Meeting (and Exceeding) Expectations

Meetings
& Events
Meeting (and Exceeding)
Expectations
Event Planning Made Easy
resortsofontario.com
In This
Guide
PG
5
BAYVIEW WILDWOOD RESORT
7
BEACHWOOD RESORT
Christi Spriggs Krista Morgan 6
1.888.742.6742
WHITE OAKS RESORT & SPA
Sarah Clark 14
1.800.461.5817
SHAMROCK LODGE
Sales Manager 15
1.800.383.3976
SEVERN LODGE
Rick Breckbill 13
1.705.727.4664
MILLCROFT INN & SPA
Sales Manager 13
1.866.462.5539
KEMPENFELT CONFERENCE CENTRE
Wes Shedler 14
1.905.342.5366
HOCKLEY VALLEY RESORT
Andrea Robinson 12
1.888.725.2256
GOLDEN BEACH RESORT
Sales Manager 11
1.705.678.2248
FERN RESORT
Murray Lathem 12
1.705.446.3280
ELK LAKE ECO RESORT
Shaun Sadler 10
1.800.669.4861
CRANBERRY GOLF RESORT
Tanya Schaefer 9
1.800.465.2376
CALAGOGIE PEAKS RESORT
Wendy Turner 8
1.705.445.0231
BRIARS CONFERENCE RESORT
Brad Young 9
1.888.313.1118
BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Mark Rick 7
1.800.461.0243
1.905.704.5680
YMCA GENEVA PARK
Alicia Noble 1.705.325.2253
Meeting (and Exceeding)
Expectations
Ontario resorts make event planning easy – it’s not hard to see
why planners and groups keep coming back for more
By Katherine Low
Whether it’s throwing together a spontaneous
S’mores party or reconfiguring a conference
room to accommodate last-minute delegates,
it isn’t always easy to anticipate the needs of
every guest at a conference, meeting or trade
show. Yet Ontario’s resorts consistently go the
extra mile (or kilometre, rather) to ensure that
each guest receives top-notch service and
wants for nothing. Summer or winter, big or
small, Resorts of Ontario has the perfect
venue. And they never forget the marshmallows!
“Each resort has something different and
unique to offer,” says Caron Lusk, Chief
Experience Offer at Red Carpet Incentives.
“Their size means that you get very personal
and attentive service that isn’t found in most
hotels.” Lusk recently hosted a business anniversary weekend at Hockley Valley Resort
and says the popular ski hill was the deciding
factor. “We had a free day on Saturday for our
guests to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, as
well as the ice rink.”
can accommodate her large groups, providing ample meeting space and breakout rooms
as well as single accommodations for every
guest. Blue Mountain was the perfect choice
for a recent event she planned – she says the
unique atmosphere enabled her group to “feel
the grandeur of the northern (and Blue) outdoors.”
Margaret Tiong has attended several conferences at Blue Mountain and agrees that the
outdoor experiences are what made the conferences memorable. “The sauna and outdoor
hot tub are wonderful; the skating rink is a lot
of fun; and the proximity to Blue Mountain
Village means there are lots of options for
eating and shopping,” she says.
Ontario resorts are thrilled to hear that
groups love their outdoor offerings as much
as their own staff. Krista Morgan, General
Manager of Beachwood Resorts, says that the
resort’s location is one of its greatest assets.
“Guests love the peacefulness of the area and
the resort,” she says. “We are tucked away
from distractions and we have everything
guests need on site so it’s the perfect place to
meet for work.”
Planners agree that it’s the pristine outdoor
space that gives Ontario’s resorts an edge
when it comes to corporate functions. “Guests
love the outdoor portion of the programs,
even if it’s just a lunch time barbecue outside,” says Natalie J. Savage, President of The
Planner, Conference & Event Management
Inc. “Any chances to be in the sunshine and
fresh air makes their enthusiasm soar.”
