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With the Canadian summer finally in full swing, we followed the call of the wild to collect a sampling of group experiences that hold unique natural magnetism.
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Whale of a time. Three hours north of Quebec City, corporate guests of the historic Hotel Tadoussac are being drawn to explore one of the world’s most scenic and untamed waterways as part of a Secret Fjord teambuilding package being offered through October. Tour operator Mer et Monde Ecotours takes colleagues on the water for a half day program to discover the Saguenay fjord to experience vistas of soaring landscapes, steep cliffs and, with any luck, a chance to paddle among the local beluga whales. The package is priced at less than $500 per person including one night of accommodation, customized teambuilding challenges, meals and a cocktail reception. |
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Bear essentials. Take inspiration from the Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Into the Wild package this summer, which is partnering with the National Geographic Society: Expedition Grizzly TV show host Casey Anderson inspires as a featured speaker with his tale of rescuing Brutus, an orphaned bear. Next, the highlight of a bear tour into Blackcomb Mountain to get a firsthand look at Whistler’s active local bear population. |
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Treetop tours. It’s one thing to imagine flying among west coast forest treetops suspended by a zip line: now close your eyes and imagine doing it in the dark. Adrena Line, near Victoria, hosts a night zipping program to tour eight scenic zip lines, two suspension bridges, plus an exhilarating ATV ride through the picturesque Sooke Hills. Start just before sunset to watch the stars come out, or book a moonlit session for groups of 14 or more. |
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Zoo calls. Feeling caged in a convention centre this summer? Free a creature from the zoo, and invite a camel or bald eagle for a surprise visit, just two among a list of animals and insects from the Toronto Zoo available for house calls and off-site events. See the list. |
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Hot Rates + Hot Dates
Get more value for your next business event! Be the first to find out about travel and meetings promotions and money-saving extras in venues across Canada and around the world. Gathered here exclusively for planners who read Ignite magazine. |
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MPI World Education Congress 2011
When: July 23-26, 2011
Where: Orlando, Florida
Why go: If you’re ready to raise the bar on the quality and effectiveness of your company’s events, this industry gathering has all the experts and contacts you need.
What’s in it for you: From "Solution Room" sessions, where attendees set the agenda, to a dedicated career centre, this is all about your return-on-you.
More industry events at Ignitemag.ca
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INCENTIVES + MEETINGS
MPI to add BVOM toolkit to ROI efforts
How do you measure success? Measuring the effectiveness of meetings and incentive events can be an elusive target: a fact reconfirmed by MPI’s research into the business value of meetings (BVOM), interviewing executives at 215 companies worldwide. A one-size-fits-all measure is tough, since organizations host gatherings for so many reasons which vary across industries, job types and nations. With this in mind, the association has plans to launch a toolkit this fall to help meeting professionals define objectives and expectations, and devise meaningful ways to measure meeting success. Bookmark MPI’s BVOM resource page to stay up to date on research, view current webinars and watch for future releases.
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CORPORATE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT
Booking rooms off of the hotel grid
Corporate travellers headed to remote job sites or off-the-beaten-track destinations sometimes have to be resourceful in booking accommodations that aren’t at their fingertips in most online reservation systems. One travel management firm, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, has started aggregating properties from outside the traditional Global Distribution System (GDS), making it easier to book independent hotels through CRS by CWT. In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, for instance, 50% of all hotel bookings are for non-GDS hotels, says the company. Not only convenient for travellers, their location can be tracked more accurately by the corporate travel department, and contacted in case of emergencies. |
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CORPORATE GIFTS + REWARDS
The elusive ROI of employee recognition
A recent poll of some 700 HR leaders suggests that most companies are having a hard time tracking and monitoring the payback they get from employee recognition programs, particularly at the C-Suite level. In the 2011 SHRM/Globoforce Employee Recognition Tracker Survey, conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), finds that 87% of companies do not currently track the ROI of their recognition program. About half the companies, 49%, track their programs by unit or department which makes it harder for senior management to get a company-wide view of recognition efforts. Consequently, nearly a third reported that CEOs invest no time in, and may not even be aware of, employee recognition programs. |
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| Share your event news, case studies or story ideas with us here at ignitemag.ca. |
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Engineer an ace association job
Act fast to meet the July 6 closing date to apply for the job of Coordinator of Events and Communications for the Consulting Engineers of Alberta, based in Edmonton. You’d come prepared to produce CEA member benefit brochures and reports, as well as oversee planning of all events including an awards program, golf tournaments, speaker series and an annual conference. Click through to the job posting. |
Energize your career as an EA
Oil and gas producer Suncor is seeking an Executive Assistant in its Calgary office, who can provide senior level administrative support and lead a team of administrative assistants. You bring at least five to eight years of experience to the table, as well as good judgment in handling confidential or sensitive information in a key support role. Search for job posting number 20416 on the Suncor careers site.
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