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FEBRUARY 3, 2016
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Meetings & Events
Corporate Travel Management
Incentives & Rewards |
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The latest survey from the SITE Foundation has plenty of good news for the incentive travel industry, despite Canadian planners' dismay about our lacklustre dollar. The recently released 2015 SITE Index Benchmark Study took a different approach than in years past. Third-party and corporate incentive travel planners as well as suppliers to the industry were included in the survey, which allowed for direct buyer/seller comparisons.
Here are some of the highlights of the study. If you want to explore in-depth results, sign up for the exclusive webinar scheduled for February 8.
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Strong Outlook:
The study says there is a net increase in incentive travel budgets over the past year, with that trend holding steady for the next 12 months at least. Budgets are increasing incrementally, with planners trying to hold costs in by shortening program length, using less expensive destinations and using fewer inclusions in programs. |
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Look Out:
There is a caveat amongst the good news, however, with both buyers and sellers cautioning that domestic and/or world events have the potential to impact programs negatively in the future. As the study was done prior to the Paris terrorist attacks, those views may already be in play. The rise of the Zika virus in the Caribbean and South America could also impact incentive travel. |
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Work and Play:
Corporate social responsibility is on the rise, with at least seven out of 10 programs including as least one activity per program. In most programs today participants expect at least one business meeting along with all the fun. Almost half (42 per cent) say a meeting is always included in a travel program. |
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Room for Improvement:
A challenge remains—that of hard data to support the ROI of incentive travel programs. In many cases, there is no formal requirement to formally assess a program's effectiveness. The lack of hard data makes it difficult to defend these programs during tough economic times. |
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Look for more career ideas at ignitemag.ca.
Share your ideas with other readers:
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EDITOR'S CHOICE
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The Tillow
This beach towel has benefits. The Tillow comes with a removable contoured mildew and water resistant foam pillow, a camouflaged and water resistant storage pocket and a touchscreen window for your handheld that keeps pesky sand away from your electronics.
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Partner Update
Living Water Resort is the only waterfront meeting venue in the Blue Mountain Collingwood region. Book your meeting and get up to $1,000 worth of free spa, golf and accommodations!
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GOOD TO KNOW
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MEETINGS + EVENTS
Get Your Rewards
Members of Delta Hotels and Resorts loyalty program can rest easy, as they are now members of Marriott Rewards, Marriott International's loyalty program. Marriott Rewards members can now earn miles or points at 21 Delta Hotels across Canada, with the brand's remaining 14 Canadian properties joining the program in April 2016. Marriott Rewards points can be redeemed for hotel stays, and a range of other benefits including air travel, cruises, car rentals and merchandise. The loyalty program spans 17 brands and over 4,000 properties worldwide.
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CORPORATE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT
New Hilton Brand
Hilton Worldwide is launching a new midscale brand in the US and Canada, TRU by Hilton. With 102 hotels signed on and an additional 30 in various stages of development, the first should be open by the end of the year. Appealing to those with a millennial mindset which the chain describes as a zest for life and a desire for human connection, hotel features include The Hive, a first floor experience for lounging, working, eating or playing, a complimentary build your own breakfast bar with 30 sweet and savoury choices, efficiently designed bedrooms with 55" TVs, eight foot wide windows, multiple power sources, access to DIRECTV and spacious bathrooms. Guests will be eligible for Hilton HHonors, the hotel's loyalty program.
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INCENTIVES + REWARDS
Major Renovations to Adare Manor
A new wing that includes 40 new rooms and a ballroom addition are just some of the renovations planned for the Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort, a popular incentive destination in Ireland. These will be the first renovations in over 25 years to the five-star property. The resort will be completely closed for the duration, expected to be complete in 2017. In addition to the new rooms and event space, the resort will also refurbish the golf clubhouse and do general upgrades and repairs to historical structures on the estate.
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| Share your event news, case studies or story ideas with us here at ignitemag.ca. |
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Québec Day
When: Tuesday, February 9, 2016 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Peter Bronfman Hall, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto
Why go: It's a buyer's marketplace with over 60 Destination Québec partners ready to showcase the best of the province for meetings, conventions and incentive travel in 2016.
Registration now full. To be added to the waitlist, please contact Deborah Edwards
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Working with Unions
When: February 24, 2016
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Toronto
Why go: ISES Toronto will present an overview on how to effectively work with the largest union of technical operators and crew in North America, IATSE. The president of Local 58 and the VP of education will offer an in-depth look at rules, regulations and contracts.
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GBTA Conference 2016
When: April 18-20, 2016
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto
Why go: Here's your chance to write your Global Travel Professional certification examination, connect with suppliers on the expanded Expo Hall and take advantage of several concurrent educational sessions for corporate travel professionals.
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For more events, visit Ignite's INDUSTRY CALENDAR
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Manager, National Events
Define the luxury lifestyle with Holt Renfrew as manager, national events developing new and annual partnership events tied to sales and marketing. Working with the director, you will implement national, local and internal events, develop ideas for regional programs and oversee donation events with charitable organizations. You will need a post-secondary degree in a related field and five to seven years of work experience, with a minimum of one year of event management experience. |
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Special Events Manager
Working with the Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA, you will plan and develop annual and capital campaign events. You will oversee the budget development and track volunteer management, and lead the event committee and monitor progress against the critical path. You will also coordinate all event promotional material and distribution. |
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Trade Show Coordinator
In this position you will coordinate 40 – 50 trade shows by MEDISCA in Canada, including the shipping and logistics of marketing material and equipment. You will also coordinate sponsorships of various annual events, and plan quarterly sales training programs. Based in Montreal, you will have at least three years of event experience and be fluent in English and basic French (oral and written). |
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Check out Ignite's JOB BOARD for more exciting career opportunities
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