Convention centres have been hit hard by COVID-19, with many still seeing staff layoffs and rising budget deficits nine months into the pandemic. Although a coronavirus vaccine is on the way, there’s still a long road ahead as it may be summer or even longer until the vaccine is available to everyone. And then, even after the health crisis is under control, attendees may not flock back to in-person events, at least right away. As a result, venues are expected…
Work to expand BMO Centre at Calgary’s Stampede Park is entering a new phase with the completion of Exhibit Hall F — 100,000 square feet of exhibition space on the north side of the existing convention centre. “Over the past 18 months, our project team has made significant progress on the preparatory work required to support the successful delivery of the BMO Centre expansion,” says Kate Thompson, president and CEO of the Calgary Municipal Land Corp. (CMLC). “While we’ve certainly…
Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMBC) says it’s encouraged by new support measures proposed as part of the federal government’s long-awaited 2020 fall economic update, unveiled Nov. 30 by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. “Many in the meetings and business events sector are fighting for survival,” says MMBC chair, Clark Grue. “We’re gratified the government has recognized the economic hardships facing key sectors of the visitor economy. As we go forward, we’re committed to working with government representatives to ensure quick rollout…
Informa Markets is setting new industry standards with the launch of its Better Stands program, which is aimed at encouraging exhibitors to build cost-effective, high-quality stands made from reuseable materials. The goal is to create a better experience for customers and a more sustainable approach to constructing stands at in-person events globally, aiding both the physical and green recovery of the events industry. “As we return to the show floor, we want to create an environment that is easier to…
At the start of the pandemic, businesses rushed to move their in-person meetings and events online. The transition was so abrupt that many organizations did so without understanding, acknowledging or discussing the ins and outs of virtual meeting etiquette with their teams. In our digital-friendly age, it may be hard to imagine virtual meetings require such formalities, especially when they can feel as natural as speaking to someone in the same room. But it’s important to treat virtual meetings with…
From pet cameos on video calls to virtual office parties, the ‘new normal’ of remote work comes with some interesting realities. With many teams continuing to work from home for the foreseeable future, remote onboarding of new team members is becoming inevitable for growing companies. It’s no minor task considering the way you choose to welcome an employee can have a lasting impact on their job satisfaction and ability to excel. But without the usual in-person introductions, office tours and…
Nearly three-quarters of meeting planners are moving their face-to-face events to virtual or hybrid next year, according to the most recent Meetings and Events Pulse Survey conducted by Global DMC Partners. This despite the majority of surveyed planners predicting the return of in-person events in the first half of 2021, though 57 per cent believe events will be downsized in the future, with the largest events topping out at 250 attendees. A majority also believe average event attendee numbers will…
Seventeen Canadian facilities are now Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Star accredited and 11 more have committed to certification. Ramada by Wyndham Kamloops in British Columbia, Hyatt Place Edmonton West, RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Hyatt Place Ottawa West and Fredericton Convention Centre in New Brunswick are among those that have started the coronavirus cleaning and prevention program. Administered by GBAC, a division of the worldwide cleaning industry association ISSA, GBAC Star is considered the gold standard of prepared facilities.…
The events industry was among the first sectors hit by the pandemic and will be one of the last to recover, forcing many event professionals to cancel or postpone scheduled events. In the process, it has raised questions (and concern) around contracts and ensuing obligations. Here, Heather Reid, founder and CEO of Planner Protect, an Ontario-based contract review agency that negotiates event contracts for organizations and those hosting events, fields Corporate Meetings Network’s questions on this all-too important topic during…
Discover Halifax recently launched an initiative to help local and Atlantic bubble businesses and event organizers amid the pandemic. The Meet Again Halifax campaign and associated website includes tips and advice for hosting safe face-to-face events, as well as a list of trusted venues to help. “In a typical year, Halifax welcomes 5.3 million overnight stays who spend $1.3 billion locally. Business travellers attending meetings are an important part of this,” says Ross Jefferson, president and CEO of the city’s destination…
