Plan to Attend
NOTICE FROM THE PRESIDENT
It is with mixed emotions that we are letting you know that CIC 2020 – the Canadian Innovation Conference that was scheduled for November 22-24 2020 is postponed. After careful consideration and much consultation with all of our partners and stakeholders, the PCMA Canada East Chapter Board of Directors felt it was in everyone’s best interest to postpone the conference until we can meet together safely November 21-23, 2021 in Edmonton.
We did not want to compromise what CIC represents and we never wanted to deliver an event that fell below our standards and everyone’s expectations. Thanks to our amazing partners, our next three destinations were able to “lift and shift” for a year to allow Edmonton the opportunity of hosting CIC November 21-23 2021. We would like to acknowledge how grateful we are to Niagara Falls, Saskatoon and Saint John for not only going over and beyond collaborating but really working their magic to make this happen.
Our Chair of CIC, Heather Reid, said it best….. we are humbled and deeply grateful to have such wonderful partners and we all look forward to the day where we can meet in Edmonton next year. Mark your calendars – November 21-23, 2021 in Edmonton where we will do more than Breaking Barriers – stay tuned for more updates as CIC 2021 is going to be EPIC!
Kind regards,
Helene Kenny
President
PCMA Canada East Chapter
About the Canadian Innovation Conference
The 2020 Canadian Innovation Conference, (brought to you by the PCMA Canada East Chapter), is designed to meet the needs of meeting and event professionals and suppliers whose organizations are engaged in providing services related to the conduct and operation of meetings, conventions, seminars, exhibits and trade shows.
Experience the high caliber of educational content that PCMA is renowned for in an environment customized to the Canadian market. You can earn Clock Hours of Continuing Education and expand your peer network as you invest your time in attending this 2 1/2 day conference.
Here is why you should attend:
- Receive innovative and superior Canadian-focused education
- Earn CEU credits toward your designation
- Connect with Canadian industry decision-makers
- Learn about the latest technology trends to increase efficiency and productivity within your organization
- Create lasting connections in a smaller, more intimate environment
Future Sites:
- November 21-23, 2021 – Scotiabank Convention Centre, the Marriott on the Falls and the Marriott Fallsview, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Who should attend?
More than 400 meeting and event professionals from across Canada, among them
- Canadian Association Professionals and Association Professionals that do business in Canada – executives, event managers, marketing experts
- Canadian Corporate Planners and Corporate Planners that do business in Canada
- Event Suppliers who work with a Canadian market
To receive email updates about the conference: contact canadaeast@pcma.org
Embracing Inclusion and Diversity – in all its forms – is at the heart of who we are at the PCMA Canada East Chapter. We provide respectful, welcoming and legendary experiences for all of our client and colleagues, including all gender identities or expressions.
Supplier Challenge
Congratulations to our 2019 Supplier Challenge Program Winner
Call for Presentations
Call for Presentations
Do you have the next great session idea that everyone will be talking about? If so, we want to hear from you. We welcome all ideas with the highest consideration placed on issues directly affecting our industry.
You are invited to submit a presentation to the annual PCMA Canada East Chapter’s Canadian Innovation Conference #PCMACIC2020 taking place in Edmonton, Alberta from November 22-24, 2020.
The Basics
Our theme:
We face unprecedented barriers in sustainability, technology, the sharing economy, diversity and inclusivity, supplier exclusivity, the festivalization of conferences and events, among others. At this year’s PCMA CIC, we’ll challenge ourselves and our peers to make the case in 2020 to break through some of these barriers and identify meaningful solutions for the conferences and events we produce.
We are looking for new ideas and speakers to present thought-leading and inspiring sessions related to Breaking Barriers at PCMA CIC2020 in Edmonton (Nov 22-24, 2020). Our goal is to provide attendees with the best professional education in the industry. If you are interested in submitting a proposal to share your knowledge and ideas, please take a moment to read what we are hoping to accomplish with the help of our speakers and contributors.
Our Wishlist for Speakers:
PCMA CIC2020 remains focused on education and innovation within the Canadian meetings and events industry. We’ve been talking about disruption for a few years – where are we in 2020?
- We are looking for content related to breaking barriers that exist within the Canadian meetings and events industry. What barriers do YOU think exist? Those are the barriers that we want to tackle.
- We are seeking innovative and immersive presentation ideas and concepts including Ted-type talks, 5-minute mini presentations with limited powerpoint, interactive engagement with audience members, round tables, etc…
- We are proposing panels and/or workshops with diverging perspectives. Do you have a suggestion about a topic that may differ from your peers? Do association executives and salespeople have a shared pain point with conflicting opinions. For example: is the RFP process outdated and is there a better way? Many industries have used conflict as a catalyst for change, can we leverage these conflicts to effect positive change in the Canadian meetings and events industry?
- We are eager to hear from people in our industry who can demonstrate proof of concept. How does an idea make our lives as meeting professionals easier? For example: it’s easy to say “virtual meetings help to solve the problem of how meetings and conventions impact climate change”, but how? Hands on demonstrations of how organizations can get from the idea to the reality is pivotal – our audience is a group of doers, show us how it’s done!
