaders to strengthen and develop their leadership and management skills.

The education program is relevant to those who are looking for new ways of thinking and new ideas to sustain and grow their associations. Join fellow members at the Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, Ont. csae.ca GBTA International Convention & Exposition At the GBTA’s 2012 Convention, attendees can connect face-to-face with travel managers and industry suppliers to discover profit-boosting solutions to industry-wide challenges. The global conference takes place at the Boston Convention Center

in Boston, MA and features two former U.S. Presidents, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as keynote speakers. gbta.org MPI World Education Congress (WEC) Meet and connect at MPI’s annual education conference in St. Louis, Missouri. The 2012 theme for the conference is Creating the New Connectivity. At WEC, attendees will find inspiration, explore what connectivity means and understand its effect on what we do as individuals and as an industry. MPI’s annual conference promises to give attendees the knowledge to create connectivity for their clients and their organizations, will simultaneously facilitating networking opportunities with thousands of planners and suppliers. and organizations, you’ll be connected to thousands of professionals just like you. mpiweb.org

CAEM Canadian Assoc. of Exposition Management, CSAE Canadian Society of Assoc. Executives, GBTA Global Business Travel Assoc., MPI Meeting Planners International.

YOUR BEST FRIEND JUST GOT A LITTLE BIGGER.

And easier to reference.

Watch for the NEW, larger-format M+IT Buyers’ Guide in September.

2012–2013

Advance copies available at IncentiveWorks Aug. 21 + 22, MTCC, Toronto.

Search the Buyers’ Guide online at Still the most comprehensive event venue and supplier directory in Canada.

MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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Rewards motivate people and travel is the ultimate reward.

THE ULTIMATE REWARD

BY RANDY THORSTEINSON Since the Great Recession of 2008, companies across Canada have faced the daunting challenge of motivating people to achieve corporate objectives, while watching every dollar closely. Conventional wisdom holds that cash is king when motivating people; however, the latest research has found that isn’t true. Merely giving raises or offering bonuses no longer works.

Increasingly, forward-thinking companies are examining the research and utilizing non-cash rewards to create superior results, yield a high return on investment and, most importantly, improve the bottom line.

A study by Shafer and Arkes, in the Journal of Economic Psychology, found that when given a choice of a hypothetical reward, people will pick cash. However, when an actual non-cash reward is the goal, people perform better even if the reward has the same value as cash.

Objective research validates what we have found: a wellthought-out rewards program motivates people to achieve superior results.

NON-CASH REWARDS The Aberdeen Group found that in 2011, organizations that provide non-cash reward/recognition programs increased revenues more than three times faster than for all others (9.6 per cent vs.

3 per cent).

The top non-cash rewards are travel, merchandise and pre-paid gift cards. However, pre-paid gift cards are generally viewed as ‘near cash’ to recipients and have a much lower motivational impact.

Non-cash reward programs consistently provide a higher motivational value, excitement and increased performance than cash.

In the U.S., Goodyear Tire ran a six-month sales incentive program in over 900 stores. In half the stores, the reward was cash, for every 12 tires of specified models sold. In the other half, they received merchandise rewards of an equivalent value.

In six months, at the end of the sales incentives, the merchandise-rewarded salespeople outperformed the cash-recipient salespeople by 46 per cent. The return on investment for the non-cash 14

program was 31 per cent; the cash program return on investment was minus 20 per cent.

The question that needs to be asked: Why do non-cash reward programs work better than cash? Here’s why: + Cash has no lasting memory; it is quickly spent on bills or necessities and becomes an entitlement. + Non-cash rewards are memorable; you will definitely remember who rewarded you with a trip to China or a bigscreen television. + It’s more difficult to attach a monetary value to non-cash rewards. They have a higher perceived value. + Non-cash rewards are generally kept separate from compensation in people’s minds. + A non-cash reward is a guilt-free indulgence and is, therefore, more motivational.

Non-cash rewards have trophy value. It is impolite to talk about cash, but non-cash rewards are socially acceptable topics of discussion.

TRAVEL MOTIVATING APQC Worldwide found that travel is five times more motivating than cash; merchandise, three times more motivating.

A major national company wanted to create a rewards program to motivate its 900 telesales reps to increase their numbers. They decided on an incentive-travel program to Hawaii, with a full slate of activities and events. The base quota for the group was $1-billion, with the top 10 per cent in each division receiving the reward.

A creative communication campaign was put in place to motivate participants. The results during the program were extraordinary: sales increased to $1.2-billion, 20 per cent over quota and a full 35 per cent of the company’s revenue. The return on investment was 199:1. Needless to say, management was ecstatic.

Working with our clients, we have learned that offering people an opportunity to visit an enticing destination, with activities and experiences that they cannot duplicate themselves, has a huge impact on people’s performance and their lives.

The evidence is overwhelming—rewards motivate people, and travel is the ultimate reward.

—Randy Thorsteinson is C.O.O. of Cascadia Motivation, based in Red Deer, Alta.

MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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Experience a dynamic setting in the heart of downtown Calgary. Connect with the cosmopolitan flair of Vancouver. Meet amidst the European culture and style of Montreal. Hold a dynamic conference close to Toronto’s business and financial district. Bringing people together at Hyatt Hotels in Canada has never been more unforgettable – or rewarding. Now you’ll receive a �% rebate, free Internet access for your guests and triple Hyatt Gold Passport® Bonus Points for qualifying meetings. Plus, you can always count on inspiring spaces and talented meeting advisors to ensure your event will be perfect.

To take advantage of this exclusive offer, book and hold your meeting by December ��, ����. Call ��� �� GREAT (��� ��� ����) and reference Offer Code CANADA or visit hyattmeetings.com/canada.

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Offer is valid for new events booked and held by 12/31/2012 at participating Hyatt hotels in Canada. Offer not valid in conjunction with previously booked or held meetings or events and may not be combined with other promotional offers. Meeting or incentive is subject to availability of function space and guest rooms at time of booking. Planner must request offer code CANADA at time of booking. Additional terms and conditions apply. Visit hyattmeetings.com/canada for complete terms and conditions. ©2012 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

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Leading Change in a Fast-Paced and Technological Workplace Cheryl Cran, CSP, Sythesis at Work Inc.

The Problem with the Future is… It’s Now! Greg van Dyke, PSAV

Strategic Meetings Management Program (SMMP) To Infinity and Beyond!

Betsy Bondurant, CMP, CMM, Bondurant Consulting

“Spearhearting” Your Community Service Projects: Enhancing Meaning, Engagement and Objectives Mariela McIlwraith, Meeting Change

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SHARING SECRETS

One strategy for strengthening the industry, brought forth by a reader, is for planners to share their winning tools and strategies and implement them as industry standards. Do you think planners are open to sharing their secrets and risk eliminating competitive advantage?

AS TOLD TO CHRISTINE OTSUKA

independent

corporate

KIM GERVAIS, CMP Owner, Creative Expressions Event Consulting

While planners may not have previously taken this approach, I have recently observed a shift towards more cooperation, which is something I believe should be strongly encouraged.

Working in a collaborative community can benefit everyone involved. As an independent planner, I see this happening on a continual basis and I personally work in partnership with other planners to deliver successful events. We partner together because many of us have different abilities that complement each other, and every time I work with another planner, I learn fresh skills, new insights and innovative practices.

I feel that planners, along with their employers and/or clients, can only benefit from the sharing of best practices. Mutual sharing of tools and strategies serves to broaden each planner’s skill set, resulting in the provision of better overall results.

A collaborative approach, such as this, strengthens the industry overall and would not dilute a planner’s abilities, but rather, highlight them as an innovator or expert in their field. This approach could enhance a seasoned planner’s capabilities and help shape the career of incoming planners.

The Final Verdict

third party

SHAWN REICKER

Manager, Events & Branding - Business Segment, Rogers Communications Inc. I think most meeting managers would be open to sharing their tools, vendors and resources.

I rely heavily on research skills to find the perfect vendor for upcoming projects, research that sometimes includes contacting industry friends and colleagues for recommendations and feedback on potential new suppliers. Over time, I’ve built a roster of the best of the best, in the industry, and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned.

Sharing resources should not be seen as putting anyone at a disadvantage or losing their competitive edge. I think that great meeting managers build relationships with their favourite photographers, caterers, and other vendors over years of working in tandem. They take the time to foster trust and to build a work history of likes and dislikes, work styles and preferences. Each meeting manager will bring their own preferences to the table, approaching that vendor differently, and getting different results.

Also, companies that work hard to make my job easier, making me look like a superstar in the eyes of my clients, should be rewarded with positive recommendations and shared with everyone.

It’s a simple idea—we all share the tricks we’ve learned over the years for the betterment of the industry. Processes are created, best practices are in place and, in so doing, we all learn something. But when it comes right down to it, how much are planners willing to share? A killer venue or a new tool? Sure. A winning strategy?

DIANA GRALING, CMP, CMM, CSEP Manager, Global Accounts, Helms Briscoe

It’s tricky when you’re dealing with intellectual property and competition. I believe the openness to share winning strategies depends on whether you’re an internal salaried planner (those who work for corporations, associations or not-for-profits) or external planner (those who work for independent event management companies).

During my years as an internal corporate planner, I was happy to share best practices as an industry speaker and educator.

Internal planners are paid a salary and are not competing with other planners to put bread on their tables, which makes it less risky to openly share ideas.

I believe external independent planners are more likely to share their secrets in the form of a book, for which they receive revenue. Additionally, an independent planner may be willing to share their expertise through speaking engagements and presentations that raise their profile and potentially lead to new clients. However, the independent has to be careful not to give away too much, as they risk educating their competition and decreasing their competitive advantage.

Perhaps. In my mind, sharing doesn’t necessarily eliminate competitive advantage—something that’s largely intangible in the first place. Experience and personality can’t be poached by the competition. So what do you have to lose?

HAVE AN OPINION?

E-mail cotsuka@meetingscanada.com MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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5/31/12 11:27:54 AM

How planners can maximize search engine optimization on their websites.

GOOGLE GOLD

BY SCOTT WILSON At this very moment, someone wants to hire a meeting planner and is taking action to find one. The question is: do they find you or your rival? Eyeballs have moved from traditional media to the Internet, leading to a new action that is performed over 3 billion times a day: search queries.

People are researching their purchasing decisions for products and services on search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing. If your website results appear in the first few positions, you will get a chance to attract a new client. If you don’t appear in the search results, your webpage is merely a billboard in the jungle. What am I talking about? Search Engine Optimization, otherwise known as SEO. Get this SEO stuff right and you can grow customers, market share and revenues. Get this SEO stuff wrong and you can lose your market share and be lost in the jungle of over 1 trillion web pages on the Internet.

CUSTOMER COUNT Just how many customers can you be gaining or missing every month? According to Google’s Keyword Tool External results for May, 2012, in Canada, there are 480 searches every month for the search query ‘meeting planner.’ This may sound like a small number, but if you look at the high level of commercial intent behind this search query, you may come to realize that 480 is a number to get excited about. Have you ever considered the lifetime residual value of a customer? How much is one new customer worth to your business? What if you received 100 new customers this month or over 400 new customers every month, for the next year? What would your business look like then?

Here are some powerful tips to help you improve your website so you can immediately begin attracting new clients through effective SEO. Look for keywords with commercial intent! The search query for meeting(s) totals over 1,600 searches per month in Canada.

Although this search query has more search traffic, I don’t know 18

what they are looking for. A search query for ‘meeting planners’ is most likely conducted by a person who is looking to hire a vendor to plan their next meeting. Since they are searching for the term and not a specific company leads me to believe their business is up for grabs. Some additional keywords with commercial intent are: ‘certified meeting planner’—91 searches/month; ‘meeting planner Toronto’—12; ‘corporate event planner(s)’ 156; ‘special event(s) planning’—58.

FOCUSED WEBPAGES Create laser-beam-focused webpages for the keywords you choose.

Many businesspeople will create a print brochure that lists a wide range of services the company offers. Implementing this broad scope of communication does not work on the Internet. Google wants to provide a searcher with the best webpage to match their search. If you have a webpage featuring content that’s a little bit about event planning, a little bit about corporate events, meeting planning, wedding planning, special events, etc., you do not have the best webpage for any of those topics. Creating laser-beamfocused pages means you have a unique page for each of the keywords you want to win. Each page should have a minimum of 350 words and your keyword should be on the page eight times, plus in your webpage title tag.

Get links from the vendors you do business with. One of the original deciding factors of Google’s algorithm, dating back to 1996, is the power of links to raise your search results. This still holds true.

Good links come from older websites that are related to your industry. If you continually work with a certain caterer, ask them for a link to your webpage. If you receive an e-mail offering you 300 links for $100, delete it, because those kinds of links may be considered spam and can damage your website’s reputation.

—Scott Wilson is president of Rank Higher and eMotion Picture Studios, based in Burlington, Ont.

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5/31/12 11:28:30 AM

More than a tent and a warm breeze, safety should be top-of-mind for outdoor events.

MANAGING AN OUTDOOR EVENT

BY GALE GINGRICH, CAAP, CMP When you take an event from an indoor venue to the great outdoors, the dynamics change. Each element of the event needs to be carefully thought out, with regard to risk management, logistics, traffic control and a thousand other details. The following tips should help you deliver an outdoor event as seamlessly as an indoor event. ❑ ASSESS PRIVACY When choosing a venue, make sure you completely understand your client’s requirements. If they want a private event, you will need to negotiate a buyout. If it is within a venue where your guests will mingle with the public, find out how much control over their group the client wishes. ❑ OBTAIN A PERMIT Keep in mind that with many outdoor venues, it will be necessary to obtain a permit. As permits usually take time, start early. Even if you do not need a permit for the venue, you will need one for tent(s), which your supplier may be able to provide. Be sure to ask. ❑ ASK QUESTIONS Find out exactly what is provided at the venue. If you are installing a tent, is the ground level? Is the venue agreeable to the tent being installed the day before your event and taken down the day after? Is there a power source? Is there a water source? Are there enough washrooms for the size of your group? Is your caterer used to working under the available conditions? What elements on the property may be cause for allergic reactions (i.e. straw, animals)? ❑ PREPARE FOR AN EMERGENCY Hire St. John’s Ambulance. Even if he or she has absolutely nothing to do, it will provide you with peace of mind. ❑ MAKE CERTAIN SUPPLIERS ARE INSURED Once you have determined your suppliers, have them provide you with their certificate of insurance. Make sure the amount is adequate (minimum $5-million) and that the appropriate parties are added insures. Keep in touch with them, make sure they know

exactly where they are going, how they are going to get there and what time they are expected. ❑ CHOOSE MENU ACCORDINGLY When selecting your menu, take into account that it is an outdoor event and that there will very likely be limited access to either water or power. Barbecue is ideal and your caterer should be able to make the menu as straightforward or as lavish as needed. If the weather is hot, have plenty of water and beverages available. ❑ PLAN FOR ALLERGIES AND MOBILITY ISSUES Let your guests know the type of venue (zoo, heritage village, farm, etc.) and location of the outdoor event. Ensure you ask for allergies and mobility issues. For example, if you have an attendee in a wheelchair or on crutches, you will need to make sure that the attendee is able to get around the venue as easily as everyone else. ❑ COMMUNICATE WITH ATTENDEES Provide attendees with a map to the venue and parking instructions, and make sure that there is adequate signage to your event area. Make the sign-in process as easy as possible. You may want to include the forecast and suggested attire suitable for the weather conditions. ❑ BUILD-IN TIME FOR ATTENDEES TO EXPLORE Choose the type of entertainment suitable for your group, with enough free time away from scheduled activities to take advantage of, and enjoy, the venue itself. ❑ RELAX Remember that you have no control over the weather. If you have provided shelter, asked your guests to dress for the weather and have hot drinks if the weather is cold and cold drinks if the weather is hot, there is not much else planners can do.