Savage chooses Ontario resorts because they
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And when it comes to location, Ontario’s resorts offer everything from being in the heart
of a city to getting away from it all. Resorts
like Elk Lake Eco Centre can even close to
the public to provide exclusive use of the resort. “This creates an environment where participants are more focused as disruptions are
less likely,” says Shawn Sadler, General Manager. Sadler says planners love working with
the lodge as they receive personalized attention throughout the planning process.
A beautiful location is a great advantage, but
once guests walk through the doors, it’s the
staff at Ontario resorts that really make a stay
memorable. “Ontario resorts are great hosts
for meetings and corporate events because
they provide a sense of being cared for, rather
than just attending a meeting or event,” says
Heidi Wilker of Blessed Events. “If the meeting or event requires participants to be focused, the resort provides that captive
audience environment.” Indeed, Wilker is
such a fan of Ontario resorts for corporate
bookings, she even held her daughter’s wedding at an Ontario resort.
Alicia Noble, Conference Manager of YMCA
Geneva Park, reinforces the importance of
making guests feel welcome. “Our staff fosters a sense of belonging with all guests on
site; they are our family,” she says. “In fact,
more than 70 per cent of our conference
groups return every year because they feel
like they are coming home. We are an inclusive, safe environment where all groups are
welcome.”
Planners and delegates alike love the ease of
Ontario resorts; the personalized service
is always the standard, never the exception.
And when a group can come together and
know that the details are taken care of, an
event can really begin to take shape and
succeed. Whether it’s offering a spontaneous
boat tour, sending in an audiovisual expert to
save the day or jumping a car battery, planners are consistently impressed with the
lengths resorts will go to ensure not only a
perfect event, but also a memorable
experience. And when it comes to the S’mores? All you have to do is ask. These resorts
really will deliver on a last-minute request
from a group for a S’mores party.
“We built the fire, supplied them with ample
wood for the evening, made sure there were
enough chairs for everyone, gave them a
cooler for their beverages and everything
they needed to cook and create S’mores,” says
Krista Morgan, resort operator. Nothing is off
the table when it comes to ways resort staff
can accommodate its groups, creating
memorable moments in unforgettable locations. And just like the tasty campfire dessert,
Ontario’s resorts ensure groups always come
back for seconds.
Rewards that people will tak about...
Today’s competitive business environment demands the best from your team! And why not? After all, they are the
resources driving results, productivity and success! Investing in your team and your staff members is not only a smart
practice, it’s easy with Resorts of Ontario’s gift certificates. With no expiry date and denominations ranging from
$50 to $500, they’re the perfect way to show appreciation and add incentive. Our certificates can be used for
accommodations and services (eg. dining, golf, spa) at any of over 100 resorts. The recipients choose where, when and what.
Purchase at www.resortsofontario.com or call 1-800-363-7227
4
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Business is better
@ Bayview Wildwood
INDOOR/OUTDOOR POOLS • LAKEFRONT DINING • SINGLE ROOMS TO 5 BEDROOM ACCOMMODATIONS
Located just 90 minutes north of Toronto at the gateway to Muskoka,
Bayview Wildwood Resort is home to an abundance of wild life... in the great outdoors,
on the lake and occasionally in the board room.
This award-winning all season resort on Sparrow Lake provides relaxation surrounded
by natural beauty while offering guests Lakeside Meeting Rooms, Group Services, Team
Events, Free Wi-fi, Spa Services, On-site Recreation, Inclusive Dining options and Lake
View accommodation for groups up to 150.
BAY V I E W W I L DWO O D . c o m
For more information, visit us online or call 1.800.461.0243
WWW.RESORTSOFONTARIO.COM
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BMR-ResortsOfOntario-MeetingGuide-SummerWestin.pdf 1 4/16/2015 11:08:57 AM
C
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CM
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CMY
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Blue Mountain is much more than a place to meet.
Our beautiful resort setting, our people and customization of
each group experience sparks inspiration and imagination.
Possibilities are endless with more than 53,000 sq. ft. of meeting
and convention space, and 900 suites ranging from Inn rooms
to the Westin Trillium House. Rest easy as our team caters
to every detail of your stay with confidence.
