Breaking News

How to Use Artificial Intelligence Successfully
2026/01/27

Artificial intelligence – that all-encompassing technology that is sweeping the world faster than a speeding bullet; transforming industry in every aspect of our lives. Is it insidious? Will we event planners be replaced by a ‘bot some day? For event planners, I would argue that artificial intelligence is a valuable tool. It helps us restructure administration, stimulate new ideas, and simplify communications. Although our work becomes less administration-heavy, the risks around privacy, precision, local perspective, and over-reliance on computer-generated…
Mandy Farmer appointed as HAC chair
2026/01/23

The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) announced that Mandy Farmer, CEO of Accent Inns Inc., has been appointed chair of the HAC board of directors effective January 8, 2026, and running through HAC’s 2027 Annual General Meeting. “Mandy is a well-known hotelier and entrepreneur with a reputation for bringing energy, creativity, and collaboration to everything she does. Since joining the HAC Board in 2021, and serving as vice-chair since 2024, she has been a strong voice for members and…
Vancouver Sandman Hotel Upgrades to Signature Brand
2026/01/23

Sandman Hotel Group is reintroducing its West Georgia Street hotel as Sandman Signature Vancouver Downtown Hotel, following a comprehensive upgrade. Situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the newly branded Sandman Signature Vancouver Downtown Hotel features 303 refreshed guest rooms and suites, all thoughtfully redesigned to reflect the Signature brand’s premium positioning. Guest accommodations have been fully refreshed with contemporary finishes, improved layouts, and deluxe linens designed to enhance comfort and sleep quality. Upgraded kitchenette suites provide added flexibility…
Pomeroy Hotel Opens Dedicated Club Level
2026/01/23

Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Centre Grande Prairie has launched the POM Club, the region’s first premium hotel club floor experience. Welcoming its first guests in October 2025, the club is introducing an elevated way to stay for travelers seeking added comfort, privacy and thoughtful enhancements during their visit to Grande Prairie. Designed as a distinct experience within the hotel, POM Club brings together enhanced guest rooms, access to a private Club Lounge, a dedicated fitness space and curated amenities…
Kensington Launches Corporate Travel Division
2026/01/22

Kensington, a Toronto-based luxury tour operator, has launched Kensington Corporate, a newly rebranded division (formerly within the Travel Edge brand, a sister company) that’s been created to bring an elevated standard of service to the business travel sector. The change reflects Kensington’s continued growth across its core lines of business and its commitment to delivering a more personalized, human-centred approach to travel programs and travellers at every level. “Organizations today expect their travel programs to do more than move…
Vancouver Will Host MPI theEVENT 2026
2026/01/22

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) announced that Vancouver, British Columbia, will host theEVENT 2026, bringing Canada’s leading meeting and event industry gathering to the West Coast for the first time. MPI’s theEVENT is designed to challenge, inspire, and connect the industry through immersive learning and meaningful collaboration. Each year, theEVENT brings together planners, suppliers, and innovators to explore the future of events through creativity, community, and education. Following the success of theEVENT 2025 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, this next chapter…
Incentives Industry Outlook Optimistic
2026/01/22

While the value of incentive travel remains strong for the year ahead, optimism is balanced with caution. The Incentive Research Foundation’s Industry Outlook for 2026: Merchandise, Gift Cards and Event Gifting reports a mix of optimism and emerging challenges across North America and Europe. Economic and financial confidence among organizations is high, with more than 90 per cent of respondents in both regions expressing a positive outlook for the year ahead. However, this optimism is tempered by flat budgets,…
TICO Launches New Travel Certification Program
2026/01/08

The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) has launched an enhanced Certification Program and exam for individuals aspiring to become travel counsellors and agency supervisors/managers. The new TICO Certification Program replaces the previous static study manual with a fully interactive, online learning experience that reflects best practices in adult e-learning education. “The new TICO Certification Program puts the learner experience front and centre,” said TICO CEO Richard Smart. “It’s been designed to be more interactive, easier to navigate, and…
All RIU Hotels Achieve ECOSTARS
2026/01/08

RIU Hotels & Resorts has achieved the ECOSTARS certification for all of its operational establishments, becoming the first hotel chain worldwide to accomplish this feat. This global certification reaffirms the Mallorcan chain’s commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism, and this milestone, which was originally planned for 2026 as part of the chain’s four-year Proudly Committed (2023 – 2026) sustainability strategy, has been reached one year ahead of schedule. After certifying 98 hotels in 21 countries, a total that only…
$25M Federal Funding for New Langley Concert Hall
2026/01/08

The Government of Canada announced that the Township of Langley is receiving $25 million in federal grant funding to help build a new multi-purpose concert and performance hall at the Langley Events Centre. The fully accessible hall will feature a net-zero design that exemplifies energy efficiency and climate resilience. It will host concerts, multicultural celebrations, Indigenous gatherings, school graduations, special ceremonies, conferences, and a variety of community events. “So many members of our community have long advocated for a…

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