Cme q3 2013 lowrez

Strategic Solutions for Today's Planner

September/October 2013

Inside this issue:

Communicating Value Page 21

CONVENTION CENTRES

PM 40063056

Sharing the Challenge

www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

Artist Rendering

THERE’S SOMETHING HAPPENING HERE! DO YOU FEEL IT? The International Centre is buzzing with activity. 450+ meetings and events a year and a $4.5 million renewal plan. Clients are raving. Staff are more energized than ever. THERE’S SOMETHING HAPPENING HERE! Learn more about the exciting developments taking place here by giving us a call or by visiting our website at internationalcentre.com.

6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada 905.677.6131 / tf 1.800.567.1199 InternationalCentre.com

450+ events annually $4.5M renewal plan  500,000+ sq ft of event/ meeting space  5,000 free parking spots  

Feature story 10 Convention Centres

Working together for a better future

By Rod Cameron

14

contents Features 5

editor's note

6 Meeting Planner Profile

Milena Santoro, MS Productions International

8

Building Buzz

By Ben Moorsom

Nurturing the message

14 Destination Profile Alberta Bound

17

BEICC Update

By Bob Parker

18

CanSPEP Report

By Sandy Biback

Strategic partnerships

Staying connected

19 Industry Supplier Q&A Tourism partnerships

21 The Business of Meetings

Communicating value

By Bailey Roth

22

Stories of Success

By Lynn Ferguson-Pinet

Creative teambuilding

Corporate Meetings & Events September/October 2013 |  3

editor’snote

Why teams matter

Corporate Meetings & Events Volume 14 Number 3 Publisher

Chuck Nervick

Managing Editor

Sean Moon

Online Editor

Steven Chester

Senior Designer

Annette Carlucci

Designer

Jennifer Carter

Production Manager

Rachel Selbie

Circulation

Lina Trunina

Directory Manager

Petra Brown

Editorial Advisory Board Doreen Ashton-Wagner, Chief Strategist & Managing Director, Greenfield-Services Inc. Sandy Biback, Principal, Imagination Meetings Leanne Andrecyk, Creative Director, ZedEvents Sarah Lowis, President, Sea to Sky Meeting Management Inc. Fiona Marshall-White, Managing Director of Events, Fraser Institute Joe Nishi, Regional Director, Meeting Encore Francis Pare, Account Manager, Zeste Incentive Martin Perelmuter, President, Speakers’ Spotlight Rita Plaskett, President, Agendum Inc. Brent Taylor, Principal, Timewise Event Management Inc. Angela Zaltsman, A to Z Event Management

For advertising information Contact Chuck Nervick 416-512-8186 ext. 227 chuckn@mediaedge.ca For editorial enquiries Contact Sean Moon 416-512-8186 ext. 265 seanm@mediaedge.ca Printed and published four times per year by MediaEdge Communications Inc. Printed in Canada. Reprint permission requests to use materials published in Corporate Meetings & Events should be directed to the publisher.

Circulation Inquiries 5255 Yonge Street, Suite 1000 Toronto Ontario M2N 6P4 416-512-8186 ext. 232 circulation@mediaedge.ca Corporate Meetings & Events subscriptions are available for two years: $70.00*; one year: $40.00*; single copy sales; $12.00* Outside of Canada, USA: $70.00, International: $90.00, *plus applicable taxes. Subscription entitles the recipient to four issues per year plus our Annual Industry Source Book.

MediaEdge Communications Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

President Senior Vice President

Kevin Brown Chuck Nervick

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40063056 ISSN: 1919-1464 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to:

A

As someone who is passionate about golf – a decidedly individualistic activity – I also have a great appreciation for team-oriented sports such as baseball, hockey and even the surprise Vancouver Olympics favourite, curling. The sense of accomplishment and camaraderie that results from a concerted application of talents and skills towards a common goal is hard to duplicate on the solitary level of a golfer simply trying to improve his or her game every time. Taking pride in your self-accomplishments is great but it’s nice to have someone to celebrate your achievements with.

Most of those who work in the meetings industry are no doubt familiar with the concept of teams, usually from the perspective of organizing and managing teambuilding events for their clients or corporate departments. How often, though, do we think of team concepts when it comes to our career or business?

It’s easy for both independent and corporate planners to view their role as a more individualistic or entrepreneurial pursuit. After all, some thirdparty planners are lean one- or two-person operations while many corporate planners find themselves shouldering the duties and responsibilities for multiple players within their single job description. Despite the tendency to see themselves as solo fliers, this should not detract from the fact that every planner needs to rely on the support and co-operation of many others, from company colleagues and fellow planners to suppliers, not to mention the clients themselves.

While I realize most of us have heard the rather tired expression that team stands for “Together Everyone Achieves More,” I recently came across a website (http://pmtips.net) that seemed to provide a more helpful description of the characteristics of teamwork in the meetings industry: clearly defined goals and roles; open and clear communication; effective decision making; balanced participation; managed conflict; positive atmosphere; co-operative relationships; and participative leadership.

In this issue of CM&E, we explore many team-related aspects of the meetings industry, including our cover story where industry expert Rod Cameron discusses how convention centres and clients can work together in creating a better future. In other columns and features, Lynn FergusonPinet presents a case study of how experiential learning can enhance team diversity, while our regular reports from CanSPEP and BEICC show how collaboration, education and teamwork are building a stronger Canadian events industry. And finally, we take a look at the important collaborative role of destination management organizations through an insightful Q&A roundtable format.

If by diving into the following pages of CM&E you are able to learn strategies to help your business grow and to develop the lasting relationships necessary for success, then we have happily achieved our goal of helping you to achieve yours.

Enjoy the issue!

Subscribe to e-newsletter at corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca Follow on Twitter @MeetingNetwork Like us on Facebook /cmemediaedge Join our group on linkd.in/cmemediaedge

Sean Moon, Managing Editor, CM&E

meetingplannerprofile

Milena Santoro CMM CMP PIDP

Present: President and CEO of MS Productions International Past: I’ve always been an entrepreneur. I work for myself, and event production has been part of my skill set for 25 years.

Specialty: Industry educator, keynote speaker, author, facilitator and global trainer.

Tell us about yourself: I am a proud mother of three, first and foremost.

My kids are my greatest achievement. Family is important to me, coming as I do from a rich Italian culture. We spend our summers in Italy, so I can immerse myself in la dolce vita, or the sweet life. I enjoy travel and the arts, and I’m passionate about cooking.

Tell us about your work: MS Productions is a full-service boutique organization that offers three different, but related, services: event and destination management, education and consulting. We`ve worked with corporations, international associations, non-profit organizations, and social and lifecycle clients. We offer our services in Canada and Italy.

How did you get to where you are today?

I love to tell the story that I was born in the kitchen.

It’s not really true, but the kitchen has been such a big part of my life and my Italian background.

