Winter 2008 Foresite ■ A Publication of SITE Canada ■ committed to the continuing education of, professional development for and sharing information with our members ■ meetings andtoensurethatwecanprovide ted additionalfundstoenhancethemonthly dance atourevents. The boardhascommit be todrivemembershipandincreaseatten One ofourkeyfocusesagainthisyearwill valuable feedback. meetings, volunteeringandprovidingyour is shownthroughattendingourmonthly tions tothechapterandmembership. This recognize theirefforts andtheircontribu each ofyoutosupporttheboardand your President,Iwouldliketochallenge ing thegoalsofchapteraremet. As events, growingthemembershipandensur much timeandeffort goesintoplanning on acommitteeorboard,youknowhow For thoseofyouwhomhavevolunteered ment tothechapter. motivated bytheirenthusiasmandcommit of peopleonmyboardandamespecially am thrilledtohavesuchadynamicgroup comes withitsdemandsandchallenges,I under threemonths. Although theposition Implementationofastudentmembership • Updatedquarterlynewsletter • Newchapterwebsite • have plannedforthisyearare: Some ofthenewandexcitingthingswe ties tonetworkandconnect. high valueeducationandmoreopportuni and scholarshipprogram role asPresidentjust now beeninthe arrived andI’ve believe springhas endar it’s hardto Glancing atthecal Rachael Streek-Buma, The Fairmont Royal York Hotel P t n e d i s e r ------’ to “Runthe World”. Last butcertainlynotleastisourchallenge One-dayEducationalConferencewith • SITE Runthe 2008 willtakeplaceinDecember. and Montreux,Switzerland,whereSITEIC mile distancebetweenMonterey, California added upovertheyeartocover5887 earns .25mile(quarterofamile). of exerciseyoucomplete,ourchapter/team Wednesday ofeverymonth.For hour office [email protected], thelast month andsubmitittotheSITECanada physical /mentalexerciseyoudoeach each ofyoutonotehowmanyhours To besuccessfulinthischallenge,Ineed into distance. activities theycompletethatwillconvert ing pointsforphysicalandwell-being distance of5887Miles(9473km)byearn California andMontreux,Switzerland-a cover thedistancebetweenMonterey, Conference, memberswillcumulatively the 2007and2008SITEInternational The aimisthatovertheyearbetween members andtoraisemoneyforUNICEF. bers topromotefitnessandhealthforSITE competition ofSITEchaptersandmem President’s Message… continued onpage2 s market a focusonglobaltravelintheincentive M e g a s s e World isaninternational These are - - Page 2

President’s Message… continued

I’m thrilled to announce our team is currently in 2nd place and our chapter completed the most hours for January, put- ting us 1st in the overall challenge. Go team GO!!!!

Keep track of our chapter and team progress at www.site- 2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS intl.org.

PRESIDENT Rachael Streek-Buma, Corporate Sales Manager, The Fairmont It is an honour for me to be serving as your President this Royal York year. I know it will be a very rewarding experience and T: (416) 860-4584 E : [email protected] I look forward to celebrating all the great things we as a chapter will achieve together in the coming months and in PRESIDENT-ELECT Susan Prophet, Manager, MC&IT, Destination Québec 2008. T: (416) 203-6651 E : [email protected] Hope to see you all at our next chapter meeting, April 16th! IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Marsha Jones, CMP, CMM, President, MCC Planners Inc T: (416) 621-6622 x223 E: [email protected] Rachael Streek-Buma, The Fairmont Royal York Hotel SECRETARY/TREASURER Rita Viggiani, CTC, Leisure Care E: [email protected] IMEX

DIRECTOR PUBLIC RELATIONS & SPONSORSHIP It is time to get ready to meet up in Frankfurt 22-24 April! Lesley Boughen, Business Development Executive, Visit Britain T: (905)705-1720 E: [email protected] We look forward to seeing you at the SITE stand #D740.

