b'eastern canadaONTARIOCovering over two million square kilometres and stretching from Lake Erie along the U.S. border to the ice floes of Hudson Bay in the north, Ontario is the epicentre of commerce and politics in Canada. Given that the area known as the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) contains the major urban centres of Toronto, Hamilton, Peterborough and Niagara Falls (just to name the most common), planning a business conference in this richly appointed region is only daunting because of the sheer number of choices available. What follows are profiles on some of the more overlooked areas, including those outside of the GGH. HamiltonLocated halfway between Toronto and Niagara Falls, the City of Hamilton remains a perfect location for conferences and conventions alike. With a bustling population of well over half a million, this port city London lies on the western tip of Lake With a major renovation to itsOntario. Dividing the city is the convention centre, RBC PlaceNiagara Escarpment, a huge London, just a few years ago,forested ridge known locally London is an attractive location foras the mountain and dotted small and mid-size conferences.with conservation areas and Compared to other centres, thewaterfalls. HMCS Haida, a naval centres management team wouldwarship on the citys lakefront, happily concede the centre isand the Canadian Warplane more of a boutique space. TheHeritage Museum in the south upgrades followed the sametrace Canadas military past. thematic lines as the existingIn the heart of downtown, theThunder Bayspacesmaller, warmer andHamilton Convention CentreIn this smaller city at the top of the Great friendlier, much like London itself.is one of Canadas first full- Lakes, many boast of its hiking trails, The 70,000-sq.-ft. main floorservice, privatized conventionunspoiled wilderness and nearby Kakabeka was completely renovated, andand event facilities. The uniqueFalls for retreats, creative inspiration and breakout spaces were expandedand eye-catching buildingteam-building exercises. Major hotels with to offer much more flexibility.has become a landmark in theamenities are clustered around downtown, The centre also incorporatesbustling downtown core and hassuch as the Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday a unique accessibility feature:built a strong reputation in theInn Express and Valhalla Hotel & Conference hearing assistance technologiessurrounding community. AfterCentre. And speaking of inspiration, its a built directly into the floors, whichbeing completely rejuvenatedsafe bet that the most revered monument in work wirelessly with hearinga decade ago, the centre hasCanada lies east of the city. No longer just a aids. Hotels nearby include thebecome one of Ontarios moststop along the Trans-Canada Highway but Delta and the DoubleTree, withprominent event and hospitalitytucked away in its own enclave, it was here, destinations. Popular downtownin 1982, that the monument to Terry Fox was excellent eateries located just ahotels include the Sheraton, block or two west of the centresHomewood Suites dedicateda monument people say has a main entrance.and Staybridge. soul. If youre in the area and looking for some inspiration, make the effort to have a Resources Resources look. Your soul will thank you for it. www.quebec-cite.com/en www.hamilton.ca Resources www.convention.qc.ca/en www.hccevents.ca www.visitthunderbay.com/en/index.aspx 20 CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca'