Igniting Fresh Ideas For MICE

with Martha Chapman

Sort of weird to be at the Exhibition Grounds in downtown Toronto without corn dogs (an inevitable part of the CNE summer fun fair for me) or road apples (the swanky Royal Winter fair). But the Ignite Business Event Expo at the sparkling Direct Energy building proved to be well worth the journey.

Dozens of exhibitors from the world of meetings and incentive travel were there to showcase their wares. From cool travel accessories to entertainers and wizards of wine, the selection was impressive. Add in destinations as diverse as the Far East and the Much Nearer East (Atlantic Canada was impressively presented) and it was a real one-stop-shop event.

Jacinda Lowry of Club Med Business told me that 30 of the Club’s 80 villages have meeting space – and it’s a great choice because with the generous inclusions in the inclusive pricing (such as golf, with instruction) it makes a meeting planner’s job so much easier.

Barry Gallant, part of the Halifax team, says that visitors love the maritime feel and especially the warm welcome they receive from friendly locals.

And, Mayte Albaladejo of Visit Orlando says meeting planners love the city’s value, huge array of accommodation, easy access and cool meeting venues.

As Ignite publisher Richard Elliott put it, the show – its 1st ever – was a collaborative effort between Ignite, SITE and ACTE, making it a command performance for any Canadian in the meetings biz. As he put it: “Fresh ideas – that’s what we are all about!”