DIRECTOR EDUCATION Please mark your calendars for the SITE activities: Michael Drake, Director Worldwide Accounts, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts T: (416) 324-5811 E: [email protected] SITE Young Leader Reception Tuesday, 22 April 14:30-15:00 DIRECTOR PUBLICATIONS Joanne Keating, Special Projects Manager, Meridican Incentive Consultants SITE Member Reception Sponsored by Tenerife T: (905) 477-7700 ext 309 E: [email protected] Tourism Corporation Germany and 2008 Crystal Awards Champagne Toast Sponsored by IMEX DIRECTOR MEMBERSHIP Tuesday, 22 April 15:00-16:00 Mo McKenzie, Director Business Development, HOST Canada T : (905) 564-9911 E : [email protected] SITE Sponsored Education Sessions: DIRECTOR MONTHLY MEETINGS Managing Expectations Joe Orecchio, Director of Travel, CWT Meetings and Events T: (416) 408-7138 E : [email protected] Wednesday, 23 April 8:45

DIRECTOR SOCIAL SITE 2008 Crystal Awards Information Session Cathy O’Connor, Director National Sales, Carlson Hotels Wednesday, 23 April 14:30 Worldwide T: (416) 498-4410 E: [email protected] Y Aren't They Talking to Me? - A SITE Young Leaders SECRETARIAT sponsored session Leslie Wright, Vice President, Fletcher Wright Associates Inc Wednesday, 23 April 16:15 T : (905) 567-7190, F : (905) 567-7191 E : [email protected] Page 3

Fo c u s o n SITE Ca n a d a Ev e n t s

Smile you are in Spain! 2008 SITE Canada Educational Join us on Wednesday, July 16th for SITE Canada’s Conference annual Summer Social, sponsored by the Tourist Office 2008 EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE "Global Travel of Spain. Just like Spain, this year’s summer social Trends Which Border to Cross and How?" is being held on offers sun, great cuisine, a warm welcome and a dazzling Wednesday October 15th. environment. The Educational Conference is co-sponsored by Mexico The Ontario Science Centre has enthusiastically provided a Tourist Board. sunny venue, complete with an outdoor terrace, and Ginger Island Cuisine has put together an impressive menu with a Spanish flair.

Auction items are already being received with “the” live Look for more information in our next news letter. auction item being a trip to the fabulous Gran Melia Don Pepe Hotel in Marbella, compliments of Sol Melia Hotels and Transat Holidays.

Other generous donations include a trip to Paris compli- ments of Air France, and two seats on Continental Airlines along with accommodation at the Casa Del Mar Suites and the Casa Dorada Resort & Spa in Los Cabos, Mexico. 2Celebrating 20 Years 1988 - 2008 WestJet has also continued their support of SITE with two tickets for travel within Canada. a l e n d a r o f v e n t s A portion of the auction proceeds will be donated to the C E Childhood Cancer Foundation, the only national charity April 16, 2008 Breakfast Meeting supporting the fight against childhood cancer. sponsored by Visit Britain The Gladstone Hotel For further information on the Summer Social, or if you are May 28, 2008 Breakfast Meeting interested in donating an item for the silent or live auction, sponsored by Texas Tourism please contact Cathy O’Connor at [email protected] Sassafraz or 416-498-4410. July 16, 2008 Summer Social sponsored by Tourist Office of Spain Ontario Science Centre September 17, 2008 Breakfast Meeting sponsored by Destination Québec October 15, 2008 Education Conference sponsored by Mexico Tourist Board November 19, 2008 Breakfast Meeting sponsored by Hyatt Hotels & Resorts December 10, 2008 Holiday Luncheon sponsored by The Fairmont Royal York Page 4

Fo c u s o n SITE Ca n a d a Ev e n t s … c o n t ’d

SITE Canada’s April 16th He uses his name as an acronym for This breakfast meeting, being held at Meeting his purpose in life: to Touch, Inspire The Gladstone Hotel is sponsored by Join SITE Canada to hear Tim Cork and Move people to act on their pas- VisitBritain starting at 7:30 am. outline the three A’s of success. sion and goals. For more details and to register

Tim Cork is a respected, world-class Known as the Networking & Career http://www.sitecanada.org/ speaker, author, and master motiva- Guru, Tim educates, entertains and apr16_2008.pdf tor. He blends corporate experience shares his wisdom with thousands on with entrepreneurial flare to create a yearly basis. Tim regularly speaks impactful presentations that must be to corporations, business schools and experienced. associations.