—Gale Gingrich, CAAP, CMP, is president of The Gingrich Group Inc. MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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ADVERTORIAL

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Matching donor program to benefit vital Canadian Economic Impact Study.

MAKING IT COUNT

BY IYNA BORT CARUSO Meetings and events professionals attending IncentiveWorks trade show and conference Aug. 21-22, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, will have a chance to contribute to the development of a vital industry study measuring the impact of meetings activity on Canada’s economy.

IncentiveWorks’ organizer, Meetings + Incentive Travel, will encourage attendees to make a direct contribution to the Canadian Economic Impact Study 3.0 (CEIS 3.0) through a matching donor program available at registration. Donations will be matched dollar for dollar by IncentiveWorks, up to $10,000, for a total potential contribution of $20,000 to this year-long study.

The study, initiated by MPI Foundation Canada, will continue reporting first published in the landmark Canadian Economic Impact Study released in 2008 and updated in 2009. It was the first study of its kind to quantify the meetings industry’s multi-billion-dollar contribution to the Canadian economy and detail the meetingssector industries using World Tourism Organization guidelines.

IMPORTANT TO COMMUNITY “As the largest marketplace for buyers of incentive travel, meetings space and event services in Canada, we are critically aware of how important this study is to our community,” says IncentiveWorks general manager Robin Paisley. “Attendees know that, too. Now, our matching donation program gives them the opportunity to have their contributions work double-time and make an even greater impact on the future of the meetings and events industry in Canada.”

All contributions will be tracked and remitted to MPI Foundation Canada following the trade show.

The goal of CEIS 3.0 is to qualify the value delivered by the business events industry to their communities and economy, both on a national and provincial level, in an effort to have the meeting sector recognized as a distinct and credible economic activity within the Canadian economy. CEIS 3.0 will springboard off the original CEIS report, by transforming its national focus into a regional one that can aid meetings-related business decisions at the provincial and local destination levels.

“Meetings activity benefits us all,” says CEIS project chair Rita Plaskett, CMP, CMM. “Tourism industries and hospitality services generate revenue and employment. CEIS 3.0 will demonstrate how local activity impacts the industry at large, through regional and municipal data collection that adheres to national methodology. We’re thrilled to have the support of our long-time partner, Meetings + Incentive Travel.”

MPI FOUNDATION CANADA CEIS 3.0 is being produced by MPI Foundation Canada, whose primary mandate is to develop research and education on behalf of Meeting Professionals International, the global 23,000-plus member meetings and events association. Funding for CEIS 3.0 is being led by title sponsors the Canadian Tourism Commission and InterContinental Hotels Group Canada, with support from Travel Alberta, Tourism Montreal, Coast Hotels and Resorts, Tourism Ottawa, Caesars Windsor, Vancouver Hotel Association, Tourism Vancouver, Vancouver Convention Centre, Meetings and Conventions Calgary.

In the last study, MPI Foundation reported meetings activity created the equivalent of more than 550,000 full-time jobs, generated more than $71-billion per year towards the GDP, with more than $14-billion in tax revenues.

The project is scheduled for completion next year, with preliminary results to be released for National Meetings Industry Day, in April, 2013. Findings will be shared with meeting professionals, government agencies and the general public. + CEIS 3.0 and MPI’s other industryleading studies are at mpiweb.org/ceis3 + For investment opportunities or for more information, contact Ron Guitar at rguitar@ mpiweb.org + To register/donate, visit bit.ly/CEIS3 —Iyna Bort Caruso is senior writer, Lucido+Koulian+Schmitt, based in New York

ASSOCIATION VOICE To keep M+IT’s readers informed on the wider meetings industry, we provide a forum for associations to furnish updates on their current activities. In all cases, the text is supplied or written by the featured association.

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5/31/12 11:34:16 AM

New regulations and technology are challenging planners’ purpose and value.

REINVENT AND REVOLUTIONIZE!

BY SUSAN RADOJEVIC This column was not easy to write, mainly because of my concern that a direct approach (in a world where oodles of superficial niceness is observed) will be misconstrued and cause the meetings and events community to take a self-preservation position and miss out on considering alternative perspectives. Then I thought wisdom and common sense would prevail. And the purpose of this column is to provoke diverse thinking and stimulate conversation!

With that in mind, I’d like to share a friend’s recent Facebook post. My friend’s six-year-old niece wrote about a story she read for school. Her niece wrote: “It reminds me when I felt sad because my friend and I were playing sisters. Then she said I could only be 13 and up. Then I said I wanted to be three. Then she said a big fat ‘no!’ Then I solved the problem and I said I could be what I wanted to be!”

The greatest opportunity classic planners (the ones who only plan travel and hospitality logistics) have, right now, is to reinvent themselves, revolutionize their role and its perception in and outside the community.

Prior to the influx of technology and social media, planners led with knowledge. It put them in charge of planning meeting and event logistics. More importantly, corporate leaders engaged with planners, because their knowledge and planning skills were relevant to what leaders needed at the time.

FOLLOWING KNOWLEDGE In 2007, in M+IT, I wrote, “…gaining status as a meeting professional in today’s world requires more than experience, survival and logistics skills.”

When I wrote that, the thing I hoped wouldn’t happen sadly has happened. Where planners once led with knowledge, they’re now following knowledge, and their status has diminished. New regulations and technology are challenging planners’ purpose and value. In fact, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO, established in 1997) deems planners’ competencies to be equal to that of travel agents and requires them to register with TICO. If folks in the travel and hospitality industry— the same industry

meeting and event planners belong to —can’t see the difference between a planner and a travel agent function, then how can the meetings and events community, with its present approach, expect CEOs to see the difference? When, for all intents and purposes, planners’ primary function is to plan, coordinate and deliver travel and hospitality logistics.

So what if there was another way to change that perception?

What if planners’ existing role remains unchanged and part of the travel and hospitality industry? After all, one needs efficient tactics to deliver successful strategies. Additionally, an Event Performance Improvement Group is created that’s separate from travel and hospitality. The Group would be composed of a new breed of event strategy specialists, event alignment strategists, performance improvement navigators.

EVENT EFFECTIVENESS Roles would focus on event effectiveness, like business strategy, event measurement, event alignment, content design and collaboration. Methods to help corporate leaders pilot radical innovations to break the mold of outdated leadership styles, business practices and models (a widely shared perception by 1,500-plus CEOs surveyed in IBM’s 2010 Global CEO Report on Complexity).

The Event Performance Improvement Group would advocate aligning, measuring and designing meetings and events to drive business goals. They would position enterprise-wide meetings and events as an event portfolio investment. The Group’s primary function would be to counsel corporate leaders on how to achieve top/ bottom line growth, navigate through complexity and capitalize on opportunities using their event portfolio investment to tap into the wisdom of many—a function worthy of a CEO’s attention.

Here’s the thing. Sometimes it makes more sense to create a different approach then persuade long-standing polarized opinions. Are you ready to take a stand?

—Susan Radojevic is president of The Peregrine Agency and host of Corner Office, in Toronto. Twitter: @susanradojevic

DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this column are intended to foster debate and discussion on how to revolutionize the meetings and events community. They don’t reflect the views of M+IT magazine. We welcome your feedback.

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5/31/12 11:35:44 AM

MENTAL DETOX Clearing out the clutter.

BY CHRISTINE OTSUKA

In March, I did something crazy. I cleansed. I underwent a voluntary two-week herbal detox in an effort to remove toxins from my body with the aim of undoing the damage I have done by ingesting processed foods and sipping glass after delicious glass of wine.

Don’t worry, it wasn’t drastic. I didn’t live off strange concoctions like cayenne pepper in lemon/sugar water or limit myself to fruit juices. Instead, I ate balanced meals every day, consisting of whole foods, and took herbal supplements, while abstaining from sugar, alcohol, tropical fruits, yeast, fermented food and the usual suspects: dairy, eggs and gluten.

Physical cleanses are tough. They’re difficult on the body, because when you abstain from toxins, your body is forced to release them into the bloodstream, causing you to feel worse before you feel better. It’s called the ‘healing crisis.’ I experienced eight days of headaches, nausea, fatigue and foggy-head that inconveniently coincided with the MPI Toronto Chapter Awards gala.

But after two weeks, I felt better. My body was refreshed and rejuvenated. My mind was clear. And while I’m still enjoying the physical effects of my cleanse months later, I was shocked at how quickly the modernday realities and stresses of life infiltrated that clearhead space, eroding all the hard work I had done during my physical detox.

You see, the mind’s a tricky thing. No matter how much you exercise or pay attention to what foods you consume, if there’s stress, worry or anxiety in your life, you’re going to feel unwell.

So your wellness, and ultimately your happiness, is rooted—to some extent—in your head.

MIND CLUTTER So what’s going on inside that crazy head of yours? A whole heck of a lot.

I’m certain most of us have said at one point that there’s just not enough time in the day. For some, it’s a feeling they experience on a daily basis. The demands of our modern lives keep us moving physically and similarly, our minds are moving just as fast. There’s an overcrowding of thoughts—what some call ‘mind clutter.’

“We worry about all kinds of things—our status in the world, about what we have to achieve next, our material wealth (or lack thereof), job security, our environment and global warming, and even our physical appearance,” says Christine Maingard, author of Think Less, Be More. It’s gotten to a point where we no longer know how to get away from our internal chatter. That’s a scary thought, when the vast majority —80 per cent—of the 70,000 thoughts we have per day are either negative or repetitive.

TECHNOSTRESS While worry and negative or repetitious thinking is one culprit, technology-induced stress is another.

So it’s no surprise there’s a new term floating around in both the cyber and real world: ‘technostress.’ Put simply, our reactions to technology can cause frustration and upset our mental well-being. When things run smoothly, Maingard continues, we experience information overload—hundreds of e-mails and text messages a day. And when our smartphone dies, our computer unexpectedly shuts down or we just can’t get a signal, our mental well-being is just as compromised.

signs of mind clutter + Unable to relax + Difficulty sleeping + Tension and headaches + Unhappy, angry, disappointed + Constantly worried/anxious + Absent-minded + Ruminating; thinking the same thoughts over and over again + Overwhelmed by stress

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Additionally, the isolating effects of technology can be detrimental to our well-being, especially when we have trouble disconnecting. So much so, that we need incentives or challenges to do so, like Adbusters magazine’s ‘Digital Detox Week’—a challenge to unplug from technology for seven days, give up the screen- and computer-based stuff as much as possible, to give your eyes and mind a break.

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE While there’s a strong correlation between stress and anxiety and depression, mind clutter and technology-induced stress can cause a ripple effect in our bodies, says Maingard. First, our body discharges fats and sugars into our bloodstream. Then, it increases the production and release of cortisol (the stress hormone). The adrenal glands produce more hormones, the heart beats faster, digestion slows to preserve energy, the muscles tense up, and so forth.

The body quickly recovers from short bursts of such stress response, but when we experience prolonged periods of such response, our body adapts and at the same time our health and well-being is being attacked.

Stress can be the culprit in sudden onset of palpitations, muscle tension, headaches, unexplained weight gain, insomnia and several more serious stressrelated diseases.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY Understanding that time is a rare commodity these days (part of the problem), here are a few simple things you can do to improve your mental well-being: + Focus on the present moment. One strategy is to practice focused, mindful breathing and one-minute meditations. Doing short and simple breathing exercises can relieve stress instantly. But you have to take the time to do them. + Learn the art of doing nothing. If you have difficulty finding time in the day to just ‘chill out,’ mark it in your schedule. Book a daily meeting with yourself —start with 10 minutes each day, and just enjoy the moment. + Practice gratitude. We don’t give thanks or say thanks enough to and for the people in our lives. Practicing daily gratitude will help empty out the negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones that don’t clutter the mind. + Get outside. Go for a walk, smell the roses, enjoy the sunshine or the rain or the wind. Connecting with the natural world is a vital strategy for our health and well-being. It automatically helps us be the natural person we are, without the distractions of modern life.

Slowing down and simplifying your life is a concept impossible for most busy planners to imagine—the demands of daily life just don’t seem to allow for it.

While it may feel like that sometimes, it’s probably more accurate to say that we, as individuals, don’t allow for it. Unlike a physical detox, which, for me, had a hard stop at the end of the 14-day mark, a mental detox is an ongoing process. But as they say, knowledge is power. And being aware is half the battle.

—Christine Otsuka is Assistant Editor of Meetings + Incentive Travel

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Become aware of your inner landscape and what influences your thought processes.

Let go of excessive thinking and accept what IS. Reduce your mental intake and information overload.

Slow down and reduce your ‘busyness.’

Pay attention to worrying and anxious thinking and through this, learn to gradually let go of worries and anxieties.

Recognize that negative emotions are the result of negative self-talk.

good for your group Delegates with mind clutter will have a hard time focusing on the task at hand. Ease their inner chatter and improve program engagement using these strategies:

+ Slow down. Cramming in that extra program element may create additional stress and cloud the mind of the attendee. Opt for fewer elements that allow delegates to adequately engage.

+ Forced relaxation. Not all attendees will use leisure time to relax. Schedule in mini-massages, leisurely walks or relaxation breaks to ensure they’re recharging their batteries. + Techno-ban. This won’t be possible for all groups, but challenge participants to leave their smartphones in their room for a day, to help them unplug. Or plan activities that use pen and paper, flip charts or take place outdoors.

Practice mindful behaviours when we interact with the world around us.

Daily mindfulness should be our new way of being; consider a mind/body activity, such as yoga, relaxation techniques or meditation.

SOURCE: THINK LESS, BE MORE,

BY CHRISTINE MAINGARD

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5/31/12 11:37:05 AM

big influence, huge impact

T

he meetings and events industry is embracing corporate social responsibility (CSR) with great enthusiasm. Essentially a built-in form of self-regulation, CSR shows our industry at its self-aware best: voluntarily taking responsibility, at the corporate level, for its actions in the wider community.

Also to its credit, the industry is embracing CSR at all levels —from the grassroots, individual-meeting-planner level to the highest-echelon corporate level—proving that even small actions have big influence, but taken together, our industry’s collective actions have huge influence.

Small actions, such as an incentive group gathering eyeglasses and donating them to children during a group program; or building bikes for underprivileged kids. Large actions such as hotel-driven

philanthropic foundations. Think of CSR as the “it takes a village” philosophy taken to the nth degree, except that given the worldwide scope of our industry, it’s operating on a global-village level.

Interestingly, the term “corporate social responsibility” isn’t new.

It’s been around since the late 1960s and early 70s. What is new, though, is the extent to which it’s becoming the norm and how engrained it is in the meetings industry culture—to the point where some of the large hotel chains, for instance, have created senior executive positions (with titles like ‘chief sustainability officer’) dedicated to CSR. The tide has turned. CSR is now a fact of life, a normal part of doing business in our industry. To find out how, exactly, our industry is embracing CSR, read on.

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CSR is a double-edge benefit that rewards giver and receiver.

By aLLaN LyNch

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he latest, largest and most meaningful new trend in the meeting and incentive industry’s evolution is the adoption of corporate social responsibility (CSR). It’s about bringing a new meaning to meetings via community outreach and giving back. In short, it’s Golden Rule 101. Someone called it ‘voluntourism’ and The New York Times labelled it “do-good travel.”

