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Niagara Falls
Divine Descent

by KELLY CRUMRIN

· The iconic cataracts of Niagara Falls were formed 10,000 years ago as the massive glaciers of the last ice age slowly retreated.

These days, development in the region moves much faster. A cascade of new and upgraded properties, including a large new convention center, is luring bigger and more diverse meetings, while dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities also keep pace with planners’ needs.

The cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, N.Y., both offer more and better conference facilities and group opportunities than ever before, thriving green sensibilities and burgeoning dining and outdoor recreation scenes. They’re two different angles from which to see some of the best views in the world.

Sponsor

Sheraton Fallsview Hotel & Conference Centre

Overlooking the thunderous waterfalls of Niagara, the 407-room Sheraton Fallsview Hotel & Conference Centre extends a warm welcome. With 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting facilities, award-winning service and a knowledgeable staff, it’s the perfect venue for the perfect event. Only steps from the new Niagara Convention and Civic Centre and in close proximity to exciting attractions, entertainment and casinos.

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Pick Three – Niagara Falls

Pam Graham
President, Congress Canada, Toronto

What are three great ways for groups to get active in the great outdoors while meeting in Niagara Falls?

· Golfing: The Niagara area boasts over 40 golf courses. One of our favorites is the 45-hole Legends on the Niagara course. With two 18-hole courses and one nine-hole course, there is something for everyone. The modern yet rustic clubhouse has panoramic views of the courses and provides excellent food and beverage for all-day tournaments or an after-tournament meal and celebration.

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Sponsor

Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Get more for your meeting. Give more to your community. Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Pepsi have teamed-up to provide more value for your meeting and an opportunity to give back to your community. Book by July 31, 2010 for a 4 percent credit to the master bill, a complimentary food and beverage break, bonus Starpoints^® and a chance to win one of four $50,000 charitable grants. Valid in destinations like New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

For more information, click here.

Site Scene

Ontario

· The Holiday Inn Barrie Hotel & Conference Centre, located in Barrie, recently completed a multimillion-dollar hotel renovation project. The renovation was focused on revamping the lobby space, dining and lounge and 108 of the hotel’s 161 guest rooms. Each room features a new 32-inch flat-screen television. For more information, call 705.728.6191 or visit www.hibarrie.ca.

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Meetings East is now available in Digital Format!

Each issue contains content unavailable in our monthly print issues, so be sure to log in. Our additional format allows us to augment the ink-and-paper effort with a variety of expanded features along with active URLs and other interactive components. This digital distribution channel can also be shared electronically through the Internet, which opens up a whole new world of readers—participants, really—for all of our content. This month's issue offers an interview with Burt Cabanas, founder, president and CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. A meetings industry veteran and thought leader, Cabanas shares his views on the current state of the industry as well as what to expect as far as rates and demand over the next few years.

Click here to view our Meetings East digital edition.