Reward your delegates with a meeting that offers more
—an experience that encourages creativity,
teamwork and success.
Contact us to reserve your meeting
space, and learn how we can
inspire your next event.
sales@bluemountain.ca | 877-445-0231 x6210
6
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Celebrating 175 Years
NOW CLOSER THAN EVER...
Just 50 min from Toronto on Lake Simcoe
BRIARS.CA | MEETINGS@BRIARS.CA | 1-800-465-2376
JACKSON’S POINT, ON
Find us on:
WWW.RESORTSOFONTARIO.COM
7
Spring Meeting Packages
Collingwood & Blue Mountain
Collingwood & Blue Mountain
REJUVENATE & INSPIRE
Standing proudly on the shoreline of the beautiful Georgian Bay is the Living Water Resort & Residences, the ideal location for your next corporate
function. Rejuvenate and inspire your guests in idyllic surroundings while maintaining a positive work ethos throughout. Living Water Resort’s numerous
amenities afford guests the opportunity to find peace after a busy day of corporate meetings – relax in our breathtaking indoor pool or unwind in
your spacious suite.
Adjacent to Living Water Resort & Residences is one of the finest banquet halls in the Collingwood/Blue Mountain area. Set against the backdrop
of the serene Georgian Bay, Bear Estate caters for up to 220 guests with over 3500 square feet of space available, the facility is capable of
accommodating executive meetings as well as larger scale corporate functions.
Set against the backdrop of Blue Mountain, The Cranberry Golf Resort is home to the elegant William Watts Ballroom, capable of hosting up to
160 guests. Newly renovated and installed with modern décor, the ballroom can be designed to accommodate any functions requirements.
With a capacity of 104 people, Atoka House is the perfect venue for executive meetings and social gatherings. Situated at the Cranberry Golf
Course, why not let your guests experience one of the regions most challenging courses. With the majestic Blue Mountain overlooking your meeting
space, allow the beauty to define your event at the Cranberry Golf Resort.
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Fresh Air
Breathes
Fresh
Ideas
Close to the city, yet
far from distractions,
Calabogie Peaks
Resort boasts
year-round activities
on mountain, lake and
land to complement
the hours spent at the
conference table.
Over 7,500 sq. ft. available for meeting space • Mountainside hotel and condos
• Complementary high speed WiFi • Teambuilding activities
• Catering & casual dining at Canthooks Restaurant serving local food & beverages
• Seasonal recreation including Ontario’s tallest ski mountain & executive 9-hole golf course
1-800-669-4861 calabogie.com
Take your Work to the Wilderness.
We are unique, connected and have great
local food. Ideal for team building.
Oh, and we have canoes too!
Corporate Meetings & Strategic Planning
(877) 678-2248 | www.elklakeeco.com
WWW.RESORTSOFONTARIO.COM
9
See the
Fern
Diference
www.fernconference.com
sales@fernconference.com • 888 725-2256
Events that realize your goals
10
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Take your meeting to the next level
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11
Banquets & Meetings
4 Season
Rice Lake, Ontario, Canada
Meetings, Events &
Conferences
at Golden Beach Resort
Golden Beach Resort has everything you need for your
Conference, Convention, Group Bookings, Special Event or
Wedding.
• Host your party, conference or meeting in our large
banquet hall with capacity of 50-250 people
• Indoor and outdoor venue set up
• Customized menu by our in-house Chef
• Team building activities all four seasons
• Large group and small group rates
• All-in pricing to include menu & accommodations
• SouthShore General Store & Cafe open all season
• Two Bedroom Condo Suites with fireplace starting at
$69.00* per person
• Packages start as low as $39.55* per person for conference/
banquet including three meals per day
Golden Beach Resort
7100 County Road 18, Roseneath, Rice Lake, ON, K0K 2X0
1-800-263-7781
www.goldenbeachresort.com
events@goldenbeachresort.com
*Accommodation pricing is based on three persons sharing a suite. Conference pricing is
based on minimum 50 people per party or group, enjoying 3 meals per day.
A ‘PREFERRED’
location for
Executive, Board
and Committee
Retreats!
Great MeetinGs BeGin with the site!
Dare to Compare our TRUE ALL-INCLUSIVE 24-hour CMP (Complete Meeting Package)!
Ask us about our last-minute deals.
Residential meetings start at $89pp and Day meetings start at $25pp per day!
Visit our website for a FAST, NO-OBLIGATION E-QUOTE!
kempenfelt.com
12
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At Severn Lodge, Chairperson takes on a whole new meaning.
As one of the premier waterfront resorts in Muskoka, we’ve been a favourite meeting place for over a century.
Our secluded setting and spectacular views provide the ideal environment for productive meetings.
Why not talk to our Group Sales Manager today and let us reserve a chair for you?
Featuring 46 well-appointed waterfront rooms & suites, fine country
dining, and a world of recreation. Only 90 minutes from Toronto in the
heart of world-famous Muskoka~Georgian Bay lake district.
800-461-5817 sales@severnlodge.on.ca
www.severnlodge.on.ca
Rated #1 hotel in Muskoka by Trip Advisor
Let the Bryant family make you feel at home
with their personal service and take the stress
out of your next corporate getaway.
Who says a meeting has to be ALL business?
2015
Traveler’s
Choice Award
www.shamrocklodge.com
Toll Free: 1-888-742-6742
shamrock@shamrocklodge.com
WWW.RESORTSOFONTARIO.COM
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The most beautiful meeting spaces,
Our 6 meeting rooms, with room capacities ranging up to
80 people, feature exposed limestone walls or beautiful oak
paneling, and views of the river and grounds. Our unique
venue for team-building and brainstorming sessions keep
our corporate clients coming back year after year.
This year, experience our exceptional service and venue for yourself.
millcroft.com | 1-800-383-3976 | salesinquiry@vintage-hotels.com | Caledon, ON
YMCA
GENEVA PARK
The perfect
destination for
your conference
Our unique location offers privacy
and a beautiful natural setting on
Lake Couchiching to make your
experience truly memorable.
We provide an incredible range
of year-round activities,
accommodations, meeting
spaces and exceptional dining.
1-866-895-9622
www.ymcagenevapark.com
14
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meeting type #0002
the Innovator
FREE YOUR MIND AND THIS MEETING WILL FOLLOW.
NO NECK TIES AND NO LIMITS IS THE SECRET FORMULA
FOR ONE MASSIVE IDEA GENERATION SESSION.
WHATEVER YOUR MEETING PERSONALITY...
WHITE OAKS IS YOUR PERFECT MATCH. BRIGHT STYLISH INTERIORS,
COMFY SEATING, ACCLAIMED SERVICE, STELLAR DINING AND LUXE
ACCOMMODATION ARE JUST A FEW REASONS TO GIVE US A CALL.
WWW.WHITEOAKSRESORT.COM 1.800.263.5766
WoResortsOn_FullPg_Innovator.indd 1
2015-04-10 12:10 PM
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ARIO.COM
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Find Perfect Getaways On-Line
www.resortsofontario.com
family • romance • weddings • fishing • spas • golfing
food lovers • empty nesters • adventure • attractions • hot deals
Go Resorting!
Why not mix Business with Pleasure? Extend your meeting stay for some R & R,
or plan to bring your family to a Resorts of Ontario property another time.
Contact us for your free copy of our Go Resorting Magazine, the perfect resource
for planning great family vacations, romantic stays or special group celebrations.
There’s a reason for every season!
29 Albert Street North, Orillia, Ontario, Canada L3V 5J9 | Tel: (705) 325-9115 Fax: (705) 325-7999
www.resortsofontario.com | meetings@resortsofontario.com | 1-800-363-7227
Produced and managed by the members of the Resorts of Ontario Association.
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