To kick off their new program, Air New Zealand engaged local DMC Rare Indigo to create a memorable five day adventure for a group of their top level CEO customers. Representatives from the organization raved about Rare Indigo's "spectacular itinerary, immaculate attention to detail and sparkling personalities. We wish they were in every country we fly to!"
www.rareindigo.com

"We are really delighted that the audit has confirmed our highest expectations for the Zero-Waste program because it demonstrates just what can be done in this regard in the future, and gives us an excellent example that we can use to encourage other clients to move in the same direction", said Catherine Wong, VCEC Vice President of Operations.
www.vcec.ca

One of the more unusual jobs will be making sure that the Olympic cauldron at BC Place Stadium keeps burning throughout the 17th days of the Winter Games. There will be a shift of people making sure that the flame doesn't go out. The minimum age to volunteer is 19 with no maximum age. Volunteers can apply online at www.vancouver2010.com or at www.workpolois.com.

VSO Board Chair Art Willms sees the award as a culmination of a long period of hard, focused effort to raise the quality of the organization, saying "Our peers in the industry have spoken, and recognized that this orchestra belongs in the ranks of the best in the world in terms of quality and presentation, and I am just so proud of this orchestra and the entire organization." This same record has been nominated for Classical Album of the Year & with the GRAMMY sealed up, it's on to the JUNO Awards which takes place April 6th in Calgary.
www.vancouversymphony.ca

Food Runners provides door to door service with safe & convenient pick ups at your facility. For more information on this program & how you can participate, visit their website at www.foodbank.bc.ca or send an e-mail to foodrunners@foodbank.bc.ca.

Linda writes

"I had the privilege of participating in one of the most memorable dining experiences of my life at the VCEC. The organization I represent took 38 Meeting Planners to the center to introduce the venue in the hopes they will bring their conventions to Vancouver - if the meal was a deciding factor then you will fill your centre with no problems!

Chef Blair and his team performed magic and no matter where we ate after all our meals were compared to his and they did not compare at all!!! These type of "wow" culinary experiences happen so infrequently when we travel as much as we do, but with Chef Blair you not only have an extraordinary chef but one with great charm (often a rarity in a Chef!). Again with this standard of cuisine you should be among the best centre's in the world, congratulations and good luck!"

February 26: Bronwyn Slade, Manager, Western US, will be joined by members from the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, Fairmont, Four Seasons, Sheraton, Hyatt and the Metropolitan for the 20th Annual MPI Northern California Chapter Annual Conference and Trade Show held at Moscone West convention centre in San Francisco. Following the Trade Show the Vancouver team will be conducting sales presentations to clients in the Bay Area.

February 27-29: Rachael Nocera, Manager, Mid West US, will be attending Experient's Envision Conference in St. Louis. EnVision '08 is an annual event which brings the Experient Leadership and Sales & Account Management teams together. This meeting includes a tradeshow for destinations and hotel partners.
www.envision08.com

March 4: Rachael Norcera will be participating in the American Bar Association and Chicago Area Convention & Visitor Bureau's (CACBSO) annual networking event designed for CVB reps to network with the ABA staff planners. That same day, Rachael will also participate in an Experient - Chicago Office/CACBSO luncheon. This annual event provides exclusive time with the Chicago team of Experient.
www.cacbso.org

March 9-13: Jackie Benear, Regional Director of Sales, Washington, DC, and Dave Gazley, VP, Meeting & Convention Sales and will be attending the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE) - 2008 Mid-Winter CEO Meeting, in San Antonio, TX.
www.cesse.org

March 11: Rachael Nocera will attend the MPI - Chicago Area Chapter's education event attracting approximately 75 meeting planners and suppliers. That afternoon, Rachael will attend the PCMA - Greater Midwest Chapter's Quarterly meeting. The event draws over 150 people from the Midwest for an afternoon of education and networking.