You may know Canada for its love of hockey, dynamic cities and dramatic mountain, island and coastal resorts. But did you know, Canada is one of the world’s leading countries for Information and Communications Technologies, Clean Tech, Life Sciences, Agriculture, Aerospace and Natural Resources innovations? I’m happy to share with you all the accomplishments first founded in Canada — from the first trans-Atlantic telephone call, to the invention of the Blackberry and pacemaker, to the world’s first search engine (ARCHIE) and the development of a vaccine for Ebola; Canadian innovators have always shaped modern life. In fact, Canada’s leadership in the development of artificial intelligence, deep learning, digital technologies and other knowledge sectors are why global powerhouses like Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Facebook have all set up shop here, and why Canada continues to gain a reputation around the world as a “smart” place to meet.

You’ll find endless, safe, alluring meeting options across Canada. Major urban centers huddled close to the US border, put Canada’s largest cities within easy reach of US hub destinations. From dynamic cities pulsating with 24-hour energy in Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, to the old-world charms (and cuisine!) found in Montréal, Québec City, Victoria, Charlottetown, and St. John’s, to the space to think that delegates both crave and find in Canada’s picturesque mountain and coastal resorts; well, Canada never disappoints. Add in LEED designed, BOMA certified convention centers from coast to coast, and the bonus of the low Canadian dollar, and well, you’ve got even more compelling reasons to meet here.

People are looking for new experiences when they travel and are frequently taking advantage of tagging on vacation travel with their business event. Bleisure travel — combining business and leisure — often makes a conference more appealing to attendees and their families, and nowhere is more enticing for pre- and post-conference travel than Canada. From Northern Lights viewing and Polar bear watching in Canada’s North, to exploring wine country outside of Toronto and Vancouver, to legendary golf and spa experiences in some of the most picturesque settings, to the off-the-grid luxury and eco resorts found from coast to coast to coast; there’s always a reason to extend a business trip for some personal exploration no matter where in Canada you meet.

I am certain most agree, that the people in Canada are arguably the nicest on the planet! A true “joie de vivre” (“joy of living”) permeates Canada’s multicultural mosaic. This is particularly evident in the festivals, concerts and celebrations visitors enjoy throughout the country. If you haven’t been to Canada yet, you really must go to experience what I’m talking about.

I hope you can join me in exploring the expansive options and attractions Canada offers. I am eager to share the benefits of meeting in Canada with you. Whether you need impartial insights, inspiration or just an introduction, please contact me for assistance with your next bid.
Jeanine O’Dowd, Director, Midwest U.S. 630.797.5687. email: [email protected] www.businesseventscanada.ca
Prior to joining Business Events Canada, O’Dowd served as Director of National Accounts for Westin properties in Grand Cayman and Lake Las Vegas. Ms. O’Dowd possesses extensive experience providing a diverse portfolio of hotel and destination solutions in her previous roles as Director of National Sales for Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Convention properties, Arthur Anderson’s Q Conference Center and The luxury Peninsula Chicago property.

Meetings Mean Business Canada
Meetings Mean Business Canada advocates on behalf of the Canadian Business Events Industry which contributes over $27 billion CAD in GDP annually and sustains over 341,000 full-time jobs. The MMB Canada board is actively reaching out to key industry stakeholders across all sectors of the Canadian Business Events Industry to transform the coalition into a proactive, well-funded advocacy movement with strong connections to federal, provincial and municipal governments.

For more information: [email protected]