Fo c u s On In c e n t i v e Destinations

Yucatan’s Haciendas, the Ideal Choice for Incentive Programs! for business and social events, exqui- Imagine yourself on an incentive site international and Yucatecan style trip in a city built on the site of the cuisine, and spas that provide tradi- ancient Mayan city T’ho, which tional Mayan treatments. Travellers preserves its heritage while combin- can enjoy even a first-class golf game, ing its European flavour showcased while being swathed in the peace of a through its elegant French 19th cen- dazzling countryside. tury style mansions. That’s Merida, Yucatan´s capital and main colonial The incentive traveller can also relax city. in the outdoor Jacuzzi or sleep on a Yucatán hammock. However, some Just minutes from Merida you may be more attracted to the private can find the following Haciendas terraces bounded by tropical gardens, Xcanatún, Teya, and Petac that once or be tempted to explore beautiful were large ranch estates with sisal natural environments. The unique- plantations and today have become ness of this region offers three of beautiful colonial buildings that have UNESCOS World Heritage Sites. been transformed into luxurious hotels. In Yucatán, there are always excep- tional options, all of which confirm These Haciendas provide a cozy that Yucatán is the ideal choice for atmosphere with unique and charm- your incentive program. ing rooms to relax, energetic places Page 5

Québec City – Meetings and Incentive Travel

Québec City has European charm and is the cradle of Chapel of the Musée de French civilization in America. It is the only fortified city L’Amérique française : Dating north of Mexico. The striking beauty and art of leaving of back to 1750 and presently sec- this historic and thoroughly modern city of European char- ularized, the chapel is used for acter is the ideal destination for your business meetings and concerts, cocktail dinner parties incentive travel. You will enjoy the perfect combination of or theme dinners and is a loca- urban and open air activities in a grandiose and spectacular tion of unparalleled beauty. natural setting located only a few minutes from the down- town core. Le Parlementaire. The Québec National Assembly’s dining room has a striking beaux arts In 2008, Québec City celebrates its 400th anniversary. décor and offers gracious hospitality. In celebration of this exceptional moment, awe-inspiring events will be presented all over the city. Exhibitions, a Espace 400e : Passengers Exhibition is a colossal exhibit wide variety of shows, activities, parades highlighting the which will trace the passage of some five million people city, its historical locations and the St. Lawrence… Québec who visited Québec City or lived here over the course of its City will shine at its brightest for ten months, making the 400 years since its foundation. From May to October. celebration a great encounter between the population and the visitors expected in the Old Capital. Snow rafting, climbing, tobogganing, skating, winter games and ice fishing. Make the most out of the winter and try To make your next meeting or event a truly unique Québec some new activities. experience we propose the following activities and venues. Cruise the St. Lawrence River for a different view of Ice Hotel Québec-Canada: you will Québec City. Private excursions and dinner can be be dazzled by this 3,000-square-metre organized. complex made entirely of ice and snow. There is enough space to hold a Rallies on quads, snowmobiles or dogsleds. Discover our reception for 400 persons. charming forests.

Go sugar-shacking and savour our delicious maple prod- ucts. Take the gourmet route and enjoy yourself. Page 6

AGM a n d 20t h An n i v e r s a r y Ce l e b r a t i o n Marsha Jones, CMP, CMM, President/CEO MCC Planners Inc.

I’m happy to say to really make it a memorable night. Tracey Bell known for her interac- that I had the plea- We invited all the past presidents to tive, quick change impersonations of sure of serving the attend and nine of them were able to , , , SITE Canada mem- come. Sponsors were recognized for and , just to bership as your 2007 President and their wonderful support. The evening name a few. There were many pictures what a year of memories. The Board was topped off with a performance by taken that night and a good time was worked hard on had by all that attended. your behalf to deliver some As I end this message I wish you all great programs. a great year of health, happiness and We stepped out success. Be good to yourselves and of the norm and others. In a time of busyness and flew to Montreal stress remember those that might need for a meeting and a phone call or a helping hand. evening event for our Quebec Take care and I hope to see you all friends. Thanks to soon. the many sponsors that helped make Warmest Regards, Marsha that day a success. Tracey Bell (Madonna) enlists help from the SITE Much fun was Canada attendees had at our annual Holiday event at The Fairmont Royal York, December 12. We had Karaoke Karoling, wrapped gifts for the teens at Covenant House and delivered food to a food bank to end a great year!

I want to thank my Board and wish Rachael Streek-Buma, your 2008 President, all the best to her and her dynamic Board. I believe the Chapter is in a good place and will continue to deliver great programs so please make an effort to get out to these events and support the Board and Chapter.

On February 20, 2008 we held the Annual General Meeting at the SITE Canada Past Presidents (in attendance): Renaissance Toronto Airport Hotel. Back (ltor): Rachael Streek-Buma, Maria DaCunha, CMP, Rose Since 2008 is our 20th Anniversary Swagemakers, Alex Libby, Susan Radojevic, Moira Hearn, Debbi Grossi as a Chapter I thought it would be fun Front (ltor): Marsha Jones, CMP, CMM and Lynda Falcone Page 7 Page 8

Ne w s , Vi e w s a n d Pe o p l e o n t h e Mo v e

Feedback On SITE All travellers who fly on Air Transat Twice daily service between Toronto- Auction Prize next summer will enjoy the comfort of Las Vegas which commenced ser- Last year’s Summer Social was an the new cabin configuration. vice in October 2007, will continue overwhelming success and one of throughout the summer. Service our auction purchasers, Grant Snider, The fleet modification work will start between Toronto-Los Angeles which had this to say to the prize donor, Liz next May and is scheduled for comple- began in December 2007 will also Akey, about his auction prize: tion in mid-June. The average space continue daily service throughout the between each row of seats will be summer. Service to Puerto Plata and My wife and I just returned from the increased to 32 inches from the cur- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic will “Storm-Watching Vacation” that I pur- rent 30 (to 81 cm from 76 cm). This be extended to year-round departing chased at the SITE Summer Social last will result in a reduction in the number once a week from Toronto. July. of seats to 249 from 259 on the fleet’s Airbus A310s, and to 342 from 362 on More detailed information about It was truly a memorable trip and the A330s. The number of Club class WestJet’s enhanced summer schedule one that we will cherish for a long, seats remains unchanged in both air- is available at westjet.com. long time. “The Wick” surpassed craft: 20 on the A310s and 21 on the our expectations and will be a place A330s. SITE Crystal Award that we talk about to as many people Harith Productions and AM&I (DMC) as possible (actually, we’ve already Information: Jean-Michel Laberge, Los Cabos received a Crystal Site started!) 514 987-1660, ext. 4662, jean-michel. Award for the Most Outstanding [email protected] Incentive Event – Catered Event for Thank you for putting this together their program at the Westin in Los along with the other partners. Please WestJet adds year- Cabos. As you know this is a highly pass on my thanks to Orca airlines for round service to Quebec recognized International Award. their contribution – I don’t have a con- City beginning May 2008 EMA Marketing is the Canadian tact for them. Their staff was excellent WestJet announced the addition of Representative for AM&I and we are and the flights flawless. daily non-stop service from Toronto thrilled to be partnered with this first to Quebec City, coinciding with the class and professional company. Sincerely, celebration of the city’s 400th birth- day in 2008. The addition of Quebec The program was for Endo Grant Snider, President City marks WestJet’s 27th destination Pharmaceuticals who looked to Harith JPdL Toronto within Canada, connecting WestJet to Productions to create and design an over 25 million Canadians. exceptional, one-of-a-kind catered Air Transat Increases event for its 2006 President’s Club Legroom on its Entire The announcement of this new desti- winners. The event was to be a desti- Fleet nation is part of WestJet’s enhanced nation-based culinary affair that would Air Transat, Canada's leading holi- summer schedule which also includes unfold the history of the ancient Aztec day travel airline and a subsidiary of new seasonal non-stop service and Mayan civilizations. The plan- Transat A.T. Inc., will increase the leg- between Regina-Toronto, Saskatoon- ning team’s objective was to mesmer- room in the Economy class sections of Toronto and Abbotsford-Toronto as ize and enthrall each guest from the all of its aircraft starting in May 2008. well as between Ottawa-Edmonton moment they entered the ballroom — and Ottawa-Halifax. and to appeal to all five senses. Endo Pharmaceuticals also wanted Harith to Page 9

