Meetings + Incentive Travel July.August 2015

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

WELLNESS

GOOD FOR YOU GOOD FOR BUSINESS

plus

+ REDEFINING WORK-LIFE BALANCE + EVENT INNOVATION @ C2 MONTREAL + HOW-TO PICK A DESTINATION

PM 40069240

JULY.AUGUST 2015

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ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S

BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2015

200+

ATTRACTIONS

A DIVERSE AND COSMOPOLITAN CITY, OVER 180 LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS ARE SPOKEN HERE

OVER 3,260,000 SQ. FT. OF COMBINED MEETING AND EXHIBITION SPACE DOWNTOWN AND IN TORONTO WEST

TORONTO WEST

FEATURES DYNAMIC AND VERSATILE EVENT VENUES AND SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEXES TO SUIT THE NEEDS OF EVERY EVENT

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ER

RE

230 HOTELS 40,000 HOTEL ROOMS

9,000+ RESTAURANTS

2

ND LARGEST FINANCIAL

SERVICES SECTOR IN NORTH AMERICA

Come and see us at IncentiveWorks Booth #1313

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+CONTENTS

special section delivering wellness 34

GROUP BENEFITS Adding wellness to programs

BY MARTHA UNIACKE BREEN

39

GOOD FOR YOU Why the new nightclub doesn’t serve alcohol

BY CHRISTINE OTSUKA

41

GIFTS + GEAR Good to give and good to get products

BY LORI SMITH

44

CUISCENE The logistics of accommodating allergy requests

BY DON DOULOFF

46

HARDWIRED Canadian healthcare on-the-go

BY CHRISTINE OTSUKA

wellness destinations 47

VANCOUVER Canada’s capital of health and wellness

BY CHRISTINE OTSUKA

50

33

29 4

ARUBA Good for groups, good for the planet

BY LORI SMITH

50

MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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+CONTENTS

wellness plus 13

74

LEADERSHIP

29

MEETING DESIGN

Redefining the quest for work-life balance

C2 Montreal reimagines the business conference

BY JILL HARRINGTON

BY CHRISTINE OTSUKA

FIND

54 M+IT TALK

Korean temple stays add peace to busy programs

Incentive industry veterans discuss challenges and opportunities

BY LORI SMITH

WITH LORI SMITH

columns 17

59

BY ISSA JOUANEH

CONVENTION FILE Why convention centres and city stakeholders need to engage

61

AS TOLD TO CHRISTINE OTSUKA

19

BY LORI SMITH

TWENTYSOMETHING Meet Yvonne Sharpe, Executive Sales Coordinator, MCI Group Canada

BUSINESS MATTERS Growing your business using LinkedIn

departments 6

What’s New on MeetingsCanada.com

9

Editor’s Comment

12

Contributors

7 1

Event Wrap-ups

BY MARK WARDELL

22

EXPERT OPINION It’s time to put others in the spotlight

BY NIKKI PETT

25

EXPERT OPINION Four simple tips to content curation

BY DAHLIA EL GAZZAR

26

72 Snapped 73 Agenda

ASK AN EXPERT Staying on top of email; Creating the perfect panel AS TOLD TO CHRISTINE OTSUKA

61

CANADA UPDATE New event spaces in B.C., new builds in Alberta and more

BY GEOFF DONAGHY, AIPC

18

HOW-TO Tips on picking the perfect destination

13

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what's new on

NEWS

RENOS

MIET HELPING TRUMP CANCER This year’s Meeting Industry Euchre Tournament, a panindustry fundraising event, delivered a

PHASE ONE OF BROOKLYN MARRIOTT RENO UNVEILED

cheque for $20,000 to the Princess Margaret Hospital

DESTINATIONS

HOTELS

Cancer Research Foundation. Kudos to its organizers, sponsors and participants!

HAWAII UPDATE

BLOG

Les Selby, Industry Insider blog, “The Impact of the Sharing Economy on M&E Industry”

CONDADO VANDERBILT JOINS ALHI

“If your busy professional life means you can only focus on developing one skill this year, let it be on becoming a better communicator.”

Listen in on the conversation or better yet, join in! Follow us on Twitter for the latest breaking industry news and updates @MeetingsCanada 6

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)

EVENTS

AUGUST ++ 1-4 MPI World Education Congress (WEC), San Francisco, CA ++ 6 SITE Canada Cross-Border Event, Niagara Falls, ON ++ 17 CanSPEP Event Business Blueprint Conference, Toronto, ON ++ 17 SITE Canada Annual Golf Tournament, Toronto, ON ++ 17 MPI Foundation’s Canada Rocks!, Toronto, ON ++ 18-19 IncentiveWorks 2015, Toronto, ON ++ 31 16th Annual MPI Ottawa Golf Day, Kanata,ON

MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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A Suite View is Just the Beginning

Show your group how much they are valued, and we’ll show you great value for your meeting.

Deliver an inspiring and memorable conference by choosing JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka.

The natural setting, unique environment and luxurious surroundings will help your group achieve stronger relationships, creative ideas and fresh perspective. you save money by staying north of the border, plus each participant will enjoy the

Go to www.jwrosseau.com to submit an RFP or call 705-765-1900 to speak to a member of the sales team.

1050 Paignton House Road, Minett, ON P0B 1G0 Come and see us at IncentiveWorks Booth #637

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e n i h s n o i t n e v n o c See your 's g e p i n n i W t s g amon newest star s.

Opening 2016

Dazzle your delegation in our stunning new convention centre, see polar bears swim and play in the majestic Journey to Churchill and have a world-class reflective experience at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

These inspired settings can only be found in the heart of Canada, where our new skyline, hotels and one-of-a-kind attractions are shining bright for all the world to see.

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To book your next convention please call Tourism Winnipeg 1.855.PEG.CITY (734.2489) or visit meetingswinnipeg.com

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+EDITOR’SCOMMENT

THE RISE OF ESSENTIALISM

COMING NEXT ISSUE Profiles of M+IT’s 2015 Hall of Fame inductees; IncentiveWorks review; how to pick an off-site venue; and destination reports on Nashville and Memphis.

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. meetingscanada.com/newsletters

I have been konmaring. For those of you who have not read any of Marie Kondo’s four books on organizing, konmaring is the verb created to describe decluttering her way, which is to acknowledge that you have too much stuff, identify all the possessions that do not spark joy in you, thank them for their service and then get rid of them. It is a freeing ritual. And it is a sign of the times.

Kondo’s latest book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, has sold two million copies worldwide and been on best-seller lists since its release in October. A new business tome by Greg McKeown called Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, has been keeping it company. In his book, McKeown advocates figuring out what is essential to you and learning to say “no” to those demands and activities that distract you from what’s important to your life and success.

Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington, who also wrote about doing less after being hospitalized for excessive fatigue, says McKeown’s book “is a much-needed antidote to stress, burnout and the compulsion to do it all.” It’s definitely a prescription for mental decluttering that’s resonating with a broad spectrum of people.

The pure truth is that many Canadians have too much of everything. Too many possessions. Too many clothes. Too many toys.

Too many diversions. Too many options. Too much information coming at us from all directions. Too much to do and too few hours to do it in. And, as a result, we are overstimulated, over-connected, stressed-out

and sleep-deprived. Something has to give; something has to be ruled non-essential.

Here’s a point to consider: Marie Kondo just turned 30. Greg McKeown is 38. Arianna Huffington is 64. Kondo is Japanese. McKeown was born in London, England. Huffington’s heritage is Greek. This rising desire to simplify our lives and fill it only with work, people and possessions that “spark joy” is pan-generational and pan-cultural. It is a shift in the collective zeitgeist that presents both a challenge and opportunity to the MICE industry.

On the meeting, convention and conference side, planners have to make sure that the content and networking opportunities they offer will be deemed essential by potential attendees, who are asking why they should allot an afternoon, a day or a week to any event when they could be spending the time with family or friends. On the incentive side, there is an opportunity—and I think, a growing need as the workforce contracts with the exit of the Boomers—to help companies increase the productivity of essentialism-practicing employees.

And what about you? Do your possessions and work “spark joy”? It’s a question worth answering.

LORI SMITH EDITOR lsmith@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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Come and see us at IncentiveWorks Booth #2111, 2113

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WHAT TECH TOOL DO YOU USE TO HELP MEET A WELLNESS GOAL?

VOLUME 44, NUMBER 4 JULY.AUG 2015

Managing Director 416.510.5141

R O B IN PA IS LE Y RPaisley@MeetingsCanada.com

“MyFitnessPal app.”

EDITORIAL

“Brita’s water reminder app —I’d never drink eight glasses of water a day without it.”

Editor 416.442.5600 x3254

LO R I S MIT H

Associate Editor 416.442.5600 x3255

CHR IST IN E OTS U KA

“The Map My Run app that lets me track my distance and time.”

LSmith@MeetingsCanada.com

COtsuka@MeetingsCanada.com

ART

Art Director 416.442.5600 x3590

“My tablet to look up healthy recipes.”

ELLIE ROBINSON ERobinson@annexnewcom.ca

SALES Senior Account Manager Canada + USA 416.510.6819

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

International Business Development Manager 416.510.5144

A LA N N A MCQ UA ID

“I’m old school, I prefer writing out goals into my journal or agenda.”

Account Manager 416.510.5199

“MyfitnessPal! Tracks my food and exercise!”

CCanuel@MeetingsCanada.com

“I use the telephone to call the doctor to tell him I don’t feel well!”

AMcquaid@MeetingsCanada.com

P E T E R R ID O U T PRidout@meetingscanada.com

INCENTIVEWORKS

“Real time app for translation of English into sign language and vice versa.”

Event Coordinator 416.442.5600 x5213

MEG A N ME HLE N BACHE R

Event Coordinator 416.442.5600 x3213

ST E P HA N IE RA P KO

Senior Event Coordinator 416.510.6867 Event Manager 416.442.5600 x3214

mmehlenbacher@meetingscanada.com

SRapko@MeetingsCanada.com

S IM FRAYN E SFrayne@meetingscanada.com

LO R I W IN CH LWinch@MeetingsCanada.com

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Martha Uniacke Breen, Geoff Donaghy, Don Douloff, Dahlia El Gazzar, CMP, Jill Harrington, Issa Jouaneh, Dawn O’Connor, Nikki Pett, Yvonne Sharpe, Niesa Silzer, Mark Wardell

NEWCOM BUSINESS MEDIA Vice-President + General Manager

JOE GLIONNA

President

JIM GLIONNA

“Lose it!” is a great app that helps me see food for its calorie content. Not all snacks are created equal!”

CIRCULATION + PRODUCTION + ONLINE Circulation Manager B E ATA O LECH N OW I C Z 416.442.5600 x3543 Market Production Manager 416.510.6762 Production Manager (Online) 416.442.5600 x3221

BOlechnowicz@annexnewcom.ca

T RACE Y HA N SO N THanson@annexnewcom.ca

D E B B IE S MIT H DSmith@annexnewcom.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@annexnewcom.ca, SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: Canada $77.95 per year, Outside Canada $108.00 US per year, Single Copy Canada $13.00, Buyers Guide $60.95. HST #10386 2405 RT0001. 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 Newcom Business Media. Canada Post — Canadian publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 40069240 ISSN No. 0225-8285 (Print) ISSN No. 1929-6428 (Online). 80 Valleybrook Drive, North York, ON M3B 2S9. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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+TEAM UPDATE contributors

13

22

44

34

J I L L HARRI NGTON The Impossible Quest

NIKKI PETT Building Stronger Connections

D O N D O U LO FF CuiScene

MA RT HA U N I AC K E BR E E N Group Benefits

“My iPhone alarm to assure I take regular work breaks.”

“Love my FITBIT! One of the main reasons I now do walking meetings with team members”

“Via the web, I seek out new culinary and musical experiences, which provide their own unique brand of wellness.”

“I’m fairly low-tech when it comes to fitness, but I have an odometer on my bike and try to go a little further each day.”

Contact Jill at jill@salesshift.ca

Contact Nikki at nikki@sigmapromotions.com

Contact Don at dondouloff@rogers.com

Contact Martha at mubreen@sympatico.ca

MEETINGS AT

CINEPLEX Auditorium rentals at 161 locations across Canada

SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS TOWN HALLS ROAD SHOWS

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+LEADERSHIP

THE IMPOSSIBLE QUEST What does work-life balance really mean? ©Thinkstock

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BY JILL HARRINGTON We all strive for the elusive utopia of “work-life balance” (WLB) dangled before us by professional development gurus like a golden carrot. How many of us have quietly berated the boss, pointed a guilt-laden finger at the client or cursed the job for robbing us of this well-deserved harmony?

Let’s face it, as a meetings industry professional, it’s unlikely you’ve ever experienced the joy of a 9-5 work schedule and a 5-9 life. Around-the-clock events, weekend site inspections and crazy deadlines are the norm.

From years of listening to people’s angst on this subject, I’ve concluded that the

M EE EE TT II N NG G SS C CA AN NA AD DA A .. C CO OM M M

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+LEADERSHIP quest for this hedonistic state causes more stress than the lack of balance. And that the solution to this issue has less to do with outside pressures and more to do with the choices we make. Starting with how we choose to define WLB. The word “balance” suggests perfect equilibrium between two distinctly different entities—our work and our life.

It puts us on a hunt for perfection, a quest that inevitably results in self-induced stress and disappointment. Years ago a colleague introduced me to the term “work-life integration.” I immediately liked it because “integration” recognizes that work and life co-exist. It makes more sense in a world where technology has shifted the way we work and play, and where the home and workplace, for many, are one and the same.

So what if we stop trying to separate the two and find ways to make them work, and serve, together?

How you integrate depends on you. It can be small but impactful choices. For example, I use energy-sucking airport wait time as an opportunity to send long chatty emails, or Skype, to my mum in the UK. It breaks me away from work, eliminates the stress of juggling time zones in the few hours I have at home between trips, and brings us both immense joy.

I have the propensity to overwork and so five months ago I integrated Brett, a personal trainer at my local gym.

Brett has little interest in talking about business, makes it clear that my phone belongs in the locker, and pushes my body so

Are you burning the midnight oil, forgoing vacations, or chained to that desk because you’re knee-deep in the muddy rut of habit?

hard that pain drowns out any thought of client deadlines. I intentionally schedule my twice-weekly sessions with Brett towards the end of the day so that I’m forced to break from the job. I go home to my family re-energized and, if I do catch up on a little work later in the evening, I do so without angst or guilt.

Integration on a daily basis is doable. Daily balance, for many of us, is an impossible goal. I choose to look at balance from a longer term perspective. I put in gruelling hours at certain times of the year but am ruthless about scheduling and “protecting” vacations and workfree weekends for undisturbed play time with loved ones. It horrifies me to read that over 50 per cent of North Americans fail to take time off as studies continue to remind us that this is essential if we want to remain mentally sharp, nurture our most important relationships, and avoid physical burnout.

Equally frightening are those of you who spend more time on vacation bonding with your laptop than with your family. My clients have shown nothing but respect, and perhaps a tinge of envy, at my pit bull commitment to removing myself fully

from work for short periods throughout the year. It’s not easy. It takes forethought, careful planning and it starts with making the choice that this is what I want.

In this business there will be times when you start at dawn, work late, or fire off a late night email. But if you find yourself doing this all the time, it’s time for some tough love. Are you burning the midnight oil, forgoing vacations, or chained to that desk because you’re knee-deep in the muddy rut of habit? Is it possible that your late night email binge is driven by your craving to be connected rather than the expectation of the client?

Is ego blinding you to reality?

You know who you are, “I’m the only one who can get this done.”

Newsflash: You’re not. And if you answered yes to any one of these questions take an objective look at the choices you make and what’s driving them.

Like any value in life and, as your career and family priorities shift over time, your definition of WLB will change. A close friend has temporarily moved halfway around the world to expand her business into Africa.

She is at a point in her life where she can do this. She has given herself a timeline during which

she is prepared to work around the clock. She brings balance, on her terms, with a planned three-month vacation in Canada to reconnect and reenergize with family and friends.

She integrates life into her crazy schedule through regular Facebook posts and emails filled with photos and brilliantly told stories of her adventures.

SO WHAT’S MY POINT? Each of us has our own individual work, family and personal priorities. There is no “one size fits all” solution to the WLB challenge. The key is to define and execute the work-life “whatever you choose to call it” that’s right for you. When did you last sit alone and reflect on your definition? Are you open to the possibility that your imbalance may be self-driven by the choices you make? Like so much in life, WLB is not something bestowed to us by others. It is something we create.

My final word is to those of you who lead. Be willing to hear and encourage each person’s individual definition of the WLB model that supports their circumstances while satisfying company goals. More importantly be the shining example of an integrated and balanced boss.

JILL HARRINGTON, sales expert, speaker, trainer and president of salesSHIFT, has contributed to the success of thousands of sales and service professionals and business owners around the world. She provides the uncommon sense that will shift the way you think and maximize your influence, impact and income. www.salesshift.ca

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NIAGARA FALLS - FALLSVIEW

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+ CONVENTION FILE

BY GEOFF DONAGHY

SUPPORTING CITY STRATEGY

Why convention centres and city stakeholders need to engage Convention centres are generally very big factors in both the life and built form of a city. They are major drivers of visitor traffic and, by virtue of the events they host, of a city’s economic, academic and professional reputation and engagement. At the same time, they are often very prominent and iconic structures in their own right, usually occupying key locations and featuring qualities that represent much of what a destination wants to project about its uniqueness and values. They can drive the flow of people and traffic, the location of related infrastructure like hotels, and many other issues that directly impact the lives of the local citizenry.

As a result, centre managers, along with planners, developers and owners—the latter very often local or regional government—should be deeply engaged in the broader overall strategic planning processes for the destination. However, for reasons ranging from jurisdictional divisions to the demands of operating a business in what today is a very competitive environment that is often simply not the case. The result is the loss of what otherwise might be an important set of synergies that would strengthen and align everyone’s interests in supporting city strategy.

But the simple fact is that Illustration: ©shuoshu/iStock/Thinkstock

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centres represent one of the largest single infrastructure investments governments are called upon to finance, and centre managers need to be able to support those investment decisions with some very good rationale as to how centres contribute to overall city advancement rather than just in the narrowly-defined terms of the revenues they generate. That implies a willingness to participate in broader city development processes when called upon, and to bring an awareness of the broader benefits and impacts associated with centres to those conversations.

And what are those processes?

First, and most importantly, are the economic development and inward investment programs of the destinations.

Events taking place in convention centres are typically those that attract participants with the most to contribute in this regard—business, professional and academic leaders whose expertise and investment potential is generally exactly what such programs are looking for.

Centres can help target priority areas if they know what these are and in turn, can benefit by the contacts and leverage that economic development agencies can deliver to a centre’s marketing efforts.

Second is the city planning process that generally shapes the requirements that buildings have to live up to, and which can be unfamiliar with the nature of today’s industry and the kinds of expectations that have to be met in order to be competitive.

It is usually these agencies that determine, or at least influence, everything from location to site constraints via zoning and building requirements, areas that impact the kinds of proximities and relationships critical to a successful centre operation. And what may suit the aspirations of city planners may not necessarily be what’s needed to succeed in the events market so that is a conversation that needs to take place sooner rather than later.

And finally, there needs more than ever before to be a good exchange with the organizations that are shaping the image of a city through the marketing messages being projected to what are often the same audiences. What sells as a leisure message may be very different from what works for recruiting business and investment and different again from what’s needed to succeed in today’s compliance-sensitive meetings market. Alignment is possible but only if there’s a willingness to recognize and respond to what can be the very different needs of different interests.

Conversation is needed, sooner rather than later.

Knowing how the various elements can work together more effectively is a key step to developing a better and more influential form of interface— but so is promoting a better appreciation of how getting input from centre managers with a good understanding of meetings industry dynamics will ultimately support the aims of others, from local elected officials to planners and from destination marketers to economic development authorities.

As has been seen regularly in the more successful destinations, this kind of alignment benefits everyone and helps limit the frustrations that occur when various players end up working at cross purposes simply because they’re not aware of how their actions are impacting others. But working together demands a good understanding of what others are trying to accomplish and how they go about doing it—something we can all do a better job of as we strive to meet our collective responsibilities to the communities we represent and serve.

Geoff Donaghy is president of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), CEO of International Convention Centre Sydney and director of Convention Centres AEG Ogden.

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+TWENTYSOMETHING ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Name: Yvonne Sharpe Title: Executive Sales Coordinator Company: MCI Group Canada Age: 24 Designation: None Education: Event Management Diploma,

The Art Institute of Vancouver

Associations (past and present): Meeting Professionals International

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I got my start in the meetings industry…

by volunteering for local planners and production companies around Vancouver. I took any opportunity to gain on-site experience, from managing coat check, selling 50/50 tickets, presenting awards, set-up and tear down, and even dressing up as a character for the event. Soon they were paying me for contract positions on site at various conferences, exhibitions, and consumer shows. It was through hard work and the reputation I built in the industry that landed me at MCI as a sales coordinator. I have now been at MCI for two and a half years and have recently been promoted to executive sales coordinator.

When people ask me what I do for a living, I tell them…

that I work in the international events industry. And, no, I am not a party planner! It is my responsibility to ensure that each proposal that is sent out from MCI Canada looks fantastic, is without error, and includes content that will set MCI apart from our competitors. I also wear another hat in the area of marketing for MCI Canada’s brand. I work with our HQ marketing team to create and distribute content, as well as ensure branding is consistent in all of our sales and marketing materials. In the office, I am also actively involved in our internal committees for activities such as CSR and social events.

The most challenging thing for me when I began my career was…

networking at industry events. Trying to get people to see me as a professional was difficult. I felt as though I was being seen as young and underqualified due to my age. With the help of some incredible mentors and by constantly stepping outside my comfort zone, I have been able to instil confidence in myself and demonstrate it in my professional experiences.

18

People shouldn’t underestimate me because…

I am driven by challenges. While writing and design were strengths of mine when I joined MCI, there was a huge learning curve with the industry. Understanding the world of associations and what organizing committees are looking for in a professional conference organizer was a significant obstacle for me. I am still learning, but I am ready and waiting to take on more trials that will help bring my expertise to the next level.

The most valuable lesson I learned was...

communication is key! Whether it’s in the office among your team, with a client, or a supplier—it is the most important skill to possess. I’ve learned that confirming discussions in writing and keeping the line of communication open can really save you in a predicament. One of my mentors is our director, association relations, Natasha Hilliard and throughout my time here she has taught me to speak up and be confident with myself as a professional. Not only that, but I am often working with as many as five managers at once, so corresponding with them on deadlines and workload is a must. By effectively setting boundaries and asking questions, we all manage to work in harmony and deadlines are never missed.

In 10 years, I see myself…

pursuing my career goals in sales and marketing. MCI has been an absolute blessing and I really look forward to growing with them, not only in Canada but globally. There is a lot of support for personal development within the company and our sales team in particular have been incredible mentors to me. I hope that in 10 years I will have had the opportunity to live and work in another country. I have joint citizenship within Canada and the UK so it would be amazing to utilize that asset in the future.

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+BUSINESSMATTERS

BY MARK WARDELL

Connecting with

LinkedIn

How to grow your business with the web’s best B2B networking tool

LinkedIn has been around for over a decade, but if you’re still thinking about (and using) LinkedIn as a glorified business card, then you’re missing out on the many other effective ways this social networking tool can be used as a CRM (customer relationship management) to help grow your business.

Unlike other social networking sites, LinkedIn is geared entirely to the business world, with a mandate to offer businessto-business marketing opportunities to its users. Indeed, as LinkedIn has achieved critical mass it has become an effective lead generation tool and business marketing tool—one that we use daily here at Wardell.

VISIBILITY IS KEY To be effective on LinkedIn, you’ll need to maximize your visibility. The best way to do this is to keep your profile current and relevant. Use a professional photograph and make sure your business title, skills, expertise and other activities are up-to-date. The more relevant the information you have listed on your LinkedIn profile, the more useful the connections you’ll make. Note: ensure the professional headline that appears below your name includes all the information you want representing yourself and your business, as this is what people see first.

CREDIBILITY & ENDORSEMENTS The more often you use LinkedIn, the more people will see your profile and be able to endorse your skills, which are visible to everyone.

When it comes to referrals, however, you’ll generally need to ask for these directly. The best approach here is to identify contacts that have the greatest influence with your target audience and send each a request for a referral. To make it easier for them, you could consider drafting or offering to draft the referral yourself. Frame your request by letting them know how much you value their opinion.

STRONGER CONNECTIONS LinkedIn gives business owners the very valuable opportunity to connect in person with people they otherwise might not have the opportunity to encounter. It happens all the time, and it’s one of the reasons LinkedIn is my favourite social media tool.

Illustration: ©v_alex/iStock/Thinkstock

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For example, one of my clients, the owner of a financial consulting firm, had been trying unsuccessfully for months to arrange a meeting with a large investor. One day, the very investor he was pursuing confirmed his request to connect on LinkedIn. Within minutes of receiving the email, my client responded, asking for a quick phone call. The phone call quickly turned into a first meeting, and then a very valuable partnership. Without LinkedIn it might have taken much longer. The key to success here is to respond quickly when an opportunity arises and take the conversation into regular email by seeking out the contact’s email address on the profile page versus responding within LinkedIn’s mail program.

And when you need to connect with someone you haven’t yet met? Find them on LinkedIn, you’ll see who you know in common, and then ask your (best) mutual contact for an introduction.

DIRECT MARKETING For many businesses, especially those in the B2B world, direct marketing is a critical part of day-to-day business and LinkedIn can be a valuable tool here also.

Consider our approach at Wardell. When I get a request on LinkedIn, I always respond immediately asking if I can add that person to my email newsletter list. As they’ve asked to connect with me, the answer is typically yes and usually accompanied by a note of thanks. I take this second opportunity to connect back, offering my new contact the opportunity to take Wardell’s free business strength analysis test. Often my new contacts pursue this offer, which enables us to track who has taken the test and their level of interest in our services.

If your business has a newsletter, a whitepaper, a survey, a sale or coupon or something else of value to offer new contacts, LinkedIn can be a great place to make these offerings.

Mark is president and founder of Wardell Professional Development (www.wardell.biz), an advisory group that helps business owners plan and execute the growth of their companies.

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15-06-29 7:28 PM

Meetings + Incentive Travel is proud to honour its 2015 Hall of Fame Finalists These planners and suppliers were selected from a record number of nominations submitted by industry peers. The 2015 Inductees will be announced at a special live ceremony on the opening day of IncentiveWorks 2015, August 18, 2015

INDUSTRY PLANNER

INDUSTRY MENTOR

THE BIG IDEA

ELLIE MACPHERSON Senior Vice-President SM+i/Strategic Meetings + Incentives

LORI CHRISTENSEN President/Owner The Farm Inc.

KATIE DOLAN Convention Sales Manager Ottawa Tourism

SARAH MURRAY, CMP Account Executive Dragonfly Meeting Solutions

KRISTA CAMERON Director of Sales Destination St. John’s

TAHIRA ENDEAN, CMP Manager-Events QuickMobile

CHUCK SCHOUWERWOU CMP, CMM President ConferSense Planners Inc.

ALISSA HURLEY Marketing Events Specialist Kinaxis

BILL GUEST CEO & Founder CCR Solutions

THE 2015 HALL OF FAME AWARDS ARE SPONSORED BY:

M+IT’s Hall of Fame program was launched seven years ago. Its goal is to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of meeting and incentive travel industry professionals. For more information visit halloffame.meetingscanada.com.

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15-06-30 1:09 PM

INDUSTRY VOLUNTEER

INDUSTRY BUILDER

INDUSTRY RISING STAR

LIZ AKEY, CMP President EMA Marketing Ltd.

MARIELA MCILWRAITH CMP, CMM, MBA President Meeting Change

JAIME HEINKE National Marketing Manager National Speakers Bureau

LYDIA BLANCHARD Business Development – Sales Manager, NAV Centre

CHUCK SCHOUWERWOU CMP, CMM President ConferSense Planners Inc.

MARIELLA IRIVARREN, CMP Manager – Event-Based Marketing BMO Financial Group

HÉLÈNE MOBERG Executive-Director, Sales Destination Halifax

SHELLEY WILLIAMS Director of Sales – Eastern Region Caesars Entertainment

COURTNEY STANLEY Strategic Partnership Manager EventMobi

INDUSTRY INNOVATOR (acclaimed) SANDRA WOOD, CMP

MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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+EXPERT OPINION

BUILDING STRONGER CONNECTIONS It’s time to put others in the spotlight

BY NIKKI PETT There’s a plethora of information out there on making a good first impression; how to dress, how to appear confident, books on how to shake hands (firm, but not too firm) and even how to articulate your words. We’re told what to say and what not to say, with instructions on complimenting the person you’re meeting as soon as you greet them to ensure you start off on the right foot.

There are tools on finding common ground and gaining authority in a conversation by getting that first “yes” out of someone’s mouth to start a conversation in agreement.

I’ve read the books, heck I even tried desperately to adhere to all of the rules until I felt I was being completely inauthentic!

Why? Because I was consumed with how I looked, how I sounded, and remembering to compliment immediately I felt my initial interactions were forced. I just wasn’t able to connect with people.

It was through studying human behaviour and the art of listening that literally transformed my approach and thank goodness I finally discovered the real way to not only connect but to build solid business relationships.

You’re looking to land your dream job or that elephant sized account that will catapult your business forward. You need to know what you’re up against and how to act. I’ve got some great news for you! You can be authentically you once you realize you’re not dealing with the president, CEO, or vice-president of sales, but rather you’re dealing with another human being! At the very core regardless of stature and position in any organization, no matter how intimidating someone may seem, you can instantly connect with this simple secret. Remember that everyone you come in contact with is desperate for what I call the EVA Principle. They want to feel Engaged, Valued and Appreciated.

Sound too simple? It is simple but unfortunately we live in a complicated world and make things harder for ourselves than they need to be. We think we need the perfect strategy to win over the hearts and minds of our team, that ideal prospect or boss. What we really need is to focus 100 per cent on the people we come in contact with.

We live in an age where people have more “connections” than any other time in history. We also live in an age where people feel more disconnected than ever before! Each one of us craves real, authentic

connections with people. We’re desperate to feel special and heard!

With all of the digital clutter in life, the hundreds of thousands of messages that bombard our thoughts each day, we have rare opportunities to fully bond with someone on a personal level. I truly believe that as a society we feel an anxious void. Recognizing this void presents a beautiful opportunity for you to make SEE fantastic first impressions as well as build NIKKI PETT SPEAK AT deeper bonds with people in this industry.

How do you do that? First, untether yourself from your electronics—completely! When AUGUST 18, 2015 you’re in a meeting face-to-face or over the phone, resist the urge to get sidetracked by your phone or computer. Give the person that you’re meeting with your undivided attention. Look them in the eye and be fully present to what they have to say. This allows you to put the person in the spotlight and most importantly ask great openended questions. When you’re networking ask people what they love about their jobs. What’s the craziest thing they’ve ever come across? What would they do for a living if they won the lottery and didn’t have to work another day in their lives? Asking awesome questions like this will not only make you a magnetic person to be around but people will be floored that you actually listen!! It sounds absurd but we’ve been in those strange situations when a co-worker or salesperson asks you a question then turns to look in the other direction like they’re not interested at all. It’s because they’re not! Being a great listener in business makes you a rare breed. Actually absorbing the information and molding the conversation to make the other person shine will draw people in like never before!

I promise you that it’s not about designing and executing the perfect pitch. It’s about being authentically you, which is truly caring for others that will have you standing out from the competition and winning the contract or job you deserve!

Nikki Pett is a passionate speaker, award-winning marketer, self-proclaimed “notecard nut” and author of the networking book Relationship ROI.

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Illustration: © macrovector/iStock/Thinkstock

15-06-29 7:30 PM

BUSINESS IN THE FRONT. When it comes to conferences, Edmonton means business.

We have everything you need in a host city, including inspiring facilities and accommodations you’ll never want to leave. To learn exactly how we’ll make your next conference your best yet, mix business with pleasure by swinging by our booth at Incentive Works.

explore edmonton.com Come and see us at IncentiveWorks Booth #1023

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PARTY IN THE BACK. Let’s face it, it takes more than a great conference to make a conference great. Luckily Edmontonians

knows how to let loose. To discover why our city is a conference planner’s paradise, cha-cha your way down to our booth at Incentive Works and we’ll help you navigate all the post-conference must-dos that landed Edmonton on National Geographic’s Best Summer Trips 2015.

explore edmonton.com Come and see us at IncentiveWorks Booth #1023

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+EXPERT OPINION

THE BUSY #EVENTPROFS’

TOP 4 SIMPLE TIPS TO CONTENT CURATION

BY DAHLIA EL GAZZAR, CMP The thought of engaging in content marketing can seem like a daunting task, especially when you have multiple social media accounts to manage or multiple events to promote or both! How can you promote your event without becoming spammy? How can you get attendees to view your social media outlets as engaging and useful? How can you be expected to find and share interesting and informative content when you’ve got hundreds of other things to do before, during, and after your event? How can you gain new followers while also maintaining the interest of the followers that you already have?

Luckily, the answers to these questions (and many others) lies in the creation and use of a content calendar. A content calendar is a content marketer’s best friend and it can help you find, organize, and share content with your audience in order to gain new followers, engage attendees, and promote your event.

Here are a few simple tips to help you create a content calendar of your own…

TIP 1 |

Collect and Curate Your Content

The collection and curation of content is not just the first step in the content marketing process, it’s the most crucial. Everything you share on social media is a reflection on you and your event so make sure you’re sharing quality content. When collecting content to share, you can ensure its quality by asking yourself, “Is this relevant to my audience?” and “Is this interesting and informative?”

If the content you’re sharing isn’t relevant, interesting, or informative, your audience probably won’t be interested in seeing it.

You can find content by using aggregation tools that allow you to search for blog posts, articles, and videos using keywords specific to your audience, industry, or event.

TIP2|

Determine the Best Times to Post

Social media might be on 24/7 but that doesn’t mean your audience is. It doesn’t make sense to post when no one is online to see what you’re sharing. Timing is everything and can mean the difference between a lot of clickthroughs and engagement or the sound of crickets in an empty auditorium. A lot of surveys have been conducted over the past few years in order to determine when content

is most likely to be seen on each social network. For example, the Social Intelligence Report from Adobe showed researchers that the best day to post on Facebook is on Fridays. There are also a handful of tools that can help you find out when your users are most likely to be online. Knowing when your users are most active online gives you the opportunity to schedule your most important posts around peak times.

TIP3|

Use a Scheduler

SEE DAHLIA EL GAZZAR SPEAK AT

AUGUST 18 + 19 2015

Any content marketer will tell you that when it comes to managing multiple social media accounts, each with different posting schedules, it can be easy to feel chained to your computer all day. Luckily, there are scheduling tools such as Buffer, SproutSocial, and Hootsuite that you can use to automate your social media posting. Once you’ve figured out a posting schedule for each of your social media accounts, you can simply setup your posts ahead of time and leave your scheduler to do the rest for you.

TIP4|

Consistency is Key

One of the best ways to gain and keep your followers is by maintaining consistency. If you post five posts every day and then go on vacation and leave your social accounts silent, your followers will take notice. If you’re using a scheduler, you no longer have any excuses when it comes to losing followers due to radio silence. Use your editorial calendar and scheduling tool of choice to keep your followers coming back to your social media feed to see what’s new.

At the outset, the idea of creating a content calendar might sound like it’s more work than it’s worth but you’ll quickly find that it can be a lifesaver when you’ve run out of things to say, need to keep your followers’ interest piqued, or just want to be more organized with your social media activities.

Dahlia El Gazzar, CMP is CEO, founder and editor of The Meeting Pool, a leading source for event technology news, information and intel for busy event professionals.

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+ASK AN EXPERT

STAYING ON TOP OF EMAIL Creating the perfect panel

Q.

Q.

A.

A.

My New Year’s resolution was to keep my email inbox under 100 messages at all times. But right now there are 1000s and I can’t seem to keep on top of it. They come in faster than I can clear them. What advice do you have to help me get and stay on top of this?

Great resolution! The sad part is that no one else resolved to send you fewer emails. So, here are a few quick tips to help you feel in control even when the volume is heavy: 1. Set yourself up for action: Create three simple, life-changing folders to track actionable items: a. Action—use this folder for tasks to be M+IT EXPERT completed in the short term.

DAWN O’CONNOR b. Reading—for articles, policy or im- Think Productive portant company information you need to Canada read within a week or two. c. Waiting—the things you are waiting for others to do.

Triage your email only a few times per day and sort them according to these folders. Then be sure to set aside some time each day to actually do your action items.

2. Apply the four D’s: a. Delete. Ruthlessly and immediately delete emails after you reply. Don’t leave email in your inbox…remember, a record of it will be stored in your sent mail. b. Do. Apply the two-minute rule and respond immediately if it will take less than two minutes. This is a big timesaver and prevents you from reading emails repeatedly and making plans to “come back to it later.” c. Defer. Need to attend to it, but not immediately? Pop it in you Action folder for a more appropriate time. In the meanwhile, it’s out of your inbox and stored in a safe place. d. Delegate. Should someone else be taking care of it? If so, pass it on.

3. Stem it at the source: Be ruthless about what you allow into your inbox and unsubscribe to any low value, distracting emails you tend to ignore anyway.

Email management is about micro habit changes that can make a big impact on your daily productivity and wellbeing.

A final tip is to breathe deeply as you process email. We sometimes tend to hold our breath, which can increase the stress and anxiety associated with email.

You too can be a Productivity Ninja by applying these email tips. Feel free to reach out to Think Productive Canada for quick answers to any of your personal productivity challenges. We have Productivity Ninjas standing by across Canada to answer your questions.

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I’m often tempted to create panel sessions for my conference program, but the feedback I receive from attendees is that while it’s an interesting conversation, they don’t get a lot of good takeaways. How can I ensure that I create a panel session attendees actually learn from?

Facilitation, structure and a great cheerleader all help make a panel presentation create long-lasting learning for attendees. As conference planners we’ll often have a topic that needs to be addressed, which may be a hot topic or an area that has been identified that the attendees would like or need education on. Often with hot topics you want to expose the audience to a number of different opinions rather than just one speaker so the panel discussion becomes the best way to do that in a short period of time. A cheerleader for the topic is usually the one who is most passionate about bringing the topic to the event and who will work with you to gather panelists who have expertise and something interesting to share to the table.

What is key to the panel though is find- M+IT EXPERT ing someone to facilitate the discussion NIESA SILZER both prior to the presentation and dur- Details Convention & Event Management ing it. The panel needs structure so that it doesn’t dissolve into a conversation amongst the panelists. A great facilitator can bring all the panelists together to have them discuss their areas of expertise and opinions to avoid overlap and to create key learning points for the session. The facilitator should also be able to curb discussions where appropriate and keep the session on track. Your cheerleader may or may not be the facilitator. As planners we also need to judge strengths and just because someone is passionate about a topic doesn’t mean they have the ability to facilitate a discussion. This can also apply to panelists as you also need to find speakers who have expertise in the topic but also have the ability to speak in public and share their knowledge.

Our panels have the most success when we work diligently to find the best cheerleader, the best facilitator and great speakers for the topic and then provide them with structure for their discussions. It’s not an easy task but the payoff is great when the work is put into it.

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION? Email cotsuka@meetingscanada.com and M+IT will call upon an expert to answer it in an upcoming issue.

MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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Come and see us at IncentiveWorks Booth #809

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MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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It’s a travolution!

From maps to apps, the world of meetings, events and incentive travel is changing.

And we’re changing too. So much so, we even changed our name last year. But what will never change is our +30-year unwavering commitment to designing live experiences that build loyalty to your brand, no matter the audience.

Your teams and top performers know how to go far.

All the more reason to keep them close ;)

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NG

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+MEETINGDESIGN

DOING DIFFERENTLY

C2 MONTREAL REIMAGINES THE BUSINESS CONFERENCE

THINGS Come as you are. That’s the official dress code for C2 Montreal, an international business conference held in Quebec’s most populous city.

Say “so long” to suits and ties, pencil skirts and high heels. This is a place where both the CEO of a bank and a copywriter at an ad agency can coexist, like it’s casual Friday.

So it goes without saying, C2 Montreal is a business conference with a twist.

In four short years, C2, which stands for Commerce and Creativity, has carved out a space for itself in the business event landscape. Dubbed Ted meets Burning Man, this three-day conference combines the traditional (single speaker presentations by high-profile business leaders) with the never-thought-possible (a session where participants sit in chairs suspended high above the conference floor), inviting attendees to choose their own adventure and design their individual conference experience.

This year saw 5,000 people gathered in 100,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor space at The Arsenal in Montreal May 26-28. The event continues to attract a global audience, with attendees from 42 countries, compared to last year’s 27. What keeps attendees coming back, according to organizers, is the conference’s purposefully overwhelming offering of high-quality content and experiences and offbeat approach to conference design, where spectators need not apply.

BY CHRISTINE OTSUKA

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Photos ©C2 Montreal

+MEETINGDESIGN

“This year was about raising the bar to a whole new level in terms of getting our participants to behave like stakeholders and not just as guests,” says Jean-Francois Bouchard, president of Sid Lee and curator of C2 Montreal.

Beyond securing 37 high-profile keynote speakers including Chelsea Clinton and Alec Baldwin, and creating a separate outdoor tented stage for talks on social innovation and investment, event organizers created both smaller participatory workshops of 20 and larger interactive master classes where your seat is determined by chance. And by doing so, appeal to more and less traditional conference-goers.

But what sets C2 Montreal apart from the average conference is the wildly popular immersive experiences, called C2 labs, where attendees can test their boundaries, bond with strangers and see how their meeting environment impacts the outcome. In one lab called The Fog small groups of four or five enter a giant tent filled with billowy white fog where you cannot see two feet in front of you. The idea behind it was to disorient and allow attendees to participate in the conversation anonymously. In another lab, a brainstorming session took place within a virtual reality game, again taking participants out of a traditional environment. The Net gave those who dared a chance to bond quickly with relative strangers while they sat in chairs suspended from the ceiling to see how fear and risk played into both networking and session contribution. And in Cirque du Soleil’s lab, called The Nest, attendees were asked to enter a giant spherical nest with a complete stranger, pick stamps to mark each other with, slide down a slide and have the meaning of their choices revealed together —a playful way to make an instant conference friend.

Event organizers see C2 Montreal as an ever-evolving challenge not 30

only to surprise attendees, but to encourage them to think and interact differently. “We’re always experimenting and pushing and playing with what context or environments or situations we can create to help people be inspired and experiment and connect with each other,” says Nadia Lakhdari, executive vice-president, creation and content, C2 Montreal.

The conference organizers like to keep things face-to-face but include technology insomuch as a conference app and online matching-making system where attendees can meet formally via brain dates. Here conference-goers can schedule meetings with each other based on offers and requests for knowledge. Brain daters can take those meetings in any multitude of places—on two facing stationary bikes, in movie-theatre seats, or while taking a spin on a Ferris wheel in the outdoor space.

And while the setup, layout and immersive experiences at C2 Montreal are different each year—a challenge event organizers relish—brain dating is one component that’s stuck around due to its ability to all-but guarantee connections and collaboration, which is something Lakhdari strives to do with C2.

“The goal is to grow the community, and not necessarily to grow in terms of numbers but grow in the level of engagement that people feel and the connections that are coming out of the event,” says Lakhdari.

What’s next for C2? Beyond its fifth anniversary celebration where Martha Stewart and David Suzuki will keynote, Bouchard says plans are in the works to bring a smaller-scale C2 concept to Asia, Europe and the United States. But not to worry, C2 will remain intimately tied to the city that birthed it and without which it would not be possible. Merci Montreal!

MEETINGSCANADA.COM

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Situated on the waterfront of Lake Ontario, The Westin Harbour Castle is the ideal backdrop for your next meeting or event. Guests have access to endless entertainment and are steps away from the Downtown Core by the PATH. Showcasing 70,000 sq. ft. of flexible space we can host anything from intimate dinners for ten, to large-scale galas for 3,000 attendees. With dedicated meeting planners, signature amenities and panoramic windows overlooking the lake, we’re certain to set you up for success.

When you select The Westin Harbour Castle, you’ll enjoy our exclusive benefits that are designed to enable your groups to perform at their best. Experience the Westin difference and hold a meeting by December 31, 2016, to enjoy: • Up to 100,000 Starpoints® signing bonus • 2% rebate on master-billed rooms

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Terms and conditions may apply. ©2011–2015 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Westin and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

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DELIVERING

Wellness GROUP BENEFITS Incorporating Wellness | p.34 GOOD FOR YOU Let’s Dance | p.39 GIFTS + GEAR Good to Get & Give | p.41 CUISCENE Allergic Reaction | p.44 HARD WIRED Healthcare On-the-Go | p.46 VANCOUVER Canada’s Health & Wellness City | p.47 ARUBA Good for Groups, Good for the Planet | p.50

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+WELLNESS

GROUP B

BY MARTHA UNIACKE BREEN

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+WELLNESS

Want to add productivityboosting wellness elements to your next program?

Hotels and spas are ready to help.

BENEFITS Part of what made the television series “Mad Men” so fascinating was the portrait it painted of the typical corporate environment of the sixties, where liquor and cigarettes were readily available during the workday, and heart attackproducing stress was just the normal way of office life.

We can laugh at the antediluvian office habits of 50 years ago, but today, it’s becoming ever clearer just how much of an effect taking care of employees’ physical and spiritual wellbeing can have on the bottom line.

Incorporating wellness into corporate events, whether as an adjunct to the larger goals of a conference or as the focus of a corporate retreat, is becoming more and more popular these days.

Many leading hotels now offer well-

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+WELLNESS

organized packages that encompass everything from a wider range of healthy food options, guided activities such as yoga and meditation, and stress reduction counselling, to “active” breaks for stretching, meditation or refocusing exercises. Other programs take the concept much further, all the way to a holistic approach that encompasses the entire environment: purified air, fatigue-reducing lighting, plenty of natural light and fresh air, and even environmentally sustainable, greencertified buildings.

And it’s not just confined to hotels. On the other side of the coin, many forward-looking spas and resorts are realizing that their wellness services are uniquely suited to corporate needs, and are offering packages that are tailored specifically to employees’ physical well-being as a means of enhancing corporate productivity. And the explosion of programs like these demonstrates that the two elements are inextricably linked.

“Wellness is no longer just a trend; it’s a standard of living,” says Brian Povinelli, global brand leader for Westin Hotels. “There are an estimated 289 million wellness consumers in the world’s 30 wealthiest countries alone, and more than 80 per cent of consumers who say that they have a strong interest in improving their personal well-being. These statistics show us wellness is becoming more mainstream by the day.”

This observation is borne out all around us, says Mike Dominguez, senior vice-president, Sales for MGM Resorts International. “I don’t think it’s surprising really; it’s a trend that’s being driven by society in general,” he observes. “People are wearing Fitbits, and look where food is going: it’s all about organic and healthy. And many buildings going up today have wellness in mind as well, with an awareness of air quality, the environment, lighting and so on. And companies are realizing the importance of all of this.

“One thing hotels do well is to keep up with what is important to people,” Dominguez continues. “A hotel has always been a place where you go to have an experience you don’t have at home, so it’s becoming a huge movement in this industry.”

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Interestingly, however, it’s only become clear relatively recently just how directly the personal wellness of conference delegates— or employees in general—can affect their productivity and creativity. As Wendy Patriquin, sales and marketing manager at Sparkling Hill Spa and Resort in Vernon, BC, says, “People have difficulty relaxing and unplugging from modern life and work. Technology today enables us to be ‘on’ and available all the time, [and as a result] we are experiencing a rise in chronic diseases and unprecedented stress.

People need time to renew from the increasing demands of the workplace and modern life. Too much stress, too little exercise, bad habits and a poor diet lead to burnout, low engagement and absenteeism. So creating a culture of healthy living remains the top wellness-related area of focus for many employers.”

Amanda Di Pasquale, public relations specialist with Elmwood Spa in Toronto, points out that the simple concept of being mindful of healthy alternatives to the usual has enormous consequences, not just for the employee, but for the company they work for.

“When employees practice wellness, every business thrives,” she says. “Wellness isn’t about just taking one day to relax; it’s a lifestyle. People who are mindful, active, healthy and who take time for themselves are more productive and happier. Allowing employees to understand wellness in a corporate gathering will help build business objectives while also promoting a positive work environment.

It tells employees that their organization cares about them.”

This last point, that it shows that the company takes the wellbeing of employees seriously, is much more than a motherhood issue; it’s an important factor in employee retention as well. According to Patriquin, “Wellness is now becoming part of the employee value proposition, and wellness programs are extremely important in attracting and retaining workers. Forward-thinking corporations now include wellness vacations as part of wellnessin-the-workplace employee benefits packages, and some businesses offer wellness vacations as an incentive to motivate individuals

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+WELLNESS

and teams to reach productive goals. Employers are making the connection between health and productivity.”

Distilled to its essence, the effect of physical wellbeing on productivity comes down to simply meeting our basic needs as human beings. We all know that having a bit too much to drink the night before a meeting, not getting enough (or restful enough) sleep, or eating heavy or non-nutritious food can all make for fuzzy brains the next day. But in fact, shortchanging our physical and mental needs can have more subtle effects as well.

Julie Lepp is director of marketing at

range of options to planners who want to incorporate wellness into their next event, ranging from value-added services such as healthier meal options, yoga, meditation or fitness sessions, or expert advice on how to plan an event with a complementary focus on wellness, to full-service retreats that include spa and massage treatments, counseling sessions and more.

Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto recently announced a package of options available to guests that help to make wellness an intrinsic part of their stay. “Running Is Shangri-La” is a series of scenic running routes that take in some of Toronto’s most

runs at several of the chain’s hotels, as well as three- to five-mile routes for those who prefer to run on their own. But Westin’s newest and most organized initiative is Westin Wellness Escapes, which Brian Povinelli explains was recently launched for the first time at the Westin San Diego Gaslamp. The program features a series of special retreats developed around events like the Jekyll Island Turtle Crawl Triathlon, or the Mammoth Running Escape in Mammoth, California in September, where guests will have a chance to train with Olympic and World Cross Country champion Deena Kastor.

“Wellness is no longer just a trend; it’s a standard of living.

There are an estimated 289 million wellness consumers in the world’s 30 wealthiest countries alone, and more than 80 per cent of consumers who say that they have a strong interest in improving their personal well-being.

These statistics show us wellness is becoming more mainstream by the day.”

— Brian Povinelli, global brand leader for Westin Hotels.

White Oaks Resort and Spa in Niagara-onthe-Lake, ON. “We’re discovering that at a typical conference, if you stuff people with food, especially unhealthy food, they’ll get sluggish later in the day and productivity will go down,” she says. “But if you offer them healthy alternatives, and if they’re not feeling bloated, sluggish and crappy from the night before, they’ll get a lot more accomplished.”

Lepp notes that it can be as simple as having those options available. “If people go to the coffee bar for a snack and there are Smarties or sweet buns, that’s what they will eat. But if you can offer them some edamame beans or granola, something that’s healthy and just as delicious but won’t make them bloated or give that sugar rush, it improves the overall quality of the meeting greatly.”

Hotels and resorts are offering a wide

attractive sites, at difficulty levels that range from beginner to advanced. It’s part of a larger set of available options offered at the Shangri-La that includes a yoga video developed in cooperation with hip, athletic-wear manufacturer and retailer Lululemon and shot on-location in the hotel, healthy menus, unlimited access to the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and even spa treatments. The program is available to individual guests or can be tailored to an overall group program.

Westin offers several levels of wellness options for meeting planners. It starts with the SuperFoodsRx Meeting Break Menu, which offers anti-oxidant filled foods to keep guests invigorated, or its own Westin Fresh by the Juicery beverages, which are great for reviving energy levels during a long afternoon of meetings. The runWestin program provides organized five kilometer

“Through these retreats,” Povinelli explains, “meeting planners can transform ordinary group visits into wellness-focused experiences, creating more productive meetings.” Planners can work with any Westin meeting specialist to organize their own wellness activities or amenities. Additional Wellness Escapes will be announced throughout the year.

MGM International has taken its wellness initiative a step further, by considering the effect of the physical environment on the productivity of conference delegates. MGM has partnered with the wellness-focused real estate developer Delos to create and deliver the concept of the “Stay Well Experience,” which incorporates relaxation and well-being into a guest’s stay from the minute they arrive.

At the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, one whole floor is devoted to specially-designed

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+WELLNESS

rooms that feature such health- and environment-enhanced features as purified air, dawn simulator alarm clocks, aromatherapy and even facilities that help ease such travel burdens as jet lag.

“We started by opening an allotment of room with the Stay Well certification, and there was a huge response, so we wanted to find a way to bring it into the corporate arena,” explains Mike Dominguez. “And one of the things I like about the Delos company is everything they do is based on proven science, not just claims.”

Another MGM program, Wellness Moment Planning, brings wellness into the meeting room all through the day. “Most meetings are organized with a standard one-and-a-half hours of meeting, then a break,” says Dominguez. “But research shows the body can’t stay focused for that long. So the idea is to break the meeting into 20-minute sessions then have a shorter break and ‘reset.’”

Rather than just make a dash for the refreshment table, guests are invited to engage in a number of activities, such as a short meditation video guided by Dr. Deepak Chopra, or perhaps a puzzle or mind game that will take their focus off the main meeting

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subject for a few minutes, which studies have shown actually helps to increase your concentration when you return to the matter at hand. “It could be as simple as that,” says Dominguez. “But it’s all part of a larger program that including lighting, meditation, a healthy environment, and good healthy food, which is all designed to help keep delegates focused.”

White Oaks Spa and Resort’s ExL (Experiential Learning) program features a trained specialist on staff who can arrange activities for groups, from ice-breaker programs to a hike in the woods surround the resort, to short fitness and stretch breaks throughout the day. The resort also boasts a number of specially-designed spaces for corporate guests geared to enhance creativity. One of them is called the Idea Loft, a meeting room with a difference: the room is designed to allow attendees to move around freely, tap into their creativity through games and puzzles, or explore unusual spaces such as the Thinking Niche, the Inner Circle, or The Kitchen Table. The whole concept, Julie Lepp explains, is to take people out of their usual button-down corporate environment and start creativity flowing in new directions.

Sparkling Hill Resort has several programs focusing on harmony between mind and body, which may be custom-tailored to the individual needs of meeting planners. But one of its most unique experiences is its SHaRP Workplace Corporate Retreat, led by in-house psychiatrist Dr. Pieter Strauss. The retreat encompasses both individual and group counseling, team-building exercises and workshops, all combined with healthy and delicious food, unlimited access to the resort’s KurSpa and extensive fitness and relaxation amenities, set in the midst of some of the most beautiful scenery in Canada.

Even if your goals or budget don’t allow for a full-bore, multiday wellness event for employees or program participants, oneday outings that focus on their mental and physical wellbeing can produce positive results. Many spas now custom-tailor programs that can accommodate groups for a day of great healthy food, pampering and relaxation. For example, as Canada’s largest standalone spa, Elmwood Spa in Toronto can accommodate up to 200 corporate guests, says Amanda Di Pasquale, and large groups can rent the entire spa and receive a special package of personal services tailored for them. One-day spa events are popular with both men and women and can comprise a great way to reward employees and/or refresh them for the work ahead.

“I think it’s about more than just pampering your employees,” says Julie Lepp. “It goes back to simply getting goals met. We come to conferences for very important reasons: a product rollout, or a major corporate announcement. It’s a major investment to gather everyone offsite. So, if you are mindful of attending to their wellness, providing healthy food options and making sure they are staying active and happy, you’ll end up with very aware delegates who are fully engaged with what you are doing.”

Martha Uniacke Breen is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto.

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+GOOD FOR YOU

Let’s Dance!

Why the new nightclub doesn’t serve alcohol

BY CHRISTINE OTSUKA Try as I might to lead a healthy life, sometimes a girl’s just got to cities around the world offering those who lead a health-fueled life dance. And while there’s nothing inherently unhealthy about dancing—it an alternative to spending Friday nights in the gym. gets you up and moving—unfortunately, most of us need a little social A healthy dance party is one where (you guessed it) no alcolubricant before we can let loose. If you’ve ever taken a spin on the dance hol is served. You keep the nightclub venue, DJs, and Friday-night floor before that first cocktail, then you’ll know what I’m talking about. fashion (minus the heels), but lose the vices and the next-morning First, you can’t shake the feeling that everyone is watching you and then guilt and/or hangover. comes that unwelcome awareness of your limbs, and your own inherent What happens at a “healthy party” can range from massage awkwardness. Your inhibitions have yet to be lowered, so all you can and meditation to yoga to all-out club-style dancing. The conthink is… “What do I do with my arms?!!?” cept originated with DJs coming into There’s a reason why alcohol is yoga studios, and now yogis bring served in every venue with a disco their teachings to nightclubs. At Deep ball.

House Yoga, yogis strike poses in a The problem is a night out danctrendy New York nightclub while a DJ ing can undo a week of hard work in spins house music. Toronto has a simithe gym and on your diet, especially if lar concept with Deep Side Yoga only A dry opening or closing reception may not go over you’re downing cocktails and gorging the two-hour experience is mobile. too well, but a morning dance party might be in on late-night eats, which I may or may Meanwhile Black Light Yoga is done in order. Not convinced? It’s on trend to run a yoga or not be guilt of. the dark in Boston and Toronto, with Zumba class before conference sessions. Meanwhile So if you’re trying to cut back on black lights and heavy electronic beats. the networking breakfast (whereby attendees eat the drinking, but don’t want to give up The Get Down, a twice-a-month passed breakfast apps and beverages at cruiser the nightlife, what are you to do? party in New York held at a trendy tables and network, cocktail-style) is catching on. nightclub in the Meatpacking District, Add in the increasing need to get participants up THE NEW NIGHTCLUB draws between 200 to 250 attendees, and moving during events to keep them healthy As wellness infiltrates nearly every area who start the night off with a mediand their creative juices flowing and a breakfast of our daily lives—our morning routines, tation on the floor, and as the music reception, doesn’t sound quite so crazy. Pumping fashion, office and meals—it was only picks up move to their feet for an allup the music and flipping the program might be a matter of time before nightclubs out dance-a-thon. But here, those who just what attendees need to get the creative juices would be next. come choose super-food smoothies flowing and start the networking early. Talk about To heed the call, a crop of healthy over alcohol, partake in mini massages making a big impact with a small budget. dance parties are popping up in major and are home before midnight.

Good For Your Group

Illustrations: Thinkstock

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+GOOD FOR YOU STAT: A 150-POUND ADULT CAN BURN ABOUT 150 CALORIES DOING 30 MINUTES OF MODERATE SOCIAL DANCING.

Health Benefits of Dancing Boosts memory/ prevents dementia Improves flexibility Reduces stress Strengthens immune system Diminishes depression Decreases risk for cardiovascular disease Maintains healthy weight Improves balance/posture Increases energy levels

BREAKFAST RAVING Healthy dance parties like these have exploded across the globe, from San Francisco to Sydney but with one important difference. They start at sunrise.

First there was Morning Gloryville, which originated in London, UK, and quickly spread across four continents. Daybreaker soon followed suit, with a similar concept— part exercise craze and part massive dance party. Instead of hitting the gym at 6 a.m., you can dress in workout gear, pack your office clothes, and dance, before heading into the office. Past Daybreaker events have set aside time for morning meditation and affirmation in addition to hours of dancing. It takes the place of a workout, but swaps out group exercise classes where everyone mirrors the moves of the super-fit instructor with letting loose, feeling the beat and working up a sweat in an environment that feels more carefree and social.

The events are often sold out, in part because of the novelty of hitting the club or a downtown concert venue with a DJ before 7 a.m. Imagine starting your workday after dancing all morning with friends. Talk about energizing.

Last year, these types of events made their way to Canada. Justin Smith, who discovered Morning Gloryville on Youtube, is responsible for bringing the concept to Quebec. He’s held several sold-out events in Montreal and anticipates his next one will bring out upwards of 500 people to explore yoga, massage, eat and drink healthy snacks and breakfast, while dancing the morning away all in one place.

According to Smith, the emphasis is on health, exercise and wellbeing. It’s another way of getting started in the morning before work and it’s unlike any kind of “rave” you might be used to.

This past January, Toronto saw its own version, Brek-fest, modelled after Morning Gloryville. Toronto’s first “breakfast dance” where “you burn calories in a more enjoyable way than the treadmill.” It’s a concept organizers say is based on active living, while having a blast doing so.

HEALTHY NOT BORING It’s this kind of thinking, and marketing, that has captured the attention of attendees.

After all, you’re more likely to participate in fitness activities if you consider them to be fun or have an extrinsic motivator, such as buying a ticket, or going with friends.

Beyond being a healthy alternative to the nightclub scene or a way to enjoy your morning workout, organizers say people come to a sober party because it’s a place they can relax and unleash their authentic selves. And as cheesy as it sounds, they discover natural highs—like endorphins—but even moreso because they can connect with people around them in a way you wouldn’t at the gym. And since there’s no alcohol involved, you can meet and network in some cases, or connect with like-minded people who will support your healthy living goals.

And just like that, being healthy doesn’t mean you can’t have a social life.

So will I be breakfast raving or sober dancing anytime soon? Sure, sign me up. I just have to figure out what to do with my arms.

—Christine Otsuka is Associate Editor of Meetings + Incentive Travel

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Illustrations: Thinkstock

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ACHIEVE A MORE PRODUCTIVE MEETING At Westin® Hotels & Resorts, our mission is to focus on the well-being of our guests.

Our signature amenities are designed to enable your groups to perform their best, which empowers you to execute highly productive meetings. Everything about their stay will leave them feeling better than when they arrived.

EAT WELL

WORK WELL

Introducing Westin Fresh by the Juicery. An assortment of nourishing juices and smoothies available for meals or meeting breaks.

Tangent™ at Westin is a private, tech-enabled meeting space that accommodates small groups of up to four and can be rented by the hour.

MOVE WELL Attendees can maintain their workout on the road with New Balance® Gear Lending, Westin Workout facilities open 24/7, and local running maps. At many locations our hotel Run Concierge can lead a custom run for your group.

Tangent™ at Westin

© 2015 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Westin and its logo are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

Offer valid at participating hotels in North and South America. Full offer details and terms are posted at starwoodmeetings.com/offer.

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The Westin Jekyll Island The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali The Westin Seattle

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Direct beach access and steps to the Jekyll Island Convention Center.

Unique spaces at this tropical paradise inspire creativity.

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A $70 million renovation has rejuvenated this AAA Four Diamond Hotel.

Recently refreshed with a multi-million dollar renovation of the meeting and event space.

THE ULTIMATE BENEFITS PACKAGE HAS ARRIVED. Join SPG® Pro to earn Starpoints® and other great rewards for your meetings and events. To learn more, visit spg.com/pro.

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+ CUISCENE

Allergic THE LOGISTICS OF ACCOMMODATING ALLERGY REQUESTS

BY DON DOULOFF

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NO

question, meeting and events groups’ requests to accommodate attendees’ food allergies are more prevalent now than ever before.

“Allergy requests are definitely on the rise,” said Claire Fitzpatrick, CMP, CMM, principal of CF Conference & Event Management Services.

“We as organizers are asking the [allergy] question because we need to. It’s not something we can ignore—nor should we,” said Sandra Wood, CMP, who, for 13 years, organized the Canadian Medical Association’s annual meeting. She also reports an increase in allergy-related food requests, explaining that people are more aware of allergies and more comfortable providing the information.

Moreover, “venues are definitely willing to accommodate the requirements. It is something they are very receptive to,” said Fitzpatrick.

The question is: How are venues addressing the inherent logistical challenges of preparing allergy-specific meals without cross-contamination and ensuring that the right dish gets to the right person?

Toronto’s Allstream Centre maintains strict systems to deal with allergy requests, according to Charles Kerr, executive chef at Cerise Fine Catering, the venue’s exclusive caterer. In the kitchen, special meals are kept separate to avoid contamination. Staff pays particular attention to meals destined for attendees with peanut allergies; those dishes are double wrapped and the kitchen scrubbed clean.

“We tell clients that we do our best, but our facility isn’t nutfree,” said Kerr. “If a client requests it, we can outsource those meals to a nut-free facility.”

On event nights, floor staff is assigned to teams, each of two to three services per pair of tables. Each team has a lead who communicated with Kerr, the lead in the kitchen.

As attendees take their seats, servers inquire about allergies to flag any last-minute requests not noted in the contract. In readiness for those requests, the kitchen will, for example, prepare extra salads with lettuce only and then finish them according to any unforeseen allergy needs.

For buffets, “we set off the allergy area in the corner” on a separate table manned by its own chef, said Kerr. The kitchen’s goal, he said, is to create an inventory of allergy-neutral foods and work with that lineup, adapting as needed, rather than custom-design dishes for each event.

At Ottawa’s Shaw Centre, executive chef Geoffrey Morden is seeing “exponentially” more requests for non-allergenic foods. For events of more than 100 people, Morden designates a kitchen point person to “take care of the group’s allergy needs.” Throughout the prep process, cooks constantly wash their hands or wear nitrile gloves and switch out equipment to prevent cross-contamination.

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In addition, a specific cook handles seafood. Once prepared, allergy meals are labelled and kept warm in a hot box in a separate area or stored in their own area of the refrigerator.

Labelled meals and constant radio contact make it easy for the floor and kitchen teams to make sure that special dishes reach the right people. As for peanut and tree nut allergies, “we are upfront that we’re not a nut-free facility, but that we can prepare a nut-free meal,” said Morden.

Improved food labelling is making it easier for event kitchens to keep allergens out of event dishes. “Everything is ingredientlisted,” he said.

Typically, the Shaw Centre’s kitchen tailors allergy meals to each event and works hard to make sure attendees with allergies aren’t being short-changed. “We want to keep the special menu items close to [the quality of] the rest of the meal,” he said.

To that end, Morden and his kitchen brigade get creative—for example, substituting chickpea flour for wheat flour in an apple crumble for a celiac-friendly menu and maintaining a repertoire of dairy- and meat-free East Indian dishes. For any last-minute requests, the kitchen cooks up plain chicken breasts and steams salmon, finishing them as needed.

“We’ve engineered our menu to accommodate allergies,” said Tawfik Shehata, executive chef at The International Centre, in Mississauga, ON. “Everything is gluten-free”—sauces, vegetables, seasoning mixes; the kitchen uses gluten-free powdered bases to thicken sauces and olive oil rather than butter to prepare veggies, ensuring they’re dairy-free, said Shehata. The kitchen doesn’t use nuts “unless organizers ask us to do so.”

Standing in for meat on The International Centre’s special allergy meals are proteins like soy-based tofu and tempeh and wheatbased seitan. Subbing for cheese are dairy-free varieties of the pressed curd, while the kitchen accommodates those who can’t eat gluten with quinoa and hot dogs free of the troublesome protein.

To prevent cross-contamination, the kitchen brigade prepares all of an event’s allergy meals first, before the “regular” food, and then stores them in separate warmers or on wrapped carts placed in their own area of the fridge. Cooks wear gloves and change them when they begin preparing food in a new allergy category such as dairy.

When it comes time to get the special meals to table, the kitchen notifies the floor manager who, in turn, alerts the server, who collects dishes from their separate pickup area and delivers them, guided by labelled plaques displayed at each allergic attendee’s place setting.

Don Douloff is a food and travel writer based in Toronto.

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+HARDWIRED

CANADIAN HEALTHCARE ON-THE-GO

BY CHRISTINE OTSUKA Imagine this: You’re travelling on-site for a program in a foreign country and you fall ill. Your team thinks you should see a doctor, but you don’t speak the language, you don’t have your medical history and you have no idea how much this is going to cost or how long the wait will be. If only you could speak to a Canadian doctor.

Now you can, from your hotel room.

GlobalCare 365 is a travel health service for Canadians to connect 24 hours a day with a health professional for advice and assistance on any medical issue before, during or after travel. They are not an insurance provider, but they provide preparation, follow-up and coordination needed to prevent unnecessary hospital visits abroad, as well as assistance and support following any medical event that does occur during your trip.

Here’s how it works: You complete an online assessment detailing health conditions and concerns, vitals, medications, allergies, inoculations and family history.

Then your medical records are consolidated from your health providers prior to travel, and you are sent a trip-readiness plan based on your assessment, which can be downloaded to your smartphone. This 46

plan contains important medical issues to monitor and a plan to stay proactive with your health while abroad.

Once you depart, if you have a medical concern, you have direct access to your care coordinator in Canada by phone or video chat. And because the nurse has access to your medical profile, she can do an “informed triage” within minutes, 24-hours a day.

In addition, a team of doctors oversee the care each nurse provides. “We’re more accurate than Dr. Google,” says Skip Schwartz, CEO of HealthCare 365 and creator of the GlobalCare 365 service.

Schwartz has spent years running hospitals and clinics overseas, and decided to create GlobalCare 365 to help keep Canadian travellers out of foreign clinic waiting rooms for non-serious health problems and improve the quality of personalized care they were receiving while out of the country.

“A lot of travel insurance companies step in when something happens,” says Matt King, manager, accounts and projects for HealthCare 365. “Our main focus is, if we can, let’s prevent something from happening. Let’s save someone a trip to the hospital and having to deal with the insurance.”

In the event a visit to the hospital is required, GlobalCare 365 will forward your medical records, along with the triage report to that WHAT facility. And once TO KNOW you’re released from hospital, they mon+ 24/7-access to itor your condition Canadian healthcare to ensure you’re professionals responding well to + Personal medical treatment. profile is yours to keep, As well, the add to, online company will for+ Three packages at ward a report of service rates of the medical inci$35, $75 and $175 dent to your family + Annual corporate doctor and schedprogram ule a follow up ap+ Group rates available pointment for you upon your return home. With your consent, they’ll even contact your insurance provider on your behalf.

“We follow the patient,” says Schwartz.

“That’s our main concern.”

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VANCOUVER

BY CHRISTINE OTSUKA

Canada’s health and wellness destination

Vancouver has long been regarded as one of the healthiest cities in the world, and last April I found out why. Flanked by mountains and ocean, Vancouver is blessed with Mother Nature’s prime offerings, a mild climate that allows for outdoor activities year-round and unprecedented access to nature’s playground. Where else could you travel from the beach to the mountains in less than 30 minutes? But it’s more than awe-inducing geography and enviable temperatures (especially during those cold winter months) that makes this city special.

Terms like “local,” “organic,” or “sustainable”—words that would denote luxury in most cities are simply par for the course in Vancouver.

You can find an almond milk latte at any coffee shop or kombucha at your average corner store. What’s the exception in many cities is the rule in Vancouver. Why? Healthy living is part of the city’s DNA. Few places can compare to Vancouver’s impressive hiking and biking infrastructure that allows visitors and residents to travel 28 km along the Seawall, a path that extends from the Vancouver Convention Centre, around the 1,000-acre Stanley Park to Second Beach.

Most everywhere is accessible by foot, bike (there are robust bike lanes throughout all of downtown) and SkyTrain, or if you must drive, hybrid taxi. Yogawear could be the unofficial uniform of a Vancouverite, and it’s not surprising since more than 1,500 yoga classes are taught in the city every week and the city is Lululemon’s home base.

Vancouverites are not only conscious of their own wellbeing, but of the planet’s. Take the city’s ambitious Healthy City plan, launched in 2014, to make Vancouver the healthiest (and greenest) it can be by 2020. Through the support of the municipality, Vancouver has set lofty goals such as ensuring the majority of residents travel by foot, bike or transit and residents have incomparable access to nature and are never less than five minutes away from a park or green space.

These types of wellness initiatives driven by the people and supported by the city have resulted in a meetings and conventions landscape that mirrors Vancouverites own desire to be healthy and kind to the planet.

“Vancouver is known globally as a healthy destination,” says Michelle Taylor, Manager, Meetings and Convention Sales, Canada, Tourism Vancouver. “Everything from our Green Key Eco-rating Program to our LEED-certified facilities and infrastructure…. It’s part of our every day. It’s part of our nature.”

GREEN MEETINGS While Vancouver’s hotel inventory is one of the highest in the country for Green Key Eco-Ratings, the centerpiece of Vancouver’s meetings business is the spectacular Vancouver Convention Centre’s West Building that’s as eco-friendly as it is stunning. Designed to look like a lantern floating on the water, 40 per cent of it actually

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does. It’s glass exterior minimizes the need for anything but natural light, and the interior is filled with sustainably sourced wood, metal and mosaic tile which pays homage to BC’s natural resources.

The Vancouver Convention Centre made news around the world when, in 2010, less than a year after it opened, the West Building became the only convention centre in the world with LEED Platinum certification. Its six-acre living roof with bee colonies and 400,000 plants, as well as on-site water treatment plant, seawater heating and cooling system and a fish habitat built into the foundation are just some of the ways the West Building earned its green status. Apart from that, you’ll find the largest waterfront ballroom in Canada, which showcases West Vancouver and the North Shore. No wonder this is the new home of the world-renowned TED conference.

But beyond design and to-die-for meeting space, the food cannot go unmentioned. It’s rare to meet a convention centre chef that is as passionate and talented as Blair Rasmussen, who has been with the convention centre for more than 20 years, and was inducted into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame. But executive chef Blair Rasmussen is just that. As we wander back-of-house together he explains his unique “scratch kitchen” and his desire to make as much as possible from scratch—breads, pastries, ice cream, gelato—all from fresh, local products. And it shows. The quality of food is second to none by convention centre standards, an achievement Rasmussen does not take lightly. A creative at heart, and with the kitchen and staff to make it happen, he challenges the opportunity to create gluten-free papadum or tuna tartar to create a quality experience for meeting attendees and recharge them at break time with a superfood menu.

DINING WELL In Vancouver dining well is less about celebrity chefs and more about local and organic fare. After all, The 100-Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating was written there. From what can only be described as sustainable edible art at the quaint but happening spot The Parker to a succulent bison burger at Chill Winston, the culinary scene in Vancouver is on trend. But being on the coast, seafood takes a 48

front seat. Those that do it best include COAST, Blue Water Café and YEW Restaurant in the Four Seasons Vancouver, all of which serve sustainable seafood. In fact, many restaurants in Vancouver choose to serve sustainable options due to a growing awareness of how the choices we make can negatively impact the planet.

Ten years ago, the Vancouver Aquarium’s sustainability awareness program, Ocean Wise, brought it to the forefront. Now Ocean Wise is a recognized brand synonymous with sustainable seafood. YEW Restaurant’s Executive Chef Ned Bell, the man behind the Chefs for Oceans program, ensures chefs across the country are engaged with sustainable practices. He says Vancouver chefs are currently working closely with their suppliers to ensure that how the seafood is raised is not damaging the ecosystem and halibut and salmon are only caught in season, for example. It’s something that’s catching on across the country, and throughout the world. And for hotel chains like The Four Seasons, which was the first luxury hotel brand to serve 100 per cent sustainable seafood in both restaurants and banquet dining, it won’t be long before the meetings industry catches on.

BLISSFUL SPACES The 2010 Olympics shone an international spotlight on Vancouver as a meetings destination and left a legacy of beautiful and beautifully renovated hotel properties in the vibrant downtown core. Take for instance, the statuesque Shangri-La Vancouver whose 119 luxury rooms and suites make up the tallest building in the city, or the Fairmont Pacific Rim, an immaculate property where the TED conference delegates stay that features an incredible RAW bar and decadent Willowstream Spa. The Pan Pacific and Fairmont Waterfront are a stone’s throw away from the Convention Centre. And all of these hotels are under a 10-minute walk from the water.

On the boutique property front, The Opus Hotel receives top billing for its hip vibe and Yaletown address, but a hidden gem tucked away in the middle of downtown’s Coal Harbour neighbourhood is The Loden Hotel. This 77-room boutique property is quite noticeably a wellness-minded hotel. Each room is equipped with a yoga

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mat and blocks, a 24-hour yoga channel and pilates DVD, Epsom salts in the deep soaker tub, a rain shower, and a pocket Buddha beside your bed. And like many of Vancouver’s hotel properties, bike use is complimentary to guests.

Beyond hotels, planners have off-site options that fuse the natural world with something more structured for receptions or dinners, like the pristine Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Chinese Gardens or a plated dinner among the Beluga whales at the underwater arctic area at the Vancouver Aquarium.

BACK TO NATURE To really understand what planners can do in this rich natural environment, I met with Janice Cann, president of Cantrav Destination Services. “Vancouver is an international city on the edge of wilderness,” says Cann. Outdoor meetings and welcome receptions are two things she suggests for groups looking to incorporate nature into their events. Imagine high-top tables in a serene natural setting, healthy food stations that entice people to move around and an oxygen bar to help delegates battle jet lag. Another great option is swapping out a bus tour of the city with a bike tour where guests partake in experiential learning. Or for a health and wellness wow factor, try incorporating blender bicycles into your event, where delegates peddle to blend their own smoothie. “In Vancouver you have supplier availability and accessibility and the things you might pay extra for in other cities are not a premium here,” adds Cann.

While biking, hiking and kayaking are the most popular group activities, Cann says she’s seen a growing interest in stand-up paddle boarding and beach yoga. Why? “Because the locals do it,” she says.

From dragon-boat racing to ziplining at Grouse Mountain the opportunities for pre- and post-conference activities are immense.

And it’s not just for the eco-adventurous or highly active types, simply strolling through any of Vancouver’s 300 parks, relaxing at the many luxury spas, taking a break at the Urban Tea Merchant for the finest antioxidant-infused teas or partaking in Vancouver’s newest wellness trend, floating, where guests float in a sealed chamber of salt water to help rid their bodies of toxins and meditate, are just a few of the many options.

With all the city has to offer, it’s no wonder Vancouver is experiencing one of its best year’s yet. Thanks to its stellar reputation and international spotlight following the 2010 Olympics, 2015 is Vancouver’s strongest year in history for international conventions. In addition, the city was also named the top North American destination for international meetings by the International Congress and Convention Association this year.

It’s certainly a meeting destination in its prime, setting itself apart and making the best use of its natural assets. And as wellness continues to play an important role in both our daily lives and the lives of our delegates, Vancouver is poised to capture even more business.

Christine Otsuka is Associate Editor of Meetings + Incentive Travel.

PHOTOS: Page 47 (clockwise from top left): Vancouver Skyline at Dusk, Photo: Tourism Vancouver. Sea to Sky Gondola and Summit Lodge, Photo: Paul Bride, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Gardens, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding.

Photos: Tourism Vancouver. Page 48 (top to bottom) Signature Ofuro Room Bathroom at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, Willowstream Spa Terrace at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, Photos: Fairmont Pacific Rim. Cycle City Tours Rolls into Gastown, Amazing Laughter Public Art, Photo: Clayton Perry, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Photos: Tourism Vancouver. Page 49 (clockwise from top left) The Vancouver Convention Centre’s West Ballroom ABCD, A delicious spread prepared by Chef Rasmussen, A view of the West Building at dusk, Photos: Vancouver Convention Centre. Exterior of the Loden Hotel, A guestroom, The lobby, Photos: The Loden Hotel. Nitobe Memorial Garden, Photo: Tourism Vancouver.

