Toronto Motorcycle Show is revved up and ready to roll!

Bike enthusiasts gear up for 2011 line-up at Dec. 10-12 event

The Toronto Motorcycle Show, widely recognized as the Canadian motorcycle and ATV industries’ premier motorcycle, scooter and ATV showcase, is just a week away from offering the first public viewing of the coolest new rides for 2011. The show is the first stop on the MMIC seven-city, cross country tour where leading manufacturers and distributors offer the riding community a first glimpse of their new 2011 models, and is the only show in Ontario of its kind.

“The Toronto Motorcycle Show is the premier show of its kind. It’s the perfect venue to introduce new products to the public and the industry,” said Bob Ramsey, President of the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC). “The usual suspects like Aprilia, BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley- Davidson, Honda, Husqvarna, Hyosung, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Polaris, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Victory, and Yamaha will be showcasing what’s new for 2011,” he added.

“Although the 2010 riding season is ending, for many enthusiasts, The Toronto Motorcycle Show signifies the beginning of the new 2011 season,” said Darryl Bond, Show Manager. “Dec. 10-12 is going to be an action-packed, family friendly weekend that will appeal to new and avid riders, women, and kids of all ages. There’s something for everyone,” he added.

New motorcycles and scooters to expect at The Toronto Motorcycle Show include:

• Yamaha Canada’s new Super Tenere, Stryker, FZ8 and Stratoliner Deluxe


• Harley Davidson’s 2011 Sportster Superlow, Road Glide Ultra, Street Glide and CVO Road Glide Ultra


• Honda’s all new 2011 CBR250R, CBR125R, CB1000RA and the debut of TRX 500
  
  
• BRP presents its new Spyder RT Limited, Spyder RS-S, Commander 1000 and Commander 800


• Canadian Kawasaki’s new Ninja ZX10R, Vulcan 1700 Vaquero and Ninja 400R
  
• Ducati’s all new Diavel musclecruiser, Multistrada and Monster 796
  
• KTM’s 990 SMT and all new 350 SX-F motocross


• Triumph’s new Tiger 800XC
  
• National Motorsports introduces the Hyosung ST7 Aquila and Zero electrics
  
• Norton 961 Sport from Norton Canada
  
• BMW introduces the all new K1600GT and GTL, G650GS and R1200R
  
• Suzuki’s new GSXR 750, TU250 Retro and totally revamped GSXR 600
  
• New Husqvarna TE449 Enduro
  
• Royal Enfield’s new Bullet Classic Military
  
• Piaggio Canada presents the Aprilia RSV4 Factory, Moto Guzzi V7 Classic, Vespa GTV300 and Piaggio three wheeled MP3 Sport.
  
  SPECIAL FEATURES
  
• SHE RIDES NITE: The Toronto Motorcycle Show presents SHE RIDES NITE on Friday, December 10 offering free admission for ladies after 5 p.m. With more women becoming involved in the sport, SHE RIDES NITE is an industry-sponsored evening for women who ride or are considering taking up the sport.
  
• Inside Motorcycle’s Winners’ Circle: Inside Motorcycles and Inside Moto-X are proud to present the first-class machinery and personalities that contribute to Canada's racing successes. Meet the fearless riders and their winning bikes, talk to skilled tuners and admire the dedication and craftsmanship that go into creating a race-winning motorcycle. Special guests include: Jordan Szoke, Doug Beattie, Steven Nickerson, Brian Wojnarowski and Bobby Kiniry. Szoke, the consecutive winner of the Canadian Superbike National Crown and the CMA National Trails Champion, will be available all weekend long for autograph signings with his winning Honda CBR1000RR and the Gas Gas Raga 300.
  
• Yamaha Riding School for Kids: Yamaha Canada and Canadian Motorcycle Training Services present a free opportunity for kids aged 6 - 12 (certain conditions apply) to learn to ride on the latest Yamaha TT-R off-road motorcycles.
  
• Riders Marketplace specials: Looking to save some cash on 2010 models and gear? With dealers anxious to clear space for new 2011 bikes and ATVs, take advantage of year-end sales incentives and rebates on bikes, aftermarket apparel and parts, accessories and protective equipment - exclusively at The Toronto Motorcycle Show.
  
• Parts Canada and Heather Ireland: Parts Canada will present seminars offering budding racers tips on how to obtain those elusive sponsorships. Meet Biker TV’s Host and female motorcycle enthusiast, Heather Ireland at the Parts Canada display.
  
• Full Throttle Theatre Celebrity Stage: The interactive seminar stage offers the latest in the racing scene and a chance for show-goers to meet the some industry celebrities. Hosted by Frank Wood, the stage offers non-stop action all weekend offering interviews, racing personalities, movies and exciting guest speakers, including: Patrick Trahan, Rene Cormier, Jordan Szoke and more!
  
• One cause, 26 countries and 60 days on a bike - Patrick Trahan: The man with a plan will be at the show to talk about his upcoming quest in support of the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. In winter 2011, Patrick will attempt a record-setting circumnavigation of Africa, though 26 countries in 60 days on rough, remote and dangerous terrain in an attempt to raise $25,000 for kids. Visit him in the Honda Canada booth with his 2011 XR650L bike.
  
