“I would like to thank you for all your hard work  The service exceeded our expectations and the events planned could not have been better. downeast definitely elevated the social aspect of the meetings and we received wonderful feedback from all guests. We enjoyed working together as partners and hope we have an opportunity to work together again.”

Nancy da Rocha, Account Director,  Mark IV

“Meeting professionals can’t afford to leave anything out of the imagination. We hope these jobs intrigue and incite you to think more about your industry and how it’s growing. The only people who stay in the same place forever are dead. And this industry is anything but dead.”

I just read this article in Meeting Professionals International. Do you agree with the possibilities? Let me know.

As someone who works for a company that depends on the development of our city I see Halifax compete for association and corporate conference business very regularly against other destinations around the world. We are continually coming up against some of the most cultural and urbane cities. Moving forward on the Nova Centre development will enable us to achieve better positioning. There are many local industries and companies who are built on Halifax succeeding as a destination of choice, I encourage them to speak up and help push this project forward. A well thought out, new development such as the Nova Centre will certainly put Halifax at the top of the global convention map.

As an event manager who is ever cognisant of the uber importance of marketing and being in the know regarding trends and what  the public and  therefore our clients consider to be current, I consider this Trendwatching article a must read.

This years’ Canadian Society of Special Event Planners Conference is in Halifax. What a terrific opportunity for us to showcase our fabulous, friendly city. Last night Claudia and I played host to all Event Planners at a Dine Around in some of Halifax’s most notable restaurants. Participants were treated to a very creative presentation of invitation and downeast style restaurant trivia. The winning team received bottles of Nova Scotian wine compliments of ddm.

I’ve spent the last 2 days pitching downeast destination management’s conference services to a number of associations and organizations who have recently chosen Halifax to host their conferences.  In all of these particular instances local individuals pushed to bring the conferences to Halifax. It is incredible when people really get behind their city and make something great happen- like a conference for 800 people. We have some fantastic advocates bringing business  to our city. If you know someone who has done an extrodinary job consider nominating them for the Destination Halifax Ambassador Club .

Last week I attended the Atlantic Film Festival Opening Party where the new Trailer Park Boys film was the inspiration for the party. It was nice to be a guest rather than the planner.  DJ Double A was fantastic! ddm has hired them in the past and I am such a fan of their style.

This morning I attended an event that celebrated Murphy’s On The Water and the renovation that the business had the guts to undertake during a year when most companies are cutting back on spending. It was refreshing to see a business so excited about the future of Halifax and our ability to compete with destinations around the world. As an event planner and destination management company we rely on partners and suppliers who share our love of Halifax and delight in having others experience it as a top destination.

Green Meeting Ideas – The Top Ten + 1

1. Offer bulk condiments for things like sugar and cream

2. Do not use disposable items like plastic or paper coffee cups or paper plates

3. Offer water in jugs. Do not offer bottled water…but offer re-usable water bottles.

4. Offer local food choices and stay away from endangered species (such as Chilean sea bass)

5. Donate left-over food to local programs such as Food Runners

6. Ensure the accommodation offers in-room recycling of towels, sheets, plastic, paper and bottles

7. Eliminate hand-outs. Offer information on-line, have USB ports available for download or burn a CD

8. Eliminate give-aways that are not edible or re-usable

9. On-line registration and confirmation for both delegates and media

10. Ensure you publicize your environmental efforts to stakeholders

11. Go carbon neutral (if offsetting choose renewable energy, not forest projects)

(from Meeting Professionals International