But CSR is more than pop psychology and optics. It’s a doubleedge benefit that rewards giver and receiver.

While Oprah encouraged her audience to engage in random acts of kindness, CSR is anything but random. It’s not about temporary optics and a quick feel-good session, it’s about sustainable, meaningful change. CSR seems to have grown out of the green movement. As we—individually and collectively—became more aware of waste, our vision grew sharper and broader, highlighting opportunities to engage in real change. And all the best people are doing it.

FAIRMONT HOTELS Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, for example, in 1995, launched an Adopt-A-Shelter program where maintenance, culinary and executive teams donate their skills to local women’s shelters. Though no longer brand-wide, the program is still undertaken by some of Fairmont’s properties. Furniture and computers are also “repurposed” to benefit these shelters. Three years ago, Starwood Hotels and Resorts launched its Global Citizenship Group, which focuses on energy and water savings, but has a community outreach element. Jazz Aviation offers a Jazz Hands program, which encourages staff volunteerism. CSR has even hit the gilded corridors of London’s Buckingham Palace. According to Richard Peck, secretary of the 850-member Royal Warrant Holders’ Association (they’re the preferred suppliers to The Queen and Princes Philip and Charles), new applicants now have to pass corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability audits.

On the planner front, one of the early entries into CSR was Meridican Incentive Consultants (MIC). According to Terry Manion, Meridican’s vice-president, “We fell into it; 2001 was our first venture into this, without knowing it was a trend. We were running a program for 250 people in Costa Rica and the DMC there, Premio, suggested a dinner in a small town near the resort, where we would engage the local community. As a payback for participating”— they replicated their harvest festival—“we donated dollars to their local school, so they could make repairs.”

POSITIVE RECEPTION It was received so positively that Manion pitched a similar Habitatfor-Humanity style event to the client’s larger division. That doubled the size of a local school. Manion says, “This is the best form of team-building, in my estimation. We’ve been doing trips with that company for over 20 years. There wasn’t a team-building event we’ve done, or any kind of unique tour or anything, where people got so close to each other and were truly working out problems.

There are some great ballroom-style games you can play to work out these fictitious issues, but this is real-time stuff. It’s a president under a sink working with his dealer in Regina, trying to fix a leak. It brings everybody down to a level that is equal.”

After this, Meridican made CSR part of all client pitches. Even in tight times, client pickup averages 50 per cent.

If CSR faces a challenge, it’s client or planner fear. Manion says, “Some clients get scared that they’re not pampering [incentive guests] enough and we’ve now asked them to do something we’ve never asked them to do before. So fear of the reaction does stop some clients. I can say that it is the polar opposite in effect. People feel so good about themselves, that you’ve given them a gift. It’s a strange form of pampering, for sure, but the feeling and satisfaction they get out of working and helping others can’t be replaced.”

top tips for csr programming ++ Get bang for your buck. Don’t tease. If it takes $20,000 to reach a goal and your budget is $6,000, find a $6,000 project.

++ Conduct proper site inspections for the project, to understand it and the logistical requirements.

++ Ask what people need, versus what you think they should have. Be collegial and don’t let people feel like this is charity.

++ Don’t harangue delegates; let them opt in or out.

++ Keep groups to a manageable size, to reach a target and prevent people standing around. Manion says, “It doesn’t take 60 people to plant one tree.” ++ Look for options to engage the local community. These options could include kids painting pictures or a group providing catering.

++ With national clients, give regional offices the opportunity to pick their projects. ++ If possible, follow up. Vacationing Meridican staff have been known to photograph projects to see how locals are managing, in order to show clients the ongoing benefit of their work.

++ Seek local help, like a good DMC, to identify need and ensure you pay local—not inflated—rates.

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FOCUS IS AT HOME If CSR carries any baggage, it’s a mythology that it mostly focused on Third World projects. Baxter agrees, “there’s certainly lots of need in the Third World, but our customers are Canadian and our focus is much more here at home.” Beyond greening operations, Loyalty One, says Baxter, funnels “our charitable efforts to community building. We have a strong partnership with Kids Help Phone.

They provide a service to young adults and teenagers that doesn’t exist anywhere but Canada. We work with a charity called Motion Ball, which is a fundraising element for the Special Olympics.”

Beyond the touchy-feely aspect, what about return on investment (ROI) and building buzz?

Manion says, “with an incentive program, you’re always measuring the ROI from the time you set up the incentive. You want people fired up, so I think the ROI is multi-faceted. If our people are engaged, they’re going to thank us for providing that opportunity, and that’s great goodwill towards the sponsoring firm” as well as excellent team-building.

BUILDING BUZZ SOCIAL LICENSE At Loyalty One—think Air Miles—chief sustainability officer Debbie Baxter says, “For us, CSR is about the balance between today and tomorrow. It’s having a business that is successful and doing the right things for the customers and the staff today, but with an eye on the future resources. We define that as a social license to operate.”

Loyalty One is very active in CSR because it sees it as the right thing to do and can make a hard business case justifying it. Baxter says, “This area of corporate responsibility is the number one thing our staff respond to, from an engagement standpoint. They respond tremendously when we offer them the chance to volunteer or demonstrate that we’re doing something positive for the environment. So for us, it’s about that value proposition of hiring the best talent in the market and retaining the staff once we have them as part of our team.”

CSR is such a growth trend that many U.S. cities now list shovelready projects on their group meeting pages. In Canada, destination reps for Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver and Ottawa report growing planner inquires, while Calgary has matched its American counterparts by listing volunteer projects on its group website.

Baxter says Loyalty One “puts skin in the game” by taking one day per year, company-wide, for all 1,500 staff to participate in one of the corporate projects and giving each employee one day a year to participate in a personal project.

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As for building buzz, Manion says, “It’s not that difficult the second time, but the first time around is with pictures. If it’s an actual facility you’re going to improve, then you can take shots of the ‘befores’ and explain what you’re going to do and what that impact is going to have. We honestly probably haven’t done a great job of using it as part of the tease-up to an incentive. As much as we wanted our clients to know we’re doing this, it didn’t feel right using this as a marketing tool.”

Loyalty One puts its marketing bones to work in communicating with employees. Baxter says, “I’ve seen some studies around the cost of replacing a talented staff member and the cost of replacing a customer, so I think if you look at those elements and equate that to the engagement elements behind corporate responsibility, I think there is ROI to be had there.”

As for creating buzz, Loyalty One uses its daily e-mailed newsletter to inform and inspire staff with messages, contests and price.

But the end results are driven by visibility. Baxter says, “It’s about impact. We tend to use the options that have the larger or most visible impact. We could just write a cheque to some of our charity partners, and we do some of that, it’s part of the equation, but we also put our staff out there working with the charities, so they can see the impact of what’s happening.”

And that is the real payoff.

— Allan Lynch is a freelance writer based in New Minas, N.S.

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I

t’s tough to get excited about any initiative—an educational endeavour, a new job, a budding relationship —when you are not committed to, or even a little bit excited about, the outcome. If you don’t care how it turns out in the end, the whole effort feels hollow.

Successful corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs are no different. They only work when they serve a purpose and, according to those who develop and run such programs, the level of engagement of the participants has a direct—and major—impact on a program’s ultimate success.

There is plenty of evidence out there to support the theory. Aeroplan Canada, now owned by parent company Aimia, offers a good example.

Its director of community engagement, Alden Hadwen, says that while the company is now highly active in CSR, she recognizes it had the privilege of starting with a blank page.

“When we knew we were going to become an independent company [in 2004], we held focus groups with employees and did research to find where there was a fit with what we do in our business and where there was a need. It was the focus groups with members that helped us find our first emphasis.”

QUESTIONS FOR MEMBERS Members were asked, “What makes life meaningful to you?” Many responded with something like: “giving back of my skills and expertise,” or “sharing what I have learned in my profession and my life experience.”

Hadwen and others looked for ways Aeroplan’s program could support members giving back by offering their expertise. They discovered that charitable organizations such as Engineers Without Borders and Doctors

a perfect fit

It’s crucial to match the right CSR program with the right group.

By Adam Pletsch

Without Borders were helping Canadians do just that—and that travel represented about one-third of their budgeted costs.

They created a program in which donated miles, from Aeroplan Corporate and also from members, were put into an account managed by the participating charitable organization. In this way, Aeroplan felt, more Canadians could participate in projects at home and abroad through the donation of their expertise.

Hadwen says the Beyond Miles Program is successful because it represents a “circle of fulfillment.” The program enables the charitable work, but over and above that, it also includes and engages Aeroplan employees, while enhancing the credibility of the Aeroplan brand.

“It is so important to have the right fit for the business, to contribute something other than cheque-book philanthropy which will have a meaningful and long-term resonance for all parties involved,” says Hadwen.

PROGRAM AMBASSADORS Hadwen says employees who go on engagement trips come back as ambassadors for the program, willing to share their experiences and what they’ve learned. “The emphasis is always on working with communities, rather than imposing infrastructure, and on educating in a reciprocal way so that everyone is enriched,” she says.

For his part, Trevor Lui, director of operations and sustainability at the International Centre, in Mississauga, Ont., says one of the most successful programs in his organization’s three social responsibility tiers involves co-op internships.

To that end, the International Centre works with several colleges, including its home institution, Humber College. It has put nearly 40 students through its internships and co-ops in the last four years, hiring approximately 75 per cent of the students. “We really believe in home-grown talent,” says Lui. But the International Centre also supports numerous local charities, food bank and food share programs, and staff members often cook breakfasts for kids at schools. It also offers sustainable events at its facilities for like-minded clients.

He says finding the right fit with CSR is absolutely crucial. “There is such a thing as donor fatigue, whether you’re asking for money or product, or whether you’re asking your internal stakeholders, staff or your customers. You have to hit the right notes.”

—Adam Pletsch is a writer and editor based in Toronto.

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a helping hand A number of major hotel brands are seriously committed to CSR activities worldwide.

STARWOOD Through its Global Citizenship group and partnerships with Conservation International and UNICEF, Starwood Hotels and Resorts cultivates its ongoing commitment to the environment and its host communities. For example, a program undertaken at the Westin Calgary and Le Centre Sheraton Montreal reuses excess food from banquets and events and redistributes it to local shelters. The brand has set aggressive environmental goals, too, targeting a 30-percent reduction in energy use, per available room, by 2020.

By DON DOuLOFF No question, hotels leave an environmental footprint. But through innovative corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, major brands are making a tremendous effort to extend a helping hand environmentally, socially and economically, and in so doing, are making huge improvements globally.

SANDALS

The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, has undertaken more than 100 community programs throughout the Caribbean and raised more than $1.5-million for programs supporting education, communities and the environment.

Activities include partnering with Great Shape! Inc. to facilitate oral hygiene education, dental clinics and eye-care clinics for more than 50,000 people; investing in marine sanctuaries and educating Jamaican fishermen on the importance of preserving marine life; and building and renovating schools.

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Ritz-Carlton’s Community Footprints program vows that all its properties would be “positive, supportive members of their communities and sensitive to the environment.” In June, 2012, the brand expanded its voluntourism program, VolunTeaming, globally. VolunTeaming choices include harvesting and packaging produce for distribution to the community; protecting the local watershed by removing invasive plant species; participating in renovation projects at Safe Harbor Boys Home; cultivating a community garden; and building nests for migratory birds in a nature reserve.

RITZ-CARLTON

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HILTON Hilton’s CSR activities are many and varied. Hilton Worldwide has partnered with Room to Read, a global non-profit organization focused on improving literacy and gender equality in education in South and Southeast Asia. As part of its Your2 Hands program, Home2 Suites

by Hilton partners with Mid-South Food Bank. In the Greater D.C. Area, Hilton Worldwide has addressed the community needs of non-profits, schools and community-based organizations through philanthropy, team-member volunteerism and in-kind support.

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP

FAIRMONT Through its Meetings that Matter program, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts gives back in a myriad of ways. That could include cleaning up local waterways; assisting local shelters; or building homes for Habitat for Humanity. Planners booking a new meeting with at least 50 room nights may donate 10 per cent of the room revenue to a charity of their choice, whether it’s a cause that resonates with attendees or a local organization in need.

PALACE RESORTS Palace Resorts Foundation helps people living in the Mexican states of Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Jalisco and Nayarit overcome challenging health issues; spearheads the development of social projects and education; and promotes ecological culture. On the eco-front, the foundation has worked to safeguad the endangered leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles in Cancun and Riviera Maya. On the health front, the foundation offers treatment of lifethreatening illnesses; physical rehabilitation; and financial support for high-risk surgeries.

In April, 2012, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) partnered with Clean the World to recycle partially-used soaps and bottled amenities from hotel guestrooms and distribute them to families in more than 45 countries.

IHG could add 3,274 properties in the U.S. and Canada to Clean the World’s growing list of more than 1,400 hospitality partners. IHG brands that can participate in the program include InterContinental Hotels & Resorts; Hotel Indigo; Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts; and Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts.

—Don Douloff is Managing Editor of Meetings + Incentive Travel MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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Planners share their easy and effective CSR program elements.

By DON DOuLOFF

C

orporate social responsibility has never been hotter as a program element, as planners look at ways to give back to the communities hosting their groups or meetings.

Best of all, CSR activities don’t have to cost an arm and a leg or be difficult to implement.

“For speaker gifts, we give a donation certificate for a local charity,” says Ellen Boddington, CMP, president of Stellar Conference & Event Management. For example, one year, at a client conference in Victoria, B.C., “we gave to the Fairmont Empress’s ‘Save the Marmot’ fund, in which they have a resident marmot living on their grounds,” she says.

This year, that conference takes place in Quebec City and features a health-care theme, “so the speakers will receive a donation certificate made on their behalf to a local children’s hospital. It is something the client is proud of—and everyone benefits!”

BacKpacK FuLL OF SuppLieS Another easy but effective idea comes courtesy of Kelly MacDonald, manager, industry relations, with Fraser & Hoyt, in Halifax. In February, on a program in Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, “the client sent out a request to the participants to bring a backpack full of supplies, etc., and we would donate them to a local school,” she says.

Over 300 in size, the group collected “a lot of backpacks,” recalls MacDonald. “During the final dinner, we created a pyramid of all the backpacks and invited a few representatives from the school to come to the dinner, so we could make the presentation.” During the week, participants also collected cash and they used the money to 32

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buy tables and chairs for the school.

On another program in February, this time in Cancun, Fraser & Hoyt’s group participated in a build-a-bike activity as its teambuilding initiative and donated all the bikes to a local school.

A few years ago, the incentives company took a group of 200 to the Dominican Republic after the Haiti disaster “and they brought down so many supplies, gifts, etc., that the members from the mission in Haiti, who came to collect the donation, had to bring trucks to take everything back,” remembers MacDonald.

“I’m a believer in giving back,” says Sandy Biback, CMP, CMM, principal of Imagination+ Meeting Planners Inc. “I call this the Leave a Legacy Program and the client doesn’t have to do a darn thing, except present the cheque on-stage and be the hero.”

LOcaL chaRity “For two years, as [a client] moved their annual around Ontario, we researched and paired up with a local charity, giving back to the city they are in,” she says. “We got local businesses to contribute product and we did a raffle. The charity had a booth at the tradeshow and we presented a cheque at the close of the conference.”

“Several years ago, I did a conference in Montreal about bullying,” says Biback. “We had no money to dress the stage. So we did a toy drive and the toys became the stage dressing, as we presented everything to a local Boys & Girls Club.”

Over at the Canadian Medical Association, annual meeting manager Sandra Wood, CMP, will be incorporating some CSR elements at her annual meeting this year in Yellowknife, NWT. “We are donating some artwork, that one of the entertainment groups we’re hiring will produce, as part of their show, to the local area hospital foundation, to be auctioned off,” she says. “We are using our foundation to get involved in the city’s marathon this year.

Funds are going to a local women’s shelter.”

—Don Douloff is Managing Editor of Meetings + Incentive Travel

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Reputation management and corporate social responsibility.

BY MARIELA MCILWRAITH, CMP, CMM

C

orporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been a buzzword in recent years, and yet we seem to be just scratching the surface on its potential to transform our industry. While we’ve seen good progress in improving the environmental impact of meetings, we still have a long way to go to address broader issues about sustainability, including social and economic aspects. For me, it encompasses all of these things, as well as ethical business conduct.

For instance, more attention is needed on how CSR can be an effective tool for reputation management, both in terms of helping improve an organization’s (or a meeting’s) reputation and of avoiding negative publicity.

LEVERAGE CSR In order to leverage CSR effectively for reputation-management purposes, it’s important to avoid a few marketing practices that can undermine your credibility and be damaging to your reputation. xx Greenwashing: Misleading marketing about the environmental attributes of a product or service, including events; xx Green Marketing Myopia: A term used by Jacquelyn Ottman that emphasizes the importance of meeting not only environmental quality standards, but not also forgetting the importance of customer satisfaction. (See Ottman, Stafford and Hartmann, “Avoiding Green Marketing Myopia: Ways to Improve Customer Appeal for Environmentally Preferred Products”, Environment, 48 (5), June 2006); xx Photo-Op CSR: This is a term that I use to refer to CSR actions that overemphasize the PR aspects of CSR and fail to have a truly meaningful impact.

Many of our industry’s most significant recent scandals have had real or perceived ethics violations at their core. From the AIG effect to MuffinGate to the recent GSA meetings, public scrutiny on our industry is demanding ethical conduct. A few ways to get us started in this aspect of reputation management include: ++ Stop enabling: Planners and suppliers need to stop enabling unethical conduct. Planners who make bad decisions about spending tax dollars, or corporate funds, in a tough economy, are only partly to blame. Suppliers also need to be held accountable for allowing mismanagement of funds to take place. ++ Start enforcing: Most, if not all, of our industry associations have ethics policies or codes of conduct to help ensure ethical conduct by our professionals. By upholding and enforcing these, we can change the discussion from a focus on our industry to, more appropriately, a focus on individual bad behaviour.

EFFECTIVE TOOL There are many ways that CSR can improve the reputation of a meeting, event, an organization, and, dare I say, an industry. ++ Meaningful community service: The opposite of photoop CSR is authentic CSR, where activities leave a long-term positive legacy. Introducing community service projects into meetings and events can be positive for the organization’s reputation; can engage stakeholders and can provide positive benefits to the community. ++ CSR for Risk Management: Identifying and managing risks related to environmental, social and governance issues can have a positive impact by proactively addressing possible risks that could damage your reputation.

Organizations that demonstrate authentic leadership in all three aspects of the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit will accomplish something important: strengthening their reputation with their internal and external stakeholders.

— Mariela McIlwraith, CMP, CMM, is president of Meeting Change and is based in Vancouver. See Mariela speak at IncentiveWorks conference and trade show on Wednesday, August 22, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

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buying in, giving back Executive participation is the best catalyst to drive CSR efforts.

By Adam Pletsch

A

t companies where corporate social responsibility (CSR) is more than just a buzzword, senior executives often make the biggest impact— by walking the walk. When this successfully brings staff members on board and bolsters all company-wide CSR efforts, everybody wins.

It’s certainly what happened—and still does—at AVW-TELAV, according to Heidi Welker, vice-president of marketing, who says company culture plays a major role in influencing employees of all levels to unite and donate their time and effort to worthy causes.

For example, Welker says AVW-TELAV’s senior vice-president of operations, Mike Schilz, has started an employee hockey team that competes annually to raise funds for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Its president, Johanne Belanger, has been both committed to a number of charitable organizations and vocal about why giving back to her community is important to her.

BOARD POSITIONS In addition to sitting on meeting technology and tourism industry boards, Belanger has held executive board positions for such organizations as Kids.Now, Helping Kids Develop Successfully; Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity; and Megaloid Resins Limited. Last year, she also participated in the Shoppers Drug Mart Weekend to End Women’s Cancers 60km Walk, raising over $18,000.

“Although these are her personal initiatives, she shares her stories in our newsletters and inspires others to give back and share their stories,” says Welker. So do staff members. When branches are involved in many types of corporate social responsibility activity, they take photos of their ventures and submit them to the company newsletter, to let their colleagues across the country know what the branches have done. In doing so, they promote a sense of camaraderie and pride.

When CSR activities are part of the culture and the entire team is engaged, people tend to feel it is natural to give back. They will often feel pride that their company is doing something not many organizations do.

This is the optimal situation, but the exception rather than the rule.

And while this is the best-case scenario, sometimes you’re starting with nothing.

Brett Wills, sustainability coach at High Performance Solutions Inc., author (Green Intentions) and part-time professor at Toronto’s Seneca College, agrees that when trying to initiate new programs, you must have buy-in from top management. The best way to get this is to clearly communicate the business case.

“Sustainability is not some lefty, tree-hugger movement that is nice to do. It is a critical component to competing and winning in the new economy. Execs must clearly understand that CSR, or ‘sustainability,’ is not simply about being a little greener. It is about a new way of doing business, a strategic philosophy that expands focus from a single bottom line of short-term economic profit to a triple bottom line of sustained economic, environmental and social profit.”

SPEAK THEIR LANGUAGE Another key way to get the executive’s ear is to speak his or her language, adds Wills. Environmental impact reduction and social improvement are great, but executives would rather talk about cost reductions, revenue growth, margin improvement, market share and the rest, he explains.

He also recommends organizations try to get some quick, early wins, to deliver immediate cost savings, build momentum and help make sustainability “part of the DNA of the organization.”

Claire Smith, vice-president, sales and marketing at the Vancouver Convention Centre, says CSR is even something that can live on for generations.

“We are now seeing more social legacies from business events than ever before. Organizations want to leave a positive contribution to the communities where they meet. From salmon habitat revitalization to sorting food at a homeless shelter, there are many ways convention groups can connect in positive ways to the local community.”

—Adam Pletsch is a writer and editor based in Toronto.

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C

onsider this a companion piece to this issue’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) section. Green, after all, is an important component of CSR…so important, that we’ve dedicated an entire section to it.

Here’s a sobering fact: The meetings and event industry leaves an enormous environmental footprint. All those meetings and incentive group flights, and events-generated waste, really add up.

But our industry is onboard with green activities that are having a positive impact. The commitment is impressive, be it from big hotel chains working to educate their employees on being more ecoconscious in their personal and professional lives, to incorporating best practices in their properties, or something as simple as using

urns for water, rather than bottled, at meetings and events.

In our lineup of articles, we’ve covered a variety of green subjects, to bring you up to speed on what’s happening on the eco-front. Sandra Wood, CMP, of the Canadian Medical Association, eloquently chronicles her personal journey to embrace green in a big way; we report on experts’ ideas on creative green-meeting tips; provide a roundup of eco-friendly meetings-related products; and summarize key sessions from the GMIC Sustainable Meetings Conference, held in April. Bottom line: There is plenty happening, and much thought and energy being devoted to the green cause.

To see the amazing ways in which our industry is reducing its footprint, turn the page.

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The journey from waste to sustainability.

By Sandra Wood, CMP Determined to reduce waste, I started out we were evaluating what we were doing ot so long ago, it was making small, unnoticeable changes, mainly and why. Also, easier cleanup at meetings, commonplace to order because I was concerned attendees would due to reduced waste, such as less paper. not appreciate the efforts and I didn’t have We improved the accuracy of food guargenerous quantities of food permission from my employer at that time antees and used local/seasonal menus that for your event and watch a to make any big moves. But in 2005, things resulted in reduced food costs and waste started to change. I attended a Professional and an enhanced dining experience for the large portion of it go back to Managers Association (PCMA) attendees. I was getting calls from other orthe kitchen for waste. I recall Convention workshop, where I met Amy Spatrisano ganizers of meetings, looking for advice on one time at an event in the and Nancy Zavada, founders of the Green how to go green, and I was sharing informaMaritimes, we overestimated Meetings Industry Council (GMIC). I was so tion with them. This was great publicity for pleased to learn from other planners with my employer and we were more than happy the numbers for food and similar concerns. Finally, it seemed okay to help guide other organizations. to talk about it and do something about it. huge platters of seafood green confusion Keen to learn more, I joined the GMIC. went back to the kitchen Along with so many benefits came challensmall steps ges, too. I found myself conflicted over what untouched. The food had to By 2007, green was hot! I was taking steps was really green. I questioned if whether be thrown out, as seafood to make the meeting I worked on as green trucking compost miles away was really as possible and I had the blessing of my the greenest choice. What about launsitting out for two hours employer. Later that year, I started speak- dering linen napkins, as opposed to using was no longer salvageable. ing to different groups across Canada about compostable paper napkins? I questioned Walking back to my hotel what I was doing. I wanted to ensure people flying attendees to a meeting, when the took greening seriously and didn’t see it as flights represent 80 per cent of the overall that night, I was approached a fad. I talked about standards and how our carbon footprint of the meeting. Even if you by a person living on the industry needed to be proactive in making did mitigate that footprint through a carbon changes before government regulations offset, bottom line was, hundreds of people street, looking for money for forced us to do so. I was planting seeds with were flying because the meeting was taking food. I was deeply troubled by my colleagues, in hopes of inspiring more place. So wouldn’t cancelling that meeting change. The more suppliers, venues and be the greenest thing to do? People would this stark contrast of excess destinations I could convince, the easier the ask me how green my meeting was. I wasn’t and hardship. For me, this was task of greening would become. sure how to answer, because in my mind, By this point, I had started to experience there was still so much more I could do, so a game-changing moment. both the benefits and challenges of green how could I say my meeting was that green?

The first seed of green meetings. Some of the benefits included I also wondered if anyone really knew what improved, streamlined processes, because a truly green meeting was. meetings had been planted.

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I found it took considerable time to make changes. Instead of ordering a simple print job, now I was asking twice as many questions about things like paper and the types of ink that were used. I needed to research what FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) meant and learn the differences between recycled paper and post-consumer-content paper. I had never worried about waste disposal before, but suddenly, I was exploring compost programs and was incurring extra costs to ensure the venue hosting my meeting would actually compost. I tried convincing people to make the changes and some were far more receptive than others. Venues have standards and questioned the changes I was requesting and were not always comfortable with the changes I pushed them to make. This all took extra time and I had to make time, since I didn’t have additional staff resources to do this. My meeting checklist just seemed to get longer.

Council (CIC) recently added sustainability to its international standards, which are used for CMP certification and recertification.

GMIC approached CIC to develop a set of green meeting standards. Working through ASTM (formerly American Society for Testing Materials), 300 professionals formed nine different committees to investigate the development of standards. I was involved at the initial stages and admittedly, it was a very long and complex process. I salute the task force that worked through a rigid process to get standards out to the industry.

These standards were only recently released and it will be interesting to see how our industry embraces them. After all, following a formal set of standards is very new to meeting planners in general. We have worked with guidelines and the APEX (Acceptable Practice Exchange), but to work with a set

getting the word out

But for all the challenges, I remained committed to making the changes needed and I was often inspired by what could get done.

I approached organizations like PCMA and publications like M+IT and I started to submit articles for publication, because it was an effective way to reach out and plant more seeds in the industry. I was invited to speak to different groups across Canada to spread the news about green and I talked about the benefits and the challenges, because I thought it was important to be realistic.

If green was to be something more than a fad, it had to have a convincing business approach. I found attending the GMIC conference each year provided a living, breathing example of how a successful green meeting should run and I was grateful for their leadership. A key mentor was Shawna McKinley, of MeetGreen, a company started by Amy and Nancy. Based in B.C., Shawna is director of sustainability and has been a wealth of knowledge over the past six years. I am eternally grateful for her insights.

More seed-planting opportunities came along when my local college agreed to let me write and teach an online course about green meetings. This was a great opportunity to reach out to new people entering the industry and I was thrilled for the opportunity. Even now, there are a number of ways a planner can learn about green meetings from organizations such as GMIC, MPI and PCMA, which have offered workshops and literature on the topic. In fact, the Convention Industry

of performance-based standards that are currently self-certifying is very new. As well, ISO20121 (International Standards Organization) has developed a set of process-based sustainable meeting standards that will be used for the London Olympics this year.

Other standards do exist, but these two are the latest additions. The best thing about these standards is that they will help to define what it takes to make a meeting ‘green’ or what is now termed ‘sustainable.’

the move to sustainability

So when did the conversation change from green to sustainable? Sustainability is not a new concept. The word has been used in a business context for many years, but its definition remains in question, because it means different things to different people. When the economy took a nosedive and we saw

our industry reeling from comments made in the political arena, meetings and events got cancelled all over the place and every polling company was showing the economy as top priority and the environment virtually off the radar. This was a test for our industry and a test of whether green meetings were a fad or here to stay. Thankfully, green weathered the economic storm and we slowly recovered. But the conversations changed and sustainability emerged to incorporate environmental, economic and social considerations. Sustainability resonates in the business world and helps business define its vision and its operational processes. So now, “going green” is part of the larger conversation of sustainability and has a stronger business presence.

While attending the GMIC conference recently in Montreal, I met a meeting planner from a large U.S. clothing company. I discovered that what brought us together was the word ‘sustainability.’ She was interested in the social and environmental aspects (i.e. clothing factories’ conditions for their workers) and I was there to focus on environment and health in meetings (my areas of interest). I realize that sustainability opens doors and has the potential to reach a wider audience or a larger business community. This is exciting, indeed.

Overall, the green journey has been rewarding and filled with many learning opportunities, both professionally and personally. As a planner, I’m a behind-the-scenes person and never imagined I would be speaking to groups of people, nor did I see myself writing articles and teaching a college course. I learned that when you are passionate about something, you can overcome fears. I have learned that leading by example really works. I have learned that when you engage in our professional organizations and publications, they will engage with you. Going green, and now sustainable, continues to challenge and offers up many opportunities to innovate and enrich our industry and each other. Perseverance, resilience and adaptability are all par for the course, as is being realistic about how much you can do, and there’s still LOTS more we can do. I’m very grateful for the chances I’ve had to plant some seeds. Watching our industry embrace sustainability has been the most rewarding part of all.

— Sandra Wood, CMP, manager, annual meeting, Canadian Medical Association (CMA). The opinions expressed here are those of the author and not necessarily those of the CMA. MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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Expert tips on working sustainability into event planning and execution.

By HaILEy EISEn or the past several years, ‘green’ has been at the forefront of meeting and event planning. In keeping the environment in mind, planners have swapped plastic water bottles for pitchers and glasses, collected lanyards for reuse, and found creative ways to make ‘green’ part of the event experience. But what will happen to environmental consciousness when the novelty of ‘green’ wears off?

That’s a question being posed by many in the industry. The challenge will be to embed sustainability into the business of meetings, so that it becomes more than a trend. M+IT polled industry experts on what they see as ‘the next big thing’ in sustainable meetings, and which practices will outlive the trendiness of ‘green.’