Growing up in the family business, my experience has involved restaurants, catering and cafes. It’s always been about hospitality, entertaining and making people happy. My natural inclination is to plan; even when I was little I was the one to grab for the pen and paper and organize. It’s no surprise that 25 years later, after a lot of elbow grease, learned and shared lessons, industry mentors, amazing clients, the best suppliers and vendors, this is still what I do.

6 | www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

Why are you good at what you do?

I love what I do. I create my own opportunities.

My work is not what I do, it’s who I am. It’s the being. Whether I’m planning events or consulting, speaking or teaching, this is who I am.

What are some of the challenges you face?

A 24-hour clock. I could use at least three more hours each day, especially when new, interesting opportunities come up. But when I commit to my clients, I commit full throttle, and I don`t want to shift my focus from them.

Is there anything you would change in our industry, given the chance?

My goal as an event professional, educator and mentor is to encourage organizations to invest in their people to obtain industry designations, certifications and a higher level of learning. Together, we can raise the standards of excellence in our industry and speak the same language. Regardless if you are novice, intermediate or a seasoned professional, a commitment to life-long learning is so important if you want longevity in any industry.

Walk us through a typical day at work.

There`s no such thing as a typical day. I could be nose-to-the-grindstone in critical paths, on a conference call, Skyping with a client across the world, I could be writing my next keynote, I could be preparing curriculum for my next class, picking up the kids from school, travelling for business, meeting a client, attending a board meeting or giving a presentation. And that’s just one week.

What have been some of your biggest achievements?

My three children – period. But on a professional level, running a sustainable, international business for 25 years is up there.

I`ve earned the highest designations and certifications in this industry and I constantly work on improving myself. Teaching the next generation of our industry is my professional legacy, I believe unshared knowledge is wasted knowledge. My biggest achievements are that I get to choose what I do every day, and I work with great people.

What do you like best about the meetings industry, particularly in your region or city?

I love the industry because it`s so varied.

Edmonton event planners have many options in terms of what it is they want to do or specialize in. The industry as a whole has become much more recognized, whether it’s as a career choice or as an in-demand service. Edmonton is known as the City of Festivals, which allows MS Productions to offer so much to clients, all year round. Edmonton also boasts a rich culture that includes great restaurants and a lively arts scene, as well as a commitment to sustainability.

Who are some of your notable clients?

They are all notable. I lavish the same care, passion and attention on each client, from the people next door to foreign royalty or from small non-profits to international corporations. I’ve dealt with them all, and they like my services enough that the referrals continue to come.

How do you deal with the challenges of worklife balance?

I work hard to play hard, so throughout my career and life, I’m mindful about quality of life. I used to take on hundreds of events a year, which meant I was never home. With three children, this had to change. Now it’s not about how many events I can do a year.

It`s about the quality of the event and how I can balance it with the rest of my life. On the other hand, I love travel, good food, art and design, beautiful things…la dolce vita. My work allows me to feed these passions, so for me this contributes to both work and life in balanced way.

What are some of your most memorable events and why?

Here are a couple of examples: In 1998, I took a trade mission of 60 delegates from Canada to Italy. The night before we were supposed to fly from Rome to southern Italy, we got word that the airlines were going on strike. Talk about challenging— my schedule had just blown up. Luckily, I have long-standing connections and relationships in Italy, and within about four hours I had a convoy of buses and minivans at my disposal.

In terms of spectacular, I organized a $150,000 Vancouver wedding that included a six-tiered wedding cake with more than 3,000 fresh roses. That evening, after the wedding was over, I gave birth to my second child. All in a day’s work!.

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8/1/13 3:07 PM

buildingbuzz

Nurturing the Message The Most Neglected Part of Any Event

In my last article, First Contact: Don’t Let Your Event Start At The Door, I talked about how pre-event communication plants the seeds of important messaging and puts attendees in the right frame of mind even before they arrive at your event.

By Ben Moorsom

8 | www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

I also said it was an often-overlooked element and became a missed opportunity to connect with attendees. Do you know what the other often-overlooked element is? Postevent communication, or post-com – and it’s probably the most neglected element of the meeting industry.

W hy? T h i n k ab out it. As soon a s a n event i s over people qu ick ly move on.

Your client immediately goes back to their ‘real job’ and you’re already hard at work on the next event.

It’s a reality we’re all faced with but it’s no excuse for missing out on this excellent opport u n it y to en ha nce messages, reconnect with or reinvigorate attendees, and build upon the event experience.

So, i f pre- com is pla nt i ng t he seeds, then post-com is nurturing the message

or bra nd. A nd i f you don’t nu r t u re it, the message or brand can’t th rive. And after all of the work you put into pulling an event off, wouldn’t it be great if you could extend the buzz and have attendees st i l l t a l k i ng ab out it, or ac t i ng on it, throughout the year? Don’t you owe that to your client?

Well, you should k now that i f you’ve hit the mark on your event, post-com has the greatest potential to be successful in continuing the momentum. So here’s an idea to ensure post-com happens without adde d s t r e s s or a le n g t hy p o s t- e ve nt commitment on anyone’s part.

Pl a n a nd pr o duce you r p o st- com i n adva nce a s a pa r t of t he overa l l event pl a n n i ng. T h i s way you r p o st- com i s ready to go even before your event begins.

buildingbuzz

It doesn’t have to be complicated. You can make use of existing communication channels like adding to a blog or writing a newsletter article. Or it can be as simple as a series of emails or text messages. So plan in advance and integrate any writing and design into your event schedule.

For one client, we created HTML email blasts on sales rep success stories. We had solicited success stories f rom t he attendee population for use at the event and beyond. We received so many that we used some after the event to further inspire and engage. We produced all of the story segments at one time pre-event so it was easy for everyone involved. All the client had to do was email out the pre-produced pieces at various intervals throughout the year.

Or how about when you’re plan ning y o u r e v e n t , a n d y o u ’v e a s k e d t h e president to write a short message for the pre-com or invite, have them also write their thoughts on what they would say to attendees in the months following the event. Format or design post-com at the same time as pre-com and you’ll be ready before the event even begins.

Some planners shy away because they think post-com is out of their depth or budget. Keeping it simple and getting it done up front ca n alleviate some of that concern and maximize efficiencies of scale. Getting leadership to own and dra ft updates or h i ri ng a n i ndividual writer or an agency to help can also be cost effective and get you the results your client is looking for.

Lastly, I th i n k we ca n ag ree that no one k nows t he va lue of su r veys a s a sponsorsh ip or marketing touch point better than event planners. Ask anyone who does fundraisers and they will tell you repeat attendees contribute more to the overall campaign than new attendees, a nd wel l pla n ned post- com ca n ke ep them coming back. Just be sure to always get t hose su r veys out i m mediately i n the weeks following the event while the experience is still fresh in the minds of attendees so details aren’t forgotten or tainted over time.

Bot tom l i ne, p o st- com c a n b e ve r y beneficial for your client, for attendees a nd for you. Give it t h e at t e nt ion it deser ves by m a k i ng it a pa r t of you r pre-production instead of waiting until

it’s most likely to be forgotten. Your event doesn’t have to end when the last attendee leaves – it can live on contributing to even better results.

Ben Moorsom is President and Chief Creative Officer at Debut Group, an agency that specializes in corporate business communication and events across North America. Since 1997, Debut has pioneered

More than 3,800 hotel rooms Over 800,000 sq. feet of meeting space International airport connects to hundreds of destinations daily More than 400 speciality shops and restaurants downtown

new ways of delivering content and has mastered the art of creating greater perceived production value for their clients. For more information on how Ben and his dynamic team of communication and production veterans deliver better results by producing bold creative that is strategically grounded, emotionally engaging, and f lawlessly delivered to meet any clients budget visit Debut at www.debutgroup.com.

A true economic, scientific and cultural hub A city on the edge of nature, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is poised to host world-class conferences and events. Situated in the heart of the prairie province, Saskatoon leads Canada’s economy and is currently considered its fastest growing city. A true economic, scientific and cultural hub, Saskatoon has served as host to events and conferences for visitors from around the globe. With big city amenities and a small-town feel, Saskatoon offers its guests the conveniences of close proximity to meeting spaces, paired with endless possibilities for conference entertainment and attractions. A place of unexpected surprise and discovery, Saskatoon welcomes you with an open mind and vibrant energy.

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Corporate Meetings & Events September/October 2013 | 9

coverstory

Sharing the

Challenge How convention centres and clients can work together for a better future

By Rod Cameron

Meetings, conventions and exhibitions are evolving constantly and rapidly these days, driven by a host of factors ranging from changing attendance and financial patterns to the more sophisticated communications and technology demands of a new generation of delegates. But in an ongoing soft economy the big question is how to successfully adapt when financing may be in short supply – and the answer is as important to clients as it is to the centres themselves.

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coverstory

Corporate Meetings & Events September/October 2013 | 11

coverstory While a decision to change the format of an event is relatively easy, it is not as simple a matter for a convention centre that is, after all, a literally concrete structure with only so much design flexibility. As far as finances are concerned, there are also challenges that need to be addressed, given that some of the most basic assumptions around convention centre financing – the role of governments, for example – are now under a lot of stress due to the ongoing financial uncertainties enveloping the world.

Responding to different service and configuration expectations as well as adapting financial models have thus become major pre-occupations for both convention centre managers and those engaged in planning for the facilities of the future.

Here`s a look at some of the big issues facing convention centres today, and how this may affect interactions between centres and both their suppliers and clients.

Flexibility is the Priority:

Events used to have a largely predictable combination of space requirements, where even the proportions of different spaces were well established, and most centres were designed accordingly. Now, along with changing formats are coming spatial requirements that are testing the limits of how spaces with relatively fixed dimensions and particular combinations of finishes can respond. A major overhaul of spaces is simply not an option for many centres – and besides, there is little reason to think that these will not simply evolve again in the future.

For new design, the emphasis has shifted to flexibility; spaces that can serve a variety of purposes and that can be organized in a variety of ways without major disruption. In fact, "multi-purpose spaces" have become one of the most important design factors in new centres on the assumption that we really have little idea what the exact needs of the future will be.

Working in the Envelope:

For existing convention centres, the job is tougher, but lots of strategies exist that enable centres to create more flexibility and more are being developed every day.

Large spaces can be subdivided to accommodate demands for more breakout spaces, while informal areas can be redeveloped in what may have been public or prefunction spaces to accommodate 12 | www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

growing interest in small group gatherings.

Often it can be a matter of something as simple as replacing or even just re-arranging furniture, particularly when meetings are spontaneous and self-generated.

On the other hand, in many cases finishes are being made less specialized so that the same area can serve many different functions and be differentiated through the use of lighting and floor treatments that can be more readily changed than distinctive finishes. In any case, making the best use of this flexibility demands good and early communications between the centre and client to make sure both are aware of the available options.

Designing for the Business:

Cent re s a re a l so h av i ng to b e come increasingly realistic about the kind of business opportunities they can expect, based on external factors such as transportation access and accommodation as well as the capabilities of the centre itself, since design can and should be directed toward the best opportunities rather than creating a more generalized configuration that will require endless and potentially costly adaptation.

Another new and important trend along these lines can be seen in the refocusing of centre designs to put a priority on their ability to host multiple, simultaneous events rather than single larger ones. This is a logical reaction to the fact that the majority of events now in the market are of small to medium size and a capability to offer discrete and dedicated combinations of space to more than one event at a time not only expands the overall business opportunity but often offers greater efficiency in related areas such as accommodation, transportation and even the loading in and out processes.

Technology is King:

Nowhere have expectations changed faster than in the world of technology, where new innovations and the rise of social networking as a major event component can create expectations and agendas far in advance of an event and when both sessions and presentations require ever-more sophisticated support up to and including remote participation. The good news is that much of the new technology is wireless and user-driven, which means that the main challenge for centres is often more related to capacity than hardware.

However, there is also some bad news: new technology and capacity have to be paid for and as demands grow and expectations for free services increase, the ability to finance required additional capacity becomes a huge challenge. This can create tensions that make it more difficult for centres and their clients to come to an understanding, particularly in times where finances are strained all around.

Another big technology question is based on the fact that as perhaps the most rapid area of change, it requires constant monitoring and updating of both equipment and expertise, which raises questions like what to invest in and who should do the investing. In-house versus outsourcing has therefore become another part of the puzzle; should centres be making these investments themselves, or look to outside suppliers to both supply the expertise and take the risk? Will larger events of the future be more likely to arrive with their own technology, and if so, how will this interface with in-house capabilities?

Will areas like virtual or hybrid meetings eventually require dedicated spaces, complicating the configuration issue even further? These are all questions that centres will need to address in order to be better prepared for eventualities, and once again, clients need to be a part of the discussion.

Food and Beverage a Distinguishing Feature:

One area that has evolved more than most is the matter of more sophisticated food and beverage (F&B) – in fact, this has in many cases become a defining factor for many events and a big issue for both planners and delegates. Here again, centres have responded

coverstory with innovation and creativity, to the point where one of the primary selling features many centres is their cuisine, and how it not only delivers quality but often reflects the local experience. One feature of particular note is how many centres now address their sustainability agenda through meal services, with local food products and sustainable preparation forming an important part of the product offering.

Unlike other service areas, this seems to be one where there is less resistance to incremental costs, likely because it is a matter of choice and the results are so immediately obvious to delegates. As such, it’s an area where once again early collaboration can create a win for both parties in terms of an enhanced delegate experience and optimal value for money.

concessions in order to secure business becomes less realistic, and alternatives need to be considered.

Various centres are now exploring new models for how risk and reward are shared, including financial concessions in return for participation in any upside that may result from increased attendance. Similarly, strategies that reduce costs and increase certainty – like multi-year agreements or guarantees of particular service levels – can introduce new ways of ensuring everyone can benefit from a successful event. These will have to be the innovations of the future if there is to be the

kind of equitable distribution of costs and benefits needed to sustain the industry.

As noted, good communication is the key to all these issues – and should be a top priority for centres and clients alike. Knowing what challenges each party is facing, and being willing to pursue collective solutions to these has been a key to success in the past – and will be even more important as we evolve together into a future that we can only begin to imagine.

Rod Cameron is the Executive Director, Convention Centres of Canada

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Another area of increasing demand is that of overall event servicing, sometimes extending even to assistance with on-site coordination. Many centres are now being called upon to deliver these higher levels of event support not only because of increasing event complexity, but also because the client's own resources may have been reduced as a result of corporate or association cutbacks and outsourcing.

Generally, centres have done everything they can to accommodate such requests – but when it reaches a point where they need to beef up their own staff, it quickly becomes a matter of cost increases and the question of who will pay. Interim measures are something everyone tries to address; however, when those expectations become ongoing, it again creates challenges around the whole financial equation.

FO N R EW 20 14

Support Service Expectations are Growing:

New Conditions Demand New Relationships:

A lot of the financial basis for the meetings industry was built on the willingness of governments to invest in facilities that would attract major events in return for an anticipated benefit in the form of e conom ic i mpact s f rom delegate spending. The formula still works – but more and more governments are simply incapable of making the major i nve st me nt s re qu i red to bu i ld a nd maintain costly facilities. Furthermore, this can only be expected to get worse, at least for the foreseeable future, while global economic uncertainties remain.

Under these conditions, the expectation that centres will continue to make major

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d e s t i n at i o n p r o f i l e

Alberta

Bound Whether you are preparing an intimate corporate retreat or a fullscale conference or convention, m o s t p l a n n e r s a re s e e k i n g a one-of-a-kind destination for their events. When you expect to achieve maximum impact for your event dollar, head for the urban centres of Alberta, where a robust economy has lead to the development of new and upgraded facilities and accommodations to compete with the world’s best.

14 | www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

Edmonton

One of Canada’s most popular urban destinations and the capital city of Alberta, Edmonton combines the sophistication of a modern, major city with small town f riendli ness a nd t radit ional wester n hospitality. Edmonton is a national events leader with the largest convention facility in Western Canada and more than 1.3 million sq. ft. of convention space. It is also home to West Edmonton Mall; the size of a small city, it boasts more than 800 stores, 10 attractions including World Waterpark and Galaxyland, two hotels and more than 100 dining options.

The cit y’s average hotel room rate is lower than in most major Canadian cities and food and beverage costs are comp e t it ive. T h e S h aw Con fe r e n c e Centre offers 150,000 sq. ft. of event space, including four major halls and 23 flexible meeting rooms. Centrally located in the city’s vibrant downtown and overlooking Edmonton’s renowned river valley, guests are just steps away from 2,000 hotel rooms, shopping, restaurants and attractions.

Festival City

With more than 30 annual festivals, indoors and out, you can plan your meeting around one and mix it up with fine dining, theatre, dance, music, major sporting events, a short trip to a national park, and more than 70 area golf courses. The stunning North Saskatchewan River Valley offers the longest stretch of urban parkland in North America.

Edmonton Festival City in a Box is a program that integrates vibrant festival themes, which can be woven through keynote addresses, team building exercises, entertainment, décor and reception catering.

Make it Memorable

Off-site venues allow g roups to see Edmonton outside the meeting venue.

Special event spaces and idea-provoking activities make a positive impact. Programs can incorporate garden walks to major sports events, including the Downtown Arts District, Devonian Botanical Garden, Old Strathcona, Muttart Conservatory, TELUS World of Science, Art Gallery of Alberta, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village and Elk Island National Park tours.

d e s t i n at i o n p r o f i l e

Alberta

Credit: Edmonton Tourism

O

and over 63,000 who attend the Global Petroleum Show – Calgary is capable of accommodating exhibitions and conferences of all sizes.

The city can host up to 17,000 attendees, has over 1.2 million sq. ft. of meeting and convention space and boasts over 12,000 guest rooms, 4,000 in the downtown core.

Two major facilities accommodate larger groups: The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre located downtown offers 122,000 sq. ft. of space, including 36 meeting rooms; the BMO Centre on the Calgary Stampede grounds is the second largest space in Alberta with 450,000 sq. ft. of space.

Credit: Edmonton Tourism

Credit: Travel Alberta-Sabrina Hill

News to Use

News to Use

Calgary

Cuisines

Hats On

Re n aissance Edmonton Airport Hotel with 213 guest rooms and 14,000 sq ft of meeting space will be a shining neighbour to Edmonton International Airport’s $1 billion expansion and renovation. Additional renovated properties include the Courtyard

by Marriott Edmonton Downtown, the Sutton Place Hotel Edmonton, the Westin Edmonton’s ballroom, and the Delta Edmonton South Hotel & Conference Centre guest rooms.

Ref lective of the region’s eth nic and cultural diversity, Edmonton offers a truly cosmopolitan variety of restaurants a nd f i n e c u i s i n e. Fr om t rad it ion a l C a n ad i a n d i she s to U k ra i n i a n a nd Ru s s i a n de l ic a c ie s, Fr e n c h , Gr e e k , Ita l ia n, or a f u l l spect r u m of Asia n epicurean delights, you’ll find it here.

And don’t forget Alberta’s worldwide renowned succulent beef! Try regional cuisine from bison, locally raised lamb, wild boar, fresh picked vegetables and summer berries.

Make it Memorable

The charge of entrepreneurial energy in this thriving metropolis that attracts innovators from all over the world will inspire your groups. Calgary is a global business and energy centre where you’ll find more than 126 national corporate headquarters. Beyond the oil patch industrial traditions, Calgary abounds with cultural amenities such as the Calgary Stampede, Pumphouse Theatre, Shakespeare in the Park, Theatre Junction Grand and GlobalFest.

Generous western cowboy hospitality is integral to Calgary culture and is alive and thriving year round. Arrange to have event attendees “white hatted” as honorary Calgarians – a ceremony bestowed upon guests from the Dalai Lama to ZZ Top. Conference Capacity

Calgary’s accommodation and hotel options are continuously expanding.

O p e n i ng t h i s ye a r, t he 120 -ro om Radisson Hotel and Conference Centre Airport East features five banquet room s tot a l i ng 13, 50 0 s q. f t. t h at can accommodate up to 600 people.

Additionally, a new Fairfield Inn by Marriott will open this year adjacent to Central Memorial Park and will include 124 g uest room s. T he new Hi lton Airport Hotel Complex, the company’s first three flag hotel development in Canada, is slated to open in late 2013.

Calgary welcomes the world and is no stranger to large international events. From serving as host to the 1988 Winter Olympics to more than one million visitors who take in the Calgary Stampede each year –

The Rockies are so close you can see them from the high-rises of Calgary’s downtown core. In Calgary’s backyard are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Canadian Rockies and the Canadian Badlands, so it’s easy to add on a group teambuilding activit y or incentive program to a meeting or conference.

Off-site venues allow groups to see Calgary outside the meeting space.

Ideas for programs range from trout fishing and wilderness adventures to horse jumping championships and Olympic sport simulations.

Sustainability

Calgar y is home to a broad ra nge of green initiatives, from wind and solar sources to landfill gas recovery programs. In addition, several premier meeting hotels have extensive programs for helpi ng meet i ng professionals measure the sustainability of their conferences and can assist groups with social responsibilit y sponsorsh ips and other CSR activities or options for energy and other resource savings.

Corporate Meetings & Events September/October 2013 | 15

d e s t i n at i o n p r o f i l e Nearby Attractions

Lethbridge is a jumping off point for ma ny of sout her n Alb er t a’s popu la r at t rac t ion s i n c lud i ng t wo U N E SCO World Heritage Sites: Head-SmashedIn Buffalo Jump and Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Frank Slide in Crowsnest Pass and Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park are both just over an hour away.

Lethbridge

Lethbridge is Alberta’s sunniest meeting destination and is conveniently located two hours south of Calgary, one hour north of Montana and one hour east of the Canadian Rockies. With a population j u s t u n d e r 10 0, 0 0 0, L e t h b r i dg e i s large enough to provide top qualit y dining, accommodation, shopping and entertainment yet small enough to easily get around. You can drive anywhere in the city in 15 minutes or less. Smaller in size translates into a smaller price tag for most meetings and conferences.

Exceptional Amenities

The Coast Lethbridge Hotel & Conference Centre is where you will find southern Alberta’s largest ballroom. LAChefs and their award winning culinary team provide exquisite fair sourced fresh from local producers. Within walking distance of the hotel is the spectacular Henderson Lake Golf Course and Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens. These gardens are ranked among the top 25 Japanese Ga rden s i n Nor t h A mer ica, ra n ked second in Canada. They offer original delegate experiences and a number of unique activities for couples.

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Lethbridge is the commercial, financial, i ndu st r ia l a nd c u lt u ra l cent re of s out he r n A lb e r t a. T he c it y i s home to one u n iver sit y a nd t wo col lege s.

Cultural highlights include the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, the Galt Museum & Archives, and the unique Fort WhoopUp, celebrat i ng t he cit y’s Wi ld West whiskey trading past.

The Holiday Inn Lethbridge is a newly renovated and beautifully appointed corporate hotel. Guests of this hotel can take advantage of the close proximity to shopping and dining, or they may go over to the Rocky Mountain Turf Club for some offsite adventures or live horse racing. Throughout the year, many tradeshows, agricultural, cultural and sporting events are showcased at Exhibition Park, adjacent to the Holiday Inn Lethbridge. Within walking distance of the hotel, delegates and event attendees can take in a WHL hockey game, Broadway show, or some bull riding at the newly renovated Enmax Centre.

Green Spaces

The Oldman River winds its way through Lethbridge and along its deep river valley that is an immense network of beautiful urban parks – one of the largest park systems on the continent – including a 200-acre nature preserve at the base of the High Level Bridge, the world’s longest and tallest railway bridge.

Whether it’s a small meeting or a large convention, Red Deer has the facilities and amenities to handle it – Westerner Park being a prime example. Visitors w i l l e n j oy g r e at d i n i ng , n ig ht l i f e, accommodation, shopping and entertainment.

Choose f rom u n ique wester n barbeque events to nature centres and art galleries; there are many options to add on to your conference or meeting for group team building activities.

Meet the Green

Red Deer is renowned for its beautiful parks and green spaces. The Waskasoo Park system spanning the city offers a number of uncommon meeting spaces including a wildlife sanctuary, historic fort and a heritage ranch. There are over 110 km of easily accessible paved hiking and equestrian trails for your guests to discover and be back in time for t he f i r st me e t i ng of t he day or unwind in the park. This trail system is also a perfect locat ion for a team building activit y such as a hike or a birdwatching adventure.

Accommodation

With over 99,000 total sq. ft. of meeting space, Westerner Park is home to over 1,500 events and 1.5 million visitors each year. The numerous facilities range from 800-40,000 sq. ft. and may be the perfect fit for your tradeshow, conference, banquet or business meeting.

T h e C ap r i Ho t e l , Tr a de, a n d Conve nt ion C e nt r e h a s 217 lu x u r y guest rooms and suites. The 55,000 sq. ft. full service t rade and convention centre is the premier meeting facility of Red Deer and can accommodate up to 3,000 attendees.

Red Deer

L o c a t e d m i dw ay b e t we e n C a l g a r y and Edmonton, Alberta’s third largest city is the heartbeat of central Alberta.

Red Deer is also the on ly cit y on the C a n ad i a n pra i r ie s w it h a p o t e nt i a l market of more than two million people within a 160 km (100 mi) radius.

Red Deer’s size makes it easy a nd convenient for delegates to access all services, amenities and central meeting s i t e s o r o f f- s i t e f u n c t i o n s w i t h i n minutes’ drive of each other.

Credit: Tourism Red Deer

Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission

Cosmopolitan Centre

Fantastic Facilities

BEICC U p d a t e

Strategic Partnerships

Developing a plan for the Canadian events industry

By Bob Parker On Tuesday, December 10, BEICC will present workshop entitled “The Future of the Events Industry” as part of the Global Speakers Summit 2013 being held in Vancouver, B.C. and hosted by the Global Speakers Federation and the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.

This summit brings together the speaking industry from around the globe including representatives from over 20 countries. Past Global Speakers Summits have been held in Singapore, Dubai, South Africa and The Netherlands. Its purpose is to provide a forum for discussions that impact the speaking profession and its audiences from a global perspective. The theme for this convention is “Revolutions, Upheavals, Choices.”

The world is in a constant state of change and that includes the meetings and events industry. We must be prepared to adapt and positively impact on these changes.

This unique program will feature international speakers from the Global Speakers Federation (GSF) and industry partners providing presentations and workshops during both general and concurrent sessions. Additional workshops from industry partners will present from the IASB (International Association of Speakers’ Bureaus), IAC (International Association of Coaches), and MPI (Meeting Professionals International). This summit will be of interest to anyone who hosts global audiences or meetings.

BEICC is pleased to be included in this prestigious summit, attended by speakers and industry members from around the globe. For more information check out: www.gss2013.com Canadian Economic Impact Study 3.0 In early April, the latest version of the Canadian Economic Impact Study (version 3.0) was launched. Money was raised by a variet y of indust ry sponsors to begin the research portion of this groundbreaking study, and is projected to be completed in the spring of 2014. The research will be expanded to include additional aspects of the meetings and events industry not captured in previous studies.

