b'TIME AND A HALFCorporate meeting destinations in Atlantic Canadaby James PetersW you can expect from those in the industry helping youWith the exception of the widely (but affectionately) derided time zone for Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Newwith research. Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and most of LabradorOf course, a complete picture of all thats available in share Atlantic Standard Time. But around here, time hasthis enormous region is impossibleAtlantic Canada by other meanings and definitions. Residents and visitors alikedefinition is simply too broad to capture in a short article, would have to agree that time itself just runs slower, easierand each province has a distinct cultural flavour. For the and less worrisome in Atlantic Canada. It seems the peoplepurpose of this article, we will focus on the facilities and here just dont take itor themselvesquite as seriously accommodations available in the regions major urban as elsewhere. centres, which are by no means exhaustive of the options Thats good news for anyone in the event-planningavailable for event planners. Each section will also include business. About the only problem for anyone arrangingonline resources that can help take your conference a conference in Atlantic Canada is the dizzying array ofplanning further if youd like to explore some of the lesser-choicesnot the courtesies, coordination or competenciesknown locations.NEWFOUNDLANDAND LABRADORIn the late 1960s, and for many years running, licence plates for Newfoundland and Labrador boasted the slogan Canadas Happy Province, and thats tough to disagree with. But many would suggest a better nickname for the craggy-but-ruggedly-handsome main island is The Rock.To the northwest lies Labrador, adjacent to Qubec, a sprawling and beautiful space that often sees visitors taking ferries and sightseeing tours along Labradors Atlantic coast and into itshistoric interior.The capital city of St. Johns along the Avalon Peninsula is a good place to start your event planning. The St. Johns Convention Centre (SJCC) is ultra modern and beautifully decorated, boasting 47,000 sq. ft. of divisible meeting space. It can accommodate events both big and small with all the sophistication and flexibility youd expect from a state-of-the-art contemporary centre. Make sure to check out the special artwork showcasea perfect diversion within the SJCC and a chance to renew your creative juices while on break or after business hours. Located near the harbour, the modern SJCC seems perfectly juxtaposed alongside St. Johns old-world charm. All within roughly 10 minutes of the SJCC, and about 20 minutes from the airport, several modern hotels can easily meetResourcesthe room requirements for the busiest events and conferences. The Hilton Garden Inn, Delta and thewww.newfoundlandlabrador.com unique boutique JAG Hotel are all within walkingwww.sjcc.ca distance and account for just a few of St. Johnswww.destinationstjohns.com/business-events/conference-services many options. 14 CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca'