The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) has announced that for the first time, 100 per cent of the wine and craft beer they serve will be locally sourced. This initiative reflects the centre’s ongoing commitment to support local businesses and showcase the best Ontario has to offer. “As Canada’s largest convention centre, it’s important for us to lead by example, support local businesses and make a positive impact on the region,” said David Procopio, director of food and beverage…
Neil McInnes has been appointed to the permanent role of vice president, corporate development at Destination BC. For the past year McInnes has served as acting vice president, corporate development during one of the industry’s most challenging times. He consistently demonstrated his strengths and capabilities while leading the comprehensive range of core corporate activities that comprise the five areas of responsibility of the corporate development division – corporate services, people and development, research and analytics, corporate communications, and corporate…
The U.S. has removed the COVID-19 test requirement for inbound air travelers from abroad, effective June 12, 2022. Airlines and others in the travel industry were increasingly pushing the administration to drop the requirement, arguing it was hurting demand for international trips. The travel industry has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. “The Biden administration is to be commended for this action, which will welcome back visitors from around the world and accelerate the recovery of…
The newly expanded international terminal at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is now fully operational. The milestone was marked by a British Airways A380, flying from Vancouver to London from Pier D’s new gates on June 2, 2022. At nearly 300,000 square feet, the Pier D project is the airport’s largest terminal expansion since 1996 and incorporates the latest advances in operational excellence, passenger experience, climate, and accessibility. The new terminal expansion offers eight new gates, adding capacity and flexibility…
Glenn Mandziuk joins Sustainable Hospitality Alliance as chief executive officer, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in advancing sustainable practices in tourism, hospitality and economic development. Prior to becoming CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Mandziuk was president and CEO of Canada’s Thompson Okanagan Tourism Region (TOTA), with its 4,000 industry stakeholders. During his time there, TOTA was recognized as a global champion of excellence and innovation in sustainable destination management and responsible industry development practices. TOTA…
Patrizia Semprebene Buongiorno, vice president, AIM Group International, received the 2022 PCMA Global Meetings Executive of the Year award. The award is presented annually at the IMEX Frankfurt Gala Dinner. The Meetings Executive of the Year award recognizes a business events strategist who has demonstrated a vision, commitment and passion for the advancement and education of the global meetings industry. Noting her initiative and volunteerism, Sherrif Karamat, PCMA’s president and CEO, called Buongiorno a “fearless leader with a drive for…
Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMBC) has expanded its volunteer board of directors with the addition of six new members. The appointments bring MMBC’s total board seats to 16. “I’d like to personally welcome our new board members,” says MMBC chair, Laura Pallotta. “Members of our volunteer board bring decades of valuable industry experience as well as a commitment to MMBC’s mission as a united voice for Canada’s business events industry.” The six new directors are: Alexis Kereluk, Partner, ConnectSeven Group: A…
The 2022 Canadian Event Award finalists have been announced. Winners will be announced live in person at the CEA Gala on September 28, 2022, at Liberty Grand Entertainment Centre, Toronto, Ontario. Here are some of the finalists. The full list can be found here. Best Creative Solution Burstyn Inc, Toronto, ON, for Angel Ball ESP Inc., Toronto, On, for Virtually Yours – Experience Toronto Fam Jet Entertainment, North York, ON, for The Virtual Holiday Experience Best Event Design/Décor $0-$50,000…
The International Congress and Convention Association’s (ICCA) 2022 report once again ranked Montréal as the top host city in the Americas for international conferences and events. This is the sixth consecutive year that Montreal has earned this honour. The city also took top honours in the ranking of estimated number of participants in the Americas, a first. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no ICCA rankings for the year of 2020. Exceptionally for the 2021 rankings, ICCA took…
Air Canada won five honours in a series of awards for excellence in leisure and lifestyle travel, and the best of family travel. The carrier was voted by readers of FXExpress Publications’ well-regarded travel magazine, Global Traveler and its sister publication WhereverFamily for the following accolades: Leisure Lifestyle Awards Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment for the fourth consecutive year. Best Premium Economy Class for the fourth consecutive year. Best Airline for Onboard Menu – Air Canada Business Class. Family Travel Awards Best Family-Friendly…
