Québec City - A Meeting And Incentive Wonderland
WARNING: Throughout this blog post, I’ll ramble on about a destination, hotel, people, and industry that brings me joy. That’s right, things that make me happy. If it doesn’t do the same for you, well…
The Adventure Begins…
It’s hard to think of a better way to kick off 2024 than to be part of a SITE event. And even better, an event that is a charming combination of Canada and France. I was fortunate enough to be invited to participate in the Connecting 1:1 Québec City / SITE Canada 2024 Exchange, January 8 - 11, 2024, at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
With an early morning Dallas - Québec City via Toronto flight, courtesy of the host airline, Air Canada. Upon arrival, I was met by waiting transportation, a friendly driver, and a short transfer to the hotel.
Every Fairmont Hotel I’ve visited over my 30-plus years in the industry never fails to have a bar or lounge that transports you to someplace special. It may be the vibe, the decor, the location, the service, or the sense of place that sets it apart, or all of the above. The hotel’s 1608 Bar makes me happy, especially when enjoying one of their fine martinis.
My room was on the Fairmont Gold Level, that offers access to the private Gold Lounge and its complimentary breakfast, afternoon hors d'oeuvres, and honor bar cocktails. It also offers a well-trained staff, relaxing views of the old city, the St Lawrence River, and more than a bit of satisfaction knowing you’ve made the right decision. The iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac has the most beautiful public areas, not the least of which is the magnificent Vercheres Room where registration took place.
This first evening, dinner was a short walk away through the old city, to the Ristorante Il Teatro, a perfect spot with a great menu, service, and refills of a delightful Italian Prosecco! Many thanks to our generous host, Discover Puerto Rico, who unfortunately was called away on a family emergency.
Day 2
The following morning, I grabbed a latte in the Gold Lounge before heading to breakfast and our guest speaker, Brock McGillis, His speech provided ample food for thought with his first-person account of coming out in the high-testosterone world of ice hockey. It was the kind of speech that reminds you that being a better person should be on a universal list of things to do.
A quick break and our appointments began. With almost every appointment, one, or both, of us said, “so and so told me to tell you hello”. It’s a small world indeed. That’s our industry.
Lunch was hosted by the Château Laurier Quebec offsite at the historic, recently restored, Manège Militaire (Armory). Awe inspiring on its own, a universe of ideas exploded as the intertwining of entertainment (gymnastics anyone?), the culinary showcase and presentation wrapped you in its embrace the moment you walked through the door. More please, Thank You very much!
Following afternoon appointments, our evening was hosted by the hotel in its Champlain Restaurant. Once again the entertainment and venue were the icing on the day's cake. Food offerings were varied and very tasty. Two that I found especially delicious were the lobster tail chunks served on forks and small hand-held Montreal smoked meat sandwiches. So tasty!
Day 3
After breakfast and morning appointments, we enjoyed a delicious lunch – really an experience that would be hard to repeat. A short transfer took us to Entourage sur le Lac, a sleek and charming 166-room boutique new build, with a view of a private section of a small lake.
Once again the entertainment, Famille Painchaud, left us all with smiles and a good feeling about what was to come. The group is truly a family, three brothers and a sister. It’s not often that a band plays a local folk tune followed by Queen, some Ozzy, and closes out with Journey, all instrumental, by the way!
Lunch was served family style and consisted of a wide array of local Québecois produce, meats, and cheeses. All of this served to further the feeling of being in a European village, but tin reality just a few hours travel from home.
After lunch, activities included fat tire bike riding on the frozen lake, axe throwing, snowshoeing, and giant ski racing. Ice skating was canceled due to too much snow. And me, what did I choose? Time around the fire pit with some of my fellow attendees, while enjoying hot chocolate and maple syrup whiskey. I think I had the best activity!
The Hilton Québec is everything you might expect from a modern high rise hotel. Sitting on a rise, just outside the old city wall, it offers great meeting space, room product and amenities, along with amazing views across the old city and the river.
Our reception and plated dinner was on a top floor, complete with decor, entertainment and great conversation. Our final night together – truly a special evening for a special group.
As they say, all good things must come to an end, and that time had come. For my money, Québec City more than proved itself as not only a destination for corporate and association meetings, but, to me, where it really shone is as an incentive destination offering a taste of Europe, but only a few hours from home.
All the pieces of the puzzle are there, it just needs you to decided how you want to put it together.
Well done to SITE Canada, Meet Québec City, Fairmont Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Entourage sur le Lac, JpDL DMC and all the supporting sponsors. Thank you.
And a special Thank You to Missy Madden, my industry sister, for allowing me to use some of her photography to help tell this story.
Want to know more about Québec City or other destinations in Canada? Or anywhere, for that matter? I'm always happy to share my experiences, so don't hesitate to contact me with questions.