• Rene Cormier: Join the adventure as 33-year-old Canadian BMW rider Rene Cormier tells the story of how he stepped away from the corporate world, cashed in what few possessions he had to finance a $25 a day, three-year, 154,000 kilometer motorcycle trek through 41 countries. Rene will be presenting all weekend at the Full Throttle Stage.
  
• Rider Nation: Rider Nation features a variety of riding groups, associations, weekend race events, charity rides and outings that motorcyclists from all walks of life can enjoy.
  
• Memory Lane…Vintage Bikes: The Vintage Road Racing Association (VRRA) presents an exhibit of rare and well preserved racing bikes and heritage motorcycles from the past.
  
  Show Details
• Where:
  The Toronto Motorcycle Show
  South Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
  222 Bremner Boulevard (beside the CN Tower)
  
• When:
  Friday, December 10, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  Saturday, December 11, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  Sunday, December 12, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  
• Admission:
  Adults: $16.00
  Juniors (Ages 6 to 15): $10.00
  Children (under six years): Free when accompanied by an adult
  Family Pass (two adults & two juniors): $38.00
  
  The Metro Toronto Convention Centre will host The Toronto Motorcycle Show, one of seven Canadian motorcycle and ATV shows owned by the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC) and Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV).
  
  Complete show information is available at: http://www.motorcycleshows.ca/ or http://www.sportshows.ca/.
  
  – 30 –

About CNSS
CNSS is a non-profit corporation and the largest producer of boat, fishing, sportsmen’s, ski, outdoor and motorcycle shows in Canada. Through its family of shows, the corporation raises funds to ensure that generations of young Canadians can benefit from Canada’s outdoors. Since the first show held in 1948, more than $30 million has been committed to these causes.

12 million people and 200 countries later

TRIPATLAS celebrates three years of making travel dreams a reality

More than 12 million people from 200 countries have connected with TripAtlas during the past three years – making it one of the world’s most visited international travel websites for connecting agents with travellers, and for building and inspiring vacations. TripAtlas.com celebrates its 36-month milestone today; from humble beginnings only three years ago, it now welcomes nearly 600,000 unique visitors each month.

TripAtlas.com has developed a truly unique concept that is a valuable resource for travel agents and consumers. And, perhaps that’s why it receives millions of unique visitors each year and features content in 12 languages. “We’re thrilled to embark on our fourth consecutive year of business, connecting people with international and local travel experiences,” says Travis Snelling, co-founder of TripAtlas.com. “We believe that today’s traveller prefers to have efficient travel information and cost-effective options at their fingertips. This is what TripAtlas offers, and it has contributed greatly to our success,” adds Snelling.

Whether in support of travel agents with the TripAtlas PRO platform, or helping and inspiring consumers through compelling editorial, or the Hotels Finder and Trip Builder functions, check out http://www.tripatlas.com/ for everything travel.

TripAtlas PROs: TripAtlas PROs are a network of top international travel agents ready to help consumers plan custom travel experiences online.They offer free, real-time price quotes, professional services and advice to consumers though the online Trip Builder function. “Since January 2009, TripAtlas has connected over 7,600 international travellers with TripAtlas PROs and numbers are growing every month. TripAtlas.com also maintains a directory of approximately 110,000 travel agencies and tour operators,” says Steven Kaufman, President of TripAtlas.com. For more information visit: tripatlas.com/directory

Trip Builder function: Looking to plan a special 'escape from the boyfriend' trip, luxury Tahitian honeymoon or a month long excursion to the French countryside? Nothing baffles these agents. This feature offers curious travellers the opportunity to conduct research online by connecting with travel professionals anonymously in real-time with no obligations or hidden costs.

TripAtlas Storytellers: Offering readers first-hand accounts and imagery of specialty trips around the world, the Storytellers team provides editorial content to travel enthusiasts within various niche channels. To date, there’s a remote team of 45 contributing Storytellers, more than 1,500 published articles and 2,000 photos. To become part of the team, visit: http://stories.tripatlas.com/apply.pro

TripAtlas.com
TripAtlas.com is a unique one-stop online resource offering international trip planning advice and is designed for travelers seeking new experiences. The site features a travel research guide, real-time advice from travel professional and more than 90 million pages of industry articles, blogs, trends, destination guides and hot vacation deals. Consumers can submit their travel inquiries via Trip Builder reaching a network of TripAtlas PROs who review the leads and respond to requests with information, pricing and booking assistance.

For more information contact TripAtlas.com at 1-877-374-8747, http://www.TripAtlas.com, e-mail: info@tripatlas.com or 477 Richmond Street West, Suite 903, Toronto, ON, M5V 3E7

TRIPATLAS takes the guess work out of hotel booking online

Canadian website puts consumers at ease by offering ultimate choice
When booking hotels for your next trip consider TripAtlas.com and the site’s one-of-a-kind hotel booking function that offers the solution to finding the best hotel rates available online. Canadian-based company, TripAtlas, allows consumers to effortlessly search more than 1 million hotel deals on all major travel websites simultaneously – with just one click! In seconds, TripAtlas searches and compares hotel details, rates, availability and taxes from over 30 travel websites including Hotels.com, RedTag.ca, Travelocity.com, Expedia.com, Booking.com – all for FREE and offers a single set of search results.

