Movers and Shakers

Robert Babcock Retiring

After 31 years with The Stronco Group of Companies/AV-CANADA, Robert Babcock is retiring.

Industry colleagues gathered on January 21 to celebrate Robert’s achievements over the past years. He is very respected and loved by those who know him, and we will be sure to keep in touch as he decides what his next life adventure will be.

Congratulations, Robert!

New Director, Event Management Services appointed at Exhibition Place

Exhibition Place is proud to appoint Martin Kenneally to the position of Director, Event Management Services, reporting directly to the General Manager, Sales & Events.

Martin is a leader with extensive management, team building, operational and strategic planning experience both nationally and internationally. Most recently Martin was the Senior Director, Security and Accreditation, Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. Martin had a distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces providing operational, planning and financial leadership at all organizational levels.

For more information, contact Laura Purdy, Director of Sales and Marketing, 416-263-3020, lpurdy@explace.on.ca

Jason Dorsey Announced as American Airlines Road Warrior of the Year!

You may recall that we had Jason Dorsey up from Texas to speak to our chapter several years ago. He delivered a fun and thought-provoking session on making the most of Millennials and bridging all four generations of employees and customers. Since speaking for us, and many MPI member events, he’s been on quite the media whirlwind. He did 11 TV shows in five days for his latest Millennial consumer research and will be on eight more shows this month. But biggest of all, he just won American Airlines Road Warrior of the Year! He will be on the cover of American Way Magazine in March. Check out his thank you video here: http://bit.ly/1u57IuY. You can also see excerpts from the fun speech he delivered for us here: http://bit.ly/1zhhMRW.

UNION PEARSON EXPRESS Air Rail Link Boosts Toronto’s Appeal for Meeting Planners

Express rail service between Toronto Pearson Airport and Union Station begins in spring 2015

TORONTO – 2015 is shaping up as a banner year for Toronto’s convention and meetings business, and the completion of the long-awaited express air rail link between the airport and downtown is being hailed as a major new asset for the industry.

Union Pearson Express (UP Express) will begin service this spring, offering air travelers a reliable 25-minute trip from Toronto Pearson Airport’s Terminal 1 to Union Station in the heart of the city’s business and entertainment district. The first dedicated air-rail link in North America, UP Express trains will depart every 15 minutes, making just two quick stops between the airport and downtown.

In addition to the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, Toronto is slated to host more than 450 business and professional meetings, including 12 major conventions, attracting more than 400,000 attendees.

Tourism Toronto president and CEO David Whitaker says having a rapid, reliable way to get between the airport and downtown will help make Toronto an even more attractive choice for convention and meeting planners. "Being able to move quickly and easily from the airport to downtown is as important for a convention delegate as it is for a leisure traveler. Ease of access and the ability to move about in a destination is a big selling feature," Whitaker said.

UP Express service will feature amenities that go hand-in-hand with air travel: Wi-Fi will be available at all stations and on the trains, and when heading to the airport guests will be able to check-in to their flights and print baggage tags right at Union Station. Trains will have level boarding, ample luggage space and comfortable seating complete with table trays and power outlets, and on-board screens will provide updated flight information and showcase events and attractions.

The one-way adult fare is $27.50 (discounted to $19 if purchased using the PRESTO electronic regional transit fare card available at all UP Express stations) which is significantly less than the cost of a taxi or limo. A range of other discounts are available for seniors, students, children, families and frequent riders.

Air travelers using Toronto Pearson will continue to be served by other transportation options including local and regional public transit as well as taxis, limos and private cars. But the addition of UP Express and its stress-free, reliable 25-minute travel time will be a tremendous new asset for visitors and residents alike. For full details about Union Pearson Express, visit upexpress.com.

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