These are strange days for the meetings and events community. And for venues, adjusting to the “new normal” has meant taking significant steps to comply with strict social distancing rules and secure the safety of their staff and guests. Maintaining operations in the age of COVID-19 is no small challenge. Yet as Robert Mercure, CEO of Montreal’s Palais des congrès, notes in his following message to the industry, there is strength in numbers. A message from Robert Mercure These are…
Urban centres are a common pick for meeting planners. However, as past (and recurring) guests of Chatham-Kent in Ontario can attest, there are advantages to choosing a destination with a unique rural appeal. “We may not be the ‘big city,’ but we offer immense benefits,” notes Katrina Scharuda, Sales and Marketing Manager with the Chatham-Kent John Bradley Convention Centre. “When planners trust their conference, convention, or getaway with us, those advantages quickly become clear.” Are you considering somewhere new for…
It was an evening for industry celebration and peer appreciation during Palais des congrès de Montréal’s Ambassador Club Recognition Awards Gala. Held February 5th at the acclaimed downtown venue, the evening turned a deserved spotlight on 17 luminaries who played an active role in attracting 11 international conferences to Montréal. Their combined efforts resulted in attracting thousands of visitors from across the globe and generating an estimated $83 million in tourism revenues. “The Recognition Awards Gala celebrates the dedication of…
It’s a mix of unique venues, attractions, foods, and local experiences that makes Québec City a destination without compare. And for event planners hoping to break away from the predictable, a one-of-a-kind location can have its advantages. “With destinations competing fiercely to attract conventions and meetings, it’s important to stand out from the crowd and make an impression,” agrees Québec City Business Destination president Pierre-Michel Bouchard. Distinguished tastes Québec City’s culinary scene is among the region’s most distinct features.…
The “traditional” conference plans may check all the boxes, but for events that guests will actually remember, being different counts. It’s with this in mind that Club Med has curated a number of extra-ordinary venues and experiences to help organizers elevate their plans with its “Exclusive Collection.” “Our goal with the Exclusive Collection is to offer event and meeting planners unique and breathtaking destinations that will truly make an impression on their attendees,” says Maria Chung, Business Development Manager for…
When it comes to what event guests remember most, food and beverage ranks supreme. It’s for this reason that Toronto’s Chateau Le Jardin makes it a daily mission to serve up unforgettable meals for groups of all tastes. “Food is an extremely important – if not the most important – facet of our hospitality business,” says Carlo Parentela, CEO of Château Le Jardin. “The meal is the centrepiece of any event, and regardless of the menu or ethnicity, it must…
There’s no underestimating the “fun factor” in corporate event planning. Meetings that promise a mix of work and play are more likely to draw attendees, and conferences that can actually deliver are more destined for success. “Guests are simply more engaged when they’re having a good time,” says Maria Chung, Business Development Manager – MICE in Ontario and Western Canada. “When you can find that balance between work and entertainment, that’s when you make an impact.” Enter: Worktainment Striking a…
Transformation is coming to the Château le Jardin Event Venue. This fall, the popular Vaughan destination will break ground on a new luxury hotel that will offer guests a wealth of top-tier accommodations, office spaces, dining options, and leisure amenities. “We’ve been planning for this hotel since we first opened our doors in the 1990s,” says Carlo Parentela, CEO of Château Le Jardin, industry veteran, and creative force behind the Toronto Bridal Show, Apres Noir Dinner and Concert Series, FindABanquetHall.com,…
The push for sustainable operations is being felt in every sector. That includes the meeting and events industry, where Montréal’s Palais des congrès convention centre is blazing a trail for carbon-neutral venues through its Palais Boréal initiative. “We’re all well aware of the environmental costs of organizing events, whether it’s the ecological toll of travel or the resources and waste involved in hosting crowds,” says Robert Mercure, Palais des congrès CEO. “At the same time, we’re also all aware of…
“Feast of the East” has come to the Halifax Convention Centre. Launched in August 2019, the culinary promotion treats guests to the region’s distinct cuisine and food specialists. For insights on what makes the City a top destination for foodies, here’s Greg Smith (Director, Food and Beverage) and Christophe Luzeux (Executive Chef) with the Halifax Convention Centre. What makes Halifax cuisine unique? Greg: Our city has been growing by leaps and bounds, and our food culture has been evolving as…