The unique Hotel Finder function also provides an easy-to-navigate platform allowing prospective travellers to view more than 227,000 hotels with detailed descriptions, corresponding hotel amenities, an array of photos, room availability, average daily room rates, along with instant room rate quotes – in real-time.

“The Hotels Finder function is just one of the ways that we connect consumers with their dream vacations,” said Travis Snelling, co-founder of TripAtlas.com. “TripAtlas helps travellers research destinations and most importantly save them time and money by connecting them to the best deals possible,” added Snelling.

The Hotels Finder function is also a vital tool in determining the popularity of destinations for Canadians. Based on searches in 2010, the five most popular places that Canadians want to visit are Las Vegas, Mexico, The Bahamas, Cuba and Hawaii. The five most requested types of trips are, in order of most to least popular, are: family travel, adults only, all-inclusive, guided tour and honeymoon getaways.

To learn more about the Hotel Finder function or to see for yourself, visit: www.tripatlas.com/hotels.

TripAtlas.com
TripAtlas.com is a unique one-stop online resource offering international trip planning advice and is designed for travelers seeking new experiences. The site features a travel research guide, real-time travel professional advice and more than 90 million pages of industry articles, blogs, trends, destination guides and hot vacation deals. Consumers can submit their travel inquiries via Trip Builder reaching a network of TripAtlas PROs who review the leads and respond to information requests.

The site receives millions of unique visitors each year from more than 200 countries and features content in 12 languages.

Bahamas October Newsletter

Companies have new tool to slash soaring phone bills UTR Global’s cost-saving Audit Assistant finds hidden, erroneous charges

Companies have new tool to slash soaring phone bills
UTR Global’s cost-saving Audit Assistant finds hidden, erroneous charges

TORONTO (October 20, 2010) – Patrick Connolly, the Canadian president of UTR Global, one of North America’s leading telecom expense and asset management software and services companies, has a simple message to reduce skyrocketing corporate phone bills: it’s time to hang them up.

“Canadian companies have been dramatically overpaying for their land and mobile telephone services. In fact, we operate on the premise that every phone bill is inaccurate. We guarantee that we can slash a minimum of 10 per cent from a company’s monthly phone costs. In some cases, companies can reduce their monthly telecom expense by 20 to 25 per cent,” Connolly said.

UTR Global today announced the launch of Audit Assistant, a new software application that puts the cost-saving ability directly in a company’s hands. Audit Assistant provides 24/7 monitoring of their land and mobile telephone spending. They will be able to make sense, control and receive significant rebates on their telecommunications bills.

“Three months ago, we saved the Canadian arm of a global innovation firm with 3,000 employees $20,000 a month using Audit Assistant. Audit Assistant identifies the billing problem and allows you to email the worksheet directly to the vendor for correction,” says Connolly. “We have bundled our 20 years of experience into a package so Canadian companies can easily understand and manage their telcom billing.”

UTR Global looks at each engagement through this lens: all telephone bills are wrong until proven correct by a series of specialized audit activities. Traditionally, UTR Global reviews all the voice, data and wireless bills for a company – there are often hundreds if not thousands of bills to review – and finds the billing errors and opportunities. Audit Assistant has automated this process allowing companies to take charge of their costs.

Companies are overpaying for their phone services for three main reasons according to Connolly. Telecommunications companies are:
1. Not making the consumer aware of better pricing options
2. Billing for service that was disconnected
3. Billing the wrong rate or plan

Using Audit Assistant, companies will be able to put a “microscope” on areas of the invoice that have been susceptible to problems in billing – among the more prevalent include:
 Rate and tariff errors
 Missing contract billing rate schedules and options
 Exorbitant rental equipment charges
 Unexplained monthly service charges
 Non-optimized wireless plans
 Costly text messaging charges
 Data plan and roaming optimization
 Mis-applied long distance rates
 Abandoned devices still on the bills

The company’s clients for the last two decades include all major Canadian financial institutions, Toronto-based hospitals, major oil and gas companies, Export Development Canada, 3M, Reitmans, Ernst & Young and Sanofi Pasteur.

“Managing the variables in telecom billing is an extensive job that is challenging for any one person or company to manage, especially because the telecommunications firms change the rules daily. Audit Assistant makes things easier for managers and allows them to do their job and manage their costs more effectively,” Connolly said.

Audit Assistant is a web-based application. With the billing data loaded into Audit Assistant clients are given individual login information that leads them to their specific billing information. From there, they click on Telecom Expense Management (TEM) Analysis which leads them to a page allowing them to review their telecommunications billing for errors and opportunities for savings. It’s simple.

Upon review of the billing errors, the client can automatically notify their vendor of the issues and request correction or send a message to UTR asking any questions. Connolly says, “We are here to work with our clients and create value by helping them get the bill right.”

UTR Global started working with North America’s largest organizations in 1991 helping them understand and manage their telecommunications costs. More than just an audit and billing verification services firm, in 1996 UTR developed a software solution, Financial Telemanagement System (FTS) and offered this web based solution as a software license or bundled with a Telecom Expense and Asset Management service offering.

The company’s unique offering and timing within the industry quickly secured North America’s largest financial services companies as clients. UTR’s solutions are scalable; our largest client manages over $350 million annually within FTS, while our smallest manages just $480,000. UTR is a full service telecom expense and asset management software and services company with 20 years of experience.


