PDF Version - The Meeting Encore Group Inc.

Meeting Encore Moment
October 2015
Upcoming
Holidays
October 12 —
Thanksgiving (Canada)
November 11 —
Remembrance Day
November 26 —
Thanksgiving (U.S.)
December 7 —
Hanukkah
In this issue ...
 Team member profile –
Solange Martin. Learn
how she became one
of the first female
General Managers in
Canada
 A look back at
IncentiveWorks 2015
 Discover EMA
Marketing’s new
destination offerings
 Le Méridien Versailles
… learn why this in
Montreal’s perfect
hidden gem
 Get the latest
information about hot
spots in Halifax and
New Brunswick
 Thomas’s Food Blog –
a perfect meal that’s
fast and easy
Fall for Meeting Encore
Try as we might to hold onto summer we cannot stop the progression of the seasons. Fall is
in the air and quickly becoming part of our lives once again. We are reminded that it is time
to pick up those projects that we had put aside in favour of long, lazy summer days and
evenings.
As Thanksgiving approaches, it is time to acknowledge the important things in life and we
hope you take a moment to reflect on what makes you happy and spend some welldeserved time with loved ones.
On October 2, Meeting Encore welcomed Shannon Byck as its’ newest Regional Director.
Shannon comes from Canada Health Infoway. As she transitions from her role at Infoway,
she will be working part time until the New Year when she will take on full time
responsibilities.
Jenn and Joe have just put the finishing touches on an feature article they co-authored for
Corporate Meetings & Events Magazine (CMN). Be sure to get your copy which will be
available early to mid November.
Enter for your chance to win ...
Read through this newsletter for answers to the following questions and a chance to win
the following prizes.
Prize 1: A one night stay for 2 people, including breakfast, at Rawley Resort Spa and Marina
Question: What is the name of the Spa at the Rawley Resort Spa and Marina?
Prize 2: Two nights deluxe accommodation for two people, including breakfast each morning
and 3-course dinner on the day of arrival at The Bruce Hotel
Question: How many mosaic tiles were needed to complete the mosaic band that runs
around the tub and through the shower in each bathroom?
Send your answers to: [email protected]
Congratulations to our September newsletter contest winner of a Labradorite
necklace and earrings set — Glenna Cairnie , Canadian Greenhouse Conference
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Team Member Profile
— Solange Martin, Regional Director
I
come from a family of hotel keepers. My paternal grandmother owned a 40-room hotel
in Rimouski that offered room & board. Two of my uncles, her sons, were also hotel
owners - one in Rimouski with a 100 rooms and the other in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière
with 40 rooms. I could have easily started in that field but instead I followed my father’s steps
and opted for the banking sector.
In those days, women had little chance of advancing in the financial world and so, after eight
years I decided on another path - selling advertising. I enjoyed the freedom that came with this
job and it would later prove a valuable experience but it still wasn’t what I was looking for. I
realized that to really get ahead I would need a university diploma. Therefore, I left the
working world and sat in a classroom at the Université du Québec à Montréal for the next
three years. That decision changed my life forever - and for the better.
“In the 1980s, most
managers came from
a hotel school so hiring
a university graduate
showed vision.“
With only three months left to obtain my Bachelor degree in administration with a minor in
tourism, I was offered a sales position for the U.S. market at the Westin Bonaventure
Montreal. In the 1980s, most managers came from a hotel school so, hiring a university
graduate showed vision. I accepted the position and started my career in hotel sales part time,
so I could finish my university studies. Finally, with my new diploma and my past working
experience I started my full-time career in a most promising industry.
This truly was the beginning of an extraordinary adventure. I travelled extensively throughout
the U.S. and dealt with a most prominent clientele that included heads of large American and
International companies and associations. I was passionate about my work and thought I
would be happy doing this job until I retired.
Four years went by. Delta Hotels had just expanded in the province of Quebec with the
opening of the Delta Montreal and I was hired as their Director of Sales & Marketing. It
seemed like a big step at the time but I was on a roll and wasn’t going to let anything stop me.