And don't forget that the team at GlobauxSource, and our partners, stand ready to help you make an informed decision, and ensure your and your group's satisfaction. Let's talk.
The Adventure Begins…
It’s hard to think of a better way to kick off 2024 than to be part of a SITE event. And even better, an event that is a charming combination of Canada and France. I was fortunate enough to be invited to participate in the Connecting 1:1 Québec City / SITE Canada 2024 Exchange, January 8 - 11, 2024, at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
With an early morning Dallas - Québec City via Toronto flight, courtesy of the host airline, Air Canada. Upon arrival, I was met by waiting transportation, a friendly driver, and a short transfer to the hotel.
Every Fairmont Hotel I’ve visited over my 30-plus years in the industry never fails to have a bar or lounge that transports you to someplace special. It may be the vibe, the decor, the location, the service, or the sense of place that sets it apart, or all of the above. The hotel’s 1608 Bar makes me happy, especially when enjoying one of their fine martinis.
My room was on the Fairmont Gold Level, that offers access to the private Gold Lounge and its complimentary breakfast, afternoon hors d'oeuvres, and honor bar cocktails. It also offers a well-trained staff, relaxing views of the old city, the St Lawrence River, and more than a bit of satisfaction knowing you’ve made the right decision. The iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac has the most beautiful public areas, not the least of which is the magnificent Vercheres Room where registration took place.
This first evening, dinner was a short walk away through the old city, to the Ristorante Il Teatro, a perfect spot with a great menu, service, and refills of a delightful Italian Prosecco! Many thanks to our generous host, Discover Puerto Rico, who unfortunately was called away on a family emergency.
Day 2
The following morning, I grabbed a latte in the Gold Lounge before heading to breakfast and our guest speaker, Brock McGillis, His speech provided ample food for thought with his first-person account of coming out in the high-testosterone world of ice hockey. It was the kind of speech that reminds you that being a better person should be on a universal list of things to do.
A quick break and our appointments began. With almost every appointment, one, or both, of us said, “so and so told me to tell you hello”. It’s a small world indeed. That’s our industry.
Lunch was hosted by the Château Laurier Quebec offsite at the historic, recently restored, Manège Militaire (Armory). Awe inspiring on its own, a universe of ideas exploded as the intertwining of entertainment (gymnastics anyone?), the culinary showcase and presentation wrapped you in its embrace the moment you walked through the door. More please, Thank You very much!
Following afternoon appointments, our evening was hosted by the hotel in its Champlain Restaurant. Once again the entertainment and venue were the icing on the day's cake. Food offerings were varied and very tasty. Two that I found especially delicious were the lobster tail chunks served on forks and small hand-held Montreal smoked meat sandwiches. So tasty!
Day 3
After breakfast and morning appointments, we enjoyed a delicious lunch – really an experience that would be hard to repeat. A short transfer took us to Entourage sur le Lac, a sleek and charming 166-room boutique new build, with a view of a private section of a small lake.
Once again the entertainment, Famille Painchaud, left us all with smiles and a good feeling about what was to come. The group is truly a family, three brothers and a sister. It’s not often that a band plays a local folk tune followed by Queen, some Ozzy, and closes out with Journey, all instrumental, by the way!
Lunch was served family style and consisted of a wide array of local Québecois produce, meats, and cheeses. All of this served to further the feeling of being in a European village, but tin reality just a few hours travel from home.
After lunch, activities included fat tire bike riding on the frozen lake, axe throwing, snowshoeing, and giant ski racing. Ice skating was canceled due to too much snow. And me, what did I choose? Time around the fire pit with some of my fellow attendees, while enjoying hot chocolate and maple syrup whiskey. I think I had the best activity!
The Hilton Québec is everything you might expect from a modern high rise hotel. Sitting on a rise, just outside the old city wall, it offers great meeting space, room product and amenities, along with amazing views across the old city and the river.
Our reception and plated dinner was on a top floor, complete with decor, entertainment and great conversation. Our final night together – truly a special evening for a special group.
As they say, all good things must come to an end, and that time had come. For my money, Québec City more than proved itself as not only a destination for corporate and association meetings, but, to me, where it really shone is as an incentive destination offering a taste of Europe, but only a few hours from home.
All the pieces of the puzzle are there, it just needs you to decided how you want to put it together.
Well done to SITE Canada, Meet Québec City, Fairmont Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Entourage sur le Lac, JpDL DMC and all the supporting sponsors. Thank you.
And a special Thank You to Missy Madden, my industry sister, for allowing me to use some of her photography to help tell this story.
Want to know more about Québec City or other destinations in Canada? Or anywhere, for that matter? I'm always happy to share my experiences, so don't hesitate to contact me with questions.
And don't forget that the team at GlobauxSource, and our partners, stand ready to help you make an informed decision, and ensure your and your group's satisfaction. Let's talk.
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