By the spring of 2014, you can anticipate the marketing efforts to begin to push this important data and research into the community at large and to those who can use the information as part of their ongoing strategies.

BEICC Develops New Strategic Plan Earlier this spring, the Board of Directors of BEICC met to

discuss the priorities for the coalition for the next three to five years. Here is an overview of what you can expect from BEICC in the next few years.

Our purpose in the Canadian business events industry is to be an organization that is a clear, concise and accurate information platform; promotes and communicates; is the external and internal voice of and for the industry; engages in advocacy; and identifies trends in the business events industry, on behalf of our association members and their constituents.

Strategic Priorities Canadian Economic Impact Study 3.0: Develop marketing plan and assist in distribution and dissemination of key findings.

Advocacy: Develop a pa r t ner sh ip r elat ion sh ip w it h a n aligned organization that has a strong lobby framework.

Industry Response Team: Create a system for t he tea m to respond immediately to issues that impact the meetings and events industry to develop strategy and recommendations.

Membership Recruitment: Grow the number of members of BEICC to have a wider reach and broader constituency base.

Industry Endorsements: Develop a mechanism and criteria for offering endorsements of industry initiatives; provide endorsements that fit criteria as requested and support the industry.

National Event Initiative: Int roduce a “National Event” that aligns with the purpose of BEICC and furthers the reach of the coalition.

Research: Develop a research repository. Become the source for current information and data relating to the business events industry in Canada.

Bob Parker is chairperson for BEICC, and representative member of CAPS (The Canadian Association of Professional Speakers) where he is the National President-Elect. He has worked in this industry for over 20 years as a thought leader on building high performing cultures and teams. You can contact him at bob@bobparker.ca, or info@beicc.com.

Corporate Meetings & Events September/October 2013 | 17

C a n SPEP U p d a t e

Staying Connected An eventful summer for CanSPEP members

By Sandy Biback, VP Communications, CanSPEP Imagine that a conference attendee walks up to your registration desk and suddenly drops to the ground.

What would you do? What if your parent, your spouse or even your child experienced a medical emergency?

Would you know what to do?

On May 10, CanSPEP offered C PR C e r t i f i c at i o n t r a i n i n g t o 2 0 p e o pl e c o mp r i s e d o f both planners and suppliers.

O u r g i f t e d s p e a k e r, G e o f f MacBride, CPR Instructor and EMS consultant, taught us how to administer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to both adults and children, how to use a defibrillator, how to use an epinephrine auto injector (EpiPen), how to stop bleeding, and how to conduct the Abdominal Thrust” as written by Ellen Boddington, CMP CMM Stellar Conference & Event Management Inc..

Follow Us Online What else has CanSPEP been up to? Well, if you haven’t checked out our website at www.canspep.ca or been following us on Twitter (#CanSPEP) or on our LinkedIn or Facebook accounts, here’s a brief rundown of the events and activities over the last few months, all focused on fulfilling our mandate of leading Canada’s event management industry through certification, education and standards.

In May, our Ottawa members h e ld a s e s s io n o n h ow t o s u c c e s s f u l ly m a rk e t yo u r events business. Speakers talked about the Art of the Story; social media and video—all to enhance how to obtain and keep clients. Held at the Centurion Conference and Event Centre, attendees also had the opportunity to see great space for events and meetings.

Fish Bowl Breakfast O n Ju ne 20 2013, CANSPEP held a Breakfast & Fish Bowl Session on Strategic Meeting Management during Canada Meet Week. Over 80 people attended the event, bright and early at 7:30 in morning!

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Great discussions were held, led

by Heidi Wilker, CMP of Blessed Events, on strategic procurement and how to encourage planners, suppliers and clients to take a more strategic approach in evaluating the value of meetings a nd con ferences. Fol low i ng t he very intense conversations, we were taken through a series of ‘easy’ exercises

by Exercise Bytes. Finally, many of us continued our learning and networking by attending educational sessions and networking and the IBe tradeshow. Thank you to the Allstream Centre for your great support.

A l s o i n Ju ne, s eve ra l CanSPEP members headed to London, Ont. to bid adieu t o B a r r y We b b, r e c e n t l y of Tou r i sm London, at h i s Retirement Roast. We wish Barry the best as he does nothing but play golf and bring his beautiful wife Wendy breakfast in bed every morning!

On July 9, Toronto and area members were i n for a g reat t reat when the Shang ri-La invited us for a site tou r a nd ver y elega nt afternoon tea.

On September 20, we repeated our successful Accessible Session.

Thanks for Courtyard by Marriott, Toronto for hosting the event.

As you can see, CanSPEP’s educational sessions run the gamut from how to market in today’s world to how save a life, with some site inspections and teas thrown in for good measure!

Coming Up Elections will be upon us sooner than we know. Yours truly will be rotating off the Board—it’s been a wild ride the past two years.

A nd ou r a n nua l con ference w i l l a l s o b e h e r e b e f o r e we k n ow it : Februar y 20-22, 2014, sponsored in part by Brookstreet Hotel and Ottawa Tourism. Mark your calendars for this one — not to be missed! The theme is C2O – CanSPEP Connects to Ottawa, Originality, Opportunity, Outcomes.

Our charity of choice is Operation Come Home, an employment, education, and support centre for homeless and at-risk youth aged 16 and up. Their programs focus on what works and what matters to youth, as well as encourage personal growth of everyone as an individual.

We continue to support Starlight Children’s Foundation as our c h a r it y for t he yea r (w w w. starlightfoundation.org) and raise funds at each event.

In the background, much work is being done by two very important adv i s or y b oa rd s: Pa st P r e side nt ’s Adv i sor y Boa rd a nd t he Pa r t ner ’s Advisory Board. The Partner’s Advisory Boa rd i s t h at g roup of wonder f u l suppliers and partners to CanSPEP that helps guide us in all our strategic planning. It includes Robert Thompson, AV Canada; Julie Holman, Tourism Toronto; Sandra Moniz, City of Calgary; Kelly MacDonald of Speakers’ Spotlight a nd Helene Moberg of Dest i nat ion Halifax. We are truly grateful to all for their belief and support of CanSPEP. The Past President’s Advisory Board is exactly what it says it is. This group of past presidents looks at the governance of the association, makes recommendations and is responsible for a myriad other strategic tasks to ensure CanSPEP moves forward. We are fortunate to have Joy Fox, our founding member and the first past-president, active on this board.

industrysupplierQ&A

Tourism Partnerships Helping to make the most of destination planning Whether you call them destination management organizations or convention and vistors bureaus, the partnerships that planners develop with their tourism suppliers can go a long way to ensuring a successful event. In this roundtable discussion, CME asked destination partners from across the country about some of the top issues when it comes to destination management.

Richard Yore, Director of Sales, Meetings and Conventions for Tourism Vancouver Julie Holmen, Director of Sales, Corporate and Incentive, Tourism Toronto Hélène Moberg, Executive Director, Sales, Destination Halifax

CM&E: What are some of the key ways of building or improving relationships with meeting and event planners?