For the next six years I worked in this role as well as Rooms Divisions Manager and Director of
Operations. These positions gave me the opportunity to expand and build on my management
skills. It was also during this time that I was provided with the opportunity to act as interim
General Manager for Delta Management Services at various hotels in Quebec and Ottawa. One
of these hotels was in Rimouski - a great return to my hotelier’s roots. What an awesome
experience that was!
The 1990s were a highlight in my career. I became one of the first female General Managers in
Canada. During my six years as General Manager at the Delta Sherbrooke, I was involved in
several associations and was recognized as Quebec Eastern Townships Business Woman of the
Year -1995. In 1999, Linda Genest, Founder of Meeting Encore, and Greg Genest, her partner,
whom I had worked with at the Bonaventure Hotel, asked me to join Meeting Encore as their
representative in Quebec. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I wanted to come back
to Montreal and have more time to myself. After almost 20 years as an hotelier, I could not
have imagined a better way to pursue my career and especially to put to use my acquired skills
and abilities. Sixteen years have now gone by since I joined Meeting Encore. I have never
regretted my decision as it is an immense pleasure to be associated with such a great organization.
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Profil membre de l'équipe
- Solange Martin Directeur régional
Je viens d’une famille d’hôteliers : ma grand-mère
paternelle était propriétaire d’un hôtel de 40 chambres à
Rimouski qui offrait, au début du 20e siècle, chambre et
pension. Deux de ses fils ont aussi été propriétaires
hôteliers; un à Rimouski avec un hôtel de 100 chambres, et
l’autre à Saint-Anne-de-la-Pocatière, avec 30 chambres.
J’aurais donc pu, dès le départ, opter pour une carrière
dans ce domaine. J’ai plutôt suivi les traces de mon père
dans le secteur bancaire. Mais à cette époque, les femmes
avaient peu de chances d’avancement dans le secteur de la
finance et, après huit années, j’ai emprunté une autre
avenue : la vente de publicité. J’aimais beaucoup la liberté
que me procurait ce travail cependant, je n’y trouvais pas
mon compte, Après quelques années sur la route, qui
m’ont beaucoup servies pour la suite des choses, j’ai
compris qu’un diplôme universitaire était nécessaire, si je
voulais décrocher un emploi satisfaisant. J’ai donc quitté
le monde du travail, et je me suis retrouvée sur les bancs
de l’UQAM. Cette décision allait changer ma vie pour
toujours et surtout, pour le mieux.
Il me restait à peine trois mois pour obtenir mon BAC en
administration avec une mineure en tourisme, lorsque le
Westin Bonaventure Montréal m’offrit un poste de
Déléguée commerciale auprès du marché américain. En
recrutant une universitaire, l’hôtel faisait preuve de vision,
car dans les années ’80, la plupart des cadres provenaient
d’une école d’hôtellerie. J’ai donc commencé ma carrière
en ventes hôtelières, à temps partiel, pour être en mesure
de terminer mes études universitaires. Enfin, je pouvais
mettre mes connaissances pratiques et théoriques au
service d’une industrie qui semblait prometteuse.
Ce fut le début d’une aventure extraordinaire. J’ai eu
l’occasion de voyager partout à travers les USA, de
transiger avec une clientèle de haut niveau - les directeurs
de grandes associations américaines et internationales - et
d’élargir mes horizons. J’étais passionnée par mon travail,
et je me disais que je serais parfaitement heureuse
d’occuper cette fonction jusqu’à ma retraite.
Quatre années ont passé. La chaîne d’hôtel Delta venait de
s’établir au Québec avec l’ouverture du Delta Montréal, et
voilà que l’on m’offre le poste de Directrice, ventes et
marketing. Bien que la marche me semblait haute, j’étais
sur une lancée, et rien ne pouvait m’arrêter. Trois années à
ce poste, puis à la direction de l’hébergement et des
opérations, m’ont permis d’approfondir mes compétences
de gestionnaire. Durant ces six années, j’ai aussi eu
l’occasion d’assurer la direction générale par intérim de
différents hôtels au Québec et à Ottawa pour le compte
de Delta Management Services, ce qui m’a amené à
retourner aux sources, à Rimouski. Quelle belle expérience
ce fut!