UTR Global’s cost-saving Audit Assistant finds hidden, erroneous charges

TORONTO (October 20, 2010) – Patrick Connolly, the Canadian president of UTR Global, one of North America’s leading telecom expense and asset management software and services companies, has a simple message to reduce skyrocketing corporate phone bills: it’s time to hang them up.

“Canadian companies have been dramatically overpaying for their land and mobile telephone services. In fact, we operate on the premise that every phone bill is inaccurate. We guarantee that we can slash a minimum of 10 per cent from a company’s monthly phone costs. In some cases, companies can reduce their monthly telecom expense by 20 to 25 per cent,” Connolly said.

UTR Global today announced the launch of Audit Assistant, a new software application that puts the cost-saving ability directly in a company’s hands. Audit Assistant provides 24/7 monitoring of their land and mobile telephone spending. They will be able to make sense, control and receive significant rebates on their telecommunications bills.

“Three months ago, we saved the Canadian arm of a global innovation firm with 3,000 employees $20,000 a month using Audit Assistant. Audit Assistant identifies the billing problem and allows you to email the worksheet directly to the vendor for correction,” says Connolly. “We have bundled our 20 years of experience into a package so Canadian companies can easily understand and manage their telcom billing.”

UTR Global looks at each engagement through this lens: all telephone bills are wrong until proven correct by a series of specialized audit activities. Traditionally, UTR Global reviews all the voice, data and wireless bills for a company – there are often hundreds if not thousands of bills to review – and finds the billing errors and opportunities. Audit Assistant has automated this process allowing companies to take charge of their costs.

Companies are overpaying for their phone services for three main reasons according to Connolly. Telecommunications companies are:
1. Not making the consumer aware of better pricing options
2. Billing for service that was disconnected
3. Billing the wrong rate or plan

Using Audit Assistant, companies will be able to put a “microscope” on areas of the invoice that have been susceptible to problems in billing – among the more prevalent include:
 Rate and tariff errors
 Missing contract billing rate schedules and options
 Exorbitant rental equipment charges
 Unexplained monthly service charges
 Non-optimized wireless plans
 Costly text messaging charges
 Data plan and roaming optimization
 Mis-applied long distance rates
 Abandoned devices still on the bills

The company’s clients for the last two decades include all major Canadian financial institutions, Toronto-based hospitals, major oil and gas companies, Export Development Canada, 3M, Reitmans, Ernst & Young and Sanofi Pasteur.

“Managing the variables in telecom billing is an extensive job that is challenging for any one person or company to manage, especially because the telecommunications firms change the rules daily. Audit Assistant makes things easier for managers and allows them to do their job and manage their costs more effectively,” Connolly said.

Audit Assistant is a web-based application. With the billing data loaded into Audit Assistant clients are given individual login information that leads them to their specific billing information. From there, they click on Telecom Expense Management (TEM) Analysis which leads them to a page allowing them to review their telecommunications billing for errors and opportunities for savings. It’s simple.

Upon review of the billing errors, the client can automatically notify their vendor of the issues and request correction or send a message to UTR asking any questions. Connolly says, “We are here to work with our clients and create value by helping them get the bill right.”

UTR Global started working with North America’s largest organizations in 1991 helping them understand and manage their telecommunications costs. More than just an audit and billing verification services firm, in 1996 UTR developed a software solution, Financial Telemanagement System (FTS) and offered this web based solution as a software license or bundled with a Telecom Expense and Asset Management service offering.

The company’s unique offering and timing within the industry quickly secured North America’s largest financial services companies as clients. UTR’s solutions are scalable; our largest client manages over $350 million annually within FTS, while our smallest manages just $480,000. UTR is a full service telecom expense and asset management software and services company with 20 years of experience.

OFF TO THE RACES WITH EMIRATES

Emirates Airlines and guests were off to the races this week at the Woodbine Racetrack, taking part in the Post Draw Luncheon for the Breeder’s Cup Challenge.

This is the third year the airline has sponsored the Breeder’s Cup, but its interest in sports does not stop there. In addition to horse racing, Emirates also supports other world sporting events for tennis, soccer, golf and more.

“All of these events have a global nature to them and that’s really what Emirates is all about,” said Don McWilliam, manager, Canada, Emirates. “Horse racing is a global sport.”
Noting that through sports sponsorships, they are able to reach potential clients that may not have otherwise known the airline, McWilliam said that events such as the Breeder’s Cup allows Emirates to tell people what the airline is all about.

“These events give us an opportunity to display Emirates’ image and the Emirates experience,” he said.

Emirates takes part in Post Draw for Breeder’s Cup Challenge; Don McWilliam says it’s business as usual despite recent news from the UAETerrilyn KunopaskiDon McWilliam, manager, Canada, Emirates; Andrea Lukac, Punch; Jeremy Roenick, NHL all-star; Olga Petrycki, Punch; and Jeff Lake, Punch

Emirates and the UAE
With respect to recent news regarding a push for more airspace from the UAE, McWilliam pointed out that there is still a strong demand from Canadians for the airline’s product.
“Government officials deal with these things and from our perspective, it’s business as usual for Emirates in Canada,” he stressed.
A recent statement from Emirates' president, Tim Clark confirmed: "Emirates regrets these developments, but respects the positions taken by both the UAE and Canadian governments. We hope sincerely that there will be an amicable resolution in the future and we will continue to work with both sides to demonstrate the value added by increased air access between the two countries.

