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Meetings & Events
Corporate Travel Management
Incentives & Rewards |
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During the swirl of holiday parties in Toronto, the local ISES chapter hosted a cocktail reception with a special guest and a charity message—one that the entire industry can support. Kelly White is the chairwoman of the SEARCH Foundation, and she flew to Toronto last month to spread the message of the only international charity for the event industry. |
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History:
Founded in 1997, the Foundation was originally formed to help event professionals faced with a life threatening illness. Since then, the scope has expanded to include any catastrophic event, including natural disasters, accidents and illness. The Search Foundation is ready to assist any individual in need, who earns their living full time in the special events industry. Up to $5,000 per planner per year is available for those in crisis. |
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How it Works:
White says there is a misconception that the Search Foundation is only for U.S. event planners, but that is simply not so. Any event planner around the world can apply for assistance. And planners don't have to be a member of any specific industry organization to apply. All that's required is a completed application form that can be downloaded from the foundation website. Requests for assistance are acknowledged in three business days. Once an application is submitted, the administrator removes any reference on the application that would identify the submission, as the process is completely anonymous. |
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Every dollar counts:
Through donations from individuals and business partners, SEARCH has been able to donate over $250,000 in funds since 1997. You may donate online; purchase a heart pin; give in memory of someone or give as a client appreciation donation. Donations are tax deductible. |
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Editor's Choice
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SmartWatch
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Save the date
CanSPEP Annual Conference
When: February 26 – 28, 2015
Where: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Why go: The Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners is incorporating Aboriginal cultural awareness into the annual conference this year. Best practices in pricing, effective marketing and a growing your business clinic are just some of the intriguing educational sessions. Plenty of time for networking and a supplier showcase are also part of the package.
Fabulous FAMS
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Welcome to Ignite's new portal for destination programs. This month, planners are invited to apply to participate in the Niagara-on-the-Lake ICE Wine Festival FAM and tour a variety of hotel properties and related venues. If your event plans for 2015 have Niagara-on-the-Lake on your short-list, click here for more information on being part of this Fabulous FAM.
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Good to know
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MEETINGS + EVENTS
Congrats Grads
MPI has presented the Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate (HMCC) to 54 graduates of the program, which it acquired in June of 2014. The program, endorsed by Saint Louis University, is valid for two years and proves competency in healthcare meeting compliance. The course provides critical knowledge and experience to successfully execute the events in the increasingly complex pharmaceutical, medical device and biotech industries. The course covers a range of healthcare regulatory topics and transparency reporting. The condensed class format of four hours makes it easier for busy professionals to fit the training into their schedules. The certificate training is offered at many industry conferences. The certificate must be renewed every two years with a webinar update.
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CORPORATE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT
Bit of a Breather
For travellers on the go, sometimes it's hard to find a spot to use Wi-Fi, collect your thoughts or connect with your office if you're in a different city just for the day. If crashing the local Starbucks sounds like too much of a hassle, a clever new service may just be the answer you're looking for. Breather is a collection of self-contained private work spaces in New York, San Francisco, Ottawa and Montreal that you can rent from 30 minutes to all day. Access is via a pin number sent to your mobile phone. All the spaces contain a work space, pencils, pens, notepads, candy and Wi-Fi. You'll also need to download the Breather app to reserve the space.
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INCENTIVES + REWARDS
Top Trends 2015
The Incentive Research Foundation sees a continuing upward trend for incentive travel programs throughout the coming year, with increased budgets, and international destinations firmly back on the radar for groups. Planners will be challenged to design more robust and self-defining experiences to satisfy different age groups and will be looking for venues and accommodations that provide multiple options. Research from the fall of 2014 shows less than 10 per cent of planners polled will be reducing the number of nights or rooms for their programs. About 20 per cent of independent planners say they will move some of their programs to all-inclusive experiences.
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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 |
Caribbean Incentive
Put your professional sales experience to the test as Unique Vacations Inc. is searching for a national meetings and incentive groups manager for Sandals & Beaches Resorts. You will be responsible for identifying and developing new group business and providing customer service to existing accounts. You will have proven experience in a 5-star hotel or hotel group and previous Caribbean resort experience. You will also represent Sandals & Beaches at trade shows and be able to conduct, schedule and participate in FAM trips. Send a cover letter and résumé quoting the position title to Human Resources for immediate consideration. |
State of the Vine
Stratus Vineyards is on the lookout for a hospitality sales manager. Reporting to the director of hospitality and retail, your primary role will be to attract, propose and close hospitality events in concert with Stratus' ultra-premium philosophy. You will work closely with the hospitality coordinator and guest relations team to deliver 'best in class' wine country programs. Related experience and wine industry knowledge and passion are essential to this role. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills are also required. Wine and hospitality industry related accreditation is an asset. Candidates can forward their résumés to Suzanne Janke, director of hospitality and retail. |
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