Les années ’90 ont été marquantes pour moi; je suis
devenue une des premières femmes au Canada à occuper
le poste de Directrice générale d’un hôtel. Au cours de mes
six années à la tête du Delta Sherbrooke, je me suis
impliquée dans de nombreuses associations
professionnelles, ce qui m’a valu une reconnaissance du
milieu des affaires de Sherbrooke, et le titre de femmes
d’affaires de l’année 1995 des Cantons-de-l’est. En 1999,
Linda Genest, fondatrice de Meeting Encore, et Greg
Genest, son partenaire, que je connaissais depuis que nous
avions travaillé ensemble à l’hôtel Bonaventure, m’ont
demandé si je voulais me joindre à leur équipe pour
représenter leur compagnie au Québec. Le moment était
parfait; je voulais revenir à Montréal, et avoir plus de
temps libre. Après presque 20 ans en hôtellerie, je n’aurais
pu imaginer meilleure façon de poursuivre ma carrière et
surtout, mettre à profit les connaissances acquises. Seize
années se sont écoulées, et c’est toujours un immense
plaisir d’être associée à Meeting Encore.
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Destination ...
New Jewels in the EMA Crown
Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina is the newest renovated boutique GEM in St. Lucia. This
5-Star Resort offers 124 beautifully appointed guestrooms, including spacious one-, two- and
three-bedroom suites with a patio or balcony overlooking Marigot Bay or lush tropical gardens.
Modern conveniences include flat screen televisions, espresso machines and tea facilities, free
Wi-Fi, plush robes, and 24/7 access to fitness facilities. Other features include:
 Dining options that include its signature restaurant, The Grill at 14°61°; the swim-
up Brut Bar and Pool Bar; the Bayside Café; and the distillery-inspired Rum Cave.
 Meeting facilities that have just re-opened after a multi-million dollar renovation.
Spaces include: The Boudreau Room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows
offering views of Marigot Bay and the coastal rainforest as well as a terrace (max.
capacity 100 guests); Observation Deck & Lower Pool Deck (250-person capacity);
and The Palm Pavilion, an open-air space at dock level that accommodates up to
250 guests.
 Event-enhancing experiences available to groups include sunset cruises, deep sea
www.capellahotels.com/saintlucia
fishing excursions, hiking trips up the Piton mountains and pampering at the
Auriga Spa.
For a retreat or business getaway closer to home, Port Severn’s Rawley Resort Spa
& Marina is a 90-minute drive from Toronto. Located alongside the Trent-Severn
Waterway, it has a 1,300-square-foot meeting room with natural light, Wi-Fi,
presentation screens and projectors, and stereo sounds and 20 suites (one or twobedroom). Room amenities include AVEDA products, free Wi-Fi, big screen satellite TV,
and complimentary coffee, tea and snacks. Select rooms also have electric fireplaces
and/or fully-equipped kitchenette.
www.rawleyresort.com
www.thebruce.ca
The Restaurant at Rawley Resort is helmed by chef Key Bonsu. It includes a casual
dining room, piano bar, intimate courtyard and patio overlooking the water. The
resort’s spa, Radiant Reflections offers a range of services using Eminence organic
skin care products. Guest also have the option of playing golf at the Oak Bay Golf
Course, Muskoka’s newest 18-hole golf course on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay.
The Bruce Hotel in Stratford, Ontario, is another option for small groups looking for a
unique venue close to Toronto. This luxurious property, which is set on more than six
acres of land, has 25 rooms and a boardroom that seats up to 14 people. The kitchen,
which is run by chef Arron Carley, serves The Restaurant, a formal space that can
accommodate 85 for a sit-down dinner and 105 for cocktails; and The Lounge, a more
relaxed, casual dining option. This boutique GEM is the perfect choice for a Buyout!
EMA Marketing, owned by Liz Akey, is an authorized representative for some of the world's most
luxurious and exclusive hotels & resorts and elite group of Destination Management Companies.