Source: http://www.travelhotnews.com/reportages.php?sequence_no=31816

Celebrate 48 years by traveling like James Bond

TRIPATLAS pays tribute by sharing Top 10 ‘Bond’ vacation spots in the world

Get your white teeny-bikinis and sleek tuxedoes ready because today marks 48 years since Sean Connery was first introduced to the world as the infamous James Bond in the UK premiere of Dr. No (1962). The movie featured actress Ursula Andress on the beach in a stunning white bikini while the world got to know the suave double agent from England who visited casinos and drank martinis “shaken, not stirred.”

Now, what better time to pack for a themed adventure, James Bond style?
From Thailand to Las Vegas, TripAtlas – the world’s largest online travel resource, has rounded up the Top 10 places to travel like James Bond as part of its consumer offering for unique travel ideas. “At TripAtlas we stay current and ahead of the trends when it comes to offering inspirational ideas for adventure travel,” says Travis Snelling, Co-Founder of TripAtlas.com.

TripAtlas considers Japan the number one destination to ‘live like a spy’ on your next vacation. In You Only Live Twice (1967) the villain’s lair is hidden in a volcanic crater, similar to those seen in Kirishima-Yaku National Park. Take a trip to the foot of the mountains and indulge in the hot springs after a long day hiking the Kirishima Range.

Also included in the Top 10 list is the Orient Express – featured in the 1963 Bond film From Russia With Love. This passenger train has always been synonymous with luxury travel and intrigue.

“Who doesn’t want to travel like James Bond?” asks Snelling. “Having the location of a famous Bond film as your vacation backdrop is the height of luxury and TripAtlas offers the ideal channel for consumers to scope out editorial and connect

with TripAtlas PROs to ensure their adventure

vacation dreams come to life,” adds Snelling.

The full list of vacation spots appears as follows:
# 10 – Miami
# 9 – Orient Express
# 8 – Italy
# 7 – London (England)
# 6 – Monaco
# 5 – Las Vegas
# 4 – Bahamas
# 3 – Jamaica
# 2 – Thailand
# 1 – Japan

For list and full descriptors, please visit http://tripatlas.com/list.html?id=35

TripAtlas.com TripAtlas.com is a unique one-stop online resource offering international trip planning advice and is designed for travelers seeking new experiences. The site features a travel research guide, real-time travel professional advice and more than 90 million pages of industry articles, blogs, trends, destination guides and hot vacation deals. Consumers can submit their travel inquiries via Trip Builder reaching a network of TripAtlas PROs who review the leads and respond to information requests.

The site receives millions of unique visitors each year from more than 200 countries and features content in 12 languages.

GOOD TIMES WITH THOMAS COOK AND PUNCH

On Monday August 16 Thomas Cook Canada kicked off its Good Times product launch in Toronto featuring an upbeat 50’s-inspired theme, complete with Elvis, roller skatin’ waitresses and poodle skirts. The 50’s themed concept, developed by PUNCH Canada, attracted 900 attendees from the travel trade community who were rockin’ around the clock.

At the event Thomas Cook announced the launch of their new airline that as of this November will be operating through the 2011 winter season exclusively for Sunquest to 19 destinations. In times of reduced services the airline is offering its customers some nice perks including welcome mimosas, full hot meal service, a complimentary glass of wine with lunch or dinner, complimentary kids’ activity book with crayons and even fresh warm cookies baked right on board.

The trade show tour continued through out the week making its way to Montreal, Vancouver & Calgary.

July Newsletter

Greetings –

Welcome to the July edition of The Islands of The Bahamas’ newsletter. If you’ve haven’t heard the term “Mancation” – this issue will not only explain what it is but also highlight the best places in The Bahamas to visit with the boys. Discover the best dive spots in the 700 island archipelago and if you can’t make it to The Bahamas this summer, find out how to bring some island fun to your backyard.

Enjoy!

PUNCH

Click image to expand!

Emirates airline kicks off the 2010 FIFA World Cup in style

Emirates airline kicked off the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Toronto’s “unofficial” headquarters located at Café Diplomatico in the heart of Little Italy.

The streets were filled with excited soccer fans decked out in their best team jersey. The energy off the crown was magnetic and full of excitement as a traditional South Africa band hit the street, and joined Mexican fans still revelling from their 1-1 game with Russia, ending just moments prior.

South African Consul General Tselane Msokuena joined the energetic crowd sporting her team colours and her very own colourfully decorated vuvuzela stadium horn.

With files from Lisa Raffaele TravelHotNews.com

Bonding with Canadian Contractors: PUNCH undertakes 32-store event to launch PL Premium Advance

Forgive me. I'm a bit sleepy.

You see, like the rest of the PUNCH team, I've been awake since 5:00 a.m. getting ready for big morning. Today, our client LePage launched PL Premium Advanced in stores in Canada.

For those not in the know -- and prior to working with LePage, I'd consider myself in this group -- LePage's PL Premium is considered the best construction adhesive on the market. It's been around for about 10 years and is one of those glues that can stick a rock to a piece of wood, securely, forever (or close to it). Contractors love it.

This is like a Coach bag for the fashionista, a Ducati for a motorcycle enthusiast or Koigu sock yarn for knitters. And the PL Premium Advance is even better (four times the grab, no bracing).