SANDRA WOOD, CMP 2012 marks the release of three major sustainable event standards: APEX/ASTM, ISO 20121 and GRI EOSS. “While most planners have never gone through a standards process, these standards will offer structure and help answer the question: “how green is green?” Implementing standards will require time and commitment on the part of the planner, but once they’re in place, Wood says, we will reap the benefits year after year. “We want to be seen as a progressive industry taking action on sustainability before the government implements regulations.”

green tip:

Choose venues, hotels, and destinations that ‘buy-in’ to sustainability, so you’re not forcing them to make changes for you, in order to produce a ‘green’ event.

Think beyond ‘green’ to overall corporate social responsibility (CSR). How are workers treated in the venue you’re employing or the destination you’re bringing delegates to? Is there a way you can support a local charity or cause through your event or meeting? These questions are part of a more well-rounded approach to meeting planning, where environmental, social and economic issues are all taken into consideration.

NANCY ZAVADA, CMP “While people used to see ‘green meetings’ as eating granola while sitting cross-legged outdoors, this is not the case,” says Zavada. “Green meetings are about first-class service and fresh, local foods served on fine china—it’s a return to the age of elegance.” She explains that many planners and venues strayed from elegance in search of convenience (disposable plates, napkins, beverages, etc.) and in doing so, forgot about the niceties of life and produced tons of waste in the process. Even if the venue has to install dishwashers and hire labour, eliminating disposables will save money.

green tip:

Work closely with the chef to get him/her involved in developing menu-options (i.e. vegetarian meals) that are ‘green’ yet elegant.

Nancy Zavada, CMP, is co-founder of Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) and principal of MeetGreen.

LISA ENGLISH, CMP, CMM Digital media and mobile applications change the way events are experienced from start to finish. Going forward, more meetings will go digital, reducing printing costs, paper waste and CO2 emissions. From electronic invitations, reminders, registration and check-in to mobile apps that accompany attendees throughout the event experience, paperless meetings will become a reality.

green tip: When you implement on-site technology, consider a phased approach: i.e. year one: print materials and introduce a mobile app; year two: print fewer materials and put more emphasis on the app; year three: go paperless.

Lisa English, CMP, CMM, is marketing manager, strategic meetings management, Cvent.

green tip: When it comes to sustainability, don’t just focus on cost savings. Think about how these practices contribute to your event’s promotional value, attendee engagement and employee satisfaction/retention.

Sandra Wood, CMP, is the annual meeting manager for the Canadian Medical Association.

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JEFF CHASE

SHAWNA MCKINLEY The green-minded meeting planner will have to start paying attention to sustainability across the supply chain and in more detail. “Until now, it’s been enough to have a checklist that includes basics: asking for local food and reusing name badges,” McKinley says. Going forward, you’ll see planners digging deeper and asking tougher technical questions, like: What materials are these lanyards made of? Are biodegradable badge holders better? What’s the best decision when you need to choose between organic produce or seasonal local produce that isn’t organic? To do this, planners will have to do more technical research and develop more intimate relationships with their suppliers.

green tip: Source lanyards and promotional materials from Vancouver-based Fairware (fairware.ca), whose products meet high standards of social- and eco-responsibility.

The greatest environmental cost of a meeting is often the travel footprint. “While it may not be as ‘sexy’ to plan a meeting or event closer to home, we’re lucky in Canada to have some incredible ‘destinations’ in our own backyard,” says McKinley. Eliminating air travel saves hundreds of metric tons of CO2, not to mention money. If your client requires a distant destination, she advises, choose a ‘green city’ and they’ll do a lot of the sustainability work for you.

green tip: Whatever city you’re in, try to be a catalyst for local enterprise and the betterment of the community. Source supplies from local vendors, and add regional touches to your meeting by connecting with artisans, farmers, etc.

Shawna McKinley is director of sustainability with MeetGreen and writes a blog called Sustainable Destinations.

“Consider your carbon footprint at all stages of event preparation,” Chase advises. With a focus on tradeshows, he suggests: Digitize paper literature and have delegates download the information they require from each booth onto one USB key they carry with them. This eliminates the shipping footprint and printing costs and ensures no waste at the end of a show. “If you do require printed materials and you’re travelling to a trade show,” he says, “source a local printer and only print enough for that show on 100-per-cent recycled paper.”

green tip: If you require shipping, choose a SmartWaycertified hauler, to ensure sustainable shipping.

Set a goal to leave no trace behind when you wrap up a trade show. By shipping out everything that was brought in (all booth properties, packing materials, literature and giveaways, etc.), you’ll minimize waste for the show and in the city landfill. To save on shipping costs, bring in only what you’ll need for that show. It’s better to run out of something than to have to ship boxes of leftovers home.

green tip: Plan to participate in the exhibit donation program (often held by large trade shows) and offer up any leftover materials that are eligible for donation, including pens, bags and notepads.

Jeff Chase is vice-president of sustainability at The Freeman Company.

Finally, remember that ‘green’ should be considered a work in progress. If implemented thoughtfully and over time, these practices are more likely to last for the long-term. The environmental issues facing our planet are only going to become more important going forward, and meeting planners have the unique opportunity to influence large audiences, while leading the way in making ‘green’ more mainstream.

—Hailey Eisen is a writer and editor based in Toronto.

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BRITISH COLUMBIA From the Pacific to the Atlantic, we’ve highlighted some superb hotels and resorts that are suitable for hosting green meetings. We’ve also noted just a few reasons why these properties are green.

THE LISTEL HOTEL

+ thelistelhotel.com WHY WE CHOSE IT Is Bullfrog Powered; partially solar powered; and is “zero waste,” which means it reuses its recyclables and turn non-recyclables into electricity.

+ kingpacificlodge.com

PHOTOS The King Pacific Lodge, The Listel Hotel, Parkside Resort & Spa, Nipika Mountain Resort.

+ parksidevictoria.com

PARKSIDE RESORT

WHY WE CHOSE IT For its 5 Green Key certification; LEED Platinum design; green roof; and it even has charging stations for electric cars.

NIPIKA MOUNTAIN RESORT THE KING PACIFIC LODGE WHY WE CHOSE IT For its help in establishing The Great Bear Rainforest, being a ‘floating’ hotel and offsetting the carbon emissions of employee and guest travel toand-from the hotel. It also won the Travel + Leisure Global Vision Award in the Sustainability category for Green Luxury in 2011.

WHY WE CHOSE IT Is solar and microhydro powered—it’s completely off the grid! The majority of building materials (including furniture they build themselves!) are selectively sourced from dead trees in the nearby forest.

+ nipika.com

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PRAIRIES + deltahotels.com/en/hotels/hotels.php?hotelId=6

Inn at The Forks WHY WE CHOSE IT 5 Green Key rated; its use of compostable cups (corn cups!); housekeeping uses 100 per cent biodegradeable cleaning products; and menus are printed on FSCcertified paper.

DELTA REGINA + innforks.com

WHY WE CHOSE IT Is smoke-free; its sustainable purchasing policy; and the elimination of printed guest receipts. Delta Hotels & Resorts also has an extensive green program across all its hotels.

HOtel Le Germain WHY WE CHOSE IT Surplus supplies are distributed to local charities during the holidays; its shop-local policy; and the design of the hotel ensures energy efficiency.

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FAIRMONT JASPER PARK LODGE WHY WE CHOSE IT For its EPICurean program, which uses local, organic and sustainable food and beverage. It also donates leftover food and gently used household goods to local organizations and people in need. Fairmont also has an extensive green program.

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PHOTOS Four Seasons, Gladstone Hotel, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Brookstreet Hotel.

+ germaincalgary.com

PHOTOS Inn at the Forks, Delta Hotels & Resorts, Groupe Germain, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

+ fairmont.com/jasper

ONTARIO + gladstonehotel.com

THE GLADSTONE HOTEL WHY WE CHOSE IT For its use of fair trade and organic goods; does not sell or use plastic bottles; guestrooms feature all natural toiletries; and its two green roofs and green wall.

INTERCONTINENTAL TORONTO CENTRE

+ fourseasons.com/toronto

WHY WE CHOSE IT This 4 Green Key rated hotel has a rooftop herb garden; offers organic menus for meetings and, when possible, locally sourced food; its use of compact fluorescent and LED lighting; and compostfriendly pens are used in meeting rooms.

PHOTOS Four Seasons, Gladstone Hotel, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Brookstreet Hotel.

PHOTOS Inn at the Forks, Delta Hotels & Resorts, Groupe Germain, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

FOUR SEASONS WHY WE CHOSE IT Opening in summer of 2012, this hotel is part of the Four Seasons ‘Greening Meetings’ program, which includes initiatives such as sending all meeting correspondence electronically and giving planners the opportunity to donate decor and display materials to local organizations.

+ ictc.ca

+ brookstreet.ca

BROOKSTREET HOTEL WHY WE CHOSE IT Is Bullfrog Powered; has free parking for guests who drive hybrid cars; has a staff-driven Green Committee; and the spa uses rechargeable candles and nail polishes that are 100 per cent vegan.

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QUEBEC Hotel de Glace

+ hoteldeglace-canada.com

WHY WE CHOSE IT Open from the first week of January until the last week of March, this low-carbon hotel is made completely of ice and snow. With no heating system or electricity, guests stay warm at night via Arctic sleeping bags.

Alt Hotels Quartier DIX30

+ dix30.althotels.ca WHY WE CHOSE IT For its use of geothermal heating and cooling; choosing products that can be reused, refilled or recycled; and central switches that allow room lights to be turned off remotely.

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WHY WE CHOSE IT Having hypoallergenic rooms, which include custom-made mattresses made of bamboo and soy moss; it’s a LEED certified building; has a computer system that controls energy consumption and helps avoid excessive consumption; and uses a salt pool filtering system, which eliminates the need for chlorine.

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PHOTOS Rodd Hotels & Resorts, Trout Point Lodge, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Hotel M Holiday Inn Express & Suites

PHOTOS Groupe Germain, Hotel De Glace, Intercontinental Hotels Group.

+ hotelm.ca

ATLANTIC +roddvacations.com/rodd-charlottetown WHY WE CHOSE IT For its participation in Waste Watch, a progam whose goal is to divert 65 per cent of waste from landfills, through recycling and compost; for using water-efficient showerheads, taps and low-flow toilets. It also has obtained 4 Green Keys.

Rodd Charlottetown

+ troutpoint.com

Trout Point Lodge

PHOTOS Rodd Hotels & Resorts, Trout Point Lodge, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

PHOTOS Groupe Germain, Hotel De Glace, Intercontinental Hotels Group.

WHY WE CHOSE IT Its use of gray water/waste for all herb, vegetable and flower gardens (which do not use chemical pesticides or herbicides); a wood-fired

outdoor cedar hot tub instead of electric; and for encouraging guests to enjoy the property in an eco-friendly way.

Westin Nova Scotian WHY WE CHOSE IT For its complimentary valet for guests driving a hybrid; its laundry chemicals are phosphate free; it also has a food-composting and donation program to the local food bank; and its annual management team-building activity is collecting garbage around Halifax.

+ thewestinnovascotian.com

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Takeaways from the GMIC Sustainable Meetings Conference 2012.

By don doULoFF

ttendees at the 2012 edition of the Green Meeting Industry Council Sustainable Meetings Conference, held April 22-25 at the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure, were offered a host of sessions brimming with practical and inventive ideas on how to ‘green’ their meetings and events.

One particularly creative idea came courtesy of a presentation on the evolution of green meeting design, hosted by Shawna McKinley, director of sustainability, MeetGreen, and Judy Kucharuk, green meeting specialist, Footprint Management Systems Inc. The idea concerned Get Your Green On, an event experience integrating social media, technology and corporate social responsibility, developed by Footprint Management Systems, MeetGreen and QuickMobile, for EventCamp Vancouver 2011, a conference, held last November, focused on cutting-edge meeting ideas.

green game

The green game was embedded in every aspect of the event and made available for all participants (remote and in-person) through a free mobile event app. Players scored points for completing challenges or uploading Random Acts of Green to the mobile event gallery throughout the event—each act raising $1 for the B.C. Cancer Foundation. In addition, 19 different check-in codes hidden at the event site provided opportunities for sponsors to share information about sustainability in their operations. A leaderboard broadcast live, via on-site LCD signs and on the mobile app, built excitement for participants. The 90 on-site and 50 remote participants completed 1,715 Acts of Green, uploaded 168 photos and helped raise $1,500 for the charity.

Get Your Green On proved that environmental footprints can be reduced by presenting choices and influencing people to act; serious and complicated topics can be fun and engaging; sustainability can be innovative; and event organizers and participants alike play a role in making events sustainable.

Moreover, the game enabled attendee action to improve sustainability and enhanced the overall event experience.

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And as McKinley noted, Get Your Green On tapped into attendees’ green behaviour before and after the event and got them thinking about their personal green activities.

green menus

Another breakout session, on green menu engineering, offered food for thought from Brita Moosmann, chief menu engineer, yieldforprofit Integrated F&B Revenue Management Solutions.

Key to a successful green menu, said Moosmann, was to evaluate menu choices based on popularity and profitability, as well as their impact on the environment.

For instance, beef leaves the largest carbon footprint (mostly due to how it’s produced), so reducing the amount of beef on a conference menu (and using fewer prime cuts) helps alleviate the financial and environmental costs. To that end, planners can figure out the eco-footprint by consulting the food carbon emissions calculator on cleanmetrics.com.

As Moosmann noted in her presentation, cheese leaves a surprisingly large carbon footprint (since it requires a lot of energy to produce), with chicken and fish leaving a smaller footprint, and vegetables, not surprisingly, the smallest of all.

She also warned about embracing products labelled ‘fair trade,’ since it’s often the retailers of those products, rather than the producers, who benefit financially. “Only a very small percentage of the premium reaches producers,” noted Moosmann.

Other green-menu ideas include avoiding over-production, at meetings and events, by only making as many meals as there are diners scheduled to attend; and, wherever possible and appropriate, reuse—if stored properly, food can be safely reused for two days, she noted.

Hosting an eye-opening session on managing the green event supply chain was Deborah Popely, of Green Events Source. Meeting and event planners and their vendors are part of a large and complex supply chain that offers many opportunities to reduce environmental impact and increase sustainability, she said.

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Indeed, the supply chain is a huge source of pollution, representing as much as 80 per cent of an event’s enviro-impact, noted Popely.

supply chain management

Critical to managing the green-event supply chain properly, she says, is education, collaboration, communication and, especially, transparency, to identify areas for improvement and then act on, and solve, them. Standards and certifications, as well as reporting metrics, are also crucial to the process.

In addition, planners need to target suppliers that are most ecofriendly, via a written plan listing, among other things, their goals and policy. Also to be included are life-cycle assessment issues (energy, waste, water, air quality) purchasing (raw materials) and other green-related performance attributes.

On top of that, by applying APEX/ASTM standards, she says, planners can choose suppliers in different categories that meet sustainability standards.

On the conference’s final morning, a panel convened to discuss the business dimensions of sustainability.

“Venues are taking sustainability seriously,” said panel member Chris Brophy, vice-president, corporate sustainability, MGM Resorts International. “Venues are rapidly adopting sustainability practices and want to work with planners and engage them in sustainability.”

Sustainability, he says, must be managed with a strategic planning approach—a well-thought-out plan, with clear timeline goals.

mgm resorts

At MGM Resorts, sustainability takes many forms: retrofitting hotels with energy efficient features (such as window shades that open when guests enter their room and close when they leave it); on menus, providing the names of supplier farms, to avoid ‘green washing’ and generate potential business for those farmers; and launching its Conservation Begins at Home program, educating employees on how to be more sustainable at work and at home.