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Meeting Encore at IncentiveWorks 2015
This year’s IncentiveWorks was one to remember. Not only did the Meeting Encore
team attend Canada’s longest running education and tradeshow for our industry, we
also had a booth to help ring in our 25th year anniversary!
In the spirit of celebration, we ran two great contests - a Twitter contest which
involved snapping your picture in our booth with fun props, an oversized picture frame
and the ME team sporting snazzy orange aprons then we asked you to tweet it out for
a chance to win a overnight stay at White Oaks Resort & Spa. There was also an
amazing raffle for a 3-night Rocky Mountain getaway courtesy of Fairmont Hotels &
Resorts!
And if meeting and reconnecting with over 700 companies on the show floor wasn’t
enough for our very own Jennifer Glynn, Managing Partner, Jenn also took to the
stage as one of the esteemed speakers during the educational mornings. Jenn
discussed Incentive Travel RFP’s and Responses to an enthused audience. The
educational mornings are a great way to learn from industry veterans while earning
continuing education credits towards your designation.
We hope you tried your luck at our booth and thank you for coming by to show your
support. Looking forward to seeing you next year at IW! Save these dates, August 16
and 17, 2016.
For more photos, find your way to page 9.
Jen Moir, CMP / Regional Director
Congratulations to our
IncentiveWorks 2015
contest winners
Naseem Mohajer, Canadian
Physiotherapy Association was our
grand prize winner of a 3-night
Rocky Mountain Getaway from
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
Carole Kielly, APPRO was our
winner or the best Twitter
photograph contest. She won a
one-night stay at White Oaks
Resort & Spa.
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Halifax – An Educational Experience
This past July, I had the privilege of embarking on a whirlwind adventure hosted by
Destination Halifax to experience firsthand the relaxed sea-side city of Halifax, Nova
Scotia and everything it has to offer.
So why Halifax for your next group event? Not only is this city, and surrounding
area, easily accessible by both air and rail, this provincial capital offers more than
4,500 hotel room nights and is ready to support any large convention. The city’s
cultural history combined with a decidedly relaxed east coast pace of life, as well as
charming locals, bring an energy that you have to experience to truly appreciate.
The new Halifax Convention Centre which is scheduled to open in January 2017 has
also been creating quite a buzz of excitement. The 120,000 square foot state-of-theart facility is a gold LEED certified located in the heart of a bustling downtown. An
adjoining hotel will also be opened at a later date.
Some of the major Halifax hotels include Atlantica Hotel Halifax, Cambridge Suites
Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott, Delta Barrington Hotel & Delta Halifax Hotel, Four
Points by Sheraton Halifax, Halifax Marriott Harbourfront, Hampton Inn Halifax
Downtown, Hollis Halifax (a Double Tree Suites), The Prince George Hotel,
Homewood Suites Halifax Downtown, the Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites, The Westin
Nova Scotian Hotel, and the Residence Inn Halifax Downtown. All are located within easy walking
distance of major tourist attractions and shopping venues.
Unique offsite venues are abundant in Halifax. The
Maritime Museum of Atlantic, boasting Titanic
artifacts, is a must see for any maritime enthusiast.
The historic Halifax Citadel, also referred to simply as
Citadel Hill, overlooks the scenic harbour where, to
this day a noon gun is still fired. Canada's National
Museum of Immigration, the Canadian Museum of
Immigration at Pier 21, was the gateway for one
million immigrants making their way to Canada.
The downtown can easily be explored on foot and
allowing delegates to explore the diverse shops and
maritime architecture that make this city a real east
coast gem. Just show your badge to participating
shops for VIP offers at many restaurants and pubs.
And next time you raise a glass full of local Nova
Scotia ale, refrain from your usual cheers and be sure
to yell out ‘sociable’.
Jen Moir, CMP / Regional Director
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Quartier français!
UN HÔTEL À SAVEUR
EUROPÉENNE
A HOTEL WITH
EUROPEAN CHARM
Vous cherchez un hôtel boutique à Montréal
pour votre prochaine réunion? Le Méridien
Versailles situé sur la rue Sherbrooke ouest, en
plein cœur du Golden Square Mile, à proximité
des musées, des galeries d’art et des
boutiques de luxe offre des installations
modernes dans un décor intime et chaleureux.
Looking for a Boutique hotel in Montreal for
your next meeting? Le Meridien Versailles,
located on Sherbrooke Street West, in the
heart of the Golden Square Mile and in close
proximity to museums, art galleries and
high-end shopping offers modern facilities
in a warm and intimate decor.
L’hôtel s’est refait une beauté en 2014, grâce à
d’importantes rénovations. Avec ses 108
chambres, toutes refaites à neuf, très grandes
et confortables, et ses trois salles de réunion,
dont la plus grande peut accueillir 40
personnes en style banquet, Le Méridien
Versailles est un endroit idéal pour une petite
réunion. Vos participants pourront aussi se
délecter de cuisine à l’accent méditerranéen,
dans une atmosphère urbaine, au chic
restaurant/bar Branzino Et si leur agenda le
permet, les participants pourront profiter
d’une visite gratuite au Musée canadien de
l’architecture.
Following major renovations in 2014, the hotel
was given a complete makeover. All of its 108,
well-appointed and spacious guest rooms have
been completely redone. The hotel‘s three
meeting rooms, the largest being able to
accommodate 40 people in banquet rounds,
make The Meridian an ideal, intimate and
exclusive setting for smaller meetings. Your
attendees will enjoy the chic, urban feel and
Mediterranean influenced cuisine of the hotel’s
Branzino restaurant/bar. Should their schedule
permit, guests can also take advantage of a
complimentary visit of the Canadian Centre for
Architecture.
Un charmant hôtel à découvrir ou à revoir.
A hidden gem, waiting to be rediscovered.
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“I Declare …”
At some point in our lives most of us will, if you haven’t done so already, join the queue that
takes you past an ever vigilant customs officer. With the ever changing rules and regulations
at airports and border crossings it can be difficult to know what can and can’t be brought into
the country and the value of the items you must declare. The following information should
help you make sense of a few of the regulations pertaining to alcohol and tobacco and the
value of items allowed to make your entry into Canada just a bit smoother.
For further information check out the Canada Border Services Agency website at:
www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/
Alcohol Beverage Limits
(Wine bottle sizes vary, the amount listed are fixed)
Product
Metric
Imperial
Estimates
Wine
Up to 1.5 litres
Up to 53 fluid ounces
Two 750 ml bottles of wine
Alcoholic Beverages
Up to 1.5 litres
Up to 40 fluid ounces
One large standard bottle of liquor
Up to 8.5 litres
Up to 287 fluid ounces
Approximately 24 cans or bottles
(355 ml each) or beer or ale
Tobacco Products Limits
Cigarettes
200 cigarettes
Cigars
50 cigars
Tobacco
200 grams of manufactures tobacco
Tobacco Sticks
200 tobacco sticks
Traveller Personal Exemption Limits - Effective June 1, 2012
Less than 24 hours
Personal exemptions do not apply to same-day cross-border shoppers
Less than 24 hours
Up to CAN$200 – Alcohol and tobacco cannot be claimed. Good must be in your
possession at time of entry to Canada. If the value of the goods you have
purchased abroad exceeds $200 after a 24 hour absence, duty and taxes are
applicable on the entire amount of the imported goods.
Less than 24 hours
Up to CAN$800 – May include alcohol and tobacco products, with the prescribed
limits set by provincial or territorial authorities. Goods must be in your possession
at time of entry to Canada. Travellers absent for periods of 49 hours or more will
have the applicable exemption level credited against the total value of goods.
Less than 24 hours
Up to CAN$800 – May include alcohol and tobacco products, with the prescribed
limits set by provincial or territorial authorities. For the seven-day exemption, goods
may be in your possession at time of entry to Canada but are also permitted to
follow entry to Canada (such as via courier, mail or delivery agency), except
alcohol and tobacco products, which must be in your possession. All the goods will
qualify for duty- and tax-free entry if they are declared at the initial return to
Canada.
IncentiveWorks 2015 — the BIG picture
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A Education in All Things New Brunswick
In August, Meeting Encore was hosted by ‘Team New Brunswick’ Wendy Bradley (Fredericton),
Denise Bradbury (St. Andrews) and Shawnna Dickie-Garnhum (Saint John) for four days of non-stop
education, activities and legendary East Coast hospitality.
In Fredericton we toured the renovated Delta Fredericton, historic Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook,
brand new Fredericton Convention Centre and the University of New Brunswick! This was highlighted
by a lobster dinner with the Mayor of Fredericton and his wife and leisurely morning canoe trip.
It was then off to St. Andrews by-the-Sea where we toured Minister’s Island – the summer estate of
Sir William Van Horne, the second president of CP Railway. We also toured the Huntsman Aquarium,
a truly unique venue with interesting space for
groups and the Algonquin Golf Course which
not only boasts Canada’s oldest Clubhouse
but one of the top two golf holes in
Canada! After an amazing dinner at the
Algonquin we set out to burn off a few
calories on a ghost tour hosted by the very
talented staff at the Algonquin Resort, part of
Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
Although wishing we could have stayed
longer we were off the next day to Saint John
where we toured the Delta Brunswick, Great
Hall of Whales, Hilton Saint John and the Saint
John Trade & Convention Centre followed by
an ‘Uncorked Walking Tour’ of downtown
Saint John that included the Imperial Theatre,
King’s Square, (City Market, Princess Street, Prince William Street and Market Square) all the while
eating and drinking some amazing local fare. After a relaxing dinner at Lily Lake we took a harbour
cruise to see Saint John from the water during which we learned about its’ rich maritime history.
After that it was time to put on our ‘stretchy pants’ and return home.
I was a great trip hosted by the very knowledgeable and friendly New Brunswick team. If you have
any potential programs considering this region let your Meeting Encore representative know! THANK
YOU WENDY, DENISE, SHAWNNA and to all your partners that put on a amazing business
development trip.
Joe Nishi / Co-Managing Partner
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Thomas’ Food Blog
Bulgogi Beef
Quick and easy with a mouthful of Korean BBQ flavour! This Bulgogi recipe is a great way to switch
up your weeknight meals without needing to spend hours prepping in the kitchen or even washing
too many dishes. Easy to pair with your favourite vegetables or rice.
Ingredients (4 servings)
1 lb Flank Steak
2 Garlic cloves, minced
½ Carrot, julienne
½ Onion, diced
1 ½ cup of Mushrooms
2 Tbsp of Worcestershire Sauce
¼ cup of Green Onion, chopped
½ cup of Soy Sauce
1 cup of Water
½ cup of White Sugar
2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
1 Tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
2 ½ Tbsp Sesame Seeds
1 Tsp Black Pepper
1 Tsp Chili Flakes (optional)
1.
Sweat onions, carrots and garlic in a saucepan
on medium-low heat until onions are translucent
2. Add soy sauce, sugar, water, sesame oil, rice
wine vinegar, black pepper, chilli flakes and
reduce until sugar has dissolved
3. Liquefy the sauce in a blender until smooth. Use
half of the bulgogi sauce to marinate the meat
and reserve some or finishing
4. Sweat mushrooms and Worcestershire in a
sauté pan until mushrooms have released most
of their natural liquid—season with salt / pepper
5. Heat barbeque well and sear the steak on both
sides making sure to keep the flank steak
medium-rare (tougher cut of meat)
6. Allow steak to rest, resting time should equal
cooking time, and thinly slice against the natural
grain of the meat
7. Finish by adding extra bulgogi sauce to meat
and garnish with chopped green onions and
sesame seeds
8. Enjoy!
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The Meeting Encore Moment is a quarterly publication. For more information on any of the articles featured in this issue, please email your
request to [email protected]. To learn more about Meeting Encore visit our website at: www.meetingencore.com and follow us
on Twitter at @Meeting_Encore.