PUNCH had the opportunity to develop a direct-to-consumer stakeholder engagement plan for the launch of PL Premium Advance and suggested that we host contractor appreciation breakfasts across the GTA.

Each store was outfitted with a countdown clock to communicate that there was a cool event coming. (These babies are hard to get made: let me know if you need a contact with the best company out there!)



This morning, we had LePage brand ambassadors in each hardware store (a mix of Lowes, Rona, Home Depot and Home Hardware) demonstrating how to use the product, its benefits and offer the contractors some breakfast.

I think they looked great!



And here is one woman demonstrating the product.



The results? Product was flying off the shelves and the client was happy! Now, we get to rest, review the details again to prepare for the debrief, and show our new caulking skills off at home.

Silver is the new gold!

PUNCH snagged a 2010 CPRS Silver ACE award for Best Use of a Special Event. Jeff Lake, Olga Petrycki and Andrea Lukac were the recipients of the coveted award at last week's annual Canadian Public Relations Society gala dinner held at the Berkeley Church.

The team worked diligently to launch the Emirates A380 inaugural flight to Canada in June 2009 and their hard work and spectacular results were recognized by the PR industry.

The question on our minds all night though...didn't anyone else get the memo that it was a 60's themed event with requested attire a la Mad Men???

BIMINI BAY RESORT OFFERS FREE WEDDINGS FOR CANADIAN BRIDES

Sapona Wedding package is the effortless way to say “I do”

April 6, 2010 – TORONTO – Just in time for the spring and summer wedding seasons, Bimini Bay Resort, one of The Bahamas’ newest upscale getaways, is offering Canadian brides the opportunity to experience the wedding of their dreams – for free.

Bimini Bay’s vow to Canadian brides: for every couple in attendance that books four nights in a $400 per night room category or higher, she will receive two complimentary guests at her wedding reception, as part of the Sapona Wedding Package. Available throughout December 31, 2010 for Canadian brides only, the Sapona Wedding package offers simple, understated luxury and is regularly priced at $200 per person.

No matter the venue – whether beachside with white sand between your toes; on the edge of paradise by the infinity pool or under the pristine sunshine in the elegant wedding gazebo, the Sapona Wedding Package also includes a wedding ceremony set-up and officiant, four hours of premium open bar, unlimited passed hors d’oeuvres for the cocktail hour, Veuve Cliquot champagne toast, a three course sit down dinner or buffet and wedding cake from one of the most well-known cake artists of South Florida, Ana Paz.

“We are thrilled to extend this extravagant offer to Canadian brides,” said Danielle Dunfee Event Manager, Bimini Bay Resort and Marina, The Bahamas. “Recent research has shown that destination weddings have increased by 400 per cent in the last ten years in Canada and now make up as much as 20 per cent of the market.”

Straying from the typical destination wedding but keeping up with current trends, Bimini Bay Resort and Marina offers an off-the-beaten-path experience where guests will enjoy the tropical yet laid-back ambiance of the intimate island, easily reachable by air or sea. Bimini Bay Resort’s experienced wedding coordinator will help from start to finish – from floral arrangements and cakes to color schemes and industry trends.

The Sapona Wedding Package allows for complimentary guests to the wedding reception for those booking a four-night stay at Bimini Bay Resort in a one-bedroom treehouse villa, two-bedroom luxury suite (both $400 per night) or higher room category. Bimini Bay’s signature treehouse villa experience offers beautiful water views and is furnished with a king size bed and two bathrooms.

Bimini Bay Resort offers an array of first-class amenities for its guests including two pools, three restaurants, massage services and the largest marina in The Islands of The Bahamas.

Canadians get free match tickets in 2010 FIFA World Cup packages

Emirates and MyEscapades offer fans seven match package options

TORONTO – March 31, 2010 – With less than 75 days to go until the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, Emirates and MyEscapades have upped the ante by offering free match tickets as part of their fan-tastic package deals. The offer applies to new air-inclusive bookings made between now and April 15, 2010 at emirates.com/ca or myescapades.com/special_offers.

Every Canadian soccer fan who books an Emirates and MyEscapades FIFA World Cup™ package will receive a minimum of one free Group Match ticket. Full details of all the packages available can be found at MyEscapades.ca.

As an Official Tour Operator for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Emirates offers a number of tailor-made travel packages that include flights, accommodation, ground transportation and match tickets, in addition to the minimum one free match ticket.

The award-winning airline also provides a unique ‘follow-your-team’ component to tour package offerings, a testament to the airline’s commitment to the beautiful game and its followers. Emirates packages guarantee fans gold-dust tickets for each of their team’s matches, right up to the final on July 11.

“We are thrilled to offer our first-class expertise in travel services to soccer fans in Canada and around the world. We believe the free match ticket incentive compliments the air-inclusive offerings,” said Mary Heron, Manager Canada, Emirates airline.

Firdosh Bulsara, General Manager, MyEscapades says he has a severe-case of soccer fever as “the (soccer) frenzy is reaching its peak and this promotion delivers a dream-come-true for soccer fans travelling across the world. Now, they’re going to see at least one more game for free.”

