In February 2019, the Alberta Region hosted the 12th National Congress of Les Clefs d’Or Canada at the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel . During the event, many concierges met to network, discuss current trends, enjoy the amazing educational day and enjoy all Banff had to offer. Here is how I lived my first congress experience:
We would like you to get to know us better… Here are the principles that each hotel concierge, Member of Les Clefs d’Or, is expected to uphold and that you should experience every time you interact with one of us. #lesclefsdorcanada #yourkeytoeverything
It is worth noting the great PR results achieved by the Members of the BC Region. Deborah Sleno, Concierge at The Fairmount Empress Hotel; Verinda Doman, Senior Concierge at Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle; Miguel Knudson, Assistant Chef Concierge at The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver; Geoff Argue, Chef Concierge at The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver and Joanne Lewandowski, Senior Concierge at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, are among the many members who have written articles or have been written up in travel magazines recently.
“I was honored to be asked for an interview by Where Vancouver as their featured Hotel Les Clefs D’Or Concierge in the December issue, as I am always so very proud to represent our Association when opportunities like these arise. ” – Verinda Doman
It has never been a challenge to get a
large group of Hotel Concierges and hospitality affiliates to start talking
about their love and passion for the industry. The people they have met, the
memories they have made and the moments that made them fall in love with their
profession ooze out of their personalities.
What can be a challenge is engaging and
encouraging this same group of professionals to spread their inexcusable high
standards, passion and love of the industry. That is what I feel Dr. Bryan
Williams spoke of to our organization at the 12th Annual National
Congress, nestled in the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains, in the Fairmont
Banff Springs, earlier in February.
Dr. Williams grabbed our attentions right
form the beginning, with his bright smile and welcoming personality. He drew us
into his world of excellence, and we enjoyed every crispy minute of it.
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”
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.
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 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!
From the desk of Alain Ethier Public Relations Director, Les Clefs d’Or Canada
Introduction:
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