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Guest Speaker Elisabeth Fayt, Owner/Founder of RnR – Banff Congress 2019 Educational breakout sessions

Posted by Alain Ethier on March 11, 2019
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By: Neyba Costa
Concierge, Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

Les Clefs d’Or Canada’s 12th National Congress Banff  was an opportunity of a lifetime. The congress brought together over 100 Les Clefs d’Or Concierges from coast to coast. The Majestic Fairmont Banff Springs hosted all of these professionals and the sponsors who made this congress possible.

Les Clefs d’Or Alberta Region went above and beyond to give us the best experience. Every detail was covered from the moment we arrived at the airport and were greeted by our lovely concierge Jill Marven from the Fairmont Palliser Hotel who escorted us to the Banff Airporter. Upon arrival at the Fairmont Banff Springs, we were welcomed in our rooms with detailed welcome bags that contained information on the congress, gifts, treats, maple syrup, macaroons, fudge and a gift from Park Distillery.  

The week was filled with many unforgettable memories; the welcoming reception, educational sessions, Banff Gondola, outdoor activities, bowling at High Rollers, the Annual General Meeting and our Gala Night.

We had the pleasure of connecting with many wonderful motivational speakers on Day 2 of our Educational breakout sessions.

Elisabeth Fayt, an international inspirational speaker, bestselling author of the book “Paving it forward”, and Owner/Founder of the Canadian Spa RnR Wellness, located in two of Calgary’s premier downtown hotels; Fairmont Palliser and Le Germain Hotel Calgary.

Elisabeth Fayt, bestselling author of the book “Paving it forward”
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Banff Congress 2019 – Educational Day: Breaking Through the Stigma of Mental Health – Kelly Hrudey, Broadcaster

Posted by Alain Ethier on February 23, 2019
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By: David Lall,
Chef Concierge – Trump International Hotel & Tower Vancouver

The Les Clefs d’Or Canada National Congress officially started on a beautiful, crisp, -38°c day in the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & the  backdrop of the mountains. The delegates could not have asked for a more befitting location to start an exciting Education component on Day 1.

After a gracious and warm introduction to the Castle from our wonderful host, Mr. David Roberts, Regional VP & General Manager, Canada’s Western Mountain Region, we knew that there was going to be something special in store for all of us attending.

I had the honor of meeting someone whom I have watched and respected as a broadcaster, which he has been doing since his retirement from the NHL in 1998. Mr. Kelly Hrudey was a key player in the NHL spanning a career over 15 years. When he came to the stage you could see the man, not the tough goalie that you would have imagined.

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Banff Congress 2019 – Educational Day: Guest Speakers John Jackson and Connie DeSousa, Co-Owners of Char Group

Posted by Alain Ethier on February 14, 2019
Posted in: Congress, National News. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

By: Marie-Ève Larin
Concierge, American Express Centurion

Connie DeSousa and John Jackson, co-chefs and co-owners of the Char Group in Calgary.  Photo:__Bowmedia.

One of the very exciting parts of the Banff 2019 National Congress was the educational day. We welcomed diverse types of speakers who engaged, elevated and educated us on various topics. The afternoon was a panel discussion on “Exploring the Changing Culinary Landscape”, mediated by Ms. Dawn Chubai. Among the distinguished speakers were John Jackson and Connie DeSousa, the co-owners and chefs at the Char Group in Calgary.

On the new Canadian Food Guide, and the importance of eating green, Ms. DeSousa advised Continue Reading

A Year in the Planning of the National Board YEG (Edmonton) Meeting 2018

Posted by Alain Ethier on January 29, 2019
Posted in: National Board, National News, News from the Regions. Tagged: , , , , . 1 Comment

A certificate of appreciation was presented to Nella Mirante for her outstanding work in organizing our National Board Meeting in Edmonton. Cindy Stewart, Alberta Region’s Director, is on the left and Carolina Avaria, President, is on the right.

A year in the planning!  One year ago we discussed who could host the National Board meeting for 2018.  I reached out to my regional board to see if they would support the idea of me hosting it at the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald and Don Mooney and Cindy Stewart gave me the go ahead!

And so it began!  Negotiating with Continue Reading

The Alberta Region’s Concierges and the Terry Fox Run 2018.

Posted by Alain Ethier on December 26, 2018
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Terry Fox Run – Calgary Alberta

This year we are celebrating the 38th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope. This event reminds us, as Terry Fox once said, “The importance of realizing that anything is possible, if you try.  Dreams are made if people try.”Terry Fox battled cancer at the age of 18 years old.  His dream was to raise $1 000 000 for cancer research and as he fought for his life at the age of 22, he earned many awards and was able to raise more than $10 000 000 in a special telethon. As per the official site $700,000,000 has been raised in Terry’s name for cancer research.

Fort Calgary was the start and end of the “Marathon of Hope”.  People could be seen coming from everywhere.  Everyone enjoyed the cheerful atmosphere being entertained by stretching, activities, music and complimentary coffee from our friends at Tim Hortons.

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Crispin Bottomley, Honorary Member of Les Clefs d’Or Canada.

Posted by Alain Ethier on December 17, 2018
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Crispin Bottomley

Crispin Bottomley, Honorary Member

Les Clefs d’Or Canada has a long standing tradition of service excellence. Our members are some of the best concierge in the hospitality industry. In the concierge business, the way you do your job is important, but also who you know can make a big difference.

In the Niagara region, a long time friend and one of the biggest supporters of Les Clefs d’Or, Crispin Bottomley, is one of those people than can and has made a big difference in how we do our job. In Niagara, tourism is vital to our growth and success, not only in Les Clefs d’Or, but as a major contributor to our economic well being. Continue Reading