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AWARD-WINNING YEAR FOR THE VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE

The Vancouver Convention Centre’s leadership in environmental sustainability, venue management and innovative programs is in the spotlight. These efforts have earned the Centre many prestigious awards over the past year, including the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)’s 2011 Venue Excellence Award, presented last week in Phoenix, Arizona during its Annual Convention and Trade Show.

“We’re extremely honoured to be recognized with the IAVM Venue Excellence Award in the Convention Centre category,” says Ken Cretney, General Manager, Vancouver Convention Centre. “This award speaks to our team’s commitment to operational excellence while continuing to deliver exceptional service to our guests, community and other stakeholders.”

The IAVM Venue Excellence Awards recognizes venues that demonstrate excellence in the management and operation of public assembly venues, which were assessed on four criteria: service to the community, team building/professional development, safety and security, and operational excellence.

“These awards were created to recognize outstanding venues. The venues that have been chosen this year have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and unsurpassed commitment of the highest standards within our industry. They are most deserving of this recognition,” says IAVM Chairman of the Board, John Siehl.

The Vancouver Convention Centre also won the International Association of Congress Centres’ (AIPC) 2011 Innovation Award as the Overall Winner in late June, an award that recognizes initiatives that represent “innovation”– the development of a new, more creative or more effective approach to any aspect of convention centre management, operations or marketing.

The award recognizes the Centre’s Service Excellence Program, a program launched to coincide with the opening of its West building expansion in 2009. The program is multifaceted, including daily service line-up meetings, guest service training, a Guest Ambassador Team and innovative delegate resources to ensure that every guest experiences unparalleled service at every touch point.

“We’re very proud of the impact of our Service Excellence Program and to be recognized by AIPC for this team effort,” adds Cretney. “We want to ensure that our guests are not only inspired by the glass, wood and spectacular views of our effective approach to any aspect of convention centre management, operations or marketing.

“We’re very proud of the impact of our Service Excellence Program and to be recognized by AIPC for this team effort,” adds Cretney. “We want to ensure that our guests are not only inspired by the glass, wood and spectacular views of our stunning West building, but also by our incredible service. The program is a success because it has truly been embraced by every employee along with all of our official suppliers.”

From all of us here at WTTC.com, congratulations Vancouver Convention Center on a job well done.

Chicago: McCormick Place Unveils Phase II Of Changes To Convention Center
Vancouver Convention Centre Goes Platinum (cvent.com)
Photo of the Week: Vancouver Convention Centre (lonelyplanet.com)

Tagged conference services, convention center, cvb, green meetings, news, vancouver, wttc.com

WTTC City Spotlight: New York City

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July 28 | wttc our cities | staff

Welcome to WTTC – New York City! Planning a trip to the five boroughs can be part of the fun, but there’s also a lot of ground to cover—how to get here, what to expect from the weather, how to hail a taxi and much more. At WTTC – New York City you’ll find essential information to help you make the most of your visit.

NYC. Where Meeting Planners Meet Value. With diverse neighborhoods citywide and a different experience waiting around every corner, New York City offers up a feeling of energy, excitement and value that is unmatched. In fact, there’s never been a better time to book NYC now for your meeting or convention.

NYC & Company is New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization. NYC & Company’s sales and services teams are available to help you take advantage of exclusive offers that mean greater savings for your attendees and organization.

Whether you’re looking for NYC hotels, NYC restaurants, or NYC attractions, WTTC New York City is the place to start your local search.

Tagged conference services, cvb, event planning, meeting planners, new york, venue selection

Vendor Spotlight – Logistics Associates

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July 7 | wttc vendor spotlight | staff

Logistic Associates can save you time and money and eliminate the hassles of shipping trade show booths and other freight to and from trade show venues, exhibitions, concerts, theatrical productions, conventions or conferences.

The company has extensive contacts within the trade show industry and a keen understanding of the unique challenges faced by exhibitors. Logistic Associates supply transportation solutions to the exhibit and display industry, as well as marketing, promotional, printing and distribution companies, throughout Canada and the U.S.

Logistics Associates does for cargo what a travel agent does for passengers. They provide the best transportation solutions for clients utilizing the most reliable service providers. Logistics Associates offers integrated shipping solutions; air, ground or ocean. Any show. Anywhere. Any Time. Anyhow.

Logistics Associates was established in August 2001 by two logistics specialists, Tony D’Alessandro and Aziz Mohamed, who together have more than 40 years experience. Carol D’Alessandro has been involved in an advisory capacity since its inception; and in 2003 she was appointed to VP of Business Development. When you need to get your booth or other freight to the Venue during the designated window of time contact Carol at 905-861-9600 or by email at cdalessandro@logisticsassoc.com. Carol draws on more than 20 years of business experience to bring clients an unparalleled level of service. By employing a “hands on” approach through all facets of the logistics process, Carol helps deliver tailor-made solutions that satisfy even the most challenging of customer needs. Visit www.logisticsassoc.com for more information.

Tagged conference services, transportation, vendor soptlight

Minnesota Government Shutdown Affects Conferences

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July 6 | meeting and event industry news | staff

No one knows for sure the impact that the government shutdown in Minnesota will have on conferences in that state. But judging by the way the press is talking about it, it seems the general feeling is that the state will suffer. Several conference meeting facility owners fear that if the shutdown does last a while, the state’s economy will suffer.

One person, it appears, seems to think that the government shutdown is a good thing. Former governor and Republican presidential candidate, Tim Pawlenty, thinks that the longer the shutdown last, the more likely that government spending on whole will be slashed. Pretty safe to say that Mr. Pawlenty prefers that Minnesota addresses its current $5 billion deficit with tax cuts verses raising revenues.

Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) has put together a great article that lists the costs associated with the shutdown. Of course the actual costs will depend on exactly how long the shutdown lasts. Estimates are that the shutdown could cost around $12 million per week in lost tourism dollars alone. And that’s from only one of the many affected industries in the state.

Conferences and meetings are usually planned well in advance. So for most, unless the facility itself is shut down, the conference meeting will likely proceed as planned. Smaller meetings, on the other hand, are more last minute in planning. These conferences are the ones that would likely cancel.

As a northern state, Minnesota should be enjoying the summer tourism season. For many small business owners, this is the time that their business is strong. If you’re a planner thinking about taking a group to Minnesota, now may be a good time to see what deals are available. Check out WTTC – Minneapolis / Saint Paul – where you can search for and contact vendors directly. You just never know what awaits you.