Join us as we challenge the status quo and begin BREAKING BARRIERS in our industry!
If you feel you have an idea that will add value to our audience, please be as specific as possible when completing the call for presentations form. Please also be aware that we do not accept any sessions that are sales pitches.
Our Goals:
- Obtain accessible, affordable PCMA-caliber education close to home
- Participate in intimate and interactive dialogues among Canadian peers
- Receive education customized for the Canadian marketplace
Our Attendees:
They are eager for the next high-quality and advanced-level education to help their own professional development and increase the value of their meetings and events.
Our Location & Dates:
Edmonton Convention Centre and the Westin Edmonton from November 22-24, 2020.
SUBMIT YOUR GREAT IDEA TODAY!
Abstract Management by:
Networking – Stay tuned for 2020 details!
CIC Gives back locally! – Sunday November 17, 2019 from 11:00am – 3:00pm
Come and make a soup for the Moisson Quebec – Food bank!
Where: Hilton Quebec – Courville/Montmorency Room (1st Floor)
Cost: Only your time
Value: Feels so good to give back
Goal: 300 soups to be distributed to the people in need.
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Which tank will fill first?We also need to fill up the tank! We have two additional organizations that we want to support.
Bring some toiletry items that can be used. Small containers are always better to distribute.
Need ideas?
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Comb/brush
• Women hygiene product
• Toothbrush (we always get some free from the Dentist!)
• Toothpaste
• Dental Floss
• Deodorant
• Shaving cream and disposable razors
It is not complicated, if you forgot to bring the item? You don’t have space in your suitcase? There’s a convenient store located under the hotel. Pharmaprix (Pharmasave) is literally 7-minute walk from the Hilton.
Welcome Reception – Sunday, November 17, 2019 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Sponsored by Hilton Québec
Join us in the Hilton Québec for an exciting Welcome Reception featuring Quebec’s local products and great entertainment ! Be there, we want to see you!
Closing Reception, Dinner and Show – Tuesday, November 19, 2019 7:00pm Reception, 7:30pm Dinner
Sponsored by Québec City Business Destination / Quebec City Convention Centre
On the night of April 4, 2008, a fire ravaged the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury. Home of the oldest French-speaking battalion in North America, the building was completely destroyed. Only the original masonry survived. Ten years later, it has risen from the ashes to be completely reimagined as a magnificent venue that faces out onto the Plains of Abraham.
The Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury is proud to welcome PCMA CIC19 participants to its Closing reception and dinner. Regional and innovative flavors meet local entertainment for a memorable evening! Local artists with international acclaim will wow and amaze you with their unique blend of emotions and breathtaking prowess.
Edmonton, AB – Stay tuned for 2020 details!
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Québec City for PCMA CIC in November 2019!
Your conference hosts, Québec City Business Destination and the Québec City Convention Centre look forward to having discover our one-of-a-kind destination and UNESCO World Heritage site. History, culture, gastronomy and great networking are only the beginning in Québec City.
Discover our wonderful destination and plan your stay by visiting our website. We suggest adding a few days before or after the event 🙂
Click here to start planning your stay!
Hotel Information
SOLD OUT!
“Bienvenue à Québec”! Located in downtown Québec City, Hilton Québec is directly linked to the Québec City Convention Centre on Parliament Hill. It’s central location is perfect to explore historical attractions, colorful neighborhoods and innovative restaurants.
The Hilton Québec offers stunning views from every room, a panoramic 23rd floor Executive Lounge and heated rooftop pool make our hotel extra special. Discover French Canadian flavors in one of our onsite restaurants.
Conference Room Rate:
$169 for a Downtown City View
$179 for an Old Quebec, River View
Click here to book your room now
In an effort to support our host hotel and demonstrate effective practices in room block management, the PCMA Canada East Chapter’s Board of Directors is supporting the following policy:
- Attendees that have booked a hotel room outside the official CIC housing block will be charged an additional $200 CAD administration fee. Exceptions will be made for members who are local or sharing a room with another hotel guest.
- The deadline to book a hotel room is Thursday, October 17, 2019.
- Please note, that any hotel room cancellations will require 72 hours notice without penalty.
Located in Quebec City’s downtown core, the Delta Hotel is a short walk to Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec) and next door to Quebec City Convention Center and the business district. Delta Hotels Quebec welcomes you to our warm haven in La Belle Province.
Conference Room Rate:
$179 for a Standard Room
Click here to book your room now
In an effort to demonstrate effective practices in room block management, the PCMA Canada East Chapter’s Board of Directors is supporting the following policy:
- Attendees that have booked a hotel room outside the official CIC housing block will be charged an additional $200 CAD administration fee. Exceptions will be made for members who are local or sharing a room with another hotel guest.
- The deadline to book a hotel room is Thursday, October 31, 2019.
- Please note, that any hotel room cancellations will require 72 hours notice without penalty.
Transportation
So you’re attending PCMA-CIC in Québec City? You’re in for a treat! Be ready to stroll the charming streets of Old Québec, soak up French-Canadian culture, and feast on! But first, you have to get there, and it’s so easy in Québec City. Click here and scroll down the page to the transportation section. You will find some insider tips to transfer from the airport or train station to Hilton Québec without a hitch and, by the same token, “green” your travel.