Canadian fans will travel from Toronto aboard the Emirates A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft to Dubai, then connect on one of five daily flights into South Africa, with the options of travelling to Johannesburg, which hosts 15 matches including the opening match and final; or Cape Town, host city of eight matches, or Durban, which is home to seven FIFA World Cup matches.

About Emirates and FIFA World Cup

Emirates’ partnership with FIFA began at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany when it became the first airline to sponsor the prestigious sporting event. Following the success of this tournament, Emirates cemented its status as an Official FIFA Partner up to and including the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

For more information on booking your dream ticket to the ultimate sporting extravaganza, visit emirates.com/fifa or emirates.com/ca.

Conditions: Free ticket/s is only applicable in the case of flight inclusive bookings. The free group game match ticket would be for another team within duration of his/her stay. Free ticket/s will only be confirmed after the payment for the package has been received in full. Free ticket/s is subject to availability and will be confirmed within 3 days of receipt of the booking form. Free ticket/s is non-transferable and must be used by the customer who books the package. Free ticket/s will be issued in the same name as shown in the package booked. Free ticket/s would be Category 1 match tickets. The free ticket does not include transportation to and from the base camp to the match venue. Transfer arrangements from the base camp to and from the match venue are the sole responsibility of the customer. If free match tickets redeemed are at a different base camp than match included in original package, a mandatory 24 hour breaks between the matches is necessary.

The 2010 Toronto Sportsmen's Show a Resounding Success!

The 2010 Toronto Sportsmen's Show a Resounding Success!

Having made a big move in 2010, The Toronto Sportsmen's Show fit perfectly into its new diggs at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre after spending 62 years at The CNE.

More than 100,000 spectators flooded the North and South buildings over the course of five days enjoying this rite of passage into the spring season. More than 400 exhibitors offered an exciting lineup of the latest gear for camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, canoeing, travel and boating.

My personal fave? The Great Dane Rescue: the organization takes in abandoned Great Danes and finds them good homes. At any given day of the show I could be found with my 120 pound friend Emmett and he lay sprawled on the floor as I babied him.

Our friend Bob Izumi was a media darling drawing crowds and media to the show alike. Speaking of media, it was our most successful year on record. Jessica Patriquin wowed everyone at the office securing Canada AM, Breakfast Television and CP 24 in support of the show, just to name a few.

Now that we're all recuperated, can't wait to do it again next year!

Thomas Cook ready to PUNCH out in 2010

Great news! PUNCH Canada has been named Agency of Record for Thomas Cook Canada solidifying its position as THE travel and leisure Marketing Communications firm.

Thomas Cook ready to PUNCH out in 2010

Thomas Cook has named Punch Canada its agency of record, ending its seven-year relationship with Brainstorm Group.

The company began an agency review last autumn when it altered its vendor policy, making it necessary to regularly review third-party relationships. Brainstorm was invited to defend the account along with Punch and three other unnamed agencies.

Paul Larcher, senior director of marketing for the travel brand, said he was "perfectly happy" with Brainstorm, but ultimately opted for Punch.

"We were immediately drawn to the energy and creative thinking that Punch demonstrated in the selection process," Larcher said. "The agency has strong travel credentials and they made the connection between creative ideas and strategic thinking that we were looking for."

Punch has done work for Emirates airlines and managed the "It’s Better In the Bahamas" campaign.

During the review process, Punch was assigned a separate project organizing a media event for Thomas Cook’s newly launched travel insurance services.

"We kept it separate from the RFP," Larcher said. "Perhaps in going through that process, it did give us a little insight into their agency and more confidence in selecting them."

Larcher initially invited Punch to the review because of an existing business relationship with Erin McNeill, the agency’s vice-president, group accounts.

"I left [Thomas Cook] in 2000 for six years, and while I was away I worked [at Echo Advertising] with Erin," Larcher said. "I had heard she was at Punch, and knew they did work in our category, so I contacted them."

Thomas Cook has a 14-member internal marketing team that handles most of the creative, media buying and public relations work across its multiple brands. (The company’s consumer-facing brands include Sunquest and ALBATours, while its business-to-business ventures include Fun Sun Vacations, Encore CruiseEscapes and The Wholesale Travel Group, among others.)

Punch will "augment" the internal team’s work, handling overflow as well as consulting on long-term strategy and advertising plans and serving as an events and public relations team.

Punch is currently working on two assignments for 2010.

The Out Islands of The Bahamas

Check out the latest slide show from TripAtlas.com profiling the beauty and splendor of The Bahamas Out Islands. Featured are Bimini, Andros and Long Island. Gorgeous weather included.

From the melting pot into the fire

I just returned from the media preview for From the Melting Pot into the Fire at the Gardiner Museum and it is -- in a word -- extraordinary.

The exhibition of conceptual work by Israeli ceramic artists that explores the issues of land, identity and home in contemporary Israel. The exhibition does not endorse any single political, social or artistic point of view. Instead, visitors are encouraged to reflect on the work and form their own opinions about the issues it raises. Notably, the labels that accompany each work, usually written by an exhibition curator, were written by the artist and provide an intensely personal response to the complex issues addressed.

The intimate and personal nature of this exhibition provides visitors with an individual rather than a political perspective of the issues that have and continue to shape life in contemporary Israel.

