July 2008
The Prairies are a meeting goldmine
From Winnipeg to Calgary and Lethbridge to Moose Jaw, the corporate meetings and events industry is booming in the Canadian Prairies. One visit to this diverse region proves why.
October 2008
British Columbia
Natalie Lajoie didn't have to look far when choosing a location for her company's next meeting.
In fact, she'd already been there.In her role as manager of conferences and special projects for Electro-Federation Canada, Lajoie was first introduced to Kelowna five years ago.
November 2008
Canadian Heart, European Soul
Quebec is undoubtedly one of Canada’s most unique provinces. Located in the heart of the country, Quebecers have a certain joie de vivre that spills into all aspects of life -- be it work or play.
March 2007
Make a splash with your delegates
Atlantic Canada is a traveler’s dream. It is an area renowned for its history, culture and adventure. Visitors are enticed by its pristine shorelines, majestic lighthouses, succulent seafood and charming hospitality. But don’t think you have to be on vacation to experience the wonder that is Atlantic Canada. It is also one of the country’s best destinations to host annual meetings and events.
May/June 2007
Toronto
It’s no wonder Canada’s largest city is the most popular choice for meeting delegates. This world-class city, boasting a population of nearly five million people, offers endless choices when it comes to meeting facilities, hotels and things to see and do.
May/June 2007
Niagara Falls
Picture yourself aboard an 80-foot vessel charging against the powerful current of the waves. The hot sun is beating down on you, but a cool mist gently caresses your face keeping you comfortable and refreshed. You may be surrounded by hundreds of other people but the only thing you’re focused on is the hundreds of thousands of gallons of water that is majestically descending over the brink.
May/June 2007
The Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands has always been known as a vacation hotspot for its spectacular scenery and bountiful outdoor recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, diving and golf. But it’s also a region embedded with history, culture and stylish small-town charm. For these reasons and more, millions trek to the Thousand Islands to get away from it all. But it’s also become a favourite amongst meeting delegates who want to get the job done and have fun doing it.
May/June 2007
Yours to Discover
Where else in the world can you sample some of the greatest wines, tee off at award-winning golf courses, dine at five-star restaurants, delve into historic sites, visit stunning castles and take in the culture of one of the greatest urban hubs of the globe all within a mere couple of hours drive from one another than in Ontario?.
July/August 2007
Saskatchewan
Just west of Manitoba, Saskatchewan is a great destination for meetings, workshops and conferences either large or small. Regina and Saskatoon offer world-class accommodations, excellent meeting, convention and trade-show facilities and a wide range of opportunities for off-site activities and pre- or post-tours.
July/August 2007
Big skies, open opportunities
Picture the Canadian Prairies and you’ll most likely conjure up images of vast grasslands, wheat fields and big open skies. It’s an area known for its laid-back nature, friendly people and historic past.
September 2007
Seeing the Old West in a new light
Fuelled by Alberta’s booming oil industry and overall strong economy, meeting planners from across the globe are seeing ‘The Old West’ in a new light.
September 2007
Go West
Meeting planners who choose British Columbia as the destination for their next big meeting or event will reach new heights with their attending delegates. Canada’s most Western province is blessed with beauty, culture and a great climate year-round.
November 2007
La Belle Province Quebec offers Old World Charm, New World Amenities
If you visit Quebec and feel like you’ve left the country, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Quebec has forged such a unique personality, with its delightful blend of Old and New World, that it is a province loaded with strong North American and European influences. Deeply rooted in the soil of North America and fiercely proud of its French heritage, Quebecers are renowned for their joie de vivre.
November 2007
Ottawa and Outaouais
The nation’s capital embodies all that is great about Canada -- cultural diversity, beautiful scenery and a vibrant arts and business community. With its impressive national sites, monuments and symbols where visitors can experience the best of the nation, Ottawa is a unique and inspiring destination to visit and, of course, to live.
Destinations > USA
January 2009
The Windy City
Fur traders first settled in the Chicago area in the 18th century and since then it has been known as the place to meet.With abundant meeting venues, first-class hotels and one of the busiest airports in the world, it is no wonder that Chicago is one the premier spots in North America for meetings and conventions.
THE INDUSTRY
Interviews & Profiles
January 2009
Executive Chef Daniel Schick
“There is not a day at Le Méridien King Edward Hotel that I regret! I have a deep fondness for food and drink and I love what I do. I am loyal and have no plans to ever leave my job!” says Executive Chef Daniel Schick.
