newsletter

Level up with Leanne: organizing a business plan retreat

As professionals in the bustling meetings and events world, you undoubtedly understand the value of meticulous planning and strategic thinking. However, in the fast-paced nature of our industry, it’s easy to get so caught up in day-to-day operations that we forget to step back and take a broader view. That’s where the magic of a business plan retreat comes into play. A business plan retreat is … Read More about Level up with Leanne: organizing a business plan retreat

Strengthen your team bond at work

More work always gets accomplished when a team is working closely in harmony. This can sometimes be easier said than done. There are personality conflicts to deal with, introverted staff members and people who simply work better alone than on a team. Plus, times have changed since the pandemic. Companies are on flexible schedules, with employees often working from home or coming in on opposite … Read More about Strengthen your team bond at work

SWAG: What’s in and what’s out

Remember when Michael Scott went to the paper trade show on The Office? "SWAG! Stuff we all get! I basically decorated my condo for free with all of my swag," he says. Now, Michael Scott may have been overly excited, but not too far off. Everyone loves event swag. Eric Jolly, Account Manager and Business Development at Proforma Battlefield Advertising, has worked in the promotional product … Read More about SWAG: What’s in and what’s out

Level Up with Leanne: Are you ready for ChatGPT?

Show of hands: Did anyone else feel gob-smacked earlier this year when ChatGPT entered our professional worlds? I wanted to dive in head first to see what the fuss was about, and over the past year I’ve learned a ton about how it can help in our meetings and events industry. I hear inspiring stories from planners that are using ChatGPT as their trusty sidekick who can help with all the … Read More about Level Up with Leanne: Are you ready for ChatGPT?

Ottawa to host 11th Annual International Indigenous Tourism Conference

The 11th Annual International Indigenous Tourism Conference will be hosted on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory in Ottawa, from February 25 to 28, 2024. The Shaw Centre will welcome over 1,000 delegates over the four-day event. Organized by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), the conference is already sparking excitement within the Ottawa area. "The 2024 … Read More about Ottawa to host 11th Annual International Indigenous Tourism Conference

Breaking down the art of conference sponsorships

When it comes to planning a conference, convention or meeting, budget is probably top of mind (or at least it should be). Expenses need to be covered and while breaking even might be the goal, increasing your ROI doesn’t hurt. And while ticket sales may take care of the majority of the cost, having some sponsors attached to the event can really help to curb the costs. Get started early When … Read More about Breaking down the art of conference sponsorships

Level Up with Leanne: Recommitting to your Q4 goals

Summer’s over, kids are back in school, hockey programs are starting, and we’re only 3 months away from closing out another year on our business goals and projects. How on earth did that happen? But before we resign ourselves to a season filled with regret, we still have time, my friends!  September is a great time to take in the fresh school supplies and recommit to our yearly goals. We still … Read More about Level Up with Leanne: Recommitting to your Q4 goals

7 considerations for the perfect conference venue

When it comes to planning a conference, whether it is large or small scale, there are a few things to keep in mind. While logistics are clearly top of mind – budget, size and location – there are a few other factors to consider. Catering options What meals will you be providing to attendees? A simple breakfast? A buffet lunch? A four-course dinner? No matter the option, you’ll need to figure … Read More about 7 considerations for the perfect conference venue

5 booth lessons we learned from CMEExpo

And that's a wrap on CMEExpo 2023! We hope that everyone had a great time. As our staff meandered through the endless booths at the show, we were able to learn some valuable lessons about what it takes to have a successful trade show booth. Here are a few tips for upcoming shows. 1. Confidence is key! When it comes to staffing a booth and drawing people in, confidence plays a key role. A … Read More about 5 booth lessons we learned from CMEExpo

Swap it out: Mocktails are in!

Looking for some interesting ways to change up your event? Well, it’s time to swap out the old for the new. Put a spin on the traditional and take your show to the next level with some outside-the-box thinking. Start with your beverages. The swap: alcohol for mocktails Having a fully stocked bar at any event is greatly appreciated. Expanding past the regular bar rail with different liquors, … Read More about Swap it out: Mocktails are in!