Echoing MGM’s plan was panel member Harith Wickrema, chief

visionary officer with Eco Serendib Villa and Spa, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.

At that property, we “educate attendees on the source of local foods and where they can buy them,” says Wickrema. “We also teach employees and attendees how to be sustainable citizens at home and work.” Also, the property’s chef and f&b director are given ownership of their menus, and as a result, do a better job.

Heavily committed to reducing its eco-footprint is Cirque du Soleil, represented on the panel by Gaetan Morency, the company’s vice-president, global citizenship service.

In fact, Cirque actively tracks its carbon dioxide emissions and, after changing to more energy efficient generators at its travelling performance sites, cut costs by 30 per cent.

Moreover, Cirque du Soleil founded One Drop, an organization fostering access to clean drinking water in developing nations and heightening awareness of the importance of water in areas where the liquid resource is plentiful.

—Don Douloff is Managing Editor of Meetings + Incentive Travel MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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A round-up of essential, eco-friendly products.

1. Lanyard is fashioned from 100-per-cent recycled plastic bottles. Available with a one-colour imprint on one or both sides. As low as $1.20 USD. kleertech.com 2. Horizontal ‘Fun’ Ribbon, with eco-friendly messaging, is 100-per-cent biodegradable and, in addition, compliant with ASTM Marketing and Communication Standard E2746. 20 cents USD. kleertech.com 3. Bamboo USB Drive—256 MB, 512 MB and 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 GB. Pre-loaded options available. Average cost (1GB): $7 to $10, with branding. fairware.com 4. Water Bottle Tote uses 100-per-cent recyclable, non-woven machine-washable polypropylene, with 30.5-inch shoulder straps and water-bottle pocket. As low as $2.75. kleertech.com 5. 100-per-cent biodegradable and compliant with ASTM Marketing and Communication Standard E2746, Pop-on Clip fits any size Kleertech Bio-D or recyclable badge holder. $15 USD/1,000. kleertech.com 6. Push-action Aqua Pen, with transparent barrel, is made with 80-per-cent recycled materials from plastic bottles. Can be silkscreened or pad-printed. About 80 cents. fairware.com 7. Mylar Badge Pouch is made from corn resin that will decompose back to the earth and, therefore, is fully enviro-friendly. About 60 cents. fairware.com 8. Recycled Deluxe Compu-Case is made from 100-per-cent post-consumer recycled material. Holds most 17-inch laptops. Large main zippered compartment, with built-in laptop sleeve. About $32. fairware.com 9. Badge Holder Tray is made from sustainable North American pine and holds 25 badge holders. Interlock with each other for greater capacity. $35 USD. kleertech.com 10. Made from 100-per-cent recycled material and embedded with seeds, Bookmark, when planted, will bloom into beautiful wildflowers. Average price: $2. fairware.com

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Stellar sources for creative, locally sourced food and drink.

HEROES

BY DON DOULOFF

Luxe Locavore

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Miso maple-glazed spring salmon; pistachio-crusted halibut; albacore tuna and fennel panna cotta; honey glazed duck breast; sage-crusted sablefish with wild B.C. mushrooms.

Centre: Exec chef Margaret Chisholm.

In business for 26 years, Vancouver-based Culinary Capers Catering has, for some time, been at the forefront of a locavore philosophy. For this, credit the city’s progressive gastronomic culture.

“In the last five to seven years, we have seen a dramatic rise in our clients’ demand for requesting organic, sustainable, regional menus,” says executive chef Margaret Chisholm. “For the most part, the Vancouver market is discerning, educated and savvy with their culinary knowledge of what is around them and wants their catering menus to reflect this philosophy.”

And being situated on the West Coast is another big advantage.

“There is such an abundance of B.C. farms, [top-notch] artisanal products and sustainable seafood, which really has made it effortless for us to support, collaborate and showcase these fine ingredients on our menus.”

Moreover, Culinary Capers is a founding caterer and event partner, with the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program, in providing sustainable and ocean-friendly seafood choices to groups.

“We decided, years ago, to stop serving farmed salmon, to support our local fishing industry,” says Chisholm.

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Fusion Grill Since it opened 15 years ago—long before the terms ‘locavore’ and ‘100-mile diet’ existed—Winnipeg’s Fusion Grill followed a mandate of fresh, local, wild, organic, sustainable and healthy.

In fact, the restaurant is credited with creating modern prairie regional cuisine.

“Freshness has a geography and for us, that’s the prairie, because that’s where we are,” says owner Scot McTaggart. Here, local translates as, say, pickerel from Lake Kisseynew, in northern Manitoba, and pork from a nearby producer. Small wonder McTaggart garnered a Lifetime Achievement Award from Cuisine Canada, for his contribution to the Canadian Culinary Landscape.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Bar area; pickerel cheeks; smoked pork chop and yam frites; Manitoba bison back ribs; dining room.

Chives Canadian Bistro

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Chives owner Craig Flinn; butter-poached Atlantic lobster tail on crispy Cape Breton snow-crab potato cake.

Pineridge Hollow CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Kitchen garden; Lake Winnipeg pickerel; fish taco; pasta with local farmers sausage.

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Located just outside Winnipeg, in Oakbank, Man., Pineridge Hollow is unique, a restaurant, boutique, furniture showroom and event venue, rolled into one.

Its commitment to eco-friendly practices is strong, and is even enshrined in its mission statement, which reads, in part: “at Pineridge Hollow, geothermal heating and cooling is used year-round; we shop local, we grow organic herbs and vegetables, we run a local farmers market, buy Canadian and North American whenever possible for the store and we seek out suppliers who are kind to the environment.”

Thus, local farmers sausage and Lake Winnipeg pickerel (to name but two), starring in artfully conceived plates.

—Don Douloff is Managing Editor of Meetings + Incentive Travel

PHOTOS THIS PAGE AND PREVIOUS OPUS Culinary Capers/John Watson, Chives Canadian Bistro, Fusion Grill, Pineridge Hollow.

On Dec. 4, 2001, chef Craig Flinn launched Chives Canadian Bistro, in downtown Halifax. “We have focused on local since we opened our doors, working closely with our farmers and artisan food producers each week,” says Flinn. “We change the menu every six weeks or so, but more frequently during the growing months.”

“Sourcing locally is the way good cooking has always been done,” he notes. “Buying directly from local farmers means that the small, independent, family farm can survive and weather the storm against larger corporate farms that grow food for shareholders, not for the public.”

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Having successfully implemented internal design features that address the core needs of meetings and events, Allstream Centre has embarked on a phase of esthetic building enhancements that include a new South Garden event space, incorporating numerous heritage elements of the historic building. Located adjacent to the Lakeside Room, the new garden space will extend the facility’s capacity to host outdoor events, while providing flexible access to an indoor alternative in the event of inclement weather.

LED LIGHTING Forming part of Allstream Centre’s commitment to leading-edge environmental practices, the use of eco-friendly LED lighting extends to the building’s exterior. Using LED up-lighting to wash entrance walls in an array of colours, Allstream Centre can create an ambient entrance point ideal for gala or fundraising events.

The future is bright for Allstream Centre, with ground-breaking scheduled for January, 2013, on a five-star HK Hotels property directly adjacent to the facility. The stunning resort-style property will raise the bar on Toronto accommodations and will feature 400 rooms and suites, as well as an expansive sports club. The new property will also feature rooftop event space spread across two levels, bordering a breathtaking infinity pool.

With easy access to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, major traffic arteries and Toronto hotels, Allstream Centre is a meeting planner’s dream come true.

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PMS 874

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100% BLACK

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THe

kings oF RegAl eVenTs

Pegasus Hospitality group takes meetings to “historic” new heights.

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ver the past four years, Pegasus Hospitality Group has earned a sterling reputation for unparalleled excellence in delivering upscale Toronto events. The company’s portfolio of historical properties now encompasses three unique Toronto venues, including the Palais Royale Ballroom (waterfront), Casa Loma (downtown/Forest Hill) and the Grand Luxe Event Boutique (North york).

For those seeking a truly unique venue in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, here are three compelling reasons why Pegasus Hospitality Group properties should be at the top of your list:

PALAIS ROyALE BALLROOM Built in 1922, Palais Royale underwent a $3.5-million historical restoration in 2005 that resulted in a masterful blend of Old World elegance and contemporary design.

The installation of a state-of-the-art kitchen laid the foundations of a stunning venue overlooking Lake Ontario.

Under the professional guidance of the Pegasus Hospitality Group, the Palais Royale Ballroom is recognized as a worldclass facility capable of hosting weddings,

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social and corporate events for up to 350 guests for seated dinners or up to 800 for cocktail receptions.

to ensure an upscale food and beverage experience that complements the ambience of the historic venue.

CASA LOMA

THE GRAND LUXE EVENT BOUTIQUE

Whether planning a gala dinner event or a cocktail reception, Casa Loma is an unforgettable setting for up to 550 guests.

Built in the early 20th century by Sir Henry Pellatt, the medieval-style castle is now a major Toronto-area tourist attraction and hospitality venue that welcomed close to 300,000 visitors in 2011 alone.

From the towering bay window of The Great Hall, to the stunning Italian dome of the Conservatory, Casa Loma’s extravagant decor puts delegates in the lap of bygone-era luxury. Along with The Great Hall and the Conservatory, the Library is also available for evening functions. By day, small corporate meetings find inspiration in the oak antique surroundings of the Pellatt Boardroom, while the Austin Room hosts luncheons, training seminars and board meetings.

Pegasus Hospitality Group is the exclusive caterer of Casa Loma, working in conjunction with the property’s management

The newest member of the Pegasus portfolio, the Grand Luxe Event Boutique features 6,000 sq. ft. of contemporary luxury, for seated dinners for up to 500 guests or receptions for up to 650. The luxurious Grand Ballroom infuses style and elegance into corporate galas and conferences, with 24-ft. ceilings, contemporary artwork and abundant functional staging areas. The Parlour is ideal for cocktail receptions and corporate meetings, while the adjacent Green Room offers organizers a modern suite with a plush decor and private washroom.

All venues are serviced by a professional event-planning team and feature modern amenities, including high-speed wireless Internet and audiovisual capabilities. The historic venues are also serviced by the culinary talents of chef Steffan Howard, whose creations provide the finishing touch on any elegant event.

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toronto ®

279 yonge street 1+416-362-3636 • hardrock.com

facebook.com/hardrock • twitter.com/hardrock ©2011 Hard Rock International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved.

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Rockin’ THE House

Meetings at Hard Rock Cafe Toronto take a trip down memory lane

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t the corner of Yonge and Dundas, the Hard Rock Cafe Toronto has been rockin’ the house as a Toronto landmark since 1978. An icon of Toronto’s pop-culture scene, Hard Rock Cafe takes pride in delivering exceptional experiences within an environment that is conducive to a variety of events. Centrally located in Toronto’s downtown core, Hard Rock Cafe transcends the world of music as a full-service event planning facility.

For meeting planners looking to shake the foundations in search of productive and inspirational events, here are the top five reasons why Hard Rock Cafe Toronto is the right venue:

Living history From the moment you walk through the door, Hard Rock Cafe’s unparalleled collection of music memorabilia takes delegates on a nostalgic journey into the heart of modern pop culture. In the casual, laid-back atmosphere of a restaurant/bar, museum and performance venue, delegates will find themselves immersed in a living museum of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia that strikes a chord with patrons of all generations.

Venues-within-the-venue The layout of Hard Rock Cafe provides a diversity of venue options for event planners, from the unique spaces, intimate nooks and comfortable seating of the dining room, to the versatility of the Hard Rock Lounge, the facility’s multi-faceted performance venue. The Hard Rock Lounge is ideally suited to networking sessions, guest-speaker events and live entertainment, while planners can also choose a full venue buyout for sit-down dinners for up to 350 guests or large receptions for up to 500.

State-of-the-art technologies Backed by the support of an experienced in-house technical services team, Hard Rock Cafe’s extensive audiovisual offering includes LCD projectors and screens, high-speed Internet access, flat-panel TV monitors, a speaker system, a DVD player, CD players, microphones, lighting equipment and a newly-upgraded light music sound system.

Culinary diversity Hard Rock Cafe’s culinary team offers a selection of group-function menus and can accommodate the catering needs of any style of event. The restaurant’s core menu has recently been revised, giving rise to the revolving inclusion of new menu items in the banquet menus. Hard Rock Cafe is equally adept at preparing customized menus or working to create an interactive ambience with hors d’oeuvres and food stations.

Experienced staff Hard Rock Cafe Toronto’s experienced sales, culinary and operations teams can assist you every step of the way to a successful event, from catering menus and space configurations, to customized event merchandise designed to infuse your event with youthful enthusiasm.

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leAding WiTH A sense oF

ResPonsiBiliTy

For almost 40 years, the international Centre has been hosting stellar events.

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ust 15 minutes from Toronto’s downtown core, close to Pearson International Airport, the International Centre (IC) has been hosting some of the largest and most memorable events in Canada for close to 40 years.

The International Centre offers more than 500,000 sq. ft. of exhibit and meeting space, including a 48,000-sq.-ft. conference centre, featuring 15 multi-purpose breakout rooms, an expansive ballroom with reception lobby, and a business centre. The state-ofthe-art facility offers leading-edge audiovisual technologies, including ultra-high-speed wireless Internet, moveable lighting systems, permanent screens, projectors and sound systems.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITy A hallmark of the privately-owned facility, the International Centre’s comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility program (CSR) reflects an unparalleled commitment to exceeding industry standards at every turn. Reflecting that commitment, the IC has attracted numerous sustainability-conscious events, while garnering industry recognition through designations such as the 2011 Leadership in Sustainability (Hospitality Sector) award from Partners in Project Green (PPG).

The International Centre has also been recognized as “Champions of Education & Training” for its sustained commitment to supporting education programs throughout Ontario. The IC

THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE TEAM, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Trevor Lui, director of operations and sustainability; Ellen Ettinger, event logistics manager, Humber Graduate; Elizabeth Hamill, cook, Humber Graduate; Richa Chawla, cook, Humber Graduate; Mary Aniciete, cook, Humber Graduate; Amanda Mohabir, cook, Humber Graduate; Sonya Poorter, sustainability coordinator, Seneca Graduate; executive chef Joe Levesque.

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has invested significant time and money in academia, aimed at developing the best event talent in the industry, and has mentored 40 college students through internship and co-op programs over the past five years alone. The IC’s “Home Grown Talent” approach opens doors for hospitality and foodservice graduates to hone their skills under the tutelage of some of the industry’s leading executives. Supporting initiatives include bursaries and scholarships, including a $25,000 contribution to Humber College for the development of its new Culinary Centre.

INDUSTRy PARTNER “The International Centre is an industry partner par excellence,” says Alister Mathieson, dean of Humber College’s School of Hospitality and Tourism. “They’re involved in our industry advisory committees and their visionary thinking is invaluable in terms of the continued advice they provide in our curriculum planning process.”

International Centre executives and managers volunteer their time to serve on academic advisory councils, consulting on a curriculum focused on developing a new breed of highly specialized industry professionals. The IC has also hired students as full-time employees in sales, event logistics, client services, marketing, culinary and sustainability, assembling a knowledgeable staff that goes above and beyond to ensure the success of every event.

The International Centre is located close to 40 hotels and more than 10,000 guestrooms, providing planners with a one-stop-shop experience for coordinating important events. Impeccable service and culinary excellence complete the IC experience, including an 8,000-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art banquet kitchen that takes catered events to exciting new heights.