March/April 2008
Sous-chef Paul Dokmanovic Enhancing the appeal of the Banff Centre
Located in one of the choicest natural settings in North America, the Banff Centre School of the Arts and Conference Centre overlooks the resort town and the historic Banff Springs Hotel. This year the centre, born in the depths of the Great Depression in 1933, celebrates its 75th anniversary as a respected cultural and educational institution that has inspired new creative works, transformed careers, and changed lives.
May 2008
CHEF WILLIAM HUANG
“I’ve been involved in many restaurant launches during my career, but none excite me like Bliss Restaurant & Bar,” says Executive Chef William Huang at the opening of the new spacious eating-place at Hilton Toronto Airport. “The menu has been tailored to appeal to a variety of palates, from guests looking for distinctive flavors to those looking for healthy lifestyle options. The restaurant has something for everyone.”
July 2008
Executive Chef Jean-Michel Breton
It was at the fantastic gourmet feast, La Fete Des Saveurs, hosted by the Table Agrotouristique de Charlevoix in Quebec, that I first met Jean-Michel Breton, Executive Chef at Le Manoir Richelieu.
October 2008
Chef Michael Zech
Set in the heart of Regina, Saskatchewan’s capital, the Radisson Plaza Hotel Saskatchewan is one of the city’s most important historic landmarks and Saskatchewan’s only four diamond hotel.
March 2007
Chef Ernst Dorfler
Set on a spectacular waterfront location in downtown Vancouver, the Pan Pacific Hotel offers panoramic views of the harbor, mountains and Stanley Park – a vista of the city skyline. Its breathtaking location, enhanced by this encompassing scenery, makes it one of the top luxury properties in Canada.
May 2007
Taboo Resort’s chef tees up exceptional cuisine
Taboo Resort Golf & Spa, located in Gravenhurst, Ontario on the shores of the striking Lake Muskoka, less than two hours north of Toronto, is the ultimate retreat for city dwellers. Set in more than 1,000 acres of cottage country, it is noted for its luxurious accommodations, sandy beaches, water-based sports and highly acclaimed golf course. However, to many travellers, what stands out as its main allurement is its exceptional cuisine offered by its Culinary Chef Jay Scaife.
July 2007
Chef Paul Pennock
Some of Niagara Parks Commission’s top restaurants offer spectacular views of the American and Canadian falls converging in a powerful display of rushing water. It is from these locations along the busy stretch of the Niagara Parkway that tourists enjoy the spectacular views of the Niagara Falls in all their natural glory.
November 2007
A Taste for Leadership Chef Raj Gupta
Raj Gupta always saw himself being a leader -- mainly a leader in the kitchen. “I always wanted to be a chef because cooking was my passion,” says Gupta, who grew-up in New Delhi, India before venturing abroad and establishing himself as a world-class chef.
Columns & Advice
March/April 2009
AV Insight
A crucial aspect of any meeting or event is audio intelligibility. Delegates need to be able to hear the message and exchange ideas. While there are many different types of audio systems, microphones are the first important component. If the proper microphone is not selected, the performance of all other audio components will be diminished.
May/June 2009
Lighting Sets the Mood
Lighting plays a key role in setting the mood of a room. Studies have found that red is energetic, blue is calming and orange is warm and enthusiastic. Many event planners use lighting scene changes to help shape the mood of the room throughout the day.
July/August 2009
Plugging into the audio-visual trends
The audiovisual aspect of the corporate meeting and event industry continues to evolve. Anything that can save time, money and reduce energy usage quickly becomes mainstream. Many of the new trends meet these criteria as well as offer a new and better way of doing things.
March/April 2008
Webcasting 101
Webcasting is an increasingly important communications medium for the event planner. Webcasting does not replace traditional events. The technology is meant to extend the reach and participation of an event, no matter their geographic location or availability. Webcasting also offers features that traditional meetings do not have.
May 2008
Checking off site inspection concerns
A site inspection is a critical part of event planning and audiovisual design. Armed with pen, paper and a digital camera, you are prepared for your site inspection.
July 2008
Projection screen selection
The type of projection screen system that is best suited for meetings and conferences is determined by the venue, budget and most importantly, the goals of the event.
October 2008
Simultaneous Interpretation: Breaking Down the Language Barrier
The main reason for bringing people together is to share ideas. Presenters want to be able to deliver their message and know it is understood. Delegates want to hear about issues from novel and unique perspectives. Simultaneous interpretation technology allows participants from different cultures, languages and even dialects to communicate on a common platform.
January 2007
The Meeting Planner
For something that looks so easy, event planning is anything but. Every annual general meeting, wedding reception or book signing creates the possibility for a myriad of mishaps that no one wants to handle.
November 2007
Independently Yours Contractors take the Stress out of Planning Meetings
When a group of hijackers crashed planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington on September 11, it set off a devastating chain of events that would take years for the world economy to recover.