Rebecca Dodd, Assistant Catering Manager recently gave birth to a baby girl, Ema, and conveniently timed her maternity leave with the return of Catherine Rockburn. Catherine has assumed Rebecca's catering role. Catherine's official return date was March 1 and she is now in full swing.

We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Pam Geddes-Bosman, who as a result of the above announcements will continue in her role as Sales Coordinator with the LCC – through to the end of March 2009.

Every year for the M&IT (Meeting & Incentice Travel) Magazine Market Report planners are asked to complete their survey to tell them which conference or meeting facility, hotel or resort has exceeded their expectations and best catered to their group's needs. While many venues receive single votes, indicative of a first-rate meeting-planner experience, only those garnering multiple votes qualify for their Readers' Choice Awards.

These venues have consistently maintained high levels of meeting-planner-client satisfaction. Price, location and quality of food are also important components of a destination's venue. The most important aspect to any meeting planner is the service quotient. "Excellent staff, fantastic staff, impeccable staff" are just some of the standards planners listed when asked why they choose a particular venue that exceeded their expectations.

Please join us in congratulating Bob Giorgini, Director, Sales & Marketing who was recently nominated as President Elect for 2008 – 2009 of The Toronto Chapter of Meeting Planners International (MPI). Bob has been an active member on the Board for a number of years and will be the first Chapter President from Southwestern-Ontario. MPI is an international Association with over 22,000 members and 67 chapters. The Toronto Chapter is very proud to be the 9th largest in the world with a membership of over 730 members. This is a huge opportunity to profile the London Convention Centre and London, Ontario as a major part of the Canadian meetings industry.

Additionally, Bob was also recently nominated as "Supplier of the Year" for 2007 for this organization. Congratulations Bob!!!

1. The better you’ve planned things out technologically, the better chances you have at staying on budget.
2. Technology is more cost effective when it is purchased well in advance of the event.
3. Partnering with your A/V supplier far enough in advance can help overcome last-minute challenges that can lead to big expenses.
4. LED is a more cost effective option than traditional incandescent lighting.