For more information, please visit internationalcentre.com

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A Dynamic Portfolio of Venues to Suit your Company’s Needs...

416-260-8000 955 Lakeshore Boulevard W., Toronto, ON www.atlantispavilions.com

416.485 .5900 400 Eglinton Avenue, W., Toronto ON www.eglintongrand.com

905-624-4009 5165 Dixie Road Mississauga, Ontario www.grandmetropolitan.ca

T h re e i d e a l a n d u n i q u e v e n u e s a c ro s s t h e GTA t o h o s t y o u r . . .

Social & Corporate Events • Opening & Closing Conference Parties • Cocktail Receptions • Press Conferences Holiday Parties • Workshops and Teambuilding Seminars • AGM’s • Award Gala’s • Fundraisers • Charities and more...

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DYNAMIC EVENTS IN THE GTA A wide variety of venues provides a plethora of event options.

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elebrating 25 years of excellence in the Greater Toronto Area events market, Dynamic Hospitality & Entertainment Group provides planners with an unparalleled offering of specialized venues and professional services. With extensive experience in all aspects of corporate events, our professional team takes pride in nurturing client relationships and developing customer loyalty.

With a wide diversity of venues to choose from, including restaurants, nightclubs, bars/lounges and comedy clubs, Dynamic Hospitality & Entertainment Group can accommodate all types of event-planning needs. Backed by a culinary team of professional chefs, our customized menus can help put the finishing touch on catered events for groups ranging from 10 to 2,000 guests.

For planners seeking a wide variety of options under a single corporate banner, here are a couple of compelling reasons to choose Dynamic Hospitality & Entertainment Group:

STYLE & ELEGANCE Overlooking Lake Ontario, Atlantis Pavilion features panoramic views of the Toronto skyline and waterfront. Just minutes from the downtown core, the venue accommodates up to 1,500 guests in a multi-functional complex featuring exceptional food and service.

Following an extensive restoration, the former Eglinton Theatre has been transformed into The Eglinton Grand, a spectacular full-service ballroom featuring exceptional food and beverage service in an ambiance of 1936 grandeur. Voted Favourite Event Venue by the CSE Readers Choice Awards 2012 and a proud recipient of the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award for 2012, the elegant venue can accommodate 550 guests for sit-down dinners or up to 750 for receptions.

Newly added to the venue portfolio in February, 2012, The Grand Metropolitan of Mississauga is the epitome of luxury and features more than 30,000 sq. ft. of dedicated event space on two separate levels. The Starlight Ballroom’s 30-ft. vaulted ceilings feature more than 40,000 suspended crystals, while a 1,400-sq.-ft. outdoor patio oasis and a newly designed panoramic lobby add the finishing touches of style and elegance. The Grand Metropolitan is serviced by exceptional catering and state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities, ensuring that every event is a memorable one.

ENTERTAINMENT CENTRAL Combining four distinctive venues under a single roof, Entertainment Central is a truly unique complex combining a plethora of menu and entertainment options for all tastes. Whether your preference includes comedy performances at Yuk Yuk’s, sing-alongs at Dueling Pianos, big-screen sporting events at Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill and Sports Lounge or an evening of dancing at the legendary Berlin Nightclub, Entertainment Central, with locations in both Vaughan and Oakville, are ideal venues for all of your social or corporate needs.

e...

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THE

HIDDEN GEM of MEETING VENUES

The NAV CENTRE welcomes groups from 5 to 500.

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n hour from Ottawa and Montreal, the recently renovated NAV CENTRE excels as a sophisticated convention, conference and special-event venue offering the added comforts and amenities of a full-service hotel.

Unlike familiar urban meeting facilities, NAV CENTRE is situated on 70 acres of parkland along the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Centre boasts 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including 70 state-of-theart meeting rooms, and features 560 updated guestrooms, dining rooms, banquet halls and a British pub with live entertainment.

Your Conference & Convention Venue FEATURING: • 5 5 0 c o m f o rtable and well-appointed g u e s t r o o ms • 5 0 , 0 0 0 s q uare feet of meeting capacity ( t h a t ’ s e q u a l t o 2 s oc c e r s t adi u m s of sp a c e ) • N A V F I T , o ur newly renovated fitness c e n t r e w i t h 2 5 m i ndoor l ap pool , gy m s an d s a u n a s

NEW SPA More than just a meeting facility, the NAV CENTRE offers delegates everything they need to unwind, including an indoor lap pool, a large fitness centre, saunas, soccer fields, baseball diamond, tennis and volleyball courts, and rental bikes to explore 40 km of pathways. Another exciting highlight is the opening of the NAV SPA and hair salon, in June, 2012, that will provide a wide range of services, including body treatments and massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, electrolysis and more.

Featuring spacious meeting rooms, state-of-the-art technologies, dedicated event planners, an award-winning chef and exceptional recreational and guest accommodation facilities on-site, the NAV CENTRE is a truly unique meeting venue equipped to satisfy the needs of the most discerning of guests.

Meeting Standards of Excellence

NAV SPA coming June 2012

T o v i e w o u r Cool Me e t i n g S pe c i al c h e c k …

w w w . n a v cent re.ca C o r n w a l l , O nt ar i o O n e h o u r f r o m Ot t awa 1 - 8 7 7 - 8 3 2 - 64 1 6 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!

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(NAVCENTRE)

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DARE TO COMPARE!

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onveniently located just north of Toronto, the Kempenfelt Conference Centre offers meeting planners a competitive alternative for memorable and productive lakeside retreats. Along the shores of beautiful Kempenfelt Bay, one hour closer than the Muskokas, we offer 79 bedrooms (142 beds), 20 meeting and seminar rooms, a 180-seat Center Hall and fabulous lakeside dining.

More than just a destination, Kempenfelt retreats are enhanced by the Complete Meeting Package (CMP), a comprehensive

Kempenfelt Conference Centre offers a competitive alternative. offer including lakeside accommodations, property-wide WiFi, audiovisual equipment and support and 24-hour access to breakout rooms. From a culinary perspective, the CMP includes hot and cold buffet breakfasts and lunches, three-course table d’hote dinners and 24/7 access to coffee and beverage stations.

Kempenfelt offers full access to on-site recreational facilities, including a 14-seat hot tub/whirlpool, a sauna, tennis courts, walking trails, mountain bikes, horseshoe pits, a baseball diamond and golf driving nets.

With no automatic gratuities, Destination Marketing Fees or resort administration fees, the Kempenfelt team invites you to ‘Dare to Compare’ our ‘apples’ with their ‘oranges.’ With rates ranging from $117$193 p.p./double occupancy, to $132$221 p.p./single occupancy, there’s no better time to experience the difference that a dedicated conference centre can make for your next meeting.

Visit our web site at kempenfelt.com and ‘like’ us at Facebook.com/KEMPENFELT, or call us at (705) 722-8080.

YOUR TRUSTED M+IT ONLINE RESOURCE JUST GOT BETTER!

We’ve completely redesigned our website, so it’s easier and faster for you to use! This is YOUR resource for up-to-date industry information, a place for the business-events community to connect and stay informed.

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Meetings Remixed Summit Lodges

New - Treetop Trekking

Give your next event a refreshing twist at Ontario’s largest and most complete meeting retreat, Deerhurst Resort. This lakeside Muskoka landmark has a whole new look and even more program options. So you can wow any crowd without missing a beat.

Peninsula Lake

Legacy Hall

• NEW Summit Lodges and refreshed Main

Building Rooms • NEW Legacy Hall (11,000 sq. ft) and G8 Executive

Boardroom • NEW Interactive “Chef’s Night Off” dinner event plus activities like Treetop Trekking, Formula 1 driving, rock climbing wall, stage show and more • BEST Perks, promos, booking incentives or rebates that work for you*

*Some conditions apply.

1-800-461-6522 | deerhurstresort.com/meetings | meet@deerhurstresort.com | M+IT_may18_final.indd 1 Ontario.indd 68

@DeerhurstResort |

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Classic Reinvented

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ust two hours north of Toronto, Deerhurst Resort is your gateway to the tranquil beauty of the Muskoka region, a year-round destination bordering Algonquin Park and encompassing the charming towns of Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville. Located in Huntsville, Deerhurst Resort was a natural choice to host the 2010 G8 Summit, providing a functional lakeside retreat to an assembly of global leaders.

Under new ownership by Skyline Hotels & Resorts, Deerhurst is undertaking a rejuvenation that promises to carry the property’s historic legacy forward. Through the infusion of modern design elements and innovative new programming, Deerhurst Resort now offers a seamless blend of natural beauty, historic charm and 21st century functionality.

The 760-acre resort is a one-stop destination, with 400 diverse guest accommodations, 45,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor function space, two 18-hole golf courses, a full-service spa, a multitude of team-building activities, a top-notch entertainment venue and far more.

For many years, Deerhurst Resort has been an attractive draw for corporate business. However, for planners still mulling over the merits of taking the show on the road to the Muskoka region, here are three additional compelling reasons why Deerhurst is your ideal destination:

New meeting spaces The addition of Legacy Hall, an 11,000-sq.-ft., centralized,

multifunction space, extends Deerhurst’s total offering to 45,000 sq. ft. of fixed event space. Opened in November, 2011, Legacy Hall is the largest privately-owned pillar-free venue north of Toronto and is particularly attractive as a trade-show venue. Other new spaces include the Leaders Boardroom, an intimate venue catering to the needs of smaller corporate retreats.

Skyline Hotels & Resorts infuses new life into Deerhurst Resort

Newly-renovated accommodations Deerhurst’s guest accommodations include standard rooms, suites, condos and 100 newly-renovated junior suites.

The one-bedroom suites are located in the Summit Lodges, adjacent to the Pavilion main building, and feature a modern “cottage chic” decor courtesy of the Design Agency (HGTV Canada’s “Designer Guys”).

Renovated suites include “modern rustic” furnishings, kitchenettes, separate living areas with fireplaces, desk nooks and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet.

Unparalleled teambuilding programs While team-building has long been a staple of corporate business at Deerhurst, fresh programs and dedicated new facilities are taking the experience to new heights.

The latest phase of enhancements includes an indoor climbing wall, as well as a new forest tree-trekking course, which is slated to open in July, 2012. Other additions include an Indy-style driving challenge, run on the resort’s former private airstrip, and interactive culinary events.

ort 4:48 PM

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PETERBOROUGH CITY. LIMITLESS. Make a splash at your next business getaway in the vibrant and scenic city of Peterborough, surrounded by rivers and lakes and easily accessible from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

Meeting spaces abound, from the performance centre ambience of Market Hall or Showplace to a creative integration with a museum or a riverside nature camp. The possibilities are endless.

After a kickoff lunch in Trent University’s Great Hall, imagine the surprise of your group when they learn their transportation downtown is a 12-seater Voyageur birchbark canoe.

In no time, they will arrive at the Peterborough Lift Lock, the highest hydraulic boat lift in the world, to begin a descent of over 65 metres, or six-stories.

SCAN & SEE Great Experiences

thekawarthas.ca/M+IT GPA EDC_12-1306_MIT DPS.indd 1 Ontario.indd 70

Once ashore, get down to work at the Canadian Canoe Museum among its rare collection of watercrafts including skin kayaks, war canoes and Inuit whaling dugouts. Achieve team-building goals through workshops of snowshoe-making, paddle-carving and finger-weaving.

Accommodations are abundant from major hotels lakeside, to boutique inns and luxurious B&Bs. Peterborough can host meetings of up to 125 delegates in one hotel and up to 350 using multiple spaces; a new Convention Centre & Hotel is in the final planning stage and is expected to open in Peterborough in the near future.

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With over 60 km of walking trails within the city limits and nearly 100% of shoreline made public parkland, Peterborough ranked in the top five of Canada’s most walkable cities.

The compact downtown hosts a world of food and catering options (from Indian, Thai, Himalayan, Cajun) as well as a bounty of live music and entertainment choices.

Farm fresh meat and vegetables paired with locally produced beer and wine continue to earn Peterborough high marks as a sustainable city.

Only 90 minutes from the GTA, Peterborough is the natural choice for your next business destination.

Experience a place where meetings and conventions work for you.

For more information, contact: Lorne Kelsey, Meetings and Conventions, Regional Tourism Organization 8 1-866-251-0005

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BY ALLAN LYNCH

tip

The new Le Train du Massif de Charlevoix travels 140 km along the St. Lawrence, from the Montmorency Falls to Malbaie, with stops at Le Massif and Hotel La Ferme. lemassif.com 72

RESORT COMMUNITIES Charlevoix is comprised of a collection of yearround resort communities lining the St. Lawrence north of Quebec City. The main towns of Baie Saint-Paul and La Malbaie have main streets comprised of fun, pokey little shops and art galleries.

In fact, with over 300 artists and 25 art galleries, Charlevoix claims to have the highest concentration of galleries in the country.

Add in a theatre festival and a 100-performance series of classical music concerts and it’s understandable why this area has long been a popular playground for the wealthy.

For groups, the region’s proximity to Quebec City has made it popular with insurance, banking and pharmaceutical sectors.

To flesh out a program, Charlevoix offers a variety of leisure pursuits suited to conversion to corporate team-building and networking. At Le Massif ski hill, non-skiers can experience rodelling, a 7.5 km sled ride down a gentle mountain slope.

fast facts charlevoixtourism.com Quebec City’s JeanLesage International Airport, YQB. Direct flights from 16 Canadian and five U.S. cities

Baie Saint-Paul outfitter Katabatik offers canyoning (rapelling in rivers), winter sea kayaking (think a benign Quebec winter carnival ice race), as well as summer sea and river kayaking. There’s also river cruising, dinner/cocktail cruises, whale watching, cycling, hiking, snowshoeing.

And to get an early jump on winter adventures, adrenaline junkies can travel on groomed trails from Quebec City to the region’s grand dame, Fairmont’s Manoir Richelieu, which has a special snowmobile concierge and parking.

In typical Fairmont fashion, this 210-acre resort offers a variety of on-site/off-site options, ranging from gaming and shows in the Casino Charlevoix, to golf on its 27 holes, to ice-fishing on a golfcourse pond with chef on-hand to cook your catch.

The old clubhouse even has an observatory.

ACCOMMODATIONS Accommodations range from the 405-room Fairmont Manoir Richelieu, with its 22,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, to the elegant 18-room La pinsonniere Relais & Chateaux property, which sells the most champagne in the region and is popular with boards and think tanks.

Small meeting options include the 49-room Auberge des 3 Canards; 43-room Auberge des Falaises and 153-room Le petit Manoir du Casino, which offers self-catering accommodation in three buildings bordering the Fairmont.

Charlevoix’s big news is the June opening of the 145-room hotel La Ferme, in Baie Saint-Paul.

This business-friendly eco-resort comprises five buildings that provide planners with multiple private-space options, a two-storey, fully-wired multi-function room capable of hosting banquets for 300, three divisible breakouts and 12 bedrooms with Murphy-styled beds that can be converted to small boardrooms.

The best way to think of Charlevoix is as Quebec’s rustic riviera. It has all the positive amenities of a rural destination, but with a level of sophistication that many lack.

—Allan Lynch is a freelance writer based in New Minas, N.S.

Largest dedicated meeting/banqueting space is the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu

The St. Lawrence is so wide (average of 20 km) that locals refer to it as La Mer (The Sea)

Travel Distance from Quebec City to Baie Saint Paul is 95 km; to La Malbaie, 143 km

345 million years ago, Charlevoix was created by a meteor

The city is part of Italy’s Slow Food movement

Whalewatch for blue, beluga and humpback

photos Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, La Pinsonniere Relais & Chateaux, Katabik, Auberge des Falaises, Hotel La Ferme, Le Train du Massif de Charlevoix.