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ARUBA

BY LORI SMITH

Sun, sand and sustainability

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Aruba’s numbers are impressive. One of the three islands that make up the Netherlands Antilles (Bonaire and Curaçao are the other two), it lies just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela and 12 degrees north of the Equator. Its average year-round temperature is 28 Celsius. Rainfall is roughly 20 inches per annum. Days of sunshine? 365. While it’s only 19.6 miles long, it has seven miles of some of the whitest, finest sand beaches in the world. Flight time from most North American destinations is less than five hours. Landing to beach chair time can be as little as an hour. Its principal industry is tourism and the majority of its 108,000 residents speak four languages: English, Dutch, Spanish and Papiamento, a lingua franca combining Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, French, Creole, Arawak and African languages. Its unemployment rate is less than one per cent and its crime rate is correspondingly low. Its MICE-appropriate hotel inventory sits at around 2,500 guestrooms. There are plenty of meeting spaces and unique off-site venues. In addition, 20 per cent of the island’s energy needs are now being met by a wind farm, and a second farm that will bring that number up to 40 per cent is in the works. In fact, thanks to government and business initiatives, Aruba is on track to achieve its goal of running on 100 percent sustainable energy by 2020, making it a sun and sand destination that is good for the planet as well as good for groups.

At the end of May, I joined nine planners and site selection specialists on a fam put together by the Aruba Convention Bureau.

Many of these event pros had run programs on the island before, while some were considering it for the first time. All were happy with what they saw.

Katie Pothier, the Montreal-based global account executive for ConferenceDirect®, ran a 50-person incentive trip to Aruba in 2014 and again in 2015, and is currently working on a program that would bring 240 participants to the island in September. She says Aruba offers the complete island destination package. “It has beautiful beaches, creative activities, fun night life, fantastic restaurants for foodies, and wonderful people who go out of their way to please.

Plus the rugged terrain of Arikok National Park and the crashing waves and views on the north side of the island make it very different from other destinations,” she explains.

The constant, cooling trade winds are another benefit cited by Pothier and the other planners on the fam, as they make the island heat bearable and outdoor events enjoyable. They also keep the insect population at bay, reducing, if not eliminating, unwanted event guests such as mosquitoes, flies and gnats. Another weather-related bonus is the fact that Aruba lies on the fringes of the Atlantic Hurricane Belt, a position which significantly reduces any risk of programs scheduled from June through November being negatively impacted by tropical storms.

In addition, the island delivers on two key planner hot buttons: airlift and quality hotel products. Lynne McNamara, owner of

PHOTOS: Page 50 (clockwise from top left): Guestroom, Holiday Inn Resort Aruba; Aerial view of Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino: Guestroom balcony, Raddisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa; Beach, The Ritz Carlton, Aruba; Downtown Oranjestad at night. Photo: Aruba Tourism Authority; Jeep tour. Photo: Aruba Tourism Authority. Page 51 (top to bottom) Divi Aruba Resort; (left) Lobby, Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino; (right) Orangestad shopping mall. Photo: Aruba Tourism Authority; Bon Bini Dancers. Photo: Aruba Tourism Authority; Coral reef. Photo: Aruba Tourism Authority. Page 52 (clockwise from top left) Island golf course. Photo: Aruba Tourism Authority; Renaissance Island private beach, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino; Catamaran cruise.

Photo: Aruba Tourism Authority; The other Aruba - Cactus in Desert. Photo: Aruba Tourism Authority; California Lighthouse. Photo: Aruba Tourism Authority.

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Meetings Plus Events in South Kingstown, RI, has three groups confirmed to go to Aruba next year. All are incentive trips ranging in size from 35 to 100 participants. “My groups are always looking for direct [air] access and high quality accommodations right on the beach,” she says. On the fam, she was impressed by the food, the friendliness of the people and the aesthetics of the island as well as the breezes.

She was also happy with the range and quality of the off-site activities available and says her groups would participate in many of them. “Certainly the timing of the sunset cruise [organized for the fam group by Red Sail Sports] is great. Leaving at 5:30 means that people still have the shank of the day to do what they want or to be in meetings. The cruise followed by dinner on the beach is perfect.”

Another plus for McNamara is the fact that the island’s snorkeling spots include a wreck. On a sunny afternoon, the fam group joined vacationers for a snorkel adventure courtesy of De Palm Tours. The group’s first stop was the Arashi Reef, where we swam in warm waters among colourful fish. The second stop was the Antilla Wreck.

This “ghost ship” is a 400-foot long German freighter that was sunk by its own crew in 1945 to prevent Dutch marines from seizing it.

Now it lies some 500 yards offshore and 60 feet underwater. While exploring its compartments and rooms is still the province of scuba divers, snorkelers can swim the length of the ship, peering at its eerie blue-green exterior. Even the veteran snorkelers and divers in the group deemed the experience “cool.”

Another upside to the destination is its walkability. The fam group stayed at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, which has just completed a major $25 million renovation. It is located in the heart of Oranjestad, the island’s main commercial district. While it’s not right on the beach—it has its own island complete with hammocks strung between palm trees and resident flamingos, a short 10-minute boat ride away—shopping and restaurants are right outside its doors.

Mary McCarran, event manager, Channel & Employee Loyalty, for Aimia Inc. in Minneapolis, MN, says that having restaurants and 52

nightlife within easy walking distance of the hotels means that even less-travelled guests will feel comfortable exploring island life outside of the resort on their own. She has done three programs on the island: 380 people for four nights and 94 people for four nights, both in 2012; and a 130-participant, four-night program in 2014. Now she is looking at the destination for a five-night sponsored stay for 350 to 400 people. “From a group perspective, Aruba is nice because there is good airlift capacity and hotel block to support groups,” she explains. “And while not all hotels operate as all-inclusive, many are willing to work with groups to offer all or partial-inclusive options.”

Like the other planners interviewed, Liz Vulgamore, CIS, a meeting and event planner with SMI Travel, Inc. in Valrico, FL, likes the fact that the island offers a wide variety of quality rooms, suites and meeting spaces, in all price ranges. The fam included site visits to the Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort, the Divi Alhambra Ballroom and Casino, and Tierra del Sol, a non-beach property with villa accommodation and a challenging, windswept golf course. We also checked out properties on Palm Beach, a three-kilometer strip of white sand beach, hotels, restaurants and more, located a short six kilometers from Oranjestad. There we visited the Radisson, Hyatt Regency, Marriott, Holiday Inn and the new kid-on-the-beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, which opened in late 2013.

There’s no doubt that Aruba, The Happy Island, delivers everything planners need in a sun destination. And in the near future, it will be able to meet that need with a lighter carbon footprint, which is good for residents, tourists and the planet. But does it matter to planners? Most say “no” but McCarran sees the island’s focus on sustainability as a potential plus. “Aimia incorporates corporate social responsibilty (CSR) initiatives in many of our clients’ programs,” she says. “Providing a location rooted in sustainable practices may enable more unique opportunities for CSR activities.”

Lori Smith is editor of Meetings + Incentive Travel.

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+M+IT TALK

A CONVERSATION ABOUT

INCENTIVE TRAVEL Incentive travel was one of the MICE industry sectors hit hardest by the Great Recession of 2008-09. Not only did it lose business, the natural result of any economic downturn, but it was unjustly pilloried in the press and attacked by politicians including President Barack Obama, none of whom understood its true value. Now it’s come back, only to face new challenges. To find out what’s happening, I brought together three veteran members of the industry. Over the course of more than an hour, they talked about the state-of-incentive travel. Here is just a small portion of their conversation. ~ Lori Smith

MEETINGS + INCENTIVE TRAVEL: The incentive travel industry was hit hard in the 2008-09 recession but now it’s come back. Let’s talk about how the industry has changed.

ROB THORSTEINSON: It’s multi-pronged now. One-third is about travel. There are rewards, conferences and events. Corporate social responsibility is a big part of it now.

DON BROMMET: The size and types of the toys may have changed, the destinations may have changed, but the fundamental psychology has not changed. I don’t think that our desire as human beings to have the fundamentals—a roof over our head, wheels to get around, fabulous trips, to be recognized and rewarded—has changed. It’s absolutely correct that technology is driving change and the way we communicate. And as an industry we’re becoming far more audience-focused when selecting incentive tools. But I look at my kids, who are Millennials, and they are as excited to win a new car or a trip somewhere as someone in the Boomer generation would have been.

EVA PAGE : I think clients definitely recognize that the value of these programs is incredible. I have seen the focus shift over time from being directly on ROI, related to sales specifically, to become broader in order to engender loyalty to their company and brand. There are softer objectives now like employee engagement, customer retention and customer experience— all things that build an organization’s credibility. So things are changing in a positive way, and opening up more ways to add strategy, customization and personalization into programs.

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DON: I think you’re right. It used to be sales-oriented because people weren’t sure how to measure success inside an organization on a regular employee basis. Now people have started to understand that there are ways to measure that and establish ROI. The reward might be as simple as recognizing somebody on stage for their performance. It all comes back to the fundamentals: it’s about recognizing that everybody in an organization plays a role in its success. Enlightened organizations see that now and I think that’s a significant shift.

ROB: And where once a company did one program, they might do three or four now using different levels and different metrics. That’s good because no matter what they do for the company, you want your best people engaged and you want to retain them. You also want them recognized and rewarded.

DON: I have a question for Eva and Rob: Do you think that incentive travel has regained its acceptance?

EVA: I think it’s steady-as-she-goes. There’s been a small and steady increase over the past few years. A lot of organizations pulled back. Even if they were still running programs, they were doing more local programs, more conservative programs with fewer people and smaller budgets. I think they were feeling the waters and going in very gently. For the last couple of years, incentive travel programs have certainly been back on their radar.

Some clients are going a little further afield and approaching Asia and South America. Of course, mixed in there has been the introduction of procurement and corporate governance, which have certainly impacted how organizations move forward.

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+M+IT TALK

Right: Rob Thorsteinson Below: Eva Page Far right:Don Brommet

ROB THORSTEINSON President Cascadia Motivation

EVA PAGE Event Marketing Director, Bond Brand Loyalty

DON BROMMET Interim Executive and Consultant

Rob is a co-founder of Cascadia.

Based in Western Canada, the family-run company has been an industry leader in the development of incentive strategies, loyalty programs and meetings for more than 30 years. Rob has racked up more than seven million travel miles over the years, learning about destinations and sharing his knowledge with clients.

Eva joined Bond Brand Loyalty (formerly Maritz Canada) in 2002.

Bond Brand Loyalty is a leader in the design of loyalty programs, incentives and more. Eva’s career with the company includes working as a buyer, specialty accounts; manager of corporate communications; manager of meetings and incentive travel; account director, Automotive; and account director, Loyalty.

Widely-acknowledged as a visionary in Canada’s incentive market, Don formed Partners in Performance, a North American leader in performance marketing, rewards and recognition in 1976. It was so successful Maritz Canada bought him out and tagged him to head its international operations. He is a founder of SITE Canada and an advisory board member at Ryerson’s Ted Rogers School of Business.

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+M+IT TALK “It all comes back to the fundamentals: it’s about recognizing that everybody in an organization plays a role in its success.

Enlightened organizations see that now and I think that’s a significant shift.”

Don Brommet

ROB: We’ve come back to pre-2008 levels but it’s all very cautious, very thought out as Eva said. It’s watching expenditures. It’s carefully looking for value. We just did a program for a company where it’s less money for them to go to Australia than it is to go to Maui because of currency exchange rates. And the launch of that was exceptional because it’s a great opportunity. They can do it and it was justified and logical. So they’re tracking very strongly and their big challenge is what they’re going to do next.

DON: (laughing) Try to top that one.

ROB: What’s really interesting is that it’s become publicly acceptable for people to win trips and such because the average consumer can now get free travel using credit cards and using pointof-purchase rewards. It’s totally changed. Truly everybody is being rewarded at some level in Canada like never before, and Canadians participate [in loyalty programs] like no other country does.

DON: That’s why I’ve moved into the broader consumer world.

You’re absolutely right that concept of getting something for free is part of our culture. But it’s not really free. The same as an incentive travel program in its broadest form is not free. It’s something you’ve worked hard for. There are tax implications.

EVA: It’s hard to separate the words travel and incentive. Travel is a very aspirational incentive marketing tool but it’s been commoditized, which makes it that much more challenging to have the freedom and creativity to put really unique experiences together because there’s sometimes an apples-to-applies orientation.

DON: That rolls into your question about the challenges we face today.

It’s the commoditization of everything with the Internet and the number of clients who challenge you and take away the value you add if you stay as a pure travel company. They’ll say, ‘I can go online and get better rates at the Four Seasons in Maui than you. I can get airline seats and book a group online. Why should I use you?’ So demonstrating value and being able to charge for that value so we can all eat is challenging us just as it’s challenged the whole travel industry.

M+IT: How’s that challenge being met?

ROB: For us at Cascadia, we opened a merchandise rewards division and we got into employee engagement safety programs—work safety is a big thing here in Alberta. It’s a very competitive market so you can’t just be one thing anymore. You have to adapt, evolve and grow 56

and we’ve found blended programs work best for us. And knowledge is key. Knowledge is what keeps us going.

DON: And I think the concept of the strategic approach is important.

You can basically go along with the commoditization of the travel and merchandise. Our value lies in our ability to demonstrate ROI and to manage communications and the creative component. The stickiness of our industry is your ability to engrain yourself in the organization’s strategic direction rather than just being the trip provider.

ROB: Design is the other big part. I think all of us have been around long enough to know that where we really help companies, both public and private, is by redesigning programs that had good intent but didn’t provide results. We look at the program, the company’s market share and ask them really hard questions about their business. Then we help them redesign, re-launch and re-communicate the program to get the results they want. That’s what it’s all about.

EVA: And we have the ability to daisy-chain together all the priorities an organization might have. The end result may be a travel incentive program for at least a portion of the target audience but our value is in recognizing the company’s primary goals and challenges and developing ways to influence the experience and the loyalty that it is looking to engender from its employees or customers or partners. There’s lots of opportunity there.

M+IT: Isn’t part of the value of hiring a company like Cascadia or Bond to develop an incentive travel program the fact that they can create a destination experience that the average person can’t get booking a trip online?

“ You gain expertise through education, experience and hard work. There are no shortcuts... It is a very detailed, knowledgebased business and people have to take it seriously. The young people coming in have to learn that it’s not just a party.”

Rob Thorsteinson

ROB: Smart companies see that value. I was in South Africa in April. It’s a destination that’s evolved. It’s good value. The rand is low. We’re doing programs that I think only well-seasoned planners would feel comfortable doing. The question is this: Do you feel comfortable going down to a country like South Africa on your own or using a company that’s been going there for 30 years? We’re helping them [the client] organize building a school. We’re doing Rhino conservation. There are all kinds of things we’ve brought to this one organization and its employees are truly striving to win this trip to South Africa because it’s truly a trip of a lifetime.

EVA: I think the real nugget here is the fact that hotel and air have definitely been commoditized. Anyone can book those but they don’t

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+M+IT TALK “ Travel is a very aspirational incentive marketing tool but it’s been commoditized, which makes it that much more challenging to have the freedom and creativity to put really unique experiences together because there’s sometimes an apples-to-apples orientation.”

Eva Page

have the access to create experiences like dinner in a bullring in Spain or on the Great Wall of China. Companies like ours have built the relationships, know how to assess the risk and have the right partnerships—that’s our expertise. And, of course, the way that we are able to align those experiences with the objectives or challenges the organization is having at the time. Executive assistants and internal meeting planners may not be looking to create those links.

DON: Another challenge we face is competition from providers in the industries around travel. Hotels are going into the DMC business and a number of suppliers including the DMCs are going directly to corporate clients. Then the client turns around and says to us, ‘I’m going to work with XYZ corporation in China or Africa.’ You point out that you’ve got 30 years experience, and they say, the other guy lives in Africa and he’s got 30 years experience too so I’m going with him directly. So, it’s back to the value you add. Are you a travel company and trip provider, or is [your value] in the program design? I think it’s how you package your overall services for the client because that guy in Africa may have 30 years experience in Africa but what’s he going to do for you next year? Who is going to manage your program and provide you with the tracking and ROI results.

I wouldn’t change a thing. Everyday is different. Thirty-two years and it’s never been boring.

EVA: I agree with all that. I think that setting the right expectations for people that are coming in and joining our industry is key.

They have to recognize that business acumen is required and that there is a marketing aspect that people need to embrace. They have to learn and understand that there is a higher purpose to these travel incentive programs and the linkage to our clients’ brands and the loyalty that they’re trying to engender to standout from their competitors. I think those are key components. We have to make sure that we’re supporting clients properly so we can continue thriving.

EVA: And the continuity of getting to know the participants and know about the organization.

M+IT: What’s your best piece of advice for surviving and thriving in the incentives industry?

DON: Hiring the right people. Providing service and value. All those things that are just basic business. But I do believe how you treat your own employees is critical. The relationships you have with customers. It’s a people business and a service business. Yes, we’ve added value by providing ROI analysis and design and everything else but at the end of the day if you take that group to Africa or Cambodia for a week and you don’t service them properly, everything else you’ve done for them is useless.

ROB: I would add that for anyone who is looking at getting into this business, you need to value yourselves. Nothing can be done for free. It’s a big learning curve and you have to invest the time and energy to learn the world. Incentives is like any other profession; you gain expertise through education, experience and hard work.

There are no shortcuts. Not in this business. It’s a very detailed, knowledge-based business and people have to take it seriously. The younger people coming in have to learn that it’s not just a party. It takes hard work and dedication. Yet it has tremendous rewards.

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+HOW TO

HOW TO SELECT

A MEETING DESTINATION

BY ISSA JOUANEH

A

number of major world events occurred in the past few years, creating a slew of new, unique conference and event spaces available for use in business. Seasonal sporting events drew hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world, both to developed countries such as London, as well as to emerging regions in Brazil. These events led to better hotels, upgraded airports, improved infrastructure and innovative facilities. With these options in mind, there are many additional factors to consider when selecting your next meeting destination, whether it’s in North America or abroad.

1 | ANALYZING AIR TRAVEL One of the most important considerations in destination selection is air travel, and performing an event travel analysis as part of the planning process can help planners to select the best location.

Items to consider when evaluating destinations from an air travel perspective are: ACCESSIBILITY: Be sure to determine the airport location in relation to potential hotels and venues to get clarity on ground transfer time to the meeting/event location.

EASE OF TRAVEL: Consider the average flying time and number of direct flights from key locations. Flight time should be considered as part of the attendee experience, especially for situations where attendees may need to transition into meetings immediately upon arrival. Also, a limited number of flight choices could result in the number of attendees per flight exceeding organizational guidelines. Furthermore, security issues vary from country to country, and it is essential that planners are up-to-date on security in emerging countries. The Government of Canada’s country travel advice and advisories are available at travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories. If your event involves participants from the United States, the U.S. Department of State site (travel.state.gov) is a great resource for ensuring your meeting is in a location that meets the required security needs. Many countries also require entry visas. Applications can be lengthy, so keep this in mind when evaluating potential meeting destinations.

BOOK EARLY: Booking flights as early as possible is highly recommended as prime departure times in cities hosting major concerts/festivals or other large corporate meetings/ events can fill up quickly. Booking in advance can reduce costs and relieve the stress of having to find last-minute flights.

TOP TEN NORTH AMERICAN MEETING DESTINATIONS Vancouver, BC Toronto, ON New York City, NY Washington, DC Montreal, QC Boston, MA Chicago, IL San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA Miami, FL

TOP TEN INTERNATIONAL MEETING DESTINATIONS Paris, France Barcelona, Spain Madrid, Spain London, United Kingdom Vienna, Austria Amsterdam, The Netherlands Berlin, Germany Istanbul, Turkey Copenhagen, Denmark Singapore Source: International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Statistics Report 2014

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+HOW TO LEARN FROM PAST TRAVEL EXPERIENCES: Evaluating and understanding past travel experiences and issues can help planners make recommendations for future events. With these components of destination evaluation in mind, organizers can reduce budgetary impact from the initial stages of planning. Integrating air travel management as part of planning allows planners to manage the budget in a comprehensive fashion. If not controlled, air travel can easily consume a significant portion of an event budget. However, savings achieved through proper management of air travel can provide funding for other important areas such as food and beverage.

LOOKING AT WHAT’S TRENDING: Airfare cost comparisons can have a major influence on the destination choice. In the case of two similar destinations, a significant difference in air cost can be the deciding factor. However, most airlines have new or focus destinations where they are promoting reduced fares or new aircrafts. These destinations can offer savings, so meeting planners should research promoted destinations as their reduced prices may greatly sway the final location choice.

2 | COMPLIANCE If there was ever a time when planning a corporate meeting simply involved choosing the perfect location and coordinating guests, it has passed. Today, meeting planners are becoming increasingly aware of complex compliance standards as regulatory pressures on multinational corporations have intensified, especially when operating in foreign jurisdictions.

Due to such pressures, meeting planners are facing increased scrutiny around third-party outsourcing, information security, data privacy and corruption-related risks.

Emerging markets, which often equal high-risk jurisdictions from an anti-corruption perspective, continue to present challenges for many global corporations, where growth opportunities and the need for in-person training or conferences can be greater. When planning meetings and events in emerging markets, internal compliance departments are often called upon for final approval to ensure compliance is being met. Compliance teams are now monitoring meeting activities, and it is not uncommon for them to review spending, attendance and other key metrics after each meeting or event.

Considering compliance is an integral part of any meeting planning process, planners and internal compliance departments should work together to develop an integrated approach to planning meetings to accomplish their goals efficiently and within the bounds of regulatory compliance.

3 | MAKING THE DECISION

High-Tech.

All-Inclusive.

State-of-the-art.

Everything and everyone you need to make your meetings a success.

T: 306.242.1440 Toll-Free: 1.800.667.8789

Ultimately, meeting planners must decide what makes the most geographic sense for each individual client. According to the American Express Meetings & Events 2015 Global Meetings Forecast, there is a continued push to stay close to home and host meetings where the greatest numbers of attendees live. Meeting planners should take this into consideration if geographic convenience is a high priority for the client.

For those attendees who want to stay close to home or may not be able to attend a physical event, hybrid solutions can enhance and expand the value of in-person meetings by connecting with new audiences online. Organizations can complement their face-to-face, onsite, physical meeting with simultaneous online viewing over the web.

Furthermore, meeting and event data from 2013 and 2014 provides destination projections for the coming year. U.S. data shows that meeting planners will frequently turn to Chicago, Orlando, Las Vegas, Atlanta and San Diego in 2015. Additionally, the Forecast examined international meeting destination trends to determine the top international cities for meetings in 2015. London tops the list in Europe, accompanied by Singapore in Asia-Pacific and Rio de Janeiro in Central/South America. However, as new meeting destination opportunities arose recently in London, Russia and Brazil, meeting planners should keep an eye on worldwide sporting events that will provide new possibilities in coming years across the globe, specifically in South Korea, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Japan.

saskatooninn.com Issa Jouaneh is the senior vice-president and general manager of American Express Meetings & Events.

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NEW EVENT SPACES, HOTEL OPENINGS, RENOS, F&B AND MORE

CANADA UPDATE

WATERVIEW SPECIAL EVENT SPACE, VANCOUVER

BRITISH COLUMBIA Waterview, a 3,250-sq.-ft. event space on the north shore of False Creek, is the latest addition to Vancouver’s selection of unique event venues.The flexible space, which underwent four months of extensive renovations prior to opening, features floor-to-ceiling windows that highlight the 260° panoramic views; a neutral colour palette; and sleek modern design. It can accommodate up to 220 guests for a seated event or 255 for a stand-up reception. Culinary Capers Catering is its exclusive catering partner. + The Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is now open and available for event rental. The 41,700-sq.-ft. facility, which is located on SHERATON RED DEER HOTEL

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+CANADA UPDATE

NIAGARA BREWING COMPANY. Photo: Falls Avenue Resort

HISTORIC HOTEL SASKATCHEWAN Photo: Atlific Hotels

the UBC Vancouver campus at the corner of University Boulevard and East Mall, offers spaces ranging from 350 square feet to 4,700 square feet, the largest of which can accommodate up to 400 people reception-style and 300 seated. It is suitable for conferences, corporate meetings, workshops, trade shows, cocktail parties and more. Revenue generated from rentals will be reinvested into alumni UBC programming. + Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has opened its second Four Points-branded hotel in the Metro Vancouver area. Four Points Surrey has 77 guest rooms, an executive boardroom, 24hour fitness centre and full-service dining at Citrus Restaurant. Its amenities include free Wi-Fi and bottled water as well as a wide selection of local craft and imported beer as part of the signature Best Brews™ program.

ALBERTA Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has signed two new build properties in Alberta: The Westin Calgary Airport, owned by PAL Hospitality Ltd., and The Westin Edmonton Gateway, owned by Neelam Investments Ltd. Both hotels are slated to open in 2017. With 250 guestrooms, The Westin Calgary Airport will be located directly on Calgary International Airport property. The five-story hotel will feature a Westin Club Lounge, 30,000 square feet of meeting space and a restaurant and lounge. The Westin Edmonton Gateway will offer 250 guestrooms, as well as a Westin Club Lounge, full restau62

rant, contemporary bar and more than 10,000 square feet of meeting space. + Edmonton’s Shaw Conference Centre (SCC) has received the “5 Green Keys” rating from Green Key Global, a leading international environmental certification body evaluating sustainable venue operations. It is the first convention centre in Canada to earn the rating. Released in April, SCC’s 2014 Sustainability Report Card demonstrates the convention centre’s commitment to sustainability throughout its operations. Major initiatives include a dedicated sustainability coordinator; LED energy reduction retrofit; the development of a sustainability meetings toolkit that provides all clients with sustainable options for their even; and new permaculture landscaping, incorporating self-guided interpretive tours that are inclusive of an aboriginal medicine wheel garden, urban bee colony and monarch butterfly preservation garden. + DoubleTree by Hilton™

by Hilton West Edmonton won the Venue of the Year Award from at the 2015 MPI Greater Edmonton Event Management Awards. Managed by SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts, the property features a state-ofthe-art SilverBirch Conference Centre® with more than 35,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. +The Sheraton Red Deer Hotel is the recipient of the 2015 Action Hero Award from Alberta’s Parkland Airshed Management Zone (PAMZ). The award is presented to companies that are proactive with innovative strategies and programs to help air quality and the air people breathe. The 241-room property,

which has 53,000 square feet of meeting space, is Green 3-Key certified. Hotel initiatives offered to event and meeting planners included Green Meetings, Sustainable Menus, Meeting Impact Reports, Tesla Supercharging Stations, and Make a Green Choice Guest Room Program.

SASKATCHEWAN The historic Radisson Plaza Hotel Saskatchewan is celebrating its 88th anniversary this year. The Atlific-managed property, affectionately referred to as Hotel Saskatchewan, opened its doors on Queen Victoria’s birthday, May 24, 1927. Designed in the Modernist Classical style, it introduced first-class accommodations and hospitality to Saskatchewan’s capital.

Each of the 224 rooms is individually and uniquely decorated, and the historic barber shop and shoe shine as well as the chandeliers on the convention floor are authentic from 1927. Located in the heart of downtown Regina, the property is currently renovating its guest rooms and public spaces and will be rebranded under the Marriott Autograph Collection flag.

ONTARIO Falls Avenue Resort has welcomed Niagara Falls’ newest event space and attraction, Niagara Brewing Company, to its 20-acre hotel and conference resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Located at the base of Clifton Hill, this new craft beer experience offers innovative brews created with ingredients sourced from the Niagara Region. It is also features more

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A party so big it covers the entire country

MPI FOUNDATION PRESENTS:

CANADA ROCKS 10Th YEAR ANNIVERSARY Make plans to celebrate at the 10th anniversary of Canada Rocks.

As the official opening reception to IncentiveWorks 2015, the funfilled night includes networking with the industry’s best, entertainment, hosted bars, an incredible silent auction and much more!

GET TICKETS B E N E F I TI N G T H E M P I F O U N D AT I O N

#cdarox15, #mpif, #mpi

Monday, August 17, 2015 8:00 - 11:00 PM The Carlu, 444 Yonge Street, 7th Floor, Toronto Proceeds help fund the MPI Foundation Education Endowment

www.mpiweb.org/foundation/ canadarocks HOST SPONSOR:

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+CANADA UPDATE than 5,000 square feet of space including a Fallsview patio to host special events, and an on-site beer and retail store stocked with Niagara Brewing Company merchandise and craft beer. Also available: exclusive tours of the facilities; tastings of signature brews; freshly-made appetizers; and specialty gifts such as personalized beer cans for special groups and events. + The renovation of the Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo is now complete. Located in downtown Kitchener’s business district, the property offers 15,000 square feet of smart meeting space; SMART Table connectivity in rooms; a bowling alley, mini putt and yoga studio; 24-hour business centre with secure wireless printing; complimentary Wi-Fi; and on-site restaurant.

QUEBEC Québec City-based Groupe Germain Hotels has taken over the operation of Hôtel La Ferme, the unique farm experience property located in Charlevoix, Québec. The change was effective June 1, 2015. As the newest member of Groupe Germain Hotel network, Hôtel La Ferme has been renamed Le Germain Hotel Charlevoix. The addition of a heated, in-ground, on-site pool is one of the first enhancements being made to the property by Groupe Germain. + InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) reports

that a new Holiday Inn® hotel is scheduled to open in downtown Montreal in the spring of 2017. The property will be the 12th IHG hotel in the greater Montreal region and the fifth Holiday Inn hotel in the city. The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Montreal Centre-Ville West hotel will feature 40 floors, 225 guest rooms and 30 suites.

Located on Boulevard Rene Lévesque ouest, on-site amenities will include free Wi-Fi, ample meeting space, a fitness center and a swimming pool. The hotel will be designed to include elements from IHG’s Green Engage® program for overall energy recovery and reuse including low energy windows and light bulbs. + Palais des congrès de Montréal has named CGI as its official developer and provider of customizable mobile event applications (apps).

Headquartered in Montreal, CGI is an information technology, consulting, systems integration, outsourcing and solutions company with offices around the world. It is working with the convention centre to develop a customizable mobile app that will offer a suite of services including online registration.

NEW BRUNSWICK

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has opened a Four Points-branded property in Moncton, New Brunswick. The 128room hotel has an on-site conference center with 10,000 square feet of meeting space. Owned by DP Murphy Hotels and Resorts,

the previously independent hotel underwent a $4 million renovation and repositioning project prior to raising the Four Points flag.

NOVA SCOTIA The Westin Nova Scotian, a landmark in downtown Halifax since it opened its doors on June 23, 1930, is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year with a slate of “85” themed promotions and programs. One of the original railroad hotels owned by Canadian National Railways, it now offers 310 guestrooms (including 10 suites) and 23,000 square feet of meeting space.

F&B Arron Carley has been appointed executive chef at The Bruce Hotel in Stratford, ON. Chef Carley, who took over the kitchen in May, served as sous-chef to Chef Jason Bangerter (now executive chef of Langdon Hall) before taking several months to intern for Chef Rene Redzepi at Noma, a Michelin two-star restaurant in Copenhagen that has been named “Best Restaurant in the World” four times since 2010. Upon returning to Canada, he landed a sous-chef position at Canoe, under Executive Chef John Horne.

At The Bruce, Carley will merge the modernist techniques he explored at Noma with the Canadian locavore philosophies at the heart of Canoe’s success.

Close.

Convenient.

Only 2KM from the Saskatoon International Airport.

Save even more time using our free shuttle and express check-in.

T: 306.242.1440 Toll-Free: 1.800.667.8789 saskatooninn.com

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Canada Update is included in every issue of Meetings + Incentive Travel. Canadian CVBs, DMCs, restaurants and venues are invited to send information about new event spaces to Lori Smith, Editor, (lsmith@meetingscanada. com) for possible inclusion in the section and online at MeetingsCanada.com.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SASKATCHEWAN MEETING IN THE LAND OF LIVING SKIES

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TOP TEN REASONS REGINA IS THE UNBEATABLE CHOICE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT! 1|

Regina offers unmatched expertise when it comes to planning and smoothly executing your event. Conventions Regina is an industry-driven volunteer team, led by the Regina Hotel Association, who are dedicated to streamlining every detail: organizing first-rate accommodations, event and convention facilities, assistance with attractions, and ensuring smooth transportation from one place to another, for everyone in your group.

We’ll work with you to ensure you receive the Royal Treatment.

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It’s easy to get around Regina. Our city is compact, welldesigned, and has everything you need – airport, hotels, convention venues, attractions – all located within a 10 to 15 minute drive of each other.

the agri-business industry arrive here from all over the world to see the latest innovations in this field.

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Regina is one of the most beautiful cities in the West, with a manmade lake and almost half a million trees, each carefully hand-planted. In the very centre of the city is one of the largest urban parks in North America: 2,300-acre Wascana Park. Besides providing a backdrop to dozens of exciting outdoor events over the warm months, Wascana is a thriving natural marsh eco-system. It is also home to the MacKenzie Art Gallery, Royal Saskatchewan Museum, and the Saskatchewan Science Centre (featuring Saskatchewan’s only IMAX Theatre).

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With over 3,600 guest accommodations – and plenty more currently under construction – Regina has a broad range of choices for every need and preference including the convenience and efficiency of a modern convention hotel, to a grand traditional hotel fit for royalty.

We’ve got over 500,000 square feet of meeting space, and we’re able to accommodate every size of event: from small, personal and efficient gatherings to mega international trade shows.

5|

Evraz Place is the jewel in Regina’s crown when it comes to convention venues. A 102-acre facility offering more than 300,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space and Saskatchewan’s largest banquet room, Evraz Place is conveniently located close to hotels, the airport and downtown. It’s the second largest meeting and exhibit space in Canada.

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You’d need a large, well-designed space like Evraz Place in order to welcome the country’s largest trade show: Canada’s Farm Progress Show. Every year, 45,000 members of

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We’re proud to be the home of the RCMP Training Academy and Heritage Centre. Book your event at the on-site reception venue, then enjoy a guided tour of the grounds and facilities. Finish your visit by witnessing the famous Sunset Retreat Ceremony – one of the Canadian Tourism Commission’s Signature Experiences.

After a day of business, there’s lots to do and see while you’re in town. Learn about Saskatchewan’s rich geological and natural history with a visit to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. The museum’s fascinating collection also includes artifacts and exhibits detailing some 10,000 years of Aboriginal history.

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And you haven’t really experienced Regina until you’ve enjoyed the taste of a successful harvest. The Regina region feeds the world, producing mustard seed, wild rice, lentils, honey, prairie cherries, canola and much more. Thirsty? Sample a pint at one of Regina’s microbreweries, the District Brewing Co. or hop in the car for a short drive up to Lumsden – home of the Last Mountain Distillery, which uses locally grown wheat to create their very own distinctively flavoured spirits.

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Historic Hotel Saskatchewan

RCMP Heritage Centre

We’re home to Canada's RCMP Heritage Centre and Training Academy, Canada's oldest symphony orchestra, and one of the largest urban parks in North America. These are just a few of Regina's majestic attractions. Combine them with over 500,000 sq. ft. of convention space and over 3,900 hotel rooms and you can see why your next event will have the royal treatment.

To host your next event in Regina connect with us at: 306.546.4285 info@conventionsregina.com www.conventionsregina.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SASKATOON INN & CONFERENCE CENTRE FRESH. NEW. SPECTACULAR!

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elcome to the newly renovated Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre. Step into our inviting lobby with its rich walnut woods and floor-to-ceiling fireplace, where you can lounge with your favourite Starbucks® beverage and tasty treats made in-house from our Bean There Café. Stay up to date at our communal business centre. With its comfortable executive chairs and large central table, it’s the perfect place to hook up and stay connected. Off of the main lobby you will find our spectacular indoor garden with hundreds of tropical plants, babbling brooks and fountains—all under expansive skylights.

Our 257 completely refinished guestrooms featuring contemporary furnishings and soothing neutral colours include a large desk with an ergonomic chair and easily accessible power outlets. Each room is also equipped with free high speed Internet access, fridge, microwave, 42” HD television and in-room coffee.

Enjoy fresh, local, farm-to-table Canadian cuisine, as well as our famous Friday Chocolate Buffet and Sunday Brunch at the full-service Garden Café and Lounge. Recharge in our new fitness centre or unwind with a soak in the pool and hot tub.

GREET. MEET. CELEBRATE! Most of our 18 meeting rooms (including three boardroom suites seating up to eight people) surround our spectacular tropical courtyard and boast large exterior windows, allowing natural sunlight to brighten your gathering. On the mezzanine level, the Saskatchewan Ballroom is a spectacular setting for conferences, trade shows and social events. Our executive boardrooms located in our York Street meeting space are ideal for intimate meetings, where attendees can refuel at the newly constructed café-style communal break area throughout the day.

Our banquet, catering and audio visual professionals take pride in making each event a success by providing exceptional service and seamless support.

In all, we have more than 26,000 square feet of newly renovated function space offering a fresh and contemporary look, flexible configurations accommodating from 120 to 1,200 people and complimentary high-speed Internet access.

LOCATION. LOCATION. LOCATION! Conveniently located on Circle Drive, five minutes drive from the Saskatoon airport and only 10 minutes from the downtown core, the Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre is close to all major attractions and conveniences, including the SaskTel Centre. The 15,000 seat sports and entertainment complex is home to Saskatoon’s hottest shows, concerts and sporting events.

WHY SASKATOON? As Saskatchewan’s largest city, there is no shortage of attractions in Saskatoon. After a day of meetings, why not explore some of the wonderful sights and activities available! Partake in exciting art and music festivals or enjoy some of the best golf courses in the country.

Hiking enthusiasts can choose from over 400 acres of Riverbanks, parks and trails along the Saskatchewan River. If it is culture and history you are after, celebrate over 6,000 years of First Nations’ culture at Wanuskewin Heritage Park or discover exceptional museums and art galleries including the Western Development Museum, the Diefenbaker Canada Centre and the Remai Modern Art Gallery (opening 2016).

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The Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre is one of the few hotels throughout the province to hold a 4 Green Key Rating with the Green Key Eco-Rating Program, which is given only to those hotels who have shown national industry leadership and commitment to protecting the environment.

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ENDLESSOpportuni ty

Host your next conference in Saskatoon and enjoy the endless possibilities it has to offer. A true economic, scientific and cultural hub, Saskatoon has hosted hundreds of festivals, trade shows, events and conferences for visitors from around the globe.

Tourism Saskatoon provides services to convention planners worldwide and support from start to finish to ensure your event is a success.

CONVENTIONSsaskatoon.com Toll Free: 1.800.567.2444 | exploreYXE.com

COACHING CORNER

AUGUST 18+19 2015 • METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE

MEEt YOuR PersONAl COACHes Chala Dincoy

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ONe-ON-ONe COACHING

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August 18th 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

August 19th 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

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SPACE IS LIMITeD! Sign up early on-site!

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+WRAPUPS

MPI OTTAWA PRIX PRESTIGE AWARDS

As the 271 guests arrived at the Hilton Lac-Leamy on May 7, they were festooned with strings of green, gold and purple beads to help celebrate the Mardi Gras theme for this year’s Prix Prestige Awards Gala. Brightly coloured masks, feathers and balloons were everywhere in the décor and adorning some of the enthusiastic attendees.

Following a New Orleans tradition called Second Line, the award nominees paraded into the ballroom amidst cheers, waving napkins and twirling parasols while the Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo

blasted some jazzy tracks. Jen Holly led the board members in a lip-syncing, backup dancing version of The Pointer Sisters’ I’m So Excited.

Jasmin Denis-Fournier, executive chef at the Hilton, served up a four-course southwest style menu including blackened salmon, vegetarian gumbo and chicken ballotine with shrimp and smoked paprika.

Dessert was sublime chocolate torte with a sumptuous spicy, salted caramel and silky bourbon meringue. A generous group of sponsors contributed to the success of the Gala, along with a committed core of

organizers, easy to spot in their festive purple fedoras. The MPI Ottawa Chapter delivered another party-lover’s Awards Gala to honour its best and brightest.

Congratulations to the 2015 MPI Ottawa Chapter award winners: Planner of the Year, Lira Buschman, CMP; Supplier of the Year, Joanne St-Pierre; Mentor of the Year, Doreen Ashton Wagner; Rising Star of the Year, Patrick Kilvert; SOAR Award, Maryse Morin, President’s Award; Darlene Kelly-Stewart, Honourary Member Jacques Drury, CMP, CASE. —MELANIE HUDSON, National Association of Federal Retirees

MPI TORONTO EDUCATION CONFERENCE

engage with one another through a series of audience interaction and participation exercises. Attendees were then invited for a site tour of the resort prior to attending that evening’s welcome reception.

The next day kicked off with the opening keynote by Max Valiquette. He showed us how collaboration amongst all generations in the workplace will lead to improved execution, innovation, high performance and employee retention. Baring a resemblance to Fred Savage, Max’s quick wit and informative presentation was a great start to a full day of education that provided sessions on everything from improvisation and negotiation skills to the top ten essentials for your event technology.

To wrap up the day on Monday evening,

a handful of TEC attendees were invited

by Blue Mountain Resort to take part in a Mountain Top Segway Tour. Filled with grilled cheese from the Yeti Cheese truck, the attendees set off with an instructor for a half hour Segway experience across the mountain top and through the trees to experience a taste of just one of the activities Blue Mountain has to offer to their guests, as well as conference and teambuilding events.

On Tuesday, Deborah Gardner, CMP, wrapped up this year’s conference by building on the theme established by Jennifer, Shawna and Max at the beginning, to remind us to “connect and collaborate” using all of what we had learned to achieve more success. —STEPHANIE RAPKO

The 2015 Toronto Education Conference (TEC), MPI Toronto’s three-day conference provided attendees with the opportunity to be inspired, connect and collaborate.

Taking place June 7th to 9th at Blue Mountain Resort, this year’s conference began with a session by Jennifer Spear inspiring attendees to use their creativity to be the next greatest thing. Jennifer was then followed by Shawn Suckow, CMP, who got us to put down our smartphones and

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MGM Cookoff Vancouver 9

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Destinations for Breakfast (Left to right) 1. Melanie Cook, MGM Resorts Intl; Terry Thorsteinson, Cascadia Motivation; Erin Bird, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin; and Nicole Tanguay, HelmsBriscoe. 2. Julie West, Julie West Events and Matthew Wiatowski, Julie West Events. 3. Winning Toronto recipe: Seared Scallops with bacon and green onion relish and root vegetable mash (Jodi Spivak). 4. Chris Petko, Oracle; Jenny Petko; and David Jewell, CMP, CMM, HelmsBriscoe. 5. Winning Vancouver recipe: Lobster asparagus salad (Karen Massicotte). 6. Melissa Moskal, CMP CMM, PR1ME Strategies; Norma Mackay, A&W Food Services of Canada; Karen Massicotte, Pacific National Exhibition; and Melanie Cook, MGM Resorts International. 2. Pamela Baker, CMP, CMP-HC, Event Spectrum, and Courtney Alexander, AGF Investments. 8. Suzanne Mahabir, CWT Meetings & Events; Jodi Spivak, CMP; Heidi Bailee-David, CMP, Meridican Incentive Consultants; Melanie Cook, MGM Resorts International. 9. Sylvie Pesut-Manneke, JPdL Toronto & Niagara; Lisa-Marie Upton CMP, Scotiabank Convention Centre; and Dawn Guindon, Shaw Centre. 10. Zoe Pelletier-Marcotte, Hotel Le Crystal; Caitlin Burgess, Canada Health Infoway; and Natalie Teichmann, Old Mill Toronto. 11. Margaret Binns, OSCTA; Tamer Mecky CEM, meck & Co.; Kristi Contini, Grant Thornton LLP; and Yvonne Dewar, Elastic Communications & Events. 12. Katrina Wyer, Ruby Sky Event Planning Inc.; Jennifer Holly, Travel Alberta; Geoff Mak CEM, CMP, Allstream Centre/Direct Energy Centre; and Christine Gruber CMP, CMM, BOLD Hospitality Events & Consulting. 13. Eduarda Neves, Portugal Travel Team; Jan Zandboer, Select Group Mktg.; Bonnie Boyd, BBC Destination Management (New Orleans); Brigitte Zandboer, Select Group Mktg; and Sandra Toussaint, PMP, Sandra Toussaint Consulting.

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Atlantic Canada Gala 17

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MPI BC June 2015 Gala and Awards (Left to Right) 14. Denise Bradbury, The Algonquin Resort, St. Andrews-by-the-Sea; Brenda Coupar, Destination Halifax; Hélène Moberg, Destination Halifax. Photo: Sue Siri Photography 15. Mary Anne Struthers, Grand Central Decor; Remi Lefebvre, Le5 Management. Photo: Sue Siri Photography 16. Award winners: Barbara Broome Legacy Award – Alana Hirtle, CHGM, CMP, Holloway Lodging Corporation; Supplier of the Year – Lauren Patterson, CMP accepting on behalf of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21; Planner of the Year – Claudia Habib, downeast destination management. Photo: Sue Siri Photography. 17. Cathy Pugh, Fredericton Convention Centre, accepting Event of the Year Award for Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, Fredericton, NB. Photo: Sue Siri Photography 18. Paul Larcher, VoX International Inc.; Jane Elliott, Cubed Inc.; and Tom Civitano, Jumeirah Americas. 19. Alanna McQuaid, Meetings + Incentive Travel; Lee Ann Marano, Aimia; Seta Hana, Jumeirah; and Ellie McPherson, SM+I/Strategic Meetings + Incentive. 20. Daniel Melnyk, Anticipate Hospitality & VP Vancouver Island Pod (MPI); Supplier of the Year Alex Bickers, Nasco Staffing Solutions. Photo: Vision Event Photography 21. Daniel Melnyk; Future Leaders Scholarship winner Paula Chan Yung, Art Institute; Natalie Wilson, CMP CMM, RBC Global Asset Management & MPI BC president. 22. Rolling out the red carpet at MPI BC Gala. Photo: Vision Event Photography 23. John Daugulis, Venue West Conference Services, accepting on behalf of Planner of the Year winner Sue Daugulis, Venue West. 24. Daniel Melnyk; Mentor of the Year Jenn Houtby-Ferguson, CMP CMM, Twist Consulting; Natalie Wilson. Photo: Vision Event Photography 25. SOAR Scholarship winner Teresa Rempel, CMP CMM, UBC; Natalie Wilson. Photo: Vision Event Photography.

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The Beopjusa Temple, which sits on the side of Mount Songnisan in Songnisan National Park, South Korea, offers temple stays that would provide a perfect wellness pre- or post-program option for people interested in learning about Korean culture and religion, and perhaps finding some enlightenment themselves. Temple stay activities include: Zen, outdoor and walking meditation; lotus lantern and prayer bead crafts; and tea ceremonies with the monks. All visitors are asked to do is check their vices and cellphones at the door, and open their minds to peace and quiet.

Photo by Jeon Hyeongguk. Used courtesy of the Korea Tourism Organization.

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GreGG SaretSky President and CEO, WestJet

With 1.2 million square feet of meeting space, there’s room for guests to spread their wings.

A $2 billion expansion means Canada’s 3rd-largest airport can welcome more passengers than ever.

GLOBaL PerSPeCtIVe Calgarians think big. They’re never afraid to take an idea to the next level – or to the world. Which makes Calgary the perfect place to try a new approach, and push it far beyond expectations.

meetInGSCaLGary.COm

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T:8.125” S:7”

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With access to destinations all over the globe, Air Canada is the only choice for your clients’ business travel needs. We offer the most destinations, most flight options, and most non-stop intercontinental flights from eight Canadian gateways. And when you book them in International Business Class or Premium Economy, rest assured they’ll be well rested and ready to go.

Visit aircanada.com/agents for more information about Air Canada’s network.

Come and see us at IncentiveWorks Booth #2019

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HELP YOUR CLIENTS MAKE BUSINESS A PLEASURE.