The Westin Nova Scotian Blog

On a recent business trip to Toronto with our Destination Halifax partners, we hosted clients to a fabulous Maritime themed lobster dinner and we gave back to the community.

On Wednesday night, Robert Herjavec spoke to an audience of approximately 550 people in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  The crowd was a mix of young entrepreneurs, sponsors and seasoned business people.  His message was clear, do what you love and the money will come.  People know when you are not genuine and happy and his motto has been to always be “wonderful” when people ask how he is.

At 8:00 AM yesterday morning, the Azamara docked in Halifax, Nova Scotia on it’s way from New York - to the site of the sinking of the Titanic on April 15^th. The Azamara set sail on April 10^th and is an eight night cruise and it is one of two Titanic Memorial Cruises.

'Titanic the Fated Voyage' dinner theatre actors
welcoming us aboard the voyage

On Thursday night, I attended ‘Titanic the Fated Voyage’ at the Cunard Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  What a fabulous and surprising dinner theatre.  The acting was superb and the story very creative.  I wondered how the writer, Jamie Bradley, would conclude a story with such a tragic and legendary ending.  I was not disappointed!

As we wrap up a week of sales calls during the Starwood Sales Blitz, it’s another warm sunny day in Halifax, Nova Scotia!  Yesterday we saw an all time high of 27°C in the city. 

Denise Bradbury (right) from the Westin Nova Scotian
with Christine MacKenzie from Porter Airlines

On Monday, I had the privilege of boarding the Canadian Navy Frigate, HMCS St. John’s for a Day Sail.  I joined 100 women from across Canada who work as Teachers & Guidance Counselors in Schools and Community Colleges.  They were in Halifax, Nova Scotia for three days of activities to experience life in the Navy and increase their knowledge for recruiting purposes.

At our downtown Halifax hotel, we encourage our staff to get involved and be a part of our communities. This week, we will be highlighting Sales Manager Vanessa Jones who is an active community member and has been volunteering with the Woman’s Canadian Progress Club for the past year.

On February 9^th the Progress Club of Halifax hosted their 40^th annual Sport Celebrity Dinner.  The Halifax event is a fundraiser to support two of the Club’s local charities; The Progress Centre for Early Intervention and King’s Meadow Home.  The Westin Nova Scotian has been a proud sponsor of the event for the past six years. 

Our Sales & Catering team at our Halifax hotel had a surprise visit from a wise old soul last Wednesday. Yoda, of Star Wars fame, showed up just as we were about to start our meeting.  He was bringing exciting news from Velocity Entertainment and Marina Atwell.

Congratulations Wenda & Chris!  On November 9^th, 2011 Reegan Christopher Berkvens entered our lives several weeks ahead of schedule.

Mr. & Mrs. Pitt visiting the Nova Scotian

Tony Pitt came to Halifax, Nova Scotia by train from Ontario with his father in 1936, he was 11 years old. Mr. Pitt's Dad, Robert, came to the Nova Scotian from the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa (another CN Rail hotel), and he was Resident Manager of the Nova Scotian from 1936 to 1941.

Cornwallis Park across from the Westin Nova Scotian - Halifax, Nova Scotia

When I tell guests and conference delegates that Halifax Nova Scotia is a city with a resort feel, they know what I'm talking about when they take a walk along the Halifax Harbourfront Boardwalk. Known as the City of Trees, Halifax often feels like a park with an extraordinary ocean view

Cleaning up the blitz! From left to right- Nicole Robinson, Teri Green, Me, James Stephen, Sarah MacInnes, and Jennifer Alexander

Last week we hit the streets again promoting Starwood Hotels, the Starwood Preferred Planner program and of course our very own Halifax Starwood Hotels, the Westin Nova Scotian & Four Points by Sheraton! ....

When planning a Halifax meeting, conference, or convention, one should consider audio visual equipment. This includes projector screens, lap tops, speakers, sound systems, and lights. It is very important you have what you need and you should plan this well in advance to ensure the correct equipment is available.

We are fortunate to have a preferred supplier on site because of the size of our meeting facilities. This makes it easier for organizers to plan the audio visual component of their events. Our preferred supplier is AVW Telav. When planning your meeting, your Executive Meeting Manager or Conference Services Manager will assist you in getting what you need. If you want to contact the AV supplier directly, you can contact Brad Selig at (902) 496-7984 or via email at bselig@avwtelav.com.

If you have any questions in particular, you can contact us directly. Wenda Berkvens, our Conference Services Manager, can direct you to the appropriate person. You can find her on our Contact Us page or you can join her network on Linked In. We run a discussion group and they are there to answer any inquiries.

What do you normally need for your meetings and events?

Buffet or plated dinner for your next event?

There are some misconceptions about the value of selecting a buffet dinner rather than a plated meal. Often times people think that they need a buffet for variety and pricing reasons. It's understandable that you want to make sure your guests are satisfied at a reasonable price. But a buffett dinner is not always the correct option. Here are some of my thoughts for you to consider:

1. Price: A plated meal can often be less expensive than a full buffet. With a buffet there is an average of 20% food waste. Plated meals are pre-portioned based on the average amount of food consumed over that given meal period.

Las Vegas in January! Who wouldn't want to go to a conference in the desert in the middle of winter? Last week I attended the Professional Convention Management Association's 2011 Annual Conference at the MGM Grand Resort in Las Vegas. WOW! This was my first time attending this industry event and my first time in Sin City. What a conference it was...3800 delegates, fabulous keynote speakers & educational sessions, out of this world networking events and lots of time to connect with friends & clients old & new.