When the band at La Maison du Bootlegger launches into their first set of old rock and roll favourites, diners reach into the rafters to grab fluorescent wigs and outrageous hats before taking to the dance floor. A 50-ish man with a green dinosaur on his head unabashedly does his interpretation of Steve Martin’s King Tut dance. It’s a mad, fun place that actually was a Prohibition-era bootlegger’s club, complete with false doors and hidden passages attesting to its nefarious past.

Manon Hamel, with Charlevoix Tourism, smiles warmly and says, “Charlevoix is all about passion.

It’s the passion for the place, for the people, for the food, for life.”

Passion is a good precis for this place. Chief among its passions is food, illustrated by the Flavour Trail. Forget the 100-Mile Diet; here, groups can follow the Charlevoix Diet. Chefs work with local artisans they know, from the apple cider/ wine-making family at Verger Pedneault’s; familyrun Laiterie Charlevoix; and award-winning Microbrasserie Charlevoix; to chocolatiers and supplier of fresh foie gras.

CHARLEVOIX

Quebec’s Rustic Riviera.

MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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La Pinsonniere Relais & Chateaux

photos Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, La Pinsonniere Relais & Chateaux, Katabik, Auberge des Falaises, Hotel La Ferme, Le Train du Massif de Charlevoix.

Guestroom at the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu

Fairmont Manoir Richelieu

Kayaking on the St. Lawrence River

The Spa at Auberge des Falaises

Fine dining at La Pinsonniere Hotel La Ferme

Le Train du Massif de Charlevoix

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COSTA RICA

The Westin Playa Conchal

The National Theater, San Jose

BY CHRISTINE OTSUKA

Simply no artificial ingredients.

NORTHERN PLAINS Flying into the San Jose International Airport, in the Central Valley region, visitors will encounter modern amenities in the country’s business hub. But because this eco-tourism destination has so much more to offer, it’s well worth the three-hour drive to the town of La Fortuna, in the Northern Plains region, to experience the grandeur of the Arenal Volcano and soak in the thermal hot springs.

For such activities, the top choice is the tabacon Grand spa thermal Resort. The thermal pools, which range from 50˚C to 25˚C, feel like a luxurious hot tub—that is, until the smooth rocks are felt underfoot and the surrounding vegetation and wildlife is spied. This Five Diamond Leading Hotels of the World property features outdoor meeting spaces, including gazebos and Asian-themed gardens in the midst of the enchanting volcano hot springs.

The best views of the volcano can be seen from a suite at the family-owned Arenal Kioro hotel, from a zipline at Sky Trek Adventures or from the Arenal Volcano Park, especially near dusk (5:30 p.m.), when groups can view burning rocks falling toward the lake side of the volcano.

fact!

Costa Rica is a peaceful, democratic and armyless country, with more teachers than policeman.

Known for its kindness and hospitality, the country’s major efforts are devoted to improving its health and education and promoting development.

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fast facts costaricacvb.com Juan Santa Maria Intl.

Airport sJo in San Jose; Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport LIR in Guanacaste Passport that will not expire within 90 days of entry into country

Central Standard Time The Colon, but USD is accepted Spanish, English widely spoken Hepatitis A + B, rabies, typhoid and yellow fever recommended at least 4-6 weeks before travel

12 hours of daylight (5:30 a.m.—5:30 p.m.)

Green Season is May to November, Dry Season is December to April 100+ volcanoes; only five are active 852 bird species— More than U.S. and Canada combined

MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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Photos Westin Playa Conchal, Costa Rica Convention Bureau, Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, J.W. Marriott Guanacaste.

Costa Rica is a most authentic expression of beauty and natural diversity. The Central American eco-tourism destination is comparable to Hawaii in the fifties, before commercialization took over. Beyond gorgeous isolated beaches and awe-inspiring volcanoes lies a country largely untouched, natural and pristine. It’s small—the coast-to-coast drive is a mere five hours—but Costa Rica is brimming with exotic mountains, lush rainforest, quiet valleys and rolling hills. With an ambitious day-plan, it is quite possible to have breakfast in the Caribbean and dinner on the Pacific coast. But for groups and incentives, two regions stand out.

Manuel Antonio National Park

photos Westin Playa Conchal, Costa Rica Convention Bureau, Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, J.W. Marriott Guanacaste.

A view of the Arenal volcano from the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort GUANACASTE Home to the best beaches and a warm, dry climate (28˚C average), Guanacaste province, in the northern region, is a favourite for incentives of 300 to 400 people. It’s the second-largest province but the least populated, as much of the land is owned by family-run cattle farms.

It’s here where groups can find Sabaneros (Costa Rican cowboys), horseback riding and some first-rate surfing, in the small town of Tamarindo.

This region is accessible by the Liberia Guanacaste airport and features several high-end properties, including the newly-renovated Westin Playa Conchal, the hotel chain’s first all-inclusive property, and the 289-room (21-suite) J.W. Marriott Guanacaste, an exquisite experience, with world-class dining and superior hospitality.

What’s most impressive about Costa Rica is the way in which visitors can interact with this naturallypreserved landscape. Adventurers can raft along whitewater rivers, stare into the crater of an active volcano, descend into underground caverns, rappel down a waterfall, take a balloon ride over the forest and scubadive in the ocean.

Hiking Monteverde reserve

Ziplining through the rain forest

J.W. Marriott Guanacaste

GIFTS AND GIVING BACK When it comes time to give attendees that special local something, connect with a DMC, such as Costa Rica DMC Tours or TAM Travel, which will help source the perfect memento. Popular gifts include painted glass jewelry, picture frames, salad tongs and trays made from local rosewood. Or to leave delegates with a memory rather than a memento, consider painting murals, building playgrounds or planting green gardens in the local community.

Take comfort in knowing that groups’ impact on the beautifully preserved country is minimized, since Costa Rica’s hotels partake in the Sustainable Tourism Certification Program, ensuring that tourism works in harmony with nature. For more information on the program, visit turismo-sostenible.co.cr —Christine Otsuka is Assistant Editor of Meetings + Incentive Travel MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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cool gifts

1. Made in Madagascar under fair-trade conditions from sustainable, handwoven natural raffia, clutch features cotton lining and is available in five colours. $78. ethicalocean.com 2. Transport iPhones, BlackBerrys, Android phones, iPods or other gadgets, plus their cables and power devices, via Tech Trap. $10-$14. twocrazyladies.com 3. Pedestal Candy Bowl holds selection of retro treats such as Charleston Chews, SweeTarts and Laffy Taffy. $55. bypeterandpauls.com 4. Convenient to carry, mini stylus, with connector protection, keeps fingerprints off touch-screen devices. Can be silkscreened. $2.70-$2.95. twocrazyladies.com 5. Chroma Flashlight keyring is available in full colour/full-wrap imprint. Three extra-bright LED lights, with replaceable button-cell batteries, included. $3.20-$3.90. twocrazyladies.com 6. Nicole Gloss Tote features a spacious main open compartment; sleek exterior; 6.5-inch handle circumference on metal ring handles. Available in red or black. $13 to $20. twocrazyladies.com 7. Collection of trendy executive gifts includes multi-outlet port; USB hubman; charging station; truffles and coconut cashews, in a metal file-folder holder. $150. bypeterandpauls.com 8. Wearable Words Necklaces are made of environmentally friendly lead-free pewter and coated in silver. $10. foxyoriginals.com 9. Bamboo Rack holds six wine bottles. It’s made of solid bamboo, so it’s friendly to the environment, too. $50. bypeterandpauls.com 76

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travel gear

AS I SEE IT

1. Via acupressure, BioBand controls the motion sickness resulting from rough seas, winding roads and air turbulence. Adjustable, for maximum comfort and effectiveness. $13 USD. magellans.com 2. Place Door Stop Alarm at the base of hotel door and anyone trying to enter room will set off a shrill siren-alarm. $15 USD. magellans.com 3. Spritz Evian mineral water on the face and static-charged hair, to refresh/rehydrate. TSA-compliant (each 5-inches x 1-inches, 1.7 oz). Set of three, $18.85 USD. magellans.com 4. Emergency radio runs by hand-crank or AAA batteries. Provides clear reception of AM, FM and seven NOAA Weather Bands. Can charge a cell phone or USB device. Quantity dictates price. hammacher.com 5. Auto-fold umbrella features wooden handle and wrist strap; folds down to 17 inches long (46 inches, open). $21.95; setup $75 for one colour, one location. plumgiftco.com 6. D Weatherman displays time, date, daily temperatures and humidity. Additional alarm function, with snooze. $11.95 ($75 setup for one color, one location). plumgiftco.com 7. Onboard, chew a Toothpaste Tablet, brush and rinse, for the same benefits as traditional toothpaste. Recyclable plastic bottle. TSA-approved. $12.85 USD (two bottles). magellans.com 8. Ultra-compact (6-inch x 1.5-inch x 1.5-inch) curling iron heats in just 30 seconds. Ceramic 1-inch barrel creates silky curls, while reducing frizz. Travel pouch. $23 USD. magellans.com MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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hot ideas

Eco-friendly bamboo Puzzle Party Platter can be connected together for a visually appealing buffet presentation or used as individual serving plates. $14.99 USD (set of 2). totallybamboo.com

Sales of the Prostate Cancer Canada tie fund programs related to the disease’s treatment and cure. Ties are 100-per-cent Italian silk and made in Canada. $65. prostatecancer.ca

The on-site, 10-ft. x 10-ft.

Flipbook Studio instantly turns attendees’ filmed 90-second video clips into a personalized flipbook. $1,200 (for 100 books and three hours). theflipbookstudio.com

A $100 donation provides a loan enabling a woman in Kenya, Ecuador, India, China, Sierra Leone or Haiti to start a small business, benefiting her entire community. freethechildren.com

CI: The Crime Investigators requires groups to solve a staged ‘crime’—in an office, meeting space, conference centre, restaurant, hotel/resort, etc. $180 per person. canadianoutback.com

Via a designated phone number, use online Hello Fax service to send and receive signed documents, from a computer, on-site at meetings. Starting at $4.99/month. hellofax.com

Through UNICEF’s Survival Gifts, an $86 donation buys a bike, for a vulnerable child, to help him/her fetch water, do chores, travel to school—and have fun. unicef.ca 78

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AS I SEE IT

Toronto

Ottawa

National Meetings Industry Day

Halifax

LEFT TO RIGHT: 1. Vivian Taylor, Hoffmann-La Roche Limited; Laura Pallotta, Delta Meadowvale Hotel and Conference Centre. 2. Christine Otsuka, M+IT; Stephanie Uy, Tourism Toronto; Marsha Jones, CMP, CMM, Luxury Coach. 3. Annette Bennitz and Tim Whalen, Fallsview Casino Resort. 4. Richard Brooks, MCIS; Javier Fernandez, Connect Worldwide Canada. 5. Michelle Oxley, Delta Meadowvale; Noel Lising, Center Stage AV; Deanna Jean Patawaran, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Toronto Vaughan. 6. Joy Leonte, Allstream Centre; Tamer Mecky, Exhibition Place; Khadijah Hewitt, CMP, Absolute Conferences & Events. 7. Mark Cooney and Ron Vidad, AVW-TELAV; Madeleine Bart, The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. 8. Nathalie Boulet, Canadian Museum of Nature; Melonea Kelly, The National Hotel and Suites Ottawa; Carole Morissette, Delta Ottawa City Centre. 9. Dennis Campbell, Ambassatours; Kevin Hinton, MPI Chairman Elect; Roger Rickard, Revent, LLC and Voices in Advocacy; Dawn Baldwin, MPI Atlantic President Elect; Genaya MacMillan, MPI Atlantic President; Alanna McQuaid, M+IT.

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Tourism Toronto FAM Trip

The Arcadian Launch Party LEFT TO RIGHT: 1. Debbie Miller, Tourism Toronto; Bibianna Poon, Pareto; Daniel Stubbe, Stubbe Chocolates; Julie Holmen, Tourism Toronto; Nasreen Kamal, Pareto; Christine Otsuka, M+IT; Adam Baggs, Soaring Worldwide. 2. Stella Gallant, Tourism Toronto; Evan Narotsky, Association for Experiential Education. 3. Brenda Howes, The Howes Group; Sarah Viet, Successful Meetings magazine. 4. Denise Wiese, Tourism Toronto; Roslynn Baird, Southern Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative; Ellen Maracle, National Association of Friendship Centres. 5. Catherine Paull, CMP, Catherine Paull Meeting Management; Ellen Boddington, CMP, Stellar Conference & Event Management.

6. Peter Oliver, Oliver & Bonacini; Donald Watros, The Bay.

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AS I SEE IT

GMIC Sustainable Meetings Conference

LEFT TO RIGHT: 1. Vivian Fleet, Metro Toronto Convention Centre; Brittin Witzenburg, Oregon Convention Center. 2. Laura Smith, CMP, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.; Doreen Ashton Wagner, Greenfield Services. 3. Joseph Pestka, CEM, Freeman; Scott McKye, Kleertech.

4. Carol Becker, Tourism Whistler. 5. Marion Ancel and Sybille Brault, CMP, Tourisme Montreal; Catherine Noppen, Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Quebec; Genevieve Leclerc, CMP, JPdL International. 6. Wendy Scott, CAE, and Amy Henderson, CMP, Experient; Kathryn Wakefield, Tourism Toronto. 7. Linda Mansouria, CMP, CMM, CASSS—An International Separation Science Society; Jeff Chase, Freeman. 8.

Allyson Wagner, Meeting Consultants, Inc. 9. Alexandre Meunier, One Drop; Amanda Ulbrich, Green Meetings Industry Council. 10. Alain Bergeron, Les Delices de l’Erable. 11. Tamara Kennedy-Hill, Green Meetings Industry Council; Steen Jakobsen, Wonderful Copenhagen CVB. 12. Shawna McKinley, MeetGreen; Judy Kucharuk, Footprint Management Systems. 13. Sandra Wood, CMP, Canadian Medical Association; Doreen Ashton Wagner, Greenfield Services; Genevieve Leclerc, CMP, JPdL International; Dawn Graham, CMP, Engineers Canada.

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Hyper-Customized Concierge

This year has seen the introduction of concierges focused on beer (La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla, Calif.); fragrances (Rosewood Hotels) and, at OPUS Vancouver, personal lifestyle, via a

Now that’s service with a smile!

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‘virtual’ concierge—iPads customized with apps and web links listing recommended places to shop, dine, exercise, etc.

MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility.

255 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2W6 (416) 585-8120 | www.mtccc.com

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BLAZING-FAST, RELIABLE INTERNET IS NO LONGER A LUXURY. IT’S MANDATORY. Meetings and conferences aren’t about whiteboards and flipcharts anymore. They’re about global live streaming, video conferences, online training and lots more.

Delta Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce the launch of InternetXL, our new, ultra-high-speed, ultra-reliable Internet service that’s proven to be the fastest of any full-service hotel chain in Canada.* It’s the dedicated, reliable bandwidth you need to make sure your meetings go off without a hitch.

Because at Delta, we’re more than just your next meeting venue. We’re your technology partner.

To learn more and book your next event, visit deltahotels.com/meetings

*InternetXL is currently available at select Delta Hotels and Resorts locations.

For more information and to check out our video, visit deltahotels.com/internetxl

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