Focus on the Ontario Market
Michelle Westaway from the Great George at our Tete a Tete booth.
Each year, CSAE Ottawa-Gatineau hosts its Tête-à-Tête, bringing people together to connect, discover and build partnerships – benefiting both participants and exhibitors alike.
Tête-à-Tête, is the premier tradeshow for association leaders, meeting planners and business partners from the Ottawa-Gatineau Region. It is hosted by the local CSAE Chapter and is open to all Association and Not-For-Profit Executive Directors and Employees, Professional Meeting Planners and Government Procurers.
Each year Association Meetings generate millions of dollars for Prince Edward Island. Therefore, our presence at Tête-à-Tête helps to showcase Prince Edward Island as a unique meeting destination and leave a lasting impression on the decision makers within the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
This year’s Tête-à-Tête was held at the EY Centre in Ottawa and was a full day of tradeshow, networking, and education. Meetings & Conventions PEI put on a splash this year, a large trade show booth and good member attendance.
The Meetings & Conventions Prince Edward Island booth was popular with attendees and generated more than 50 direct leads for potential pieces of business for PEI. As the must attend Association “Show of the Year” it was wonderful to have members attend with us and have the opportunity to meet potential clients face to face.
Thanks to attending members:
- Michelle Westaway with the Great George Properties
- Robert Jay with Lanes Riverhouse Inn
- Janet Higgins with Rodd Hotels and Resorts
- Betty Anne Morrison with the Delta Prince Edward by Marriott
As usual, the Tête-à-Tête kicked off with the ever popular and highly anticipated REVEAL Social the night before. This event, held at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, brought together the meeting industry’s movers and shakers for a night of networking. Meetings & Conventions PEI was an A Level sponsor for this event and we made many great connections.
Treena MacLeod and Rebecca Alexander at Destination Direct
Another popular annual event germane to our work, Destination Direct is a unique Hosted Buyer program showcasing the value of Canada’s convention destinations. Treena (in her new Business Development Manager role) and Rebecca represented MCPEI, one of more than 20 Destination Marketing Organizations participating.
Billed as the must attend event for association leaders looking for valuable education and networking in a relaxed atmosphere, the annual Winter Summit, held in Niagara Falls, is an ideal learning opportunity for senior association and emerging leaders to strengthen and develop their leadership and management skills. Rebecca represented attended the Winter Summit on behalf of Meetings & Conventions Prince Edward Island. It did not disappoint!
Ann Worth at the M&CPEI Toronto Networking event
As in the past, we hosted networking receptions in both Toronto and Ottawa in early March. The Toronto event, held at Rodney’s Oyster House, attracted 66 registered attendees while the Ottawa session at the Whalesbone attracted more than 70. We are grateful to MCPEI members who attended both receptions and promoted our Island as a favourable meeting and convention destination: Claddagh Oyster House/Olde Dublin Pub/Peakes Quay, the Delta Prince Edward by Marriott, Rodd Hotels and Resorts, the Holman Grand Hotel, Great George properties, New Glasgow Lobster Suppers, Coach Atlantic/Prince Edward Tours.
M&CPEI in the community
Ann Worth and Susan Freeman guest speakers at Holland College
We were also very busy here at home this winter, telling Islanders about our work and the impact we have on the Island economy. Executive Director Ann Worth was the keynote speaker for the annual Summerside and Area Chamber of Commerce President’s dinner, held on February 21. She also did an interview with The Guardian, projecting a robust 2018 season.
We were pleased to accept an invitation to present at the Holland College Career Connections program. It is always a pleasure representing the organization on behalf of our members.
A new look
Take a look at our refreshed website. We have opened it up to advertising and have added a cool new photo wall. Please review your member listing and contact Rose Dennis, Member Engagement & Marketing Coordinator, if you need any updates:
rdennis@peimc.com
902.894.4109
902.388.5526 Cell
Meet Me Here
On March 19th, Meetings & Conventions Prince Edward Island excitedly unveiled an innovative Web series entitled Meet Me Here. It gives an inside look at the latest trends, locations and ideas behind Canada’s leaders in the meeting industry.
Mary-Helen McLeese and Patrick Faller on set of Meet Me Here
This bi weekly, on-line talk show will run for 4 months. Four of the episodes were filmed in Ottawa during the Tête-à-Tête tradeshow, four others at our Toronto reception. The show was the brainchild of Mary-Helen McLeese, our Marketing and Social Media Manager. “This is a subtle way to let planners know we are forward thinking, aware of the latest trends, and here when they need us” says Mary-Helen, “Planners were not interested in participating in a show that was just another sell of the destination, they wanted to be recognized as experts in their field (as did we!). So we are creating this content not as a direct sell but to position ourselves as thought leaders in the industry and create strong bonds between our organization and influential planners.”
To help keep costs down Rose Dennis, Member Engagement and Marketing Coordinator, was employed as production assistant and sound recordist. “The episodes have garnered a lot of interest on line” says Rose, “The most recent episode has had over 2,000 views, a majority off-island audience, and comments and shares from planners and influencers. We are really pleased considering this is a very new venture”
Rounding out the small 4 person crew is M&CPEI Member Patrick Faller, previously a CBC field reporter and host on Compass, who produced the show along with series host and producer Nicholas Whalen, former Business Development Manager with Meeting & Conventions PEI, putting his first-hand knowledge of the subject matter to very good use.