How to choose the best speaker for your show

Looking for the perfect speaker for your next event? Here are a few helpful hints for booking the best person for the job and how you can collaborate to make the most of the experience. Establish your logistics Before approaching anyone, be prepared with dates, location, estimate of audience members and budget. Yes – a budget. Speakers may be passionate about their topics, but they generally … Read More about How to choose the best speaker for your show

Level Up with Leanne: CMEExpo – The buzz around this can’t-miss show

I don’t know about you, but my day planner has been glammed up with my glitter pen for next week.  I’m heading to Toronto for my favourite show of the year! It’s right around the corner – the Canadian Meetings + Events Expo (CMEE) happening on August 15-16 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. “It’s just another industry trade show – why … Read More about Level Up with Leanne: CMEExpo – The buzz around this can’t-miss show

Easing convention stress for attendees

After COVID, travelling and attending in-person events became a source of stress for many people. Not everyone was able to jump back into convention life as easily as others. And even now, as life has returned to normal, there is a wellness trend that continues to grow. Mental health is at the forefront, and you need to think about what is best for clients, customers, employees and … Read More about Easing convention stress for attendees

Level Up with Leanne: The power of collaborations

When you set your yearly goals, do you also put thought into your guiding words of the year? I set an intent on three “words of the year”, and one of my words this year is “collaboration.” While my year was off to a solo start, head down with projects, I’ve really kicked collaboration into high-gear lately, and what a difference it has made, both to my energy levels and my creativity!  So … Read More about Level Up with Leanne: The power of collaborations

What are the most Instagrammable cities in Canada?

In a recent study by real estate company Greater Toronto Home Pros, Canada is a pretty gorgeous country and we like to show it off. By analyzing hashtags related to each city, Toronto tops the list. With nearly 56 million #Toronto posts (not to mention other related hashtags), Toronto takes first place. With the city’s population, tourist attractions and major events, its rating comes as no … Read More about What are the most Instagrammable cities in Canada?

Boost your booth with 7 simple ideas

Trade shows and conferences can become a blur of booths after a while. After hours on a show floor, attendees will be looking for something to catch their eye and draw them in. There are a few little tricks that will help you increase traffic. Be open The first thing people will respond to is the person manning your booth. This person needs to be open, friendly and approachable. This means … Read More about Boost your booth with 7 simple ideas

Level Up with Leanne: FOMO, JOMO and filling the right dance card

“The FOMO is real.”  Every time I find myself missing out on an industry event, I utter these words. And the meetings and events industry feeds us a constant buffet of conference and events, where FOMO can come up literally every week for us! Let's face it, FOMO (the Fear Of Missing Out) has become a real monster in our lives. We're constantly bombarded with social media posts of people … Read More about Level Up with Leanne: FOMO, JOMO and filling the right dance card

6 ways to add sustainability to your booth

Sustainability is a buzzword that won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. And the push to go fully earth-friendly may take some time. There’s a learning curve with any change, but people seem to be headed in the right direction. The IBM Institute for Business Value completed a survey in 2022, in which “93% of global respondents said the pandemic had influenced their views on … Read More about 6 ways to add sustainability to your booth

It’s now easier to get from Edmonton to Germany

Anytime a direct flight is announced from Canada to Europe, it's time to rejoice. In this case, Condor Airlines has confirmed that they will begin flying from Edmonton to Frankfurt (and return) this summer, on Tuesdays and Fridays. Myron Keehn, President and CEO of Edmonton International Airport is thrilled about the new endeavour. He says, “The addition of a new non-stop destination to … Read More about It’s now easier to get from Edmonton to Germany

Hilton to launch Embassy Suites in Aruba in 2021

by Don Douloff

MCLEAN, Va. — Hilton plans to debut the upscale, all-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton brand in Aruba in 2021. The new-build, 330-suite oceanfront Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort marks Hilton’s second hotel on the island and continues the company’s expansion in the Caribbean. To be located across from Eagle Beach, the eight-storey, 330-suite resort will feature the brand’s signature … Read More about Hilton to launch Embassy Suites in Aruba in 2021

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