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Meetings & Events
Corporate Travel Management
Incentives & Rewards |
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The long-term health of the industry looks rosy, according to the just-released American Express Meetings & Events 2015 Global Meetings Forecast. Budgets are likely to show a modest positive improvement due to global expansion and standardized processes that help to elevate the strategic importance of meetings programs. Increased scrutiny on spend and a focus on accountability and expected outcomes for meetings helped to drive the disciplined approach on approval processes, says Issa Jouaneh, vice-president and general manager, American Express Meetings & Events.
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Although meetings may have been reduced in size, there has been an increased demand for meetings at airport properties to maximize the productive time available. There is a continued push to stay close to home and host meetings where most of the participants live. A slight increase of 0.3 per cent in meetings activity is expected in North America for 2015. |
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For the first time the survey asked respondents to answer questions related to the type of meeting, number of attendees and length of meeting by type. Training meetings lead the pack in relation to the growth in number of meetings, while incentives and special events were the longest meeting by category. |
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Meetings activity in Asia Pacific is a mixed bag, with an uptick in the Chinese mainland but softening in Hong Kong. In this region planners are leaning towards fewer and shorter meetings overall, with a move to spend more on marquee events. |
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Top of mind for 2015 is the opportunity to capitalize on meeting design, incorporating digital solutions to engage the audience in new and exciting ways. Attendee management, event mobile applications, social media solutions and hybrid meetings can drive more attendance. |
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Chicago ranked as the number one meeting destination this year, with Orlando, Las Vegas, Atlanta and San Diego rounding out the top five in North America. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Riviera Maya/Cancun in Mexico were the top spots in Central and South America. |
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Editor's Choice
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Sleek and Warm |
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Save the date
Site Education Day
When: October 29th, 2014
Where: St. James Cathedral Centre, Toronto
Why go: This is one of SITE Canada's signature events and is usually sold-out, but if you hurry, you can still snag a spot. It's a great opportunity to network. SITE Canada will be collecting gently used winter clothing items for the outreach program facilitated by the St. James Cathedral Centre as a CSR initiative.
What's in it for you: A full day of educational sessions, among them: an opening keynote with Michael Dominguez, senior vice-president of sales for MGM Resorts International, and a power panel of experts featuring Padraic Gilligan, managing partner at SoolNua, Patricia Kerr, AVP meeting & event planning, Nationwide Insurance and Paul Miller, SITE president and managing director at Spectra.
More industry events at Ignitemag.ca
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Good to know
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MEETINGS + EVENTS
Mother of Invention
They say that necessity is the mother of invention. Well, when one American meeting planner couldn't find what she wanted on an app, she decided to make one for herself. The result is the OnSite Assistant app that combines a number of features that helps Sara Schnack keep on top of those small but important details when she's on site for an event. With her 18 years of experience, she wanted details at her fingertips through her phone rather than in a huge binder. Schnack says she especially likes the export function and the tracking tool that keeps a rolling count of meals served and the cash that she has paid out in the running of an event. The app retails for $5.99 and is available for iPhones.
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CORPORATE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT
Risk Radar
A webinar installment of the GBTA Risk Committee will examine the Ebola outbreak in Africa from both a medical and security perspective to discuss the challenges associated with the disease. The two-person panel features Eugene Delaune, MD, FACEP, chief medical officer with Europ Assistance USA and George Taylor, managing director, global operations, iJET International. Delaune will discuss the predicted course of the outbreak in the months ahead and advise on basic strategies for preventing transmission. Taylor will discuss communication and accountability plans for affected areas, and exit options for the various countries affected. The webinar is free for GBTA members and $99 for non-members.
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INCENTIVES + REWARDS
Made in Canada
Now your clients and employees can savour the best our country has to offer with this collection of artisanal food products made up especially for the holidays by the folks at FoodiePages. Gourmet goodies from producers in every province can be hoarded to eat at home or share at the office. The Foodie Approved Gift Box features Camelina Oil from Saskatoon, Strawberry, Mint & White Spruce Vinaigrette from Quebec, Salted Caramels from St. Catharines, Ontario and Crisps crackers from Victoria, B.C. There are lots of options to choose from, in a range of price points. Even better, it can be delivered with a hand written note expressing your holiday wishes.
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| Share your event news, case studies or story ideas with us here at ignitemag.ca. |
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Job code: Opportunities in the world of work |
One for the Money
An event planning consultant position is open at the Bank of Canada for a one-year term, with the possibility of an extension. Reporting to the assistant director and under the supervision of the team lead, you will be responsible for planning and executing internal bank events such as recognition receptions, retirement dinners and other special events. You will need either a post-secondary degree in business administration, marketing or event planning and a minimum of five years relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Fluency in English and French is essential. |
Greatest Show on Earth
The Calgary Stampede is searching for an event coordinator, sales and events, to help execute various year-round events, including trade and consumer shows, conventions, concerts and other attractions. You will have a post-secondary degree in a related discipline and three- to five-years experience in coordinating complex events. |
Team Spirit
The Carlson Wagonlit Meetings & Events team has an opening for an M & E operations manager responsible for a pharmaceutical client. You will be the lead contact for the client and team members who plan, execute and support the client's meeting and events activity. A CMP designation is an asset, along with strong project management and negotiation skills. |
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