Use our discounted travel rates to fly to Quebec City, Quebec
from anywhere in Canada. Visit the Porter website and use
the promotional code CIC19 to book your flights.
Use our discounted travel rates to fly to Quebec City, Quebec
from anywhere in Canada. Visit the Air Canada website and use
the promotional code BG9U46Q1 to book your flights.
Use our discounted travel rates to fly to Quebec City, Quebec
from anywhere in Canada. Visit the WestJet website and use
the promotional code R76SN2J to book your flights.
Use our discounted travel rates (10%) to obtain the best available fare in Economy, Economy Plus, Business, Business Plus, Sleeper Class, from anywhere VIA Rail travels to Quebec City. Visit the ViaRail website and use the Convention Discount code 14011.
Restrictions:
Fare applies to a maximum of two passengers per booking.
One complimentary stopover is allowed at no additional charge.
For travel on all fare plans in Business class, the first stopover is allowed at no additional charge, provided that this stopover takes place in Toronto, Montréal or Ottawa only.
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu – Post FAM
The 2020 Partnership Prospectus is Now Available!
2020 PCMACE CIC Partnership Prospectus
Why Partner?
It just makes financial sense!
Be recognized as an official partner of the Chapter
Increase your overall partnership recognition and value for money
Support advancement of knowledge in the meetings industry
Gain from partnering with PCMA in building what we believe is Canada’s premier meetings industry association
Network and market your products and services to an audience of over 375 Chapter members and 400 Conference Participants (40% professional: 60% supplier).
The target audience includes: meeting professionals, association executives, sales and marketing professionals, professional speakers and tourism representatives.
We will add the two values together to determine your partnership level and recognition at the CIC
You will receive ongoing recognition throughout the calendar year through recognition on our chapter website and at chapter events
Increased recognition at the CIC at a higher level of partnership based on the combined value of the two partnerships
You will receive all the additional concessions offered at that higher level of partnership- this equals greater recognition and value for your company
Should you have questions regarding sponsorship, do not hesitate to contact our sponsorship team:
Patrick Guidote
2020 Strategic Partnership Director, PCMA Canada East Chapter
Tel: 1-514-225-2239| Email:pguidote@meetingencore.com
PCMA Canada East Chapter Secretariat
6 Lansing Square, Suite 214
Toronto, ON M2J 1T5
Tel: 416-595-9615 | Email: canadaeast@pcma.org
Questions?
CONFERENCE HOST
GOLD PARTNER
SILVER PARTNER
BRONZE PARTNER
Stay tuned for 2020 details!
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VICTORIA, BC 2018
Click here to access the 2018 photo.
NIAGARA FALLS 2017
The PCMA Canada East Chapter’s 5th Anniversary Canadian Innovation Conference is true to its name! Each year, the committee sets out to think outside the box when creating the next experience. We envisioned a wholesome conference, one that engaged the mind, body and soul and invigorated you to get the edge.
With this goal in mind, PCMA Canada East CIC 2017 delivered a highly educational program, with lots of time to network, plenty of food, all with the backdrop of the magnificent Niagara Falls.
ST. JOHN’S 2016
Our chapter’s annual Innovation conference is true to its name! Each year, the committee sets out to think outside the box when creating the next experience. We envisioned a wholesome conference, one that engaged the mind, body and soul and invigorated you to go far, far out. With this goal in mind, the PCMA Canada East CIC 2016 experience was designed to deliver a highly educational program coupled with innovative learning zones, space to get in touch with your playful side, and a wellness feature that provided much-needed relaxation.
The easygoing, welcoming and warm hospitality of St. John’s, Newfoundland influenced the vibe of the conference: it shone through the smiles of our 275 participants, who were open to play and learn.

The closing event was memorable and if you didn’t kiss the cod, you missed something. When the lights went down, the street lit up, and the closing party began! Attendees got their fix of fish n’ chips and a Scuff and Swally with Alan Doyle and the Beautiful Gypsies featuring Kendel Carson (John Prine, Spirit of the West,The Paperboys and Elvis Costello), Cory Tetford (Crush), Todd Lumley (Hawksley Workman), Shehab Illyas (MIR) and Kris MacFarlane (GreatBig Sea). No night on George Street is complete without kissing the cod, a tradition that welcomes visitors to the island. The culture, entertainment, and nightlife helped make it an unforgettable night!
Thank you Destination St. John’s and Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism for hosting one memorable PCMA Canada East CIC!
Get a taste of PCMA Canada East CIC—here is a 3-minute 40-second recap! But like they say, YOU had to be there to experience it for yourself.
TORONTO 2015
Over 400 attendees came to Toronto Nov. 22-24, 2015 for innovative, engaging Canadian-focused education that would help to transform and elevated the way planners design meetings and events.
MONTREAL 2014
Montreal is a city whose passion, joie de vivre and rich cultural heritage are legendary. Montrealers greeted visitors and showed off their city’s charms, and were given a very warm welcome.