Notre collègue Les Clefs d’Or Canada, Alain Ethier, concierge au Sofitel Montréal Le Carré Doré, a été l’heureux récipiendaire de la Bourse Jamil Demers 2023. Il s’est vu remettre un chèque de $3000 lors de notre “Gala de Remise des Clefs d’Or et de Reconnaissance Envers nos Directeurs Généraux”, qui a eu lieu le 11 décembre au chic supperclub Yoko Luna.
(English text below)
Jamil, lui-même, était présent lors de cette belle soirée pour remettre le chèque à Alain.
La Bourse Jamil Demers vise à aider un concierge de la région de Montréal à assister à un congrès National, Panaméricain ou International. La Bourse annuelle de $3000, sera remise à un concierge Les Clefs d’Or différent à chacune des trois prochaines années, soit 2023, 2024 et 2025.
“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”. That’s how the famous adage goes about the Entertainment capital of the world. So please forgive me if I had to let this cat out of the bag.
Attending meetings and congresses always interests me. Something with seeing old friends and seeing friends get old amuses me. It is definitely a fun and educational experience. The best thing about Congresses is that you get to know more people that will be part of your network. There was an old saying that goes “a Concierge is only as good as his contacts. At the end of the day it is still a business where it is about who you know and what they can do for you and your guests, and vis versa.
The recently concluded North American Congress was no different, there was the typical exchange of hugs, kisses, handshakes, and whatnot. However, this congress felt different to me. Having attending several congresses in the past, this congress somehow was special. Please allow me to elaborate.
In Las Vegas we held our Annual General Membership meeting face to face. Just the second time we have since the pandemic hit the global tourism industry. It was nice to see familiar faces and meet new ones. What made is special is that we paid tribute to our members who have dedicated a great deal of their time, knowledge, experience, and patience to the association. Seeing their unending dedication and passion towards Les Clefs d’Or is very admirable and inspiring. There were few who were present during the meeting. Toni D, Andre P, Geoff A, Verinda D, and Alain L. all received their long-service pin. Most of them for being part of the association for more than 30 years! Yes, 30 years! The best part is, there are more members with longer tenure in the association. Lanfranco from Ontario is retiring after 45 years! If that does not inspire you, then I do not know what will.
We also have the changing of the guards, with the new National Leadership led by my good friend, Dillon Carfoot. He will lead our country to the next level. But the most special thing to me was seeing all the younger members stepping up to the plate and dedicating themselves to the association. The collective passion from the younger members was overflowing and it was very heartwarming. I can say for certain that the future of Les Clef d’Or Canada is going to be brighter. There was a lot of respect between the young and the old. The standing ovation that the veteran members have received from the next generation was just too much for me. I have to be honest, I shed a tear or two when Alain’s name was called. Only to find out we are both cry-babies.
That is the power of Les Clefs d’Or. The power that brings people together. The power the bridges generational gap. Everyone learning from everyone.
As we wrapped up the congress, it felt like there we no more regions. No one is from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Niagara, Montreal, Quebec, and Atlantic. We all came from oneplace and we are one family. The Les Clefs d’Or Canada Family.
I would like to end this post with snippet from Alain’s speech upon receiving his 30 year pin.
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:
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
This story is one of determination, self-accomplishment, passion for the concierge profession, but above all, a story of friendship. That kind of friendship that transcends and that does not know distance. Friendship that makes us grow and learn. Friendship that teaches us who we are and what we can accomplish. I am going to tell you the story of my participation as the Canadian candidate for Les Clefs d’Or Award – André Damonte 2018, held during the 65th UICH Les Clefs d’Or International Congress in Seoul, South Korea, in April 2018.
My name is Jeffrey Cobrana, I’m the concierge at the Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel. I would like to share my first congress experience from our 11th National Congress in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
From the desk of Maleni Rendon Chavez Public Relations Director, Les Clefs d’Or Canada
Introduction:
This Blog is designed to broadcast news, events and important information about the Les Clefs d’Or Canada Association and its members. It is intended for all Les Clefs d’Or members, affiliates, friends, collaborators and anybody with an interest for hotel business, customer service and tourism in general. We hope you find our articles and pictures interesting, come back regularly, comment and choose to follow our Blog. Thank you for your visit.
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