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Meetings & Events
Corporate Travel Management
Incentives & Rewards |
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The 22nd annual Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) Hotel Survey reports that greater control over corporate hotel programs will be crucial to securing the best available rates for road warriors around the world.
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Growth in megacities:
The average room rate (ARR) increases will be driven by "megacity" growth as regional and national trends diminish, while the economic and industrial strength of individual cities drive an increase in hotel rates. |
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Most expensive:
Moscow remains the most expensive city for hotel room rates for the 11th straight year, with New York City, Paris, Lagos and San Francisco rounding out the top five. |
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Strong US market:
The American market is strong, with ARR in local currency increasing in many locations. Miami in particular, benefits from its global position as a gateway city to the Caribbean and other major markets, so leisure and corporate business demands are pushing rates up 9.15 per cent in the city. |
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Oh Canada:
Canada has experienced reductions in local ARR with new product on the market in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. Toronto especially has supply outstripping demand. |
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Recommendations:
HRG says that what works in one market, might not work in another. Corporate travel managers should adopt flexible policies based on what is happening in individual markets. By focusing efforts to direct travellers to preferred properties, not simply with preferred hotel groups, and benchmarking against city averages, managers should be able to get the right hotel in the right location at the right price. |
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Editor's Choice
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Luxe Leather |
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Save the date
Canada Meet Week
When: April 14 – 16, 2015
Where: Various locations in downtown Toronto
Why go: All of the major industry associations are hosting events this week, in conjunction with the Ignite Business Event Expo. Great opportunities to network, catch up with your colleagues from around the world and keep our industry strong.
Meetings Industry Euchre Tournament
When: April 30, 2015
Where: Allstream Centre, Toronto
Why go: The industry unites to raise funds for cancer research at the Princess Margaret Hospital. Grab some buds, play some rounds and donate to a great cause. And remember, don't trump your partner's ace!
More industry events at Ignitemag.ca
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Good to know
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MEETINGS + EVENTS
Mainstage at Second City
The heart of Toronto improv has just opened the doors on a major expansion of its Blue Jays Way digs. The Second City unveiled eight new multi-media studios, an über cool lounge area (with access to the archives), and a new home for The John Candy Box Theatre, named after the famed alumnus. The popularity of the training centre, with classes in stagecraft, public speaking and programs like "Improv for Anxiety" as well as stand up comedy, necessitated the expansion. The Second City runs programs for sales personnel, product training and launches, plus training and development—all with a healthy dash of improv—to ease the learning.
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CORPORATE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT
Passport Rule Change
New Canadian passport requirements will come into effect on May 9. As of this date, photos taken for a passport will only be valid for six months from the date they were taken (currently 12 months). Tinted eye glasses will not be allowed to be worn for photos. New passports issued on or after May 9, 2015 will no longer have a pre-printed digital signature on page 2 of the passport. Applicants will have to physically sign their names in the passport book when they receive it. These changes will have no effect on the security or integrity of the passport.
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INCENTIVES + REWARDS
Translator Watch
For those about to part with some hefty cash for the new Apple watch, or who may get one for an incentive, the InterContinental Hotel Group is going to release a version of its translator app to coincide with the launch of the eagerly awaited timepiece on April 24. According to an article in Mashable, all you have to do is speak into the Apple watch to translate English into 13 different languages. You can also choose from a selection of common phrases. Languages available in time for the launch include Spanish, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Thai.
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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 |
A Career to Bank On
Scotiabank is looking for an event planner to be part of the Shared Services Group Event Planning team. You will either lead or support events or work on a team or working committee for larger events under the senior manager, events management and support. You will be responsible for independent work on multiple meetings, town halls, and recognition events from inception to post event follow up. A university or college diploma in event management, business hospitality or equivalent and five years of experience in event management is required. A CMP designation is preferred. |
Run the Show
Put your expertise to work as a special events planner for the Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce. You will be responsible for the design, promotion and execution of conferences, meetings and special events. You will also manage logistics, develop sponsorship, partnerships and fundraising programs. You will supervise a staff of 5 – 10 people. At least five years of experience as a meeting planner is required. |
Sales Driver
Get the sales team fired up as the program and events manager for the vice president of sales effectiveness at the Royal Bank of Canada. You will plan, manage and execute national and regional events for both internal and external clients. You will need at least five years of experience in an event planning capacity and bilingualism is a significant asset. Knowledge of the Canadian investment industry is a plus, as well as an event planning designation such as a CMP or CMM. |
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