create an event that would be socially, Porter Airlines adding SGM Adds Senator economically and environmentally Quebec City Meeting & Incentive sustainable. Porter Airlines is adding Quebec Travel to its DMC City to its summer schedule. One Portfolio “Myths and Legends of the Aztec daily Toronto-Quebec City flight will Select Group Marketing has added and Maya” was designed to create an operate June 27 to Sept. 2. Porter is Prague-based Senator Meeting and epicurean masterpiece that featured also introducing the only scheduled Incentive Travel to its portfolio of des- world-class culinary service while non-stop flights between Halifax tination management companies. unfolding the story of the dynamic and Quebec, operating daily. Flights, Mesoamerican people who settled in aboard 70-seat Bombardier Q400 tur- Prague is one of Europe’s top capitals the Mexican lands centuries ago. boprop aircraft, are now available for and the Czech Republic’s cultural and booking with prices starting at $189 economic centre. Moreover, the city is To ensure the event was socially, one-way, plus applicable taxes and fast growing as a standalone destina- economically and environmentally fees. (1-888-619-8622, www.flyporter. tion for the meeting and incentive- sustainable, and to support local econ- com). travel market, offering a growing omy, the team purchased room décor, selection of deluxe hotels, historic plates and statues used for the gala Heathrow’s Terminal 5 venues, spa towns and Europe’s larg- awards dinner in Guadalajara, Mexico, Launches March 27 est selection of castles. as well as the villages of Tonala, Terminal 5 at London’s Heathrow Tlaquepaque and Chapala. Organizers Airport began operating March 27, Paul Gallant Appointed also purchased locally made pewter, providing capacity for another 30-mil- Director of Marketing agave honey and mango marmalade to lion passengers, making Heathrow the with Maritz Canada support a local women’s project. world’s busiest airport. Maritz Canada has appointed Paul About the Crystal Awards Gallant to the newly expanded role of Passenger flows have been extensively director of marketing. Gallant brings SITE established the Crystal Awards modeled to ensure minimal queuing over 20 years experience in strategic in 1980 as a means to recognize the at every stage. The new terminal will marketing, customer strategy and loy- unique blending of objectives and feature 96 self-service kiosks, 140 alty programs. imagination that enable motivational customer-service desks, including 96 programs to be successful in achiev- fast-bag drops, and highly advanced Michael Welsh ing business objectives. The 2007 X-Ray machines. Appointed Starwood entry and judging process were com- Global Account Director pletely electronic to provide a level Jumeirah Group Michael Welsh has been appointed playing field and renew the focus on Appoints The RMR as the new Starwood Global Sales each program’s ability to achieve its Group Inc contact. Michael was formerly the business goals. Incentive campaigns, Dubai-based luxury hospitality- National Director of Group Sales for special/motivational events or promo- management group Jumeirah has Atlific Hotels & Resorts. He can be tion campaigns held between 1 June appointed The RMR Group, Inc. to reached at 416-945-7407/michael. 2006 and 31 May 2007 were eligible. head up its sales efforts in Canada. [email protected] Entries were evaluated by an indepen- RMR Group will focus Jumeirah’s dent panel of judges in the areas of sales efforts towards travel agents, return on investment, creativity and meeting planners, incentive companies mechanics. and special-interest groups in all pri- mary Canadian market areas. Richard Eve will be account director. Page 10

Ca l l f o r Sp e a k e r s - SITE International Co n f e r e n c e Come Together in Montreux and Let the Music Play. The • Breakthrough incentive and travel strategies, including SITE International Conference 2008, 5-8 December in innovative program design Montreux, Switzerland, promises to be a celebration of • Solutions to challenges and issues facing suppliers and innovation and excellence in incentives today. Montreux buyers from a global perspective, such as contingency provides an ideal setting for meeting new business contacts planning and, with your help, expanding incentive horizons with • Efficiency-increasing business and sales tools, tech- highly informative education sessions and diverse, capti- niques and principles, such as social networking, rela- vating speakers. tionship marketing and more. • Best practice management, financial and risk manage- The Call for Speakers for the SITE International ment, communication, customer service, and service Conference 2008 is now open through 25 April. To find quality techniques for the Incentive Industry out more visit: http://www.site-intl.org/secure/conference/ callforSpeakers/ Come Together! Submit your session ideas now and plan to join fellow SITE members this December in Montreux, We want to hear from you if you have compelling topics Switzerland. for education that are reshaping the incentive and travel industry, including but not limited to:

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