From the Melting Pot into the Fire has its origins in the Fourth Biennale for Israeli Ceramics that was organized by the Ceramic Artists Association of Israel (CAAI) and hosted by the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv in 2007. (The CAAI is a non-governmental, non-profit professional organization that supports ceramic artists in Israel.)

Yael Novak from the Ceramics Artists Association of Israel acted as that group’s curatorial liaison to the Gardiner Museum, and was on hand this morning. She recounted beautiful, intimate and sometimes sad stories about the pieces. Here is her piece below.



She has created the Israeli landscape with her pottery, using negative space as well.

I was also drawn to Avner Singer and Varda Bar Shamai's The Building Blocks of Memory / Monument for the Hebrew Language. There are 30 cubes: 27x27x27 cm each. I wasn't aware that the Hebrew language wasn't a spoken language until relatively recently -- about 200 years.




I found the whole experience moving. Perhaps it was because of Yael's personal tour... Regardless, From the Melting Pot will surely encourage discussion and maybe get you to think of ceramics a bit differently.

IT’S ALL CHILD’S PLAY AT THE GARDINER MUSEUM IN 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IT’S ALL CHILD’S PLAY AT THE GARDINER MUSEUM IN 2010

TORONTO (January 7, 2009) – The Gardiner Museum invites children and families to unearth their artistic muses at one of the museum’s exciting array of kid-friendly camps, classes or special events in 2010.

2010 Winter and Spring Clay Classes
Under the guidance of the Gardiner Museum’s education team, children registered in one of the two-month clay classes can create water fountains, birdhouses, balcony and patio pots to enhance their outdoor space. Register soon – these classes fill up quickly.
• Saturday Winter Kids Clay Classes
$200/$170 for Gardiner members’ children and grandchildren
January 9 to February 27, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Saturday Spring Kids Clay Classes
$200/$170 for Gardiner members’ children and grandchildren
April 24 to June 12, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

March Break at the Gardiner Museum
Every day during March Break (March 15 to 19), from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., kids can keep busy at the Gardiner Museum with crafts and scavenger hunts. Kids can make a family tree, find the hidden rabbit and enjoy a visit to the Gardiner Museum. These programs are free with the price of adult admission and children must be accompanied by an adult. As always, children 12 and under are free.

March Break Clay Camps
Kids can get their hands dirty at the Gardiner Museum’s March Break Clay Camp. This half-day camp is a fun, active way to learn about art and human history. They explore the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibits with a hands-on clay experience. The camp runs March 15 to 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and costs $250 ($215 for Gardiner members’ children and grandchildren).

Family Days
On the second Sunday of every month (with the exception of Easter), the Gardiner Museum will host Family Days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extra fun with hands-on crafts, scavenger hunts and more. The schedule is as follows:
• January 10: In conjunction with the exhibition Bigger, Better, More: The Art of Viola Frey and the Medallic Art Society of Canada display in the lobby, children will make their own big badges, for themselves and for their deserving friends and families.
• February 14: Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year! Make dragons and Valentines and enjoy fortune cookies and chocolate!
• March 14: In conjunction with the exhibition, Family Matters: Love, Marriage and Maiolica in the Italian Renaissance, children can learn how to make their own paper and pipe-cleaner family trees of life!
• April 4: Easter Sunday chocolate egg-hunt through the Museum. Paper crafts and music!
• May 9: Make special presents for mothers and grandmothers on Mother’s Day. Create and decorate a frame for a photo taken on the spot.

Also, on January 23 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Gardiner Museum welcomes guests to The Kaleidoscope of Tea at the Isabel Bader Theatre (93 Charles Street West). The Orient Dance Company will perform traditional Chinese dances at the Isabel Bader Theatre followed by a light buffet dinner at the Gardiner Museum’s Terrace Room. This special family event will cost $30 for adults, $15 for children under 12.

The Gardiner Museum continues to host its Drop-in Clay Studio, Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Suitable for clay enthusiasts of all levels, this drop-in clay studio allows you to try various techniques in a studio setting. Two professional ceramic artists are on hand to guide you. Costs are: $10 for adults / $8 for Gardiner Members, seniors and full-time students / $5 for children 12 & under / $5 firing fee (per piece). Studio enrolment is limited to 40 participants per class.

Registration for all Gardiner Museum events can be done online (www.gardinermuseum.com) or by telephoning the Gardiner Museum at 416.586.8080.

Finally, post-secondary students receive free admission every Tuesday (with valid ID).

ABOUT THE GARDINER MUSEUM
The Gardiner Museum offers an intimate look at one of the world’s oldest and most universal art forms -- ceramics. The collection spans continents and time, giving a glimpse into the development of ceramic processes, decoration and form. Year-round the Museum mounts special exhibitions, events, lectures and clay classes to complement its permanent collection.

The Museum also features a café that serves delicious local fare prepared by Jamie Kennedy Kitchens as its executive chef, and the Gardiner Shop, which specializes in artist-designed, artist-made merchandise. More information about the museum and its exhibitions can be found online at www.gardinermuseum.com

Members of the media can register to access the Gardiner Museum’s online media room (www.gardinermuseum.com/mediaroom) where they may review and download images and additional media materials.

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For more information, contact:

Mary-Margaret Jones
PUNCH
416.360.6522 ext. 241
marymargaret@punchcanada.com

Danna Barak
PUNCH
416.360.6522 ext. 240
danna@punchcanada.com