With Canada Day just around the corner, what better time to take a closer look at great off-the-beaten-track properties to host groups across our fair country.

The Rossmount Inn, St. Andrews, N.B.
One hour from Saint John, this 18-room inn sits on 87 acres at the base of Chamcook Mountain, boasting Bay of Fundy vistas out front, and gardens and lush forests out back. Swiss-born owner/chef Chris Aerni and his wife Graziella feature spontaneous daily menus from their backyard bounty that has earned the inn a “Best Kitchen in New Brunswick” rating from Where to Eat in Canada.

Inn at the Forks, Winnipeg, Man.
This stylish, contemporary inn takes its name from two conjoined rivers (Assiniboine and Red) located a stone’s throw from the front door. The downtown waterfront offers groups a four-season playground, and delegates can stroll through specialty shops in the heritage buildings that surround the inn. Flexible meeting space and thoughtful amenities (complimentary Wi-Fi, onsite spa and smoothie bar breaks) make this 177-suite property a winner.

Hastings House, Salt Spring Island, B.C.
Cradled between Nanaimo and Victoria in the Southern Gulf Islands off Vancouver Island, Hastings House is composed of several historic buildings on its 22-acre site, including an original Hudson’s Bay trading post. Despite its away-from-it-all setting, the hotel is equipped with high-speed Internet and onsite AV equipment. The Verandah meeting room accommodates up to 40, or for a small group of 16, the intimate Somerset Suite has a large living room and a deck overlooking the harbour.

Jouvence, Orford, Que.
For groups eager to take a hard right off the beaten path, Jouvence is in the heart of Parc National du Mont-Orford, composed of three distinct areas. The largest, Centre De Villégiature, has 70 rooms spread throughout large pavilions and quaint cabins and the main dining lodge that accommodates up to 250. Le Petite Auberge is a single building that can house up to 25 with a dedicated dining facility, chef and innkeeper. Le Lodge Hors-Piste is for hardy groups seeking a Survivor-type experience.

The Woodlawn Inn, Cobourg, Ont.
A founding member of Ontario’s Finest Inns, one hour’s drive east from Toronto, this 20-room inn has three meeting rooms and the boardroom setup accommodates 34. It’s situated in the town’s historic district and within walking distance of the waterfront boardwalk and hiking trails. Also nearby are eight major golf courses and many spas.

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INCENTIVES + MEETINGS
Give your event the social media advantage
There’s no denying the impact social media has had on the way people learn about events, and with the recent release of its eBook, “Event Marketing 2.0: How to Boost Event Attendance through Social Media,” Cvent wants to show planners how to leverage social networks. The book offers tips on how to use the most relevant social media channels to engage your audience, advice on broadening event awareness, and guidance on integrating social media with invitations, online registration and the event website. Go to Cvent’s website to download your free copy.

CORPORATE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT
Breakout with the CTC
The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) has taken a new approach to education on the meetings, conventions and incentive travel market by sponsoring The Breakout Room—free hour-long webisodes from the PlanNet Education Series that offer panel discussions, interviews and live audience Q&A on the latest industry news, trends and developments. The next webisode, Are you Buying the Right Thing?, focuses on registration software, service and integration, airing June 23, 2011.

CORPORATE GIFTS + REWARDS
Your hire power
For some, the thought of salary negotiations with a potential employer is a terrifying one. But a new survey by professional staffing firm Robert Half International shows that 61% of the 1,024 workers interviewed are comfortable negotiating a higher salary or better benefits. Here are some of Robert Half’s tips for successful salary negotiation:
1. Don’t be afraid to ask—you have your greatest leverage when you receive the job offer.
2. Research your market value; review salary guides and get advice from recruiters and colleagues.
3. Consider the benefits package in addition to the salary.