Yore: Tou r ism Va ncouver has ma ny i n novat ive ways of i nteract i ng w it h me et i ng pla n ners, a sso ciat ion e xe c ut ive s a nd volu nt e e r cong r e s s chairs in various markets. In 2007, we created a Customer Advisor y Board made up of high-level industry experts in the U.S. corporate and association market. The board meets annually to advise Tourism Vancouver on industry trends, and also provides feedback and makes recommendations for our sales activities. Our “Be a Host” prog ram a llows us to i nteract w it h potent ia l conference chairs from across Canada who we assist in bidding for, organizing and supporting meetings that will be held in Vancouver.

Holmen: One of the things that we have made a priority in Toronto is making sure that we speak to our local meeting a nd event pla n ners. It cont i nues to a m a ze me how much i ntel t hey a re able to provide about trends they are seeing, conversations they are having with other supplier organizations, and directions that their companies want to go with their own events. All of the information that they pass on helps set our team goals each year and add some incredible back up to the strategies that we put in place to justify what we do.

Reaching out to the local planner base

allows them to share their knowledge a nd i n t u r n t hey b e come advocates for ou r c it y w it h t e st i mon i a l s a nd introductions to other potential clients.

Moberg: The key is to establish strong working client/supplier relationships and to get know the meeting planners on a personal level. It can take time to develop t hese relat ion sh ips, but it’s very important to keep in touch on a regular basis. I am a firm believer in face-to-face meetings.

CM&E: What are some of the benefits, as well as the challenges, of working with event planners?

Yore: Planners are a valuable resource in facilitating the planning, promotion and execution of events, and their expertise and insight is always appreciated. It can sometimes be challenging to consolidate the different viewpoints of clients, the bureau and planners into one vision, but a challenge easily overcome with open communication. Ultimately, we’re all working toward meeting the client’s needs and goals, and maintaining that focus helps with keeping planning on track.

Holmen: Com mu n ic at ion i s b ot h a challenge and a benefit when we can engage i n a d i s c u ssion. We re ceive n u m e r o u s R F P ’s w i t h a 2 4 - h o u r deadline for response. Sometimes we can’t provide the best offer possible as we cannot gauge the interest of the

group, hot buttons, and competition.

Our biggest and best wins are when we feel that we get the information on what it will really take to be chosen as the host destination. Equally frustrating is when the RFP needs immediate turn around and we never, ever, hear back from the client. It’s okay i f you pick another destination – just let us know so we can track internally.

M o b e r g : A s a D M O, t h e b i g g e s t challenge is t hat a fter havi ng est abl ished a relat ion sh ip w it h a planner in promoting a destination, the clients often book directly with hotels, convention centres and venues without t he DMO b ei ng awa r e. T h i s c a n b e addressed by the planner advising the DMO and seeking the DMO’s assistance i n c o n du c t i n g s p a c e s e a r c h e s a n d preparing bid presentations. The benefit of working with planners is that they are organized, very knowledgeable, and professional.

C M & E : W h a t a r e t he mo s t r e ce n t developments within your particular area of expertise as it pertains to event planning?

Yore: T he expa n sion a nd success of our “Be A Host” program, which was possible due to increased funding by new partners, has allowed us to advance well beyond the borders of Vancouver and the province of British Columbia to fi nd advocates for con ferences i n

Corporate Meetings & Events September/October 2013 | 19

industrysupplierQ&A

Vancouver. Ever since the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, we’ve received keen interest from world-renowned researchers and academics who wish to host world congresses in our city. They are looking to showcase the best Canada has to offer: a sophisticated, cosmopolitan, safe a nd welcom i ng cit y su r rou nded by spectacular natural beauty of mountains, forests and ocean.

Ho l m e n : T he ne ed to embrace a nd understand social media is a day-today topic of conversation, not only in our office but with the clients who we do business with. We are now expected more and more to know how to utilize the various social networks not only into our own events but helping pull them into the events that we host in the community.

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M o b e r g : We a r e e x p e r i e n c i n g a huge i ncrease with associat ion s a nd cor porat ion s usi ng site select ion compa n ies a nd th ird-part y pla n ners when select i ng dest i nat ions for meetings and conventions. Corporate Social Responsibilit y is not an i ndu st r y t r e nd, b ut h a s b e come a n expectation for planners and suppliers alike. Our industry needs to embrace CSR i n order to ach ieve sust a i n able competitive advantages.

CM&E: What changes would you like to see take place in the meetings industry as it relates to your city or region?

Yo re: A s p a r t o f Va n c o uve r ’s n e w Tou r i sm Ma ster Pla n, we i nte nd to c r e at e o r s up p o r t a n nu a l f e s t iva l s and sig nature events that take place t h roug hout t he yea r. T h i s i nc lude s h e lp i n g lo c a l f e s t i v a l s g r ow t h e i r a t t e n d a n c e, s e c u r i n g h i g h - p r o f i l e e v e n t s l i k e T E D, r e b o o k i n g p a s t conferences and offering multiple-year deals to organizations and companies to hold their meetings in Vancouver.

H o l m e n : We we lc om e d M i c r o s o f t Worldwide Pa rt ner Con ference i nto Toronto in 2012 where they experienced record-breaking attendance and country partner representation, a huge success story for Toronto. Coming across the border from the U.S. is seen as a headache but if you involve the right partners it can be very seamless. “Taking your event across the border” education towards the event planner and conference influencers is critical to Toronto or Canada for that matter.

In addition, working with all levels of government and having them understand the economic impact of the meetings and events industry when it comes to jobs and spending only helps open more doors to business opportunities.

Moberg: A new multi-level convention centre and luxury hotel is scheduled to open in Halifax in early 2016. This facilit y – which will be a part of the Nova Cent re, a LEED gold standard, one -m i l l ion- s qu a r e -fo ot m i xe d u s e development – w i l l feat u re 120,0 0 0 s q. f t . o f r e n t a b l e s p a c e, i n c lud i n g a sp e c t ac u l a r 30,0 0 0 - s qu a r e -fo ot ballroom overlooking the city.

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13-10-16 4:06 PM

TheBusinessofMeetings

Communicating Value

Four ways to promote your expertise in a tight economy

By Bailey Roth In the post-recession economy, cost consciousness is king. Not surprisingly, the trend towards financial prudence has not spared the corporate events industry. In fact, event staff and costs are often the first to be sacrificed on the altar of “corporate austerity.” As a result, the need to justify specialized event staff is heightened. However, the problem is compounded by the difficulty of proving value before an event is successfully executed.

Unlike our professional colleagues practising law, medicine or accounting, event planners do not require advanced education or accreditation and cannot rely on these to prove value. Moreover, there are relatively few structural barriers to planning one’s own event.

Yet event planners routinely expect clients to rely on (and pay for) their expertise when it comes to tasks with which their clients have considerable experience of their own.