Looking ahead the series will continue bi-weekly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. AST. (next episode will air April 12th, 2018)
Missed the show? Here is episode one (or check out our Facebook or Youtube channels)
COMING RIGHT UP!
Digital Education Day
Join us on April 17th and immerse yourself in technology. This valuable learning event will focus primarily on:
- Growing Your Business on Facebook
- Getting the Most out of the MCPEI Website
- Create Real Online Engagement
- HOT TOPIC: 2018 Facebook Algorithm – How to Continue to Get Your Audience’s Attention
Natalie Davison and Cearagh Vessey, with Marrow Marketing, are our guest speakers for the day. Check them out prior to these exciting sessions.
This learning opportunity is complimentary as a membership benefit. Please register online at https://mcpeidigitaleducationday.eventbrite.ca and we will add you to the guest list.
We are looking forward to learning with you to maximize our opportunity to sell our Island and THE best meeting and convention destination
Did you know?
If you lament missing one of our conferences, meetings or sessions, have no fear. We’ve got you covered! Just visit the helpful and easy-to-navigate Learning for Members page on our website to find handouts, presentations and other relevant documents.
Atlantic Roadtrippin’
Two provinces, three cities, three days and four nights with Team Meetings & Conventions PEI! Join us on our first annual Atlantic Provinces Member Roadtrip, taking advantage of this amazing opportunity to showcase products and services first hand to local meeting planners in Fredericton, Moncton and Halifax. We are targeting local planners in these cities – folks who have influence to choose PEI as a meeting destination. Register now for the April 9-12 roadtrip! All you have to do is jump on the bus and come along for the ride!
Here are some highlights:
Fredericton, April 9, 2018: Evening client reception at Corked Wine Bar; accommodations at the Holiday Inn and Suites Fredericton.
Moncton, April 10, 2018: Evening client reception at Gusto Italian Grill and Bar; accommodations at the Rodd Moncton.
Halifax, April 11, 2018: Evening reception at Barrington Steakhouse; accommodations at the Hampton Inn Halifax Downtown.
Halifax, April 12, 2018: Attend an event to celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day 2018, hosted by MPI Atlantic, gathering leaders from across the meetings and events industry to showcase the real impact on people, business and communities. This is one of more than 120 events held across six continents. Bus departs for Charlottetown when the event ends at 2 p.m.
Take a bow (or curtsy)!
The last few months were a busy awards season and
M&CPEI staff and members took home their share of the hardware.
A few notable recognitions include:
Rebecca Alexander
SITE + MPI Global Forum Scholarship winner.
For the first time, the joint SITE + MPI Global Forum welcomed both incentive travel and meeting professionals to Rome in January 2018 to provide a collaborative atmosphere to learn, network and exchange best industry practices.
The SITE Scholarship announced that our very own Rebecca Alexander was one of the two scholarship winners to attend the SITE + MPI Global Forum in Rome, Italy.
Rebecca was able to attend activities hosted by MPI and SITE and participate in incentive and meetings focused learning tracks which allowed her to customize the educational experience.
Congratulations Rebecca!
Congratulations to The Grand Victorian Weddings and Events on winning a PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation heritage award.
The Grand Victorian was also one of two island venues that has the “Wedding Bells” magazine’s list of Canada’s Loveliest Wedding Venues for 2018. The other highlighted was our member the PEI Brewing Company.
The work of Brady McCloskey Photography has been seen in the New York Times real estate section. Way to go, Brady!
nytimes.com
In January, Target Tours launched Target Tours Atlantic to provide private and small group tour services on PEI. Target Tours, in operation since 2009, has been primarily focusing on outbound tours from the Maritimes to North American and European destinations. Under the Target Tours Atlantic brand, the company will increase its focus on inbound business. The company has acquired Duncan’s Island Tours to assist in this expansion. Congratulations on your growth spurt!
IN OTHER NEWS
Increased airport traffic
In early January, the Charlottetown Airport Authority announced 2017 was another record-breaking year for passenger traffic.
When the numbers were tallied, 370,688 passengers travelled through the Charlottetown Airport, 4.6% more than in 2016. The meetings and conventions industry here on the Island can take credit for some of that growth.
Increased Room Nights
Announcements
Experience Specialist Program
Tuesday, April 10, 2018 from 8:30 am – 12:00 noon
New London Community Complex
Only 50 spaces available…the last session filled up quickly. It’s free to participate
Registration Required: Sign up on Eventbrite
Touch, Taste and Sea
Calling all Tourism Operators Island Wide – all there is to experience in the Greater Rustico Area in 2018!
Wednesday, April 11th, 2018
Greater Rustico Area
Drop in anytime between 2 – 5 pm
CCTP AGM & Shoulder Season Speed Networking Event
Wed, April 18, 2018
Borden-Carleton Royal Canadian Legion
From 9 am – 12 noon
All are welcome. Register on EVENTBRITE