How should event planners justify their review of supply contracts to an association of commercial lawyers? How do planners validate time spent recruiting volunteers for a client conference on innovation in the recruitment industry? Put simply, how does an event planner communicate and demonstrate value before the event is completed?

Here are four top ways to communicate your value:

particularly those affecting the bottom line – are amplified. Too often, planners fail to appreciate the costliness of an error or the availability of a solution. If your clients see you persist in looking for ways to improve their initiatives, they will see you in turn as an expert.

Process vs. content When it comes to value, a key pitfall is confusing procedural expertise with substantive expertise. The example of negotiating an agreement is helpful to understand the distinction between these two categories of expertise. Suppose an event planner is negotiating a contract for a venue on behalf of a client with legal expertise. Conventional wisdom suggests that the client is better placed to handle the negotiation and contract execution. But this overlooks the planner’s substantive expertise. A lawyer might be well-versed in the process of contract formation, but it is the planner who understands the content of the agreement – the going rate for the venue space, the inclusions and exclusions, and any common trade practices.

A real-world example of this distinction arose in my own planning.

While working with an experienced group of Bay Street leaders raising funds for children’s charities, my team and I were able to re-negotiate additional amenities on the executed contract based on previous experience with common amenity inclusions. The client was savvy, but we knew the substantive details.

The volume factor An old joke has it that a watch salesman boasts to his client of selling watches below cost. The client asks the natural question: “How do you make a profit?” The reply? “I make up for it on volume.”

Unlike the watch salesman selling at a loss, event planners do enjoy a distinct benefit by virtue of the sheer volume of events they manage.

Sure, a company can have an HR employee or social events committee throw a handful of events here and there. But being a part of the action on a day-to-day basis means an intimate understanding of the events marketplace. In particular, ongoing involvement in events allows for an appreciation of current tastes and trends.

Often, this knowledge can mean the difference between tired mediocrity and cutting-edge success. In my experience, an awareness of hot topics and trends in the client’s industry or sector is especially valuable. In addition to demonstrating innovation and relevance, this type of sector-specific knowledge shows an individualized commitment to the client.

It ain’t over til it’s over Until the event is a wrap, there is always an opportunity to change a detail, correct a mistake and improve the end result. Contracts may be subject to re-negotiation even after they are signed. Budgets can be adjusted even if money has already been spent or earmarked for something in particular. In the post-recession economy, mistakes –

It’s all in your head For better or worse, value is about the client’s perception. Of course, results are fundamental. But equally important is attitude and mentality. Be part of the client’s team! Be invested in their successes (and disappointed in their failures), and remember to articulate this investment in discussions and meetings. Use language such as “we” and “us” in place of “I” and “you.” Make sure you are always contributing!

Bailey Roth is Event Director, Human Resources at Managing Matters Inc. After gaining experience at an established non-profit, Bailey moved to Managing Matters with a view to bringing for-profit knowledge and efficiency to the company's not-for-profit and professional association client base. Bailey manages the company's events department, human resources, recruiting and retention, and internship program. Bailey holds a BMOS (Dean's List) from Western University with a specialization in organizational human resources.

Corporate Meetings & Events September/October 2013 | 21

StoriesofSuccess

Creative Teambuilding How experiential learning enhances team diversity

By Lynn Ferguson-Pinet Can teambuilding events really deliver ongoing sustainable benefits? According to a healthcare client who recently engaged in a full-day True Colours Workshop with Conundrum Adventures, teambuilding events are valuable because they create an environment that allows participants to actually experience the desired learning.

This experiential learning model is more effective than other traditional methods in that participants get to see their (and their co-workers’) behavior in action.

“Work i ng i n a b u s y, i nte r- d i s c ipl i n a r y he a lt hc a r e orga n izat ion ca n be challeng i ng,” says Sha ntelle Veld, Executive Director of the Bridgepoint Family Health Team.

“As such working collaboratively is essential to our delivery of care, job satisfaction, and ability to be efficient. While communication and con flict management strategies are generally not innate skills, it is important to invest resources to develop and practise them in a supportive format.”

Immediate Results Veld says she had participated in an earlier Conundrum program through the Rotman School of Management and then engaged Conundrum to work with her Bridgepoint team, which saw results almost immediately.

“Since our Conundrum experience, we have realized the enhancement in our team dynamic and work performance,” says Veld. “The session was well organized, professional, and fun! Our team is looking forward to working with Conundrum in the future to continue our progress and apply them to our everyday work.”

The goal for Conundrum Adventures is to take this model one step further – to create an experiential event that succeeds on its own as a fun and engaging activity, but also allows participants “true colours” to really shine through. This affords the chance for people to see their own behavior (and that of others) in a way that actually mirrors how they react to certain situations in their daily work life. By also incorporating a session to extrapolate this implicit learning, Conundrum is able to maximize the observations and benefits that both the individual and the group as a whole can accrue.

Develop Strengths While there are numerous personality profile tools available, their level of impact is strongly related to how well a facilitator 22 | www.corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca

can get the group to self-reflect. As a healthcare group, Bridgepoint staff work in very close quarters and require many different skills to effectively deliver high-quality patient care.

The client’s goal was to participate in an activity that allowed each individual to demonstrate and fully contribute their unique strengths. As in many team situations, the challenge was getting the group to understand each other enough to get past their personality differences.

The focus for Bridgepoint’s workshop and adventure was what could be achieved when teammates actually listen and understand each other. During the adventure element of the day, the group was challenged with situations that tested their ability to build on each other’s ideas. Key elements of the team’s daily work challenges were tested. Does the group have the ability to strategies and prioritize? Are they regularly able to bring out each of their unique talents?

Throughout the course of the day, participants were able to see and experience the variety of skills and talents that reside in their co-workers and as a group as a whole.

Motivate Peers Furthermore, team members learned explicitly how to better motivate their peers and staff. Each group was provided with helpful prodding to expand on their presentations to ensure other personality types could gain a better appreciation and understanding of their motivations and preferences.

During the workshop session of the event, participants told their own story from each of four core personality styles, identifying key motivators and strengths. The facilitator played a key role in helping the group articulate the nuances from each of the core personality styles perspectives.

In summary, clients benefit from professional teambuilding programs when those programs create an environment for the team members to experience each other’s skills and talents.

Creating an event that allows the group to see alternate approaches and gain an appreciation of the team’s diversity is critical to success. If unmanaged or unrecognized, diversity can be a team’s downfall. When harnessed effectively, it can become a team’s greatest strength.

Lynn Ferguson-Pinet, MBA, has over 25 years of corporate and event experience. After holding executive positions at a variety of organizations, she joined Conundrum Adventures corporate teambuilding as a co-owner and Chief Team Architect. Throughout her career she has demonstrated the ability to lead and inspire teams to achieve excellent results. Lynn can be reached at (416) 988 2714 or